The word oath was powerful. All our laws depend on oaths. Life, loyalty, and allegiance depend on oaths, and my use of the word persuaded him. “I thank you,” he said earnestly, “and I should tell you, Uhtred, that to my surprise the Bishop of Exanceaster had a dream in which a messenger of God appeared to him and said that you should be made commander of the fleet.” “A messenger of God?” I asked. “An angel, Uhtred.” “Praise God,” I said gravely, thinking how Eanflæd would enjoy discovering that she was now an angel.
