It's good to see the sister becoming faithful to her family again, if only in a time of her great need.
The Heavy Crown [Book the Third on the House of Wessex]
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That part of the world is... kind of a mess. France is a disaster. And if they're not careful, England has the potential for similar, especially with the two duchesses in the north who probably each think they should be queen maker.
I believe this whole-heartedly.
I also note that while Mathilda is back in the fold, so to speak, I can't help but feel that her desire to see her son keep his position influences that. Note the "he's Wessex too" bit she added.
I believe this whole-heartedly.
I also note that while Mathilda is back in the fold, so to speak, I can't help but feel that her desire to see her son keep his position influences that. Note the "he's Wessex too" bit she added.
Fb-fb:
I'm not certain that Eadward would, however. It's a tough job as he is finding out, but the Prince has always taken to his work, at least, with serious purpose.
By the way @Asantahene - not long ago I came across a copy of The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey that I believe you recommended some many months back. Just started it this morning. Looking forward to seeing what it is all about.
I would leave it up to @Asantahene to judge the psychological profile of the young Duchess, though there is likely not enough info yet to go on for such a thing. Suffice to say, she is a fascinating one to write for. And as always, you have it fairly well pegged as how things may play out. There is a lot of back and forth that occurs in the relatively near future. Fun stuff.
A mess to be sure.
And good catch on Mathilda's inclusion of the Wessex House. She must do all she can to make certain that her son finds his proper place in the future. And yet...who knows what he will do when he comes of age?
To all - An excellent round of comments and I believe that we have now moved through all of the building posts that I wrote to set things up. There may be a few more "world-building" bits here and there, but for the most part, the next scenes will be more of the continuing story type rather that set up. And what a continuing story it is. I am very excited to see what you all think of these next many events. These years, in game, were rather tense with things going back and forth constantly. It has been difficult but a fun challenge to weave them all together so I do hope that it works. Look for the next scene tomorrow.
I continue to thank you for your readership and amazing replies after each post. That so many have followed over and stuck with this story for so many months (and now years) is truly a wonder to me and I appreciate it so very much!
[EDIT - I lied. I am home today with a nasty cold and want to go ahead and get out the next scene so we get moving down this path. Give me a moment and it will be up.]
And what a foul canker it is! One of the things that I have been enjoying is trying to keep Eadward just one step ahead of these plotters. It is not always easy, but the Regent is doing his best.
I do not think that this is the first time such has been suggested and even the King himself may agree with you.
I'm not certain that Eadward would, however. It's a tough job as he is finding out, but the Prince has always taken to his work, at least, with serious purpose.By the way @Asantahene - not long ago I came across a copy of The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey that I believe you recommended some many months back. Just started it this morning. Looking forward to seeing what it is all about.
If Roubaud can, Roubaud likely will. However, right now he still has his hands plenty full. France is indeed a mess and you are correct, Eadward should be always on the lookout for any possible challenges.As always, nice to get an overview of the broad picture
France appears to be continuing its long slide into oblivion; I somehow doubt that even an ambitious Norman conqueror could do much to check it at this stage, though one never knows...
I can't help but feel that Prince Roubaud may end up playing an important role in the coming mischief, if a somewhat peripheral one. Given the man's character and his ever-building paranoia of the House of Wessex, I can't imagine him refraining an opportunity of his own to twist the knife a little while his imagined rivals undergo a moment of weakness.
Hopefully Eadward will remain ever-vigilant for that possibility, among others.
Ahhh...looks like you've reached the first Agatha chapter.
I would leave it up to @Asantahene to judge the psychological profile of the young Duchess, though there is likely not enough info yet to go on for such a thing. Suffice to say, she is a fascinating one to write for. And as always, you have it fairly well pegged as how things may play out. There is a lot of back and forth that occurs in the relatively near future. Fun stuff.You are not wrong - Mathilda does indeed move close once again at a time of dire need. She has never been an enemy, however, but rather was always attempting to help her husband find his place. Now...she must look after her son.
It is a far cry from your France, is it not?
A mess to be sure.And good catch on Mathilda's inclusion of the Wessex House. She must do all she can to make certain that her son finds his proper place in the future. And yet...who knows what he will do when he comes of age?
To all - An excellent round of comments and I believe that we have now moved through all of the building posts that I wrote to set things up. There may be a few more "world-building" bits here and there, but for the most part, the next scenes will be more of the continuing story type rather that set up. And what a continuing story it is. I am very excited to see what you all think of these next many events. These years, in game, were rather tense with things going back and forth constantly. It has been difficult but a fun challenge to weave them all together so I do hope that it works. Look for the next scene tomorrow.
