The time for talking is over, now comes the time for fighting. Although Harald Hardrada has been caught unawares by King Harold of England, he still holds a commanding position on top of a hill.
stamford bridge
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At last, the Saxons come face to face with the the invading Vikings. Amongst their ranks are veterans from the Battle of Fulford Gate, led by Coenred, and they are hungry for blood.
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It is a matter of historical debate whether or not a giant Viking held the bridge at Stamford against the Saxon army, but for an author, it is too exciting an episode not to include.
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The City of York is free, but the battles has not been won yet. Even as the people cheer the king and his army, they wave goodbye to many of their men as well. Mildryth is one of those women.
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In blissful ignorance Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, enjoys a march through the countryside of England as he leads his men to Stamford Bridge, the location allocated for the receiving of hostages and victuals from the people of York. Tostig Godwinson accompanies him, but he is less than happy to see that the bulk of their forces have left their heavy armour in Riccall.
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Young Prince Olaf and old Eystein Orre discuss the nature of the changing world. Neither they nor King Hardrada, who is on his way to Stamford Bridge, have any understanding of how drastically their world is about to change in the very near future.
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And now it begins. Coenred has convinced King Harold that York can be recaptured from the Vikings without either endangering the population or alerting King Hardrada of the danger that he now stands in.
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Wulfhere is coming to believe that his luck has all turned to bad. His last encounter with Mildryth did not go the way he felt he had a right to expect. In consideration of how she has come to blight his life it might not be surprising that the outlaw now convinces himself that she is a witch and that they only way he can free himself from her mark is to kill her.
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Coenred is called for an audience with King Harold of England. This will be the start of a relationship between the two men that promises much.
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A short piece this one. Thorald the Norwegian is considering his lot as he walks the city of York as part of King Hardrada's garrison. He does not yet know that on the morning a very fateful days is going to break.
Peter C Whitaker 