The Bold Prince [Book the Second on the House of Wessex]

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Just as near the end of The Rightful King near all meaning of the phrase had been crushed under terrible rulers, forced inheritance and wicked deeds, so too now these Bold princes are being worn down by life and loss. If I might make a connection with Got (since you all love it so...for some reason) part of the genius of the first book is that characters tend to be brought low by a critical flaw and humanized, or character assassinated and then killed (This is what gives Ned's scene that gut punch aspect). It is very similar here. Edgar was brought low in his own story. He succeded in spite of it but he was not the good man we knew in the beginning. So it Was, so it is here too.

Very good.

First of all, Butterfly, just an excellent point and thank you for picking it up. These titles are meant to speak more than on one man, and have meaning beyond what might be simple. I do not claim to be a genius (because I am not) but I have been lucky to weave these stories in such a way as to make it about more than one man against the many. Eadgar was a good King but he was haunted by his demons. So too possibly here with Uhtræd (and beyond.) I have certainly been cagey about who The Bold Prince might actually be and here is where we start to see the nature of the title of this work.

And by the way, I do love me some SoIaF. I did not pick up the work until late, but now that I have, I cannot put it down. That is part of the reason I simply refuse to read a GoT themed work here, as great as they may be. There is only one GRRM and we should all have our own stories to tell.

They're surrounded by so much death, I would feel as if they were cursed. I am somewhat surprised Uhtræd does not at least lay some of the blame at his father's feet - his murder of a child to gain the throne seems to have been paid back here with the death of Uhtræd's grandson. Though perhaps he does, and simply does not wish to go into it with Eadward - hence his refusal to blame Adela.

Eadward does well in his role here as chancellor though, in at least getting a "white peace" between the brothers. Beo is out of line... but he is grief-stricken. It is understandable.

Eadward does have his moments (and then again, not.) Death was indeed all around at this time and worked for what I was moving towards, thus the heavy emphasis of it of late. It seems appropriate given how many might have looked at such at the time. You are likely right that just because Uhtræd does not place a blame on his father here, that he does not think about it. Part of the reason for bringing up Brother Nylan once again. The King has gone through this crisis of faith once already and now it seems to come back two-fold.

Well, I awoke this morning to find not one but two rich episodes! So of course had to read them straight away - or after a quick trip to the bAAR anyway, where the ale is as cold as a winters Detroit night! There does seem to be a bit of a curse going on here, though: “Women of Wessex, be thou ‘ware; Cruel Death awaits ye, have a care!”

The grey fog closes in around the feet of our chief protagonist, and now slowly rises. Father Time stalks the land, his old companion - Reaper’s scythe in hand (I know - not the DLC here ) - by his side, looking to the good and great to check their progress. But I hope we have a little while yet before the doleful proclamation “the King is dead, long live Book Three!” is heard across the land!

I must say, @Bullfilter, even if you did not mean to do so - a nice bit of verse there!

I am not sure that the bAAR is in Detroit as is suggested, but those are cold nights (though not as cold as wind-swept Chicago - that would freeze a man to the bone.) And it is not the women of Wessex that seem to have the curse, but the men of that House. The Reaper will take his due, however (and yes...I do not have it on this game), so the men of Wessex are left to determine who is bold and who is not. So too are we.

Yet let me clear, I did not suggest that Uhtræd would die to end this story, or book. I only mention that a new one is on the horizon. A fine distinction, but an important one.


To all - more later as further comments come through, but thank you for those already in bank and I look forward to both your thoughts on these scenes and the future progress of this work. It is an exciting time.

 

[Asantahene]

“Perhaps...” Uhtræd answered as he kept watch of the dancing flames, “If nothing else, he may help find a proper explanation for our brother’s boys.”

So evocative. I love how you capture such moments...

This was a moving scene, both touching and poignant. It strikes me how the warriors in the room, fully used to seeing men get hacked limb from limb in battle yet find it hard to countenance or understand an untimely death through illness. Go figure.

 

[Bullfilter]

I must say, @Bullfilter, even if you did not mean to do so - a nice bit of verse there!

Oh, always deliberate

Yet let me clear, I did not suggest that Uhtræd would die to end this story, or book. I only mention that a new one is on the horizon. A fine distinction, but an important one.