I continue to thank you for your readership and amazing replies after each post. That so many have followed over and stuck with this story for so many months (and now years) is truly a wonder to me and I appreciate it so very much!
[EDIT - I lied. I am home today with a nasty cold and want to go ahead and get out the next scene so we get moving down this path.
Give me a moment and it will be up.]
Last edited:
The Heavy Crown
Hereford, England – October 1130
The Earl of Gwent had been riding hard for the last many days hoping to make it back to his mistress and Lady before the true cold set in. As tasked by her, Lord Hlothere had made the circuit of those he thought he might trust to gauge their interest in a possible raising of Osric of Godwin, though he had made certain not to entertain the thought with Osric himself, nor with his nephew Lord Harold in Gloucester. His last stop was through Oxford and now it was to home.
It was nearing nightfall and a small roadside tavern inn sat up ahead with smoke billowing from the chimney and seemed to be quite crowded as many mounts were tied up outside. It would be yet another full day of progress to make it back to Hereford and so he hoped that there was room for him. He did not wish to camp in the night as his aged body could no longer handle as much as it did when he was younger. Coming to a stop, he moved to dismount and tied off his palfrey. The Earl then went inside with wishful thinking.
As he opened the meager door, inside the room was smoky but lively. Candles were already lit as were many of the patrons. It would seem that the ale flowed freely. It did not surprise him that the place was so crowded as there were few real inns and taverns throughout England. A weary traveler might take refuge in the night with a humble monastery but few monks had the added notion of libation as part of their requested tithe. Nor was it a large establishment as it was expensive to not only build and run such an inn as this, but the fee paid to the Lord of the land was never cheap.
So there were quite a few men to push past as he made his way to the slight bar and inquired to the wench that tended to it, “Would you have a bed for the night?”
The not particularly comely wench looked him up and down and figured him as nobility immediately, “All filled up, m’lord.”
Hlothere sighed and then tried again, “I would share. I’ve no mind of a bed of mine own.”
“Can ask about, m’lord,” she grinned in response, “But we’s plenty of ale to serve should ya be wantin’ somethin’ to warm ya if ya need to ride on.”
With another sigh, he fished about and put a coin to the bar, “Then a tankard, if you please.”
The wench happily moved to serve him as he began to look around the rowdy room and he did not like the faces of many. She turned back and sloshed the ale as she placed it to the bar and he was forced to shake his wet hand before taking his fortifying sip.
It was then that a voice called out from behind him...
“You be needing a bunk mate, eh?”
Hlothere turned to see a hooded man drinking alone at a small table, “Do you speak to me, sir?”
“I do,” the hooded man lifted his head such that the Earl was able to see the smile through his heavy beard, “I heard your spot of trouble and thought I might be an assist.”
The Earl shifted to step to him but was bumped as two excited patrons ran past and he did his best to hold his tankard steady. He looked to see if any other wished to rush through before standing to the table, “Mind you if I take a seat?”
“Please do,” the hooded man answered as he pushed out an empty stool with his muddy boot.
Hlothere sat and took another heavy draught before looking up with a smile, “If you do have a bed, sir...or part of one at the least...I would be most grateful.”
“Heavy travel for you?” the man asked.
“Many leagues,” Hlothere gave nod and took another drink.
The other man dropped his cowl with a smile to show his close cropped salt and pepper hair that made an odd picture with his bushy beard, “Then I be just the man for you, sir…if you have a bit of silver on you...though gold would be better.”
Hlothere offered him a curious look, “What is it that you propose...sir?”
“Why not come upstairs and see?” the man grinned as he gestured with his head to the slight second floor of the inn.
“Now see here...” Hlothere became uncomfortable before the man gestured to him.
“I’ve a bed up there...and all to myself. Do not tell this lot such news. They would all wish it. With the right coin, sir, it could be yours.”
The Earl kept a skewed eye, “You would give up your bed?”
The man gave nod, “As I say...if the payment is right.”
“I do not carry gold on me at the now,” Hlothere sat a bit taller, “Nor even too much silver, sir.”
The man looked to the bar, “You plunked down a right note to her just now. She’ll be feasting on that for days.”
“I may have some few more,” Hlothere suddenly felt very tired and desired the room.
“Then come with me and I shall show it to you...my Lord,” the man stood from the table and gestured for Hlothere to follow.
Both weary and suspect, the Earl moved to climb the stairs and they both made their way down a close hallway to a room near the back. As the man was about to open the door, he turned back with a grin, “Have your coin at the ready, sir.”
