I cannot send round to all the
thanes of Wessex to ask if a strange lady has taken a house in their
jurisdiction, nor to all the parish priests to ask if a new worshipper has
come to their church. However, I believe that sooner or later she will
herself advise me where she has hidden. It may be that your stay here will
not be a long one, for I purpose journeying to the North."
"To Northumbria!" Wulf said in surprise.
"Yes; the people there refuse to recognize me, and I would win them by
going among them rather than by force. My dear friend Bishop Wulfstan will
accompany me. I shall take with me a body of my housecarls, partly as a
guard, but more because I cannot now travel as a private person. It is very
many years since an English king has visited Northumbria, and it is not
strange that these northern men should object to be ruled by a stranger
from the South. I shall take with me two or three of my thanes only, but
shall be glad for you to ride with me. Young as you are, you have a quick
eye and ready wit, and in case trouble should arise, I can rely upon you
more than upon many men far older than yourself."
The palace of Westminster was not an imposing edifice. London had not yet
become the capital of England, Oxford being the seat of government of most
of the kings, so that the palace was built on a simple plan, and had been
altered by Edward until the interior arrangements more nearly resembled
those of a convent than of a palace.
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