Intriguing: a true clue or a double-bluff? Whatever the answer, we look forward to it!

 

[Asantahene]

And by the way, I do love me some SoIaF. I did not pick up the work until late, but now that I have, I cannot put it down. That is part of the reason I simply refuse to read a GoT themed work here, as great as they may be. There is only one GRRM and we should all have our own stories to tell.

Omg I’ve finally had someone articulate just why I too avoid the GoT works on here. Many thanks for that my friend. Also reallly chuffed you’ll be extending this work into a trilogy. I’m wondering where it will go: son’s of Uhtraed returning to a foreign land to claim their birthright or will their uncles grasp and grab for the crown? Whatever it will be ace so you’ll have an avid return reader right here.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

And by the way, I do love me some SoIaF. I did not pick up the work until late, but now that I have, I cannot put it down. That is part of the reason I simply refuse to read a GoT themed work here, as great as they may be. There is only one GRRM and we should all have our own stories to tell.

I am not sure that the bAAR is in Detroit as is suggested, but those are cold nights (though not as cold as wind-swept Chicago - that would freeze a man to the bone.)

Omg I’ve finally had someone articulate just why I too avoid the GoT works on here.

According to the barman, the bar of the bAAR at least is in Detroit. Doesn't certainly mean anything but...
Having read the first book and watched the first series, I can tell why the books are so loved, why the to show is show loved and why despite knowing that there are bits of genius in both, I am completely disinterested in it.

 

[Nikolai]

Thus, I have decided to make this work a trilogy. I will speak more on the details of it as we get closer, but part of why I have been absent in other threads even with the time off afforded by the holidays and what is a faster pace of late is entirely due to that goal to get to the finish line.

I hoped this would happen. I have seldom enjoyed a work on the forums this much.

 

[Specialist290]

And by the way, I do love me some SoIaF. I did not pick up the work until late, but now that I have, I cannot put it down. That is part of the reason I simply refuse to read a GoT themed work here, as great as they may be. There is only one GRRM and we should all have our own stories to tell.

Omg I’ve finally had someone articulate just why I too avoid the GoT works on here. Many thanks for that my friend. Also reallly chuffed you’ll be extending this work into a trilogy. I’m wondering where it will go: son’s of Uhtraed returning to a foreign land to claim their birthright or will their uncles grasp and grab for the crown? Whatever it will be ace so you’ll have an avid return reader right here.

If I may play Devil's advocate for a moment: As both a fan of the books myself and an occasional player of the AGoT mod, I've found much enjoyment in speculating on what might have been, and how it might have been otherwise, and reading others' experiences in the AARs here has been an enriching experience -- particularly in the hands of some of our more talented authors who seem to have a knack to catch that "original flavor" feeling. That being said: Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks, etc.

And now that that's out of the way...

Coz, you mentioned that Eadgar was "haunted by his demons," which reminded me of an idle observation I've been turning over in my head lately. It seems as though each of our men of Wessex has had... I hesitate to call it a "vice" since it as often works to their advantage as not, but certainly one pivotal facet of their character that seems to drive both their triumphs and their tragedies.

For Eadgar, it was fear -- first fear that he would never live to see his crown restored to him in his lifetime; then fear that, having finally gained it, he or his descendants would lose it in some tragedy or in a moment of weakness. That fear was of course a powerful motivator driving him onward to achieve great and glorious heights -- but at the same time it spurred him towards his darkest impulses when doing the right thing might have cost him his chance at the crown.

For Uhtræd, it's guilt -- guilt at trying to spurn his inheritance as a boy, guilt at abandoning his wife and their children, even a bit of guilt by association for the actions of his father, in the sense that he feels that he has inherited the responsibility to atone for Eadgar's sins as well as his own to be at peace. Even now, I suspect much of the burden he carries is less due to his recent illness and more due to the weight of all that responsibility -- above and beyond his royal duties, even -- dragging him down.