As the door opened, Hlothere walked into a cramped room that held nothing but a slight rope bed with the thinnest mattress he had ever seen and what, to him, was a filthy wash basin in the corner. With some anger, he turned to the man, “Why should I pay you dear coin for this?”
“You might have paid the girl downstairs without even knowing, sir...” the man kept his grin, “...I’ve done you a favor.”
Hlothere kept his stern look, “Do you mean to rob me or is there something more untoward that you had to mind?”
The man’s grin somehow grew even wider, “Something more untoward.”
As the Earl made quick shift to leave the room, the man called after him, “Do you not know me, sir?”
“Of course not!” Hlothere turned back quickly as he was to move through the slight door but then found a flicker of recognition, “...wait...you have shorn your hair.”
“I have,” the man kept his grin.
Hlothere stepped back into the room, “And you grow your beard out to hide your face.”
The man moved to sit on the slim mattress, “I think you have me, my Lord.”
“You be Wulfnoth of Flint,” the Earl stood over him, “The Prince Regent’s dogsbody.”
“The very one,” Wulfnoth smiled as he scratched at his beard, “And it is not by chance that I find you here this night.”
“What be your meaning?” Hlothere was now wary, “What do you want?”
Wulfnoth dropped his smile as he stood once more and looked to the Earl with a sharp eye, “I would have some knowledge that be in your head, sir...and you may have some of mine.”
Hlothere stepped back, “Why should I speak to you anything? We work in the same trade. If you do not know it, then you do not do well in your work, sir.”
“Mayhap because mine own knowledge would give you some pause in your mission,” Wulfnoth answered with a returned grin.
“My mission?” Hlothere replied with a feigned innocence.
“Please, my Lord...” Wulfnoth shifted to close the slight door to the room, “...I know all about this Osric in Gloucester. What I do not know is why your Lady may wish it? What is a Godwin compared to a man of Wessex?”
Hlothere kept a sharp eye to him, “I would do my Lady’s bidding. I do not make judgment. What is it that you think you know?”
Wulfnoth circled around him to stand very close, “Does it not trouble you? The happenings in York?”
“I have looked into it and see nothing that may not be explained by a poor accident,” Hlothere offered a certainty.
“Truly?” Wulfnoth offered question, “Have you had your spies to this Agatha? And more...her Countess in Northumberland?”
Now Hlothere gave a smile, “You would know so much, it seems. Yes...I have met with this Lady Æthelflæd and as I may say it, she is a bitter woman never over the loss of her husband and now son.”
“Godwins...” Wulfnoth found his own smile, “...all of them.”
Hlothere gave nod, “True enough...but what of it?”
“Then why would your Lady put her plot in with such a grouping?” Wulfnoth dropped his grin, “Does she not see that this bitter old woman and a too eager child might not stop when the rightful King is put away? Do you think that this young girl will quit her pursuits once she has found a victory? If she may put aside a man of Wessex as King and think a man of Godwin easily influenced, what would make her stop at finding fully her own House?”
“My Lady may make her cease,” Hlothere answered with certainty even though a doubt began to creep into his mind.
Wulfnoth offered a slight laugh, “As the girl’s father did, I be sure.”
Hlothere stood tall, “You have no notion as to what occurred there!”
“No one does...my Lord,” Wulfnoth answered, “But I have a mind as to what it might have been. A young girl...fully into her own...sweetness and light, yet with the sour heart of a snake. Not unlike the House itself...but this one? I would counsel your Lady to stay clear. I believe this young Agatha to have far more ambition than she has already shown.”
“You come with a warning from the Prince Regent, is that it?” Hlothere found a haughty grin.
“No, my Lord,” Wulfnoth stood close with a serious face, “I come with news from the King himself. Though it be true that I do my master’s bidding, as you do yourself, I would tell your Lady that the King and his brother love her very much. If you may call it a warning, then it is to advise her of the perils that may fall into her lap should she wish to put her lot in with this young child of York. There may be no good thing to come from that, and the King himself would not wish to see the Lady Wulfrun in such trouble.”
Hlothere answered quickly, “The Prince Eadward is so very caring of my Lady.”
“And, my Lord, I tell you...” Wulfnoth was just as quick to answer, “...this be word from the King’s own lips. He would see her safe and well cared for in every way. This was my task to speak to you.”
“And you have done it well,” Hlothere stepped back, “I give you nod for your efforts.”
Wulfnoth found his grin once more as he gestured to the slight bed, “And I give you this. I have made other plans.”
