The Sixth Doctor visits King Alfred, ostensibly to encourage him. Alfred is disguised as a harpist, staying in a swineherd's hut, so that he can spy on the Vikings. He is ready to give up, convinced that his rival, King Guthrun, is a godless heathen with no Christian honour. The Doctor, pretending to be a wizard from the future, convinces Alfred that he will prevail, and that Guthrun will one day kneel and join him in prayer. When the king's back is turned, the Doctor slips out. The TARDIS materialises in the middle of a kingly feast. The Doctor exits, and invites himself to the feast.