Alfred thought that this was the Banweald who he had the privilage to serve under so many years ago. He was always intrigued by how his liege could seem like a different person from one moment to the next. It seems like thegns that have been thegns for generations have this ingrained complexity embedded into their personalities.  

This was it though. This was the news that Alfred had been waiting for so long that he could barely contain his elation. The moment Bandweald said, "Tensions are growing in Northumbria," was the moment he knew that the King would be make sure that a fighting force to protect the borders of Merica was immediately set in place. It felt like he had been training and preparing for just this moment where he could use Beadu in the field of battle once again. He was ready, he was set, he had everything prepared to go.

It was his liege's last question that threw him completely off guard that his upper body involuntarily jerked to attention. On the surface  the question his lord was asking him was a relatively simple one to answer. On another level he knew that the question was deeper than what he was ready to answer, even to himself. "My liege, my sleep has been the same it has been for as long as I can remember," Alfred responded quickly trying to brush off the question. Then he continued, "I believe it is safe to say that your militia has some of the most capable men in the realm. Their daily training has helped honed their skills and abilities and we can send as many as the King needs in the frontline. Their Commander too is just as ready."