Chapter 12The banks of the River Parrett, Somerset, spring 710 AD
“I don't like it, sire. It feels wrong.” Aethelheard addressed King Ine as they gazed from the higher ground on the Dumnonian host below.
“Says the boy from the height of his experience,” said King Nothelm.
“It's true, lord, I'm young and can't boast your experience but I can draw on that of my father with this self-same foe.”
“Ah, your fearsome father, a man who prefers to send a boy to fight in his stead!”
“It's not in my place to trade insults with a king,” Aethelheard said, fighting to keep his tone humble. He does not know father is dead. “All I'm saying is it feels wrong.”
Nothelm made to sneer again but Ine silenced him.
Aethelheard breathed his thanks, kept challenge out of his voice and said, “It's unlike the
