Negotiations and Preparations

This chapter highlights the diplomatic negotiations and strategic preparations leading up to the battle at Brunanburh, including Athelstan's proposal to meet the invading army on a battlefield deeper in the English countryside. It discusses the factors that led to Constantine, Olaf, and Owein's decision to negotiate with Athelstan rather than engage in battle, as well as the arrangements made to hide Athelstan's weakness and outnumbered position.