In one of life’s ironies, Asculf was unable to begin repair work on the bridge for the same reason that, later, was to bring it to a brilliant conclusion. The unexpected delay to his plans occurred when a messenger arrived from Aethelwulf in Canterbury. The king ordered him to gather as many armed men as quickly as possible, as they were to march to Winchester.
Shocked that the message gave no motive for the command, the ealdorman pressed the envoy for information, but none was forthcoming since the apologetic rider was as ignorant about the matter as himself. All sorts of strange thoughts tormented him as he set in motion the mustering. That he did not wish to be part of an expedition to overthrow King Egbert, was his wildest thought. A revolt? Could the aetheling be planning to usurp hi