Hlothere looked to the bed with a grimace, “No need for coin?”
“Nay, my Lord,” Wulfnoth looked back as he moved to leave the room, “Payment has been received.”
France looks to be the same sort of mess as usual.
And this rather unsavoury meeting ... it feels dank and dirty and just generally unclean, even if not a very great deal was done. Something in the atmosphere perhaps.
And this rather unsavoury meeting ... it feels dank and dirty and just generally unclean, even if not a very great deal was done. Something in the atmosphere perhaps.
It can only be hoped that higher regard for the king could lead to a withdrawal from plotting - though nothing is guaranteed. And Wulfrun’s regard for the current king is most unlikely to extend to his son, when the time comes. Vipers abound! I liked the scene of the two schemers dancing around each other. Men of a very murky world.
A murky, dirty, happenstance and the subject of their discourse reflecting that well. An evocative scene indeed. I do wonder, however, if an Earl would be abroad without some sort of retinue. That was the only part of this scene that somewhat jarred. You conveyed the dank nature of the location and the meeting very well however
Perhaps he might, were he of a mind that his comings and goings should not be common knowledge and thus subject to common scrutiny. That at least is the understanding I gleaned from it -- that Hlothere is a man traveling a little off the beaten path, trying to keep a low profile. (I also gather that this is his first time visiting a "common" tavern, given that his first impulse on the mention of "coin" is to think of gold and silver, whereas a humble serf or yeoman would perhaps be worried about having enough copper
Undoubtedly that's what attracted Wulfnoth's attention, as well, given his words on the matter.)In any case, it's nice to get a window as to the inner workings of Eadward's intelligence network, and how the games of intrigue and influence often rely as much on having a pawn in the right place at the right time as on the dramatic moves of queens, knights, and bishops.
A murky, dirty, happenstance and the subject of their discourse reflecting that well. An evocative scene indeed. I do wonder, however, if an Earl would be abroad without some sort of retinue. That was the only part of this scene that somewhat jarred. You conveyed the dank nature of the location and the meeting very well however
Depends. Remember that 'earls' in this period still for the most part mean 'very well fed and trained warriors' and that everyone else would be a severe disadvantage if they wanted to fight him. Plus in this case it's quite clear he's youthful, arrogant and inexperienced and hasn't realised that without the protection of his guards and status, he's much, much more vulnerable. Hell...if he comes across a local lord or knight at any point and is discovered, the local is well within their rights to imprison the guy for trespassing and subterfuge. That is, if they don't kill the clearly sneaky noble walking around their lands unannounced (there might be consequences for them for doing that but its far from an extreme reaction to this sort of thing at the time).
I suppose to be mildly more realistic he would have ridden with a few trusted men to ensure they weren't murdered or robbed by highwaymen or random thugs on their journey (plus it's the 13th century. Wolves and boars are still a thing and forests enclose most of England. No one travels alone unless their life is worthless...so that's most people. But not lords). So maybe this lord is not only foolhardy and inexperienced but paranoid or hated in his own realm? Not a great impression to make on an experienced spy who knows all of the above and thus has learnt a lot about this man for his own master.
fb-fb:
However, you make a good point. In all likelihood, Hlothere would be traveling with at least a couple of trusted men. I have him alone here for a.) story need and b.) as he was working rather behind the scenes on a secret mission for Wulfrun.
And I'm pleased that it worked looking at things from the underbelly, as it were. Hlothere is an Earl but he remains the spymaster of Mercia and Wulfnoth is...well, as Hlothere calls him - the Prince Regents dogsbody.
To all - Excellent comments all around. This last scene was perhaps a part III of four scenes setting up some plotting going on. First we got Wulfrun looking at Osric of Gloucester as possible claimant when Uhtræd dies. Then we got a peak at possible connection between Mercia and York when Mathilda mentions that Hlothere was talking to Lady Æthelflæd in Wareham. Now we see that Eadward is aware of it when he sends Wulfnoth to treat with Hlothere. Next comes a twist in Part IV which I will post in just a second. I promise to go back to an every other day schedule again after this but I want them all to be close enough together to see the connections and changes going on. Plus, I think it another darn good scene that will help flesh out Lady Æthelflæd a bit more (she is Agatha of York's Countess of Northumberland.)
You all remain the best readers in all of AARland and I continue to thank you. Allow me to plug the year end awards again linked in my signature. Starting to get a few more votes in with two weeks left to go before the deadline. Come one, come all and join in the fun!
I don't know what it is but Eadward has been especially good at his job recently (and not a moment too soon) - every time he witches courts, he usually gets them to have a higher opinion of Uhtræd. Wulfrun has had at least two bumps to +30 in the last couple of years. It helps.
