As Coenred recovers from his wounds, with marvelous speed to the mind of a relieved Mildryth, King Harold discusses what to do for the benefit of the kingdom in the immediate future. At the same time, Wulfhere drifts into York looking for another opportunity to fill his purse.

Coenred tells Mildryth of his plans to hang up his sword and retire to his estate. It is everything that she has longed to hear. She can see a future before her now, one shared with a man who will take her into his family. Her lonely days as a widow appear to be over.

Eorl Gyrth discusses with King Harold how they might tempt a man of both quality and honur away from his lord, Eorl Edwin of Mercia. After the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Harold is even more keen to press proven warriors to his cause. A huscarl who has fought in two major battles in one year and survived to tell of the tale is a man to be pursued. Neither of them stop to consider the aspirations of a woman like Mildryth, however.

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