So Bayard Says

Cerdic frowned. “Who, Da?”

Da was pale, frightened; Dael had never seen him frightened before. Da was the one who’d killed a fox with his bare hands when it went after the hens.

“Soldiers, in a boat that looks like a dragon. Wearing armor and carrying swords, spears. Dark fellows. Heard they’d taken Gaul and Brittany. But they’re here now - for us.”

“For our town?” Ma asked.

“For our lands, our men.”

Cerdic reached for his pitchfork. “We’ll go help.”

“Cover your hair,” Da said.

Dael reached for his hood. “Why?”

“They like the pale-haired ones, so Bayard says.”