Quite. I wanted it to seem rather clandestine and the reader to be in Hlothere's shoes/mind while reading it. Wulfnoth could have been proposing a number of things until he finally gets him up to the room.
Yes, the world of spymasters dueling each other. I've not featured Wulfnoth too much in the past, though he was introduced quite a while ago. However, he will play a more outsized role going forward. Hint, hint.
And here I thought you might find a niggle at perhaps a too soon roadside Inn of England at this time.A murky, dirty, happenstance and the subject of their discourse reflecting that well. An evocative scene indeed. I do wonder, however, if an Earl would be abroad without some sort of retinue. That was the only part of this scene that somewhat jarred. You conveyed the dank nature of the location and the meeting very well however
However, you make a good point. In all likelihood, Hlothere would be traveling with at least a couple of trusted men. I have him alone here for a.) story need and b.) as he was working rather behind the scenes on a secret mission for Wulfrun.That was my mindset as re: Hlothere, though you are right - he might be throwing his silver around a bit too freely.Perhaps he might, were he of a mind that his comings and goings should not be common knowledge and thus subject to common scrutiny. That at least is the understanding I gleaned from it -- that Hlothere is a man traveling a little off the beaten path, trying to keep a low profile. (I also gather that this is his first time visiting a "common" tavern, given that his first impulse on the mention of "coin" is to think of gold and silver, whereas a humble serf or yeoman would perhaps be worried about having enough copper
In any case, it's nice to get a window as to the inner workings of Eadward's intelligence network, and how the games of intrigue and influence often rely as much on having a pawn in the right place at the right time as on the dramatic moves of queens, knights, and bishops.
And I'm pleased that it worked looking at things from the underbelly, as it were. Hlothere is an Earl but he remains the spymaster of Mercia and Wulfnoth is...well, as Hlothere calls him - the Prince Regents dogsbody.Hlothere may be a bit arrogant thanks to his role working for Wulfrun, but he is anything but "young" at 60 years old and certainly not inexperienced as he has worked for the Duchess since she was a small girl (a fact highlighted in their first scene together in this 3rd book.) That said, he would have likely had a couple of others with him for protection and back-up. Fudged a little in the scene because I needed him to be alone and wished to show that Wulfnoth is quite good at his own work to be able to find him like that.
Indeed - Hlothere is roughly Uhtræd's age, actually (maybe a couple of years older.)
To all - Excellent comments all around. This last scene was perhaps a part III of four scenes setting up some plotting going on. First we got Wulfrun looking at Osric of Gloucester as possible claimant when Uhtræd dies. Then we got a peak at possible connection between Mercia and York when Mathilda mentions that Hlothere was talking to Lady Æthelflæd in Wareham. Now we see that Eadward is aware of it when he sends Wulfnoth to treat with Hlothere. Next comes a twist in Part IV which I will post in just a second. I promise to go back to an every other day schedule again after this but I want them all to be close enough together to see the connections and changes going on. Plus, I think it another darn good scene that will help flesh out Lady Æthelflæd a bit more (she is Agatha of York's Countess of Northumberland.)
You all remain the best readers in all of AARland and I continue to thank you. Allow me to plug the year end awards again linked in my signature. Starting to get a few more votes in with two weeks left to go before the deadline. Come one, come all and join in the fun!
The Heavy Crown
York, England – November 1130
Duchess Agatha sat by a warm fire in the cold solar at York practicing with her needle and thread. She detested the work but it was expected of her even if she was now the Lady of this land. Her silly mother would never cease reminding her that her duties still included the womanly virtues and though willful, she was not yet of an age to shake off such concerns. Why, she did not know. Married, a Duchess in her own right, even skillful enough to have...taken her own life into her hands. Yet somehow, there was still the little girl that could not say no outright to her mother.
She had hoped that the sun might warm the room far better than if she sat in the dank main hall or even in her chamber, but it was not to be. Clouds kept back the warmth from above and it looked to rain soon. Looking back to the work before her, she pinched her face into a frown before tossing it to the floor. Thankfully she was saved as a page moved into the room to announce the arrival of her Countess from Northumberland.
The aged Lady Æthelflæd moved into the solar with grace and did her best to offer a full bow to her Duchess. Agatha stood from her chair and raised a hand to see the older woman freed of her obedience, “You come just in time, Countess, and I thank you.”
“I should think that I do, my Lady,” Æthelflæd replied as she offered a tepid smile, “For there is much to discuss from my progress to the south.”
