With sail and oar they came to
the land of Devon, casting anchor in the haven of Totnes. The heathen
breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the folk of the
country. They poured forth from their ships, and scattered themselves
abroad amongst the people, searching out arms and raiment, firing
homesteads and slaying Christian men. They passed to and fro about the
country, carrying off all they found beneath their hands. Not only did
they rob the hind of his weapon, but they slew him on his hearth with
his own knife. Thus throughout Somerset and a great part of Dorset,
these pirates spoiled and ravaged at their pleasure, finding none to
hinder them at their task. For the barons who might have made head
against them were in Scotland with the king. So by road and country,
laden with raiment and all manner of spoil, the Saxons came from their
ships to Bath. But the citizens of the town shut fast their gates, and
defended the walls against them.
Arthur was in Scotland, punishing the folk of that realm, because
of the war they had made upon him, and of the aid they had afforded
Cheldric. When the king learned what mischief the pagans had done to
his land, and of the siege they laid to Bath, he hanged his hostages
straightway.
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