After the burial of her husband, Branda turns to her good friend, Mildryth, for comfort. She knows that Mildryth has already passed through this ordeal, indeed it was worse for her; Mildryth lost both her husband and son and everything that they had ever owned in one fell swoop. How could anyone survive such pain?
1066
For Rapture of Ravens – Let’s Read and Discuss 04
The weather might be glorious but the situation for Coenred and his fellow Saxon warriors is the exact opposite. In the absence of their lords, Coenred takes the survivors of the Battle of Fulford Gate to Tadcaster, hoping to meet with the army that must come from London to rescue York
For Rapture of Ravens – Let’s Read and Discuss 03
Hardrada had not traveled to England for pillage and plunder like his ancestors before him, he had come for the crown itself. York was to be his capital in the north until such time as he could kill King Harold and make the move to London himself.
For Rapture of Ravens – Let’s Read and Discuss 02
Wulfhere was not a warrior and he was quick to prove that at the Battle of Fulford Gate. The following day finds him hiding in a nearby forest, no longer pretending to be a butescarl, a mercenary, but with a small stash of treasure that he looted from the bodies of dead and injured Saxon warriors.
For Rapture of Ravens – Let’s Read and Discuss 01
Viking warriors are tasked with taking the news of their victory to the settlements that ring York. Hardrada, it seems, has a notion that when the descendants of their people who have settled in England hear the news of the battle they will flock to his banner. It just happens to be Coenred's luck that, as they make their weary way to Tadcaster, his men meet with a group of Vikings in a Saxon village.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 27 – The Final Part
Somehow it seemed fitting that the novel should close on the two characters that seemed central to the story; Coenred and Mildryth. He had begun the tale as a seasoned warrior, a man dedicated to his calling and not interested in being a husband to any woman, but his mind had begun turning to a life not ruled by the sword. She was a widow, a woman who had lost everything but her desire to live after the death of her husband and son.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 26
The strain that Guillaume must have been under during this time is rarely considered in most historical accounts. It is often assumed that he had total power over everyone, but there are some suggestions that this was not so. As part of his preparations, Guillaume demanded the delivery of hostages, usually children, from some of his retainers
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 25
Coenred slips back into the captured city of York with a number of objectives to achieve. Not only is he concerned with discovering what the Vikings plan to do next, he has both good and bad news to deliver to the families of men he fought alongside with only a few hours earlier.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 24
Despite their lust for glory the two noblemen decide to abandon the people of York to their enemies. They are all for fleeing to the safety of distant Durham.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 23
It is a historical fact that at the Battle of Fulford Gate 500 huscalrs banded together and fought a last stand. Why they did this is not recorded, or at least I was unable to find a reliable account of their motive. How successful they were is also forgotten.
Peter C Whitaker 