He was one of the very few privileged to use a weapon other than a sword, so he did, just to underline his status. He was not used to the weight, and when he fought, he looked clumsy and childlike. But he trained every day, longer and harder than those who used a sword. And then we all saw him fight at Eoferwic, knocking knights flat left and right to gain access to King Offa. Suddenly, these armoured men looked as vulnerable to him as an upturned limpet. Yes: he can fight in any arena.”
