The father-son combination of Euin and Bertram proved a success. The father, from the comfort of his fireside chair, gave instructions that Bertram carried out on the bridge. Everything was proceeding smoothly, with the Welsh slaves doing the bulk of the labouring until the time came to fetch the huge beams needed for the main framework of the structure. Bertram came to the hall to beg Asculf for an armed escort, because he planned to take a score of the strongest Welshmen into the forest to procure the timber.
“Do you think it is wise, Master Bertram? The woods might prove too great a temptation to flee.”
“Beggin’ pardon, Ealdorman, but if you provide a score of warriors, surely not even these brutes will dare risk their hides.”
“Very well, I’ll see that Eadlac organises the men you ne
