“Where was King Æthelstan when his father died?” I asked instead. Halldor bridled at my calling Æthelstan a king, but managed to suppress his indignation. “I believe that Faeger Cnapa was still in Ceaster,” he said coldly, “or maybe in Gleawecestre.” “Faeger Cnapa?” I asked. He had said it as a name, but it means “pretty boy.” Faege, though, also means “doomed.” Whatever he meant it was plainly an insult. Halldor looked at me coldly. “Men call him that.” “Why?” “Because he’s handsome?” Halldor suggested.
Eu hein