Eadward has always had issues with an aloof arrogance -- particularly in his youth, but even with the tempering effects of time and family bonds, he still feels like he has to be the one with all the answers, the one that others rely on and shower with praise for his deeds, the unmovable anchor unaffected by tempests of passion. Again, it's driven him to great accomplishments in the service of the Crown and out of loyalty to his brothers, yet he has an unfortunate tendency to try to distance himself from others' pain and offer "safe" platitudes and cold rationalizations as comfort when what they really need is warmth and empathy. It also has left him somewhat blind to his own hypocritical indulgences -- Madrun, anyone? -- which until recently he was always trying to justify and rationalize. Of all Eadgar's brood he seems to be the one most destined to a date with hubris, though he does seem to have been getting a little more self-aware lately.

Beorhtmaer is a little harder to peg than the others, but I feel his is probably pride -- though not quite in the same manner as Eadward. In a sense he's always been the one with the easiest life of all the three, given that he was neither heir nor spare and thus had more latitude to walk his own path (inasmuch as anyone in this era has the liberty to choose the path they follow in life), and he was also blessed in that he seemed to grow into his chosen role with ease. He seems to have also had a singularly charmed life over the years, untouched by personal tragedies of his own -- which has left him somewhat under-equipped to confront them when they finally do strike, and when all his strength and skill in arms will avail him nothing.

You can see a little bit of all of the last three coming out even in this most recent chapter. In a very real way they are three broken men all trying to lean on one another for support -- and despite the benefit they get in the end, it's impossible to expect them not to hurt one another just a little bit (albeit unintentionally) as they try to move forward. That said, they are moving forward, together, which is what makes all the difference.

 

[stnylan]

A most unhappy meeting. And ... well, Uhtræd is simply not the best person to lift Beo from this pit. He ran away to Meissen to escape his grief, abandoned - more or less - his own nation. Ok, I know he was sent ... but Uhtræd's own behaviour subsequently made it seem more like flight. Beo has to stick it out ... I wonder if he will be the better for it.

Eadwerd, well Eadwerd just doesn't have an experience to match. Yet, at least.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

So evocative. I love how you capture such moments...

This was a moving scene, both touching and poignant. It strikes me how the warriors in the room, fully used to seeing men get hacked limb from limb in battle yet find it hard to countenance or understand an untimely death through illness. Go figure.

Very much in the spirit I tried to write the scene. None of them could really come up with good advice to give their brother. In some ways, some of what Beo speaks in return to them is as much your authors voice as it was his own. I mean..."I don't know what that means..." - all me.

Oh, always deliberate
Intriguing: a true clue or a double-bluff? Whatever the answer, we look forward to it!

Never a bluff. When I learned that I was no good at it in poker, I stopped trying.

Omg I’ve finally had someone articulate just why I too avoid the GoT works on here. Many thanks for that my friend. Also reallly chuffed you’ll be extending this work into a trilogy. I’m wondering where it will go: son’s of Uhtraed returning to a foreign land to claim their birthright or will their uncles grasp and grab for the crown? Whatever it will be ace so you’ll have an avid return reader right here.

That's great to hear as I have something special cooked up. It took me awhile to find it, and I hope it works, but once I hit on the direction I needed to go I got rather excited.

According to the barman, the bar of the bAAR at least is in Detroit. Doesn't certainly mean anything but...
Having read the first book and watched the first series, I can tell why the books are so loved, why the to show is show loved and why despite knowing that there are bits of genius in both, I am completely disinterested in it.

That is too bad as you missed the best book in the series, Storm of Swords.I avoided the books and the show for some time despite hearing wonderful things about it often. I finally relented and watched the first season of the show and then proceeded to devour all five books in a couple of months.

I hoped this would happen. I have seldom enjoyed a work on the forums this much.

I am very grateful to hear that, sir. Your following has been steadfast since the beginning and I hope I keep it at the level you have come to enjoy.

If I may play Devil's advocate for a moment: As both a fan of the books myself and an occasional player of the AGoT mod, I've found much enjoyment in speculating on what might have been, and how it might have been otherwise, and reading others' experiences in the AARs here has been an enriching experience -- particularly in the hands of some of our more talented authors who seem to have a knack to catch that "original flavor" feeling. That being said: Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks, etc.

And now that that's out of the way...

Coz, you mentioned that Eadgar was "haunted by his demons," which reminded me of an idle observation I've been turning over in my head lately. It seems as though each of our men of Wessex has had... I hesitate to call it a "vice" since it as often works to their advantage as not, but certainly one pivotal facet of their character that seems to drive both their triumphs and their tragedies.

