I stopped to examine the former, which seemed to be abandoned at the edge of the camp, and amused Edwin by describing it in awed detail.
Then: “What is this?” I asked flippantly, as Leofric ran down to meet me. “Does Hereward imagine we will make use of it? Travelling to the King’s court, perhaps?”
Leofric was grinning. “It hasn’t come from Hereward. We found it — together with its owner — in the woods, looking for us, so we brought the whole equipage here. Blindfolding the lady, of course. You’ll never guess who she is.”
“The Queen?”
“Better than that. The lady Aelfryth.”
“Of Worcester?” I demanded, entertained. “Has she actually come here in pursuit of him?”
“Apparently.”
Edwin was grinning too. “What is she like?”
“Breath-taking,” said Leofric promptly.
“Take me to her,” I comm