Agatha raised her fine brow, “Is there? I was to understand you to speak with Lord Hlothere from Mercia when down to Wareham.”
Lady Æthelflæd stood proudly, “I did, my Lady. I found it a very fruitful discussion in every way.”
The Duchess stepped back to the fire to warm her hands and kicked her knitting out of the way, “That is very strange. I had hope that your meet might mean a more robust word from my cousin...and yet, the letters do cease from her. What may this mean?”
“I be certain that the Lady Wulfrun continues to build her support for the cause,” Æthelflæd suggested, “It may take time and mayhap she has grown careful. I have some word that His Grace has sent his master of spies to these parts.”
“You mean the Prince Regent, surely,” Agatha turned quickly with a wicked smile, “And if he should think to find much of anything from this Lord Harold, then he is very much a poor representative of the King. You may know more about our Lord of Gloucester than I, Countess, but it does not take a fool to spot one.”
Æthelflæd gave a cautious nod, “You may know that I did think that it was the wrong son that inherited from the late Lord Eadmund, my Lady. I have very little thought of Lord Harold for neither he nor his father before him represents the House of Godwin in any way.”
“As your husband did?” Agatha offered a catty response before moving to poor herself some warm spiced ale.
The Countess was quiet for a time as she waited for her Lady to turn back and when Agatha did, the older woman stepped to her with a smile. She reached up and took a stray lock of the Duchess’ auburn hair to tuck it behind her ear as she finally answered, “My Lady, when you have been married for as long as I was, you will find that your husband may not always be everything that he can without your assistance. It does require close contact and a constant reinforcement of their ever shattered egos. I may say that I taught my husband well, but if Lord Cearl had issue, it was his constitution and no thing other.”
Agatha shook her head to let loose that stray lock and stepped away, “I think not that you answer my question. If your late husband was such a fine representative of the House of Godwin, why then would he marry your son to the King’s sister?”
“Petulance does not suit you, child,” the Countess answered as she dropped her smile.
“And you may not call me child!” Agatha turned on her again with a sharp glare, “I am your Lady and you would answer to me and no other!”
Æthelflæd did not let the anger stop her from replying with a stern brow as she moved to snatch the cup of ale from the girl’s hand, “You may have been too coddled as a child...my Lady...but there are some truths that you would learn before you continue on in your pursuits. And this drink will not help.”
With some shock, Agatha reached out to grab at her ale, “What mean you by this?!”
The Countess offered another smile as she slowly poured it to the floor in front of her Lady, “There is a much wider world out there than simply York. I be your sworn banner, there is no doubt. Yet all across these lands of Europe...bannermen find it an easy call to go against their Lord. Look you south to the Franks.”
Agatha stood forward with rage, “How dare you! I do not require a lesson in geography!”
“And I believe that you do, girl,” the aged Countess used her surprising strength as she held a hand to Agatha’s chest to stop her with force, “You may be my Lady, but if I am to serve you, I would do it well and these are things that you would know.”
The young Duchess was shocked at such a forceful response and had no words, so Æthelflæd threw the empty cup aside and kept at her strong push, “The King of France is a title by name only...the foolish men of Italia cannot find a considered thought between them...the infidel still reigns in Iberia because too strong Lords wish to kill each other rather than God’s own enemy...even the so called mighty Emperor in the German lands sees constant strife.”
The Duchess found a way to contain her rage as she looked down to the woman’s arm with a sharp glare, “You would unhand me.”
“Of course,” Æthelflæd stepped back with a returned smile, “Yet I must needs have your attention.”
“I do believe that you have it...Countess,” Agatha replied with scorn dripping from her lips.
“Good,” Æthelflæd answered quickly, “Then speak to me again why you have such wish to follow on with your cousin in Mercia.”
Agatha kept a steely gaze to the older woman as she spoke in sharp clipped words, “She does not wish a foreign King.”
“Ah...” the Countess held up a finger, “...you speak of the boy from Meissen.”
“You know that I do,” Agatha kept her acid tongue.
The Countess maintained her smile, “And yet, he be no boy at the now. As I know it, he is regent himself for his poor mother that rots away in a prison somewhere.”
The Duchess swiftly moved past the older woman in a huff, “I care not what he be at the now! It is too bad that our Queen suffers from the unjust plots of her own foreign ruler. I would not see it here! Why do you think that Lady Wulfrun pushes it so?!”
Æthelflæd offered a sheepish smile, “The Lady does have too much affection for our King. It is known by many. She would not wish to see any child born of this woman as our liege.”