For Eadgar, it was fear -- first fear that he would never live to see his crown restored to him in his lifetime; then fear that, having finally gained it, he or his descendants would lose it in some tragedy or in a moment of weakness. That fear was of course a powerful motivator driving him onward to achieve great and glorious heights -- but at the same time it spurred him towards his darkest impulses when doing the right thing might have cost him his chance at the crown.

For Uhtræd, it's guilt -- guilt at trying to spurn his inheritance as a boy, guilt at abandoning his wife and their children, even a bit of guilt by association for the actions of his father, in the sense that he feels that he has inherited the responsibility to atone for Eadgar's sins as well as his own to be at peace. Even now, I suspect much of the burden he carries is less due to his recent illness and more due to the weight of all that responsibility -- above and beyond his royal duties, even -- dragging him down.

Eadward has always had issues with an aloof arrogance -- particularly in his youth, but even with the tempering effects of time and family bonds, he still feels like he has to be the one with all the answers, the one that others rely on and shower with praise for his deeds, the unmovable anchor unaffected by tempests of passion. Again, it's driven him to great accomplishments in the service of the Crown and out of loyalty to his brothers, yet he has an unfortunate tendency to try to distance himself from others' pain and offer "safe" platitudes and cold rationalizations as comfort when what they really need is warmth and empathy. It also has left him somewhat blind to his own hypocritical indulgences -- Madrun, anyone? -- which until recently he was always trying to justify and rationalize. Of all Eadgar's brood he seems to be the one most destined to a date with hubris, though he does seem to have been getting a little more self-aware lately.

Beorhtmaer is a little harder to peg than the others, but I feel his is probably pride -- though not quite in the same manner as Eadward. In a sense he's always been the one with the easiest life of all the three, given that he was neither heir nor spare and thus had more latitude to walk his own path (inasmuch as anyone in this era has the liberty to choose the path they follow in life), and he was also blessed in that he seemed to grow into his chosen role with ease. He seems to have also had a singularly charmed life over the years, untouched by personal tragedies of his own -- which has left him somewhat under-equipped to confront them when they finally do strike, and when all his strength and skill in arms will avail him nothing.

You can see a little bit of all of the last three coming out even in this most recent chapter. In a very real way they are three broken men all trying to lean on one another for support -- and despite the benefit they get in the end, it's impossible to expect them not to hurt one another just a little bit (albeit unintentionally) as they try to move forward. That said, they are moving forward, together, which is what makes all the difference.

As re: GoT themed works here, please do not misunderstand. I have looked at some of them and there is very fine work being done. Maybe it's because I'm rather irritated that GRRM can't seem to get around to finishing that 6th book that I avoid fanfic surrounding that world. I want the real article. You know, George nearly bowled me over one day at a convention some time back as he hot-footed it to the elevators in the lobby. I think he had to use the bathroom pretty badly. It certainly wasn't because some stroke of genius occurred to him in the middle of a panel discussion.

As for the meat of your post, what a great look at our major men of Wessex! I believe that you have them all pegged correctly, even in Beorhtmaer's pride. He's never seen it as a weakness because he's a smart general, but it can get you in trouble when it is wounded. He is severely wounded right now and his lashing out was intended by me, but not meant as a great slight on his brother even if Uhtræd took it that way at first. There will be some more of that as we move forward as Beo has a tough time coming to terms with what has happened to him. As I mentioned, I hate the bitterness that is starting to come from him because he always seemed so pure prior to this. Death sometimes has that effect.

A most unhappy meeting. And ... well, Uhtræd is simply not the best person to lift Beo from this pit. He ran away to Meissen to escape his grief, abandoned - more or less - his own nation. Ok, I know he was sent ... but Uhtræd's own behaviour subsequently made it seem more like flight. Beo has to stick it out ... I wonder if he will be the better for it.

Eadwerd, well Eadwerd just doesn't have an experience to match. Yet, at least.

It is sometimes forgotten (even by me ) that it was Eadgar that married his son off to the Duchess of Meissen. No, Uhtræd did not have to leave as quickly as he did, and it was a direct result of continued grief and disillusionment with Eadgar that he did so, but it was the father that sent his son down that path. I very much wanted to include that line from Beo when he asks where the King was when the father died. Eadward was there. Beo was there. But not Uhtræd. The King is very much ill-equipped to explain or understand death, much less accept it. This will not go away, I promise.

