Wulfhere nodded. “I sometimes go there when I want to be alone to think,” he confessed. “I don’t think anyone else knows about it.”

Burhred agreed it was a ride of at least five miles in a direction that had little attraction for anyone because the hunting was not good. “Go and take yourself there and wait until the churl arrives. Do not leave the area. If by bad luck anyone should wander in that direction, hide yourself. You have disappeared. Aidan, when he comes, will arrange for your suitably blood-covered tunic to go to a place where it can be found. Everyone will agree you are dead, which will take the pressure off me for a long time. It’s spring, so we’ll have you killed by a boar. There is a sounder not far away, and the sow has young, so they can take the blame!”

Wulfhere had nothing to say. Too much was happening too quickly. He was very uneasy about this stranger who was going to take over his life. What if he did not like him? Yet he dared not air this worry. He knew perfectly well Lord Burhred would resort to biting sarcasm, and, quite suddenly, it was important Burhred thought well of him. He wriggled his shoulders and managed a wry grin. “I never thought it was going to be so hard to become a king!”

Burhred relaxed. He stood slowly, flexed his knees and collected his horse and mounted very slowly. “Your churl Aidan will wear this ring as identification. Examine it!” he ordered.

“How will he know me?”

Burhred gave a wolfish grin. “He will, and then he’ll make mincemeat out of you initially!” he promised.

Wulfhere looked a little helplessly up at the elder who understood. Being alone voluntarily was one thing, but having it enforced was another. He looked hard into the young man’s eyes, wanting to say something wise and helpful but, for once, all the clever words vanished. “Stay hidden and obey me, if you really do wish to be King of Mercia like your late father.”

The elder turned his horse, and without a backwards glance rode off. He could only hope that his harsh and caustic sentences had been understood. He pushed his horse into a canter. He was tired through to his bones and his joints ached. He wanted to get home to Oswald and wished he could lead a more peaceful life but this was the price he had to pay for his superior rank.