As they marched to meet the Saxons, Eldol, Duke of Gloucester, told Aurelius that he greatly wished to meet Hengist in combat, noting that "one of the two of us should die before we parted". He explained that he had been at the Treachery of the Long Knives, but had escaped when God threw him a stake to defend himself with, making him the only Briton present to survive. Meanwhile, Hengist was placing his troops into formation, giving directions, and walking through the lines of troops, "the more to spirit them up".Thompson (1842:150–151).
As they marched to meet the Saxons Eldol Duke of Gloucester told Aurelius that he greatly wished to meet Hengist in combat noting that "one of the two of us should die before we parted" He explained that he had been at the Treachery of the Long Knives but had escaped when God threw him a stake to defend himself with making him the only Briton present to survive Meanwhile Hengist was placing his troops into formation giving directions and walking through the lines of troops "the more to spirit them up"Thompson (1842150–151)