I hope Beo will find a betterment from his strong willed desire not to flee. Time will tell. And yes, Eadward has lived a rather charmed life comparatively, though not without its complications (many of which are of his own making. )


To all - As promised, I will return to the every other day cycle we have grown used to. I just really wanted these scenes to flow with each other as they were part of a piece. The next, which will come tomorrow, touches on it as well, but shows some forward progress (or lack thereof.) I am really quite thankful for the great comments that have come through about both the previous scenes and what is to come after. I love to hear that you are as excited as I am as we move forward. You remain the very best and I appreciate all that you give to me and this work. I cannot thank you enough!

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

That is too bad as you missed the best book in the series, Storm of Swords.I avoided the books and the show for some time despite hearing wonderful things about it often. I finally relented and watched the first season of the show and then proceeded to devour all five books in a couple of months.

Same here, though I still haven't mustered enough interest to continue. Its own reputation works against it somewhat, what with the sex scenes being really that ridiculous and the violence and plots being so overplayed you feel like throttling half the cast for being too stupid to figure them out. I think by the end of the book and especially by the end of the first series I ended up turning to GoT-mad partner and friends and shrugging, "I honestly don't care what happens to these people aside from maybe the dwarf, the dragon woman and Jon Snow. And I can guess what's going to happen to Snow." Later I amended that to include the head of the Lannister's house and his son who's the royal guard because they were fun to watch and I suspect there's some deep stuff going on between the two and how each one sees the world. This is getting off topic so I'll stop now but I did not enjoy reading or watching the first book and its adaptation.

 

[Idhrendur]

Such sorrow in the latest updates. It seems they are finding all of their regrets as death makes them reflect.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Same here, though I still haven't mustered enough interest to continue. Its own reputation works against it somewhat, what with the sex scenes being really that ridiculous and the violence and plots being so overplayed you feel like throttling half the cast for being too stupid to figure them out. I think by the end of the book and especially by the end of the first series I ended up turning to GoT-mad partner and friends and shrugging, "I honestly don't care what happens to these people aside from maybe the dwarf, the dragon woman and Jon Snow. And I can guess what's going to happen to Snow." Later I amended that to include the head of the Lannister's house and his son who's the royal guard because they were fun to watch and I suspect there's some deep stuff going on between the two and how each one sees the world. This is getting off topic so I'll stop now but I did not enjoy reading or watching the first book and its adaptation.

For someone that suggests that he did not enjoy it, you list off pretty much all of the aspects people tend to point to for their own enjoyment. But no matter, as mentioned by @Specialist290 above, Different strokes and all that.

Such sorrow in the latest updates. It seems they are finding all of their regrets as death makes them reflect.

Death does have a way of doing that - the stark reminder of mortality causes one to pause and take stock usually. There is a quite a lot of sadness and I admit I would not have included it were it not part of the game events (unlike say in Into the West where I heaped a great amount of abuse on my characters out sheer plot need and character building.)


To all - the next scene will follow in just a moment. It leans on the ones from above but as I mentioned, it does take us forward a bit. Thank you for the comments, as always.

 

[coz1]

The Bold Prince​

​

Bath, England - March 1126​

A servant ushered the boys from the chamber and they each held their heads low. Both Beorhtmaer and Uhtræd looked after them and the two brothers found sorrow in their eyes. The younger brother took one step to follow them as the King moved to the fire in the hall of the meager keep. Beorhtmaer finally turned and with sadness asked, “Do you think that it went well?”

“I believe that you spoke fine words, brother,” Uhtræd answered him as he looked to the flames, “They may not truly understand for some years to come, but you have allowed them a chance to grieve for their mother in the proper way.”

“What is proper?” Beorhtmaer took a chair and held his head in his hand.

Uhtræd turned with a kindly face, “Proper is being a father to these boys and you do that well. They be your sons through and through, Beo. Tough and ready. I know. I have watched Thurfrith for some years now and Wihtræd seems no different. They hold your spirit.”

Beorhtmaer looked up with pain in his eyes, “My spirit would seem to be broken.”

