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.
historical fiction
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.
The War Wold – Let’s Read and Discuss 22
A short but important piece. As the battle at Fulford Gate heads towards its tragic conclusion, Mildryth and Wulfhere experience their very first confrontation.
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The end of the battle is approaching. High Theign Athelwine has a decision to make. It is not going to be an easy one.
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King Hardrada himself is painfully aware that his strength is spread out behind him and that his men are vulnerable to attack. It might seem like a good idea to go on the offensive at the very start of the battle, but it is the one thing that Coenred fears; he knows that the Saxon army lacks sufficient spears to achieve a victory that way.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 18
All of the accounts that I have read of Harold's character portray him as a very active man. His recent illness appears to have been something of an anomaly, which is probably why it is mentioned. He was a very experienced politician who had also fought in several wars.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 17
Harald Hardrada was the most famous Viking of his day. His exploits were legendary and, it was claimed, that he had only ever lost one battle and that was when he was a boy and not a commander of men. Although Edwin and Morcar had seized the initiative and chosen the site of the battle, Hardrada thought quickly and set out his troops to best suit his own battleplan.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 16
I found the task describing in detail how the two armies were constituted and deployed within the landscape quite difficult. I have read accounts of actual battles in other historical fiction novels and sometimes became lost as the conflict progressed. It was my intent to try and avoid that.
The War Wolf: Read and Discuss 13
This is not a long piece but I think it is important. Not only does it explain the manoeuvres of the Norsemen from a military perspective it also allows for a vivid interaction between some of the key characters in their ranks.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 12
This chapter gave me an opportunity to enjoy some Anglo-Saxon poetry. Unfortunately, I lacked both the knowledge and the time to make an acceptable translation of the poem, The Wanderer, so I approached Rick McDonald who had published a very accessible version. He graciously gave me permission to use it.
Peter C Whitaker 