“Surely you jest!” Agatha turned back to her with shock.
“I do not,” the Countess answered quickly, “And part the reason I must needs speak with you so.”
Agatha looked to the table with more ale upon it before turning her eyes back to the older woman, “You may then speak with a kinder tongue.”
“I would speak with the tongue that I possess, my Lady,” Æthelflæd continued to smile, “For you are no young girl anymore, but the Duchess of York, inheritor of the great Morcar the King. No petty pursuit would suit you for you should always strive for a grander ambition.”
“Do you not think placing Osric of Gloucester on the throne grand enough, Countess?” Agatha asked with a raised brow.
Æthelflæd stepped to her, “As I have said, I think him superior to his nephew Harold in every way...but I would remind you that this is the plot of Wulfrun in Mercia. Is it simply to thwart her nemesis, the Queen? Or is there something more?”
Agatha shouted in exasperation, “Do not speak riddles, woman...come out with it! Say what you will!”
“Very well,” the Countess put on a sharp face, “You may think that you have your history down, but I would give you yet one more lesson...though House Godwin did once reign supreme under the Confessor, that time did pass once came the invasion by the Bastard. It was House Hwicce that became ascendant in that time, both through the efforts of your great-grandfather and also his brother, Eadwin. Morcar the King did think himself superior to his brother, and yet it was the Lord Eadwin that marshaled the strength to place Eadgar the Ætheling on the throne. From that time since, it was the Hwicce in Mercia that believe themselves Kingmakers and your cousin would lose no chance at continuing that line.”
“Do you think that I...” Agatha began to say something with irritation and then realized that it would be saying too much. She thought for but a second before rephrasing her words, “...Would you think me too weak to counter her should I have need?”
“I do,” the Countess said with sharpness, “Have you considered her lands compared to your own?”
Agatha hrmphed before answering, “You may know that I have. It would be her strength that we may count upon if we are to do such a thing as this.”
“And if you were to go against the King alone?” Æthelflæd asked quickly.
“I could not go against this King alone,” the Duchess frowned, “Nor even his brothers. But the son? No one wishes this German son. I would place my levies against whatever he may scrounge for himself.”
The Countess raised a brow with a smile, “Rather bold of you, my Lady. I would remind you that this German Prince has brothers of his own and the might of Meissen behind him.”
“The might of Meissen?!” Agatha laughed, “Is there any? They have fought unending wars for twenty years, as I understand it. And the other Princes are no thing, from my hearing, just as their brother the heir.”
Æthelflæd gave an impressed nod, “I think you do well without the drink, my Lady. With a clear head, you may go far. I would wish to help you in any way as I do now.”
“By chastising me and showing me insolence?!” Agatha asked with her small hands upon her slim hips.
“Very much so,” the Countess grinned, “And to return to an earlier thought...so what if your cousin does not write? Mayhap she decides against her play. If you are prepared, as it sounds as though you are, then why not pursue fully for yourself? Mayhap there is more than one Hwicce that may play Kingmaker.”
Agatha moved back to the fire speaking over her shoulder, “If you think to play on my vanity, Countess, you would know that I have none of it.”
“You would have no need, my Lady, for you are a natural beauty in every way and require no reminders,” Æthelflæd stepped up behind her, “No...I play on your regard for your House. Your House. There is so much before you. With your husband, you may unite both Hwicce and de Normandie. And perchance, someday you might have a healthy girl child to pair with my grandson in Wareham. You may then join with the powerful Godwin claim...and so too Wessex through the King’s sister and my Eadweald’s mother.”
The Duchess turned slowly and wished to smile but did not. Instead, she gently arched a brow, “You would have this worked out well.”
Countess Æthelflæd grinned once more, “As I say, my Lady...I would serve you. There be no need to let your cousin in Mercia receive all of the glory.”
Well Agatha is given something of a talking to - which she no doubt needs. Thus far she seems to have tolerated the experience reasonably well - let us hope she keeps it up.
I always enjoy seeing setting information weaved into a scene in such a way as to advance the plot and give insight into the characters involved
Æthelflæd comes off very much as the sort of person who, to use an evocative if somewhat crude phrase, "doesn't have time for your bullshit." She's witnessed much in her years, seeing kings and powerful lords come and go, and by all accounts she's been an active (if relatively low-key) participant in the intrigues of the realm and of her former lieges and husband. She wants to use that knowledge to benefit her present lady and help her reclaim her lost greatness -- but she's not going to tolerate being bull-rushed and browbeaten into compliance, nor sugarcoat her uncomfortable truths just to avoid puncturing someone's overinflated ego.
