"
During the three days before the king left York Ulf kept a vigilant watch
over the boats that came up the river, but he could see nothing of the men
he was searching for. Wulf had bought a horse for the armourer, and when
they started the latter took his place by Osgod's side, while Ulf was
seated in one of the waggons. The king rode with Bishop Wulfstan, next to
them rode the four thanes who had accompanied them through their journey,
and next to these Wulf and Beorn came on together. Behind came the queen's
litter, with a guard of housecarls, the main body of whom rode just behind,
while the waggons and servants brought up the rear.
"We need not trouble ourselves on the march, Beorn. It is not while the
king rides with so strong a following that the blow will be struck."
"I see not when they can ever get a chance," Beorn said. "The king will
stop always at religious houses, and they will scarcely storm a convent to
get at him."
"They would not attempt to storm it, Beorn, but they might enter it
secretly. But for my own part I think the most dangerous time is when he
mounts or dismounts. There is always a crowd assembled to see him, and two
or three reckless men might rush forward and stab him."
"It would be at the cost of their own lives," Beorn objected.
"It might be, but they would reckon much on the confusion that would
follow, and might think so to get away. They would probably have horses
somewhere close at hand, and might ride for the port where they had left
their ship.
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