No man fought more stoutly than he did at
Stamford Bridge, and the king himself noticed his valour. Although his
wound was but five days' old when we started, he would have come south at
once if I would have suffered him, though he must assuredly have been
carried the whole way in a litter. It troubled him greatly to hear that we
should be face to face with the Normans, and he not there to strike a blow
for England."
"I am glad to hear that the boy lives," the armourer said; "for indeed when
I saw you alone my first thoughts were that he had fought his last battle.
We have terrible news from the South. The Normans are plundering and
slaying from Beachy Head well-nigh to Dover, and the people are flying
before them in crowds. However, matters will be changed as soon as the king
returns to town. London will send her militia in full strength, and we hear
that the thanes of the West are hurrying hither. 'Tis a pity indeed that
Harold was drawn off north, for had he been here the Normans would have had
to fight their best before they established themselves on our shores."
"They could have landed in any case, Ulred. It was not the King of Norway
and Tostig, but the impatience of our sailors and troops, that left our
shores unguarded. Harold tried his best to keep them together, but in vain.
However, they rallied quickly when they heard of the landing in the North,
and are coming in freely now."
"Will the troops of Northumbria be here?"
"I doubt it greatly, Ulred.
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