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.
novel
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 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.
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.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 20
In the city of York the people are expecting great news from the battle raging at Fulford Gate, but very quickly this mood changes as the populace begin to realise the way in which the fight is going and what it will probably mean for them.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 19
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.
Peter C Whitaker 