Complex sentence: It is uncertain whether Cadafael was intentionally avoiding battle or was unaware that Oswy's forces were near, however the episode earned him the scornful nickname "Cadomedd" or "Battle-shirker".
Split into simpler sentences: It is uncertain whether Cadafael was intentionally avoiding battle or was unaware that Oswy's forces were near. However, the episode earned him the scornful nickname "Cadomedd" or "Battle-shirker".