Kent enjoyed several years of respite from the Viking menace. Every day, Deormund expected the Norsemen to rouse him from his slumber. Thus, he continually assured the islanders’ readiness by overseeing arduous combat training sessions twice a month. Also, he ensured the approaches to Minster from the shore were reinforced with ditches and bastions. Despite his alertness, the thegn enjoyed prosperity and contentment.
His first enterprise after the defeat of the raiders was to sell their longship. Many of the crewmen were used to handling smaller craft, so the sailing of the thoroughbred warship came naturally to them. The voyage down the estuary and along the coast to Sondwic proved trouble-free and enjoyable. Deormund half-regretted his intention of selling the ship. Once on shore, his d