“You must get off of that,” Uhtræd stepped to him, “Look here what you do. Fine words told to your boys to help them through this time. The men of Bath would follow you anywhere. The strength that it has taken to rest your wife...you show it as you have always done.”

“I thank you...” Beorhtmaer tried to smile, “...but I do not know how much that I have left within me.”

Uhtræd moved to hold at his shoulder, “You would have much and more, sir. I know this true. There is a reason that I trust you, and only you, with the protection of this realm. There be no man to face you that may win out.”

“I may have said so in the past, brother...but now?” Beorhtmaer questioned.

The King took a knee to stare at his brother squarely in the face, “Beo...look at me! I was wrong to speak to you as I did back to Gainsborough. You mentioned a sore spot within mine own life and I found frustration. Yet, you were right...I fled. You do not. Too strong are you...stronger even than myself. There is no army in the world that may make you flee. Bravery is always to be desired, brother, and I would say that you are the bravest man that I know.”

Beorhtmaer returned the gaze with thankful eyes, “You speak kindly to me, brother. Your words are very well met. It has been some few moons and only now do I think to find an understanding of what has happened. It pains me still and yet...I begin to see the light that you suggest at the end of it all.”

“It would never be easy,” Uhtræd suggested with sympathy.

“No,” Beorhtmaer replied, “But it does make me think.”

Uhtræd smiled, “About?”

“About what I may give to my sons when I myself am gone,” Beorhtmaer answered.

​

The King lifted from his knee and moved back to the fire as he tried to find the right words. He was silent for a time before finally giving response “You know well that I would see them provided with all that is needed, sir.”

“That is just it, brother,” Beorhtmaer stood, “It would be you that may provide...not their father.”

“I am their King,” Uhtræd did not turn back in his answer, “Of course I would provide.”

Beorhtmaer offered a brief smile, “Their King...their uncle...but not their father.”

Uhtræd turned with the kindest face that he could muster, “What would you wish of me, Beo? You would like some land? A house of your own? Is it this again?”

“I do not think that it is too much to ask,” Beorhtmaer was certain in his response, “I am a lackland with two boys with naught their mother. I would wish a place that I may cultivate and allow them to run free. Perchance someday, they may split it amongst themselves.”

“That is a fine dream,” Uhtræd turned back to the fire, “I would wish to grant you this dream if I was able...for them as much as you.”

Beorhtmaer found question, “Of course you are able. You are the King.”

“It is not so simple as that,” Uhtræd kept watch of the flames for a time before turning back to look at his brother with concern, “For as much as I may wish to give you what you have fully earned, I must always look to the strength of the crown. Our lands are scattered and few compared to the great Lords of this realm. I know not what the future may hold and as father did before me, I must look to that time and prepare.”

“I do not think you to leave us anytime soon...Your Grace,” Beorhtmaer answered quickly.

Uhtræd smiled, “You think me fully healed, Beo. I would tell you that I do not think that this is so. Who may know when this disease will return? I must needs consider what I will leave to mine own son.”

“You have been well,” Beorhtmaer suddenly took on some concern, “You seem nothing like the figure I saw when first we moved to this place.”

“I fear it but a respite,” Uhtræd kept his smile, “A fine one, but one that may not last. Here you are at Bath. You must know that you rule here, even if in my name. This be land to cultivate. Build out this keep. I would not stop you. Let your boys run free here.”

“And yet, it is not mine,” Beorhtmaer replied.

Uhtræd gave nod as he turned back to the fire with some sadness, “And it may never be so. I wish that I may do more, but for the now, I must ask you to wait.”

The younger brother struggled in his thoughts, but stepped to the King with certainty, “You have given Eadward Rhuddlan and now a Duchy of his own. Our sister Mathilda is Duchess and you name her husband, the cur that he is, Master of the Hunt? You raise up traitors like Morcar of York, give favor to men like Æthelmær in Kent or Harold in Gloucester...even an old fool like the Norman, you would give time. Yet you may have nothing to offer for your little brother who has been by your side at every move since you became King?”

