Late at night messengers arrived at the royal quarters, bringing information that Edgar was at Alcester, the ancient Alauna, beyond the Avon, and that Osric, the great Earl of Mercia, was with him collecting troops. A council was held at once, and it was decided to leave the Watling Street and to march for the Avon by cross-country routes. They rested that night amidst the ruins of the ancient Brinavæ, and here another council was held, to deliberate on their future movements, and it was decided to march westward at once, for tidings came that Edgar’s forces were rapidly increasing, and prudence suggested prompt measures. Edwy was becoming very anxious. The route for the next day was then made out and, with beating heart, Elfric learned that they purposed crossing the river not far from Æscendune. “Elfric, my friend,” said Edwy, “there will be a chance for you to visit Æscendune, and to obtain the old man’s forgiveness.” He said this with a slight sneer. “I cannot go there; I would die first.” Edwy started at the tone of deep feeling with which the words were said; he knew nothing of the rencontre of Elfric with his brother. “Still I think that I must spend this coming night there, and I will try and act the Christian for the occasion: perhaps I may do you a good turn, while I renew my acquaintance with your people.” In his very heart Elfric wished that Edwy might never arrive there, yet he knew not what to say. “Well,” said the prince, observing his hesitation, “you may go on with Cynewulf and the main body of the army, which will cross the Avon higher up, and I will make excuse that your duties detain you. I must go—I have special reasons, I wish at least to secure the fidelity of the few—and Redwald will accompany me; we join the army on the morrow, without losing any time by the move.” And so the matter was settled. CHAPTER XV. THE ROYAL GUEST. It was the morning of the first of August, and the sun, dispersing the early mists, gave promise of a bright summer day. The inhabitants of Æscendune, lord and vassals alike, were astir from the early daybreak; for that day the harvest was to be commenced, and the crops were heavier than had been known for many a year. A good harvest meant peace and prosperity in those times, a bad harvest famine, and perhaps rebellion; for if the home crop failed, commerce did not, as now, supply the deficiency. So it was with joy and gladness that the people went forth that day to reap with their sharp sickles in their hands, while the freshness of the early morn filled each heart insensibly with energy and life. The corn fell on the upland before their sharp strokes, while behind each reaper the younger labourers gathered it into sheaves.