“Beorhtmaer...” Uhtræd turned with some pain in his eyes, “...it is not meant as judgment. I would give you everything, but you would not wish it. There is no great value at being King, this I promise. It is all worry, and then more worry still. You know that I wish to build. And yet, I must send gold to the Lady in Mercia so that she may continue to find love for me. She that holds lands such as the heptarchy of old. You mention the Norman and he too holds lands that may equal a Kingdom on its own. You think to question my raising of traitors? There is fine reason for that. I must needs bind them to me. We are in a perilous position, brother. Any land that I may grant you, as strong as you are, would soon be under siege the moment that I die. The crown needs it. Our House needs it. And I would not place you in harms way when that time may come. And it will come.”

Beorhtmaer stepped to the King and answered in some frustration, “Brother...you worry so.”

“You are too young to remember, Beo,” Uhtræd answered him as he put a hand to his shoulder, “You were just becoming a man. Yet father worried even more than I. It has found some years to come to this point, but I am as he was then. Our House goes back many years and if we are to keep it, we must show strength...the strength that you show now. These are vultures, Beo...and we, the carrion. I would give you everything that you wish, in time. But that time is not now.”

​

 

[Nikolai]

Uthræd is correct. But there is truth to Beo’s concern too. I suggest Uthræd conquer some lands in the west. Complete the taking of Wales and give his trusted brother some land of his own.

 

[JabberJock14]

Uhtræd has done an impressive job pacifying his lords. Just one with a negative opinion?

Beo's desires are understandable, especially as he is confronted by the reality that mortality can strike at any age, and he has nothing to give to his sons but a family name but status that is fleeting with each successive generation. I do not know the solution however, besides finding Beo an heiress or countess to marry. It is too bad the Duchess of Mercia isn't single these days. Taking more land would be nice, but obviously, not easy. Otherwise, it would have been done already.

Also, though he doesn't appear besides a brief mention, want to give props to old Duke Robert, who is still kicking after all this time.

 

[Idhrendur]

That situation is always a problem. At least most of the lords are loyal. Even loyal enough that they should avoid scheming. Nevertheless, the structural problems remain. Maybe things are strong enough that those issues can be addressed a little more.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Even the characters are telling the King to get a move on with Wales now.
It's all well and good playing politics and keeping everyone happy, but a more martially minded king could solve all these problems by conquering Wales and Ireland and then simply crushing his rebellious vassals and cutting them down to size. As is, the diplomat king can only slowly drip feed his way into the west. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing but something tells me the next king or the one after that is going to do everything stated above in one lifetime (and thus be the focus of historians of that period, to the detriment of this one).
England is a nation of cracks being covered by honey and kind words, not plaster and care (not sure that one works...).

And I am worried about the illness. It's still present even now, which means its either long term or the character kept getting ill in-game, which isn't good either. Since he's after 50, one of those is going to kill him eventually.

 

[stnylan]

Well Beo rather neatly nocks his arrow and aims true - Uhtræd's protestations cannot seem anything other than hollow, even if his reasons and concerns are legitimate in and of themselves. However, he is the King - that is a many-edged barb to carry. To be King means sometimes using the goodwill of one's brothers as a resource like any other. Whilst Uhtræd is still sure of Beo's loyalty he has no need to grant him anything.

To be kingly is sometimes to be cold-hearted.

 

[Specialist290]

He may come by his frustration honestly, but I can't help but wonder if Borhtmaer has perhaps learned a lesson or two about "playing hardball" from watching Eadward at work with the kingdom's vassals, since he made his request right when it would seem hardest for his brother to say "No"...

 

[Bullfilter]

Ah, the Beo problem won’t be easy to fix ... he drops off to sleep in front of a roaring fire, after a good few glasses of some of that Frankish wine, imported from Normandy. A harp gently plays the ‘dream segue’. Beo stands on the damaged but mighty walls of his keep in Rouen. The new Duke of Normandy. Robert - finally dead, his sons defeated. Normandy secured for Saxon England and the Crown at last. The Bold Prince Beorhtmaer a bulwark of strength for the next Wessex king. Their ambitions to link with their German claims now an approaching reality ... {shake, shake, wake up, brother}.

“Huh, wassup bro?” he says as he slowly comes awake and sees his brother, the King, in front of him. “Were you dreaming, Beo?” “Yes, I was, but it is nothing Your Grace. So, another peasant uprising in Little Sodbury, is it? I’ll gather the troops.” Ah, what might have been, with a little more boldness - and luck. Back to the grindstone, then.