And if there's anyone with an overinflated ego in the room, it's most certainly Agatha. I'm getting the vibe of someone who thinks she's naturally superior to everyone around her, never content with what she already has, impatient to get what she wants at the moment and easily irritable when it doesn't come quickly or easily enough, and quick to assume that anyone who contradicts her is doing so with an ulterior motive and must be "put in their place." And while we haven't encountered the specific scenario yet, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that when things do eventually go wrong (as they inevitably will in some way, at some point) she's quick to find fault with everyone and everything other than herself. I'll leave the professional diagnoses to @Asantahene, but all in all that strikes me as a very volatile and unhealthy mix of character traits, and if she doesn't learn to rein herself in she's going to get herself deep in hot water sooner rather than later.
Æthelflæd comes off very much as the sort of person who, to use an evocative if somewhat crude phrase, "doesn't have time for your bullshit." She's witnessed much in her years, seeing kings and powerful lords come and go, and by all accounts she's been an active (if relatively low-key) participant in the intrigues of the realm and of her former lieges and husband. She wants to use that knowledge to benefit her present lady and help her reclaim her lost greatness -- but she's not going to tolerate being bull-rushed and browbeaten into compliance, nor sugarcoat her uncomfortable truths just to avoid puncturing someone's overinflated ego.
And if there's anyone with an overinflated ego in the room, it's most certainly Agatha. I'm getting the vibe of someone who thinks she's naturally superior to everyone around her, never content with what she already has, impatient to get what she wants at the moment and easily irritable when it doesn't come quickly or easily enough, and quick to assume that anyone who contradicts her is doing so with an ulterior motive and must be "put in their place." And while we haven't encountered the specific scenario yet, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that when things do eventually go wrong (as they inevitably will in some way, at some point) she's quick to find fault with everyone and everything other than herself. I'll leave the professional diagnoses to @Asantahene, but all in all that strikes me as a very volatile and unhealthy mix of character traits, and if she doesn't learn to rein herself in she's going to get herself deep in hot water sooner rather than later.
Ambitious without sense is a recipe of one's destruction and if Agatha is not careful, she will bring it upon herself. That seems to be the warning here, and keeping with the idea that the House of York may be descended from Kings, but House Hwicce instead has become a true force in England. Crowns aren't everything.
Small hands and slim hips - making her seem less of a woman and more of a young girl here. Sly descriptions there @coz1
But perhaps she will listen. Or perhaps she will end up isolated when push comes to shove and unable to fulfill her ambition... or brought low by them.
Small hands and slim hips - making her seem less of a woman and more of a young girl here. Sly descriptions there @coz1
But perhaps she will listen. Or perhaps she will end up isolated when push comes to shove and unable to fulfill her ambition... or brought low by them.
Well that was a schooling was it not? And from an older, wiser woman who has seen it all. There is much that the Duchess may achieve if she can reign in her impetuousness (and psychopathy I have to add)
I, like @Specialist290, love how you have interwoven a whole lot of geopolitical information into this chapter and really brought us up to speed-bravo!
I, like @Specialist290, love how you have interwoven a whole lot of geopolitical information into this chapter and really brought us up to speed-bravo!
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Bravo on a swirling scene. For Agatha, despite the efforts of the older countess, pride cometh before the fall. One can only hope so, anyway. I want to see this thoroughly villainous patricide in chains in someone’s dungeon, having overreached and then given a vengeful (insert name of relevant nemesis) the opportunity to put her in her place. Which is in the oubliette!
I think she is travelling in one direction: an eventual reckoning for her sins, cruelties, arrogance and pretension. But she will create much mayhem before that comes to pass - in every way. Which should be entertaining.
I think she is travelling in one direction: an eventual reckoning for her sins, cruelties, arrogance and pretension. But she will create much mayhem before that comes to pass - in every way. Which should be entertaining.
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As for Agatha.... I really cannot say more at this time.
To all - So happy that this scene worked so well. It was quite fun to write. The venom spewing from both ladies was flowing off the page and into my lap. And it is not likely to get any kinder in the the future. The next scene arrives tomorrow and has a bit of a surprise to it which I hope you will like. And then after that, we will continue on with this back and forth in the plotting. I have reached over 100 pages in the document already and there is still a long way to go. And lots of good stuff coming up too. I really hope you enjoy.
Thank you for your steadfast readership and always interesting and well considered comments. They do keep me going.
I admit, I was skeptical that this could work given how Agatha so far has reacted to things, but I went into it with a certain "Queen of Thorns" type attitude and there was little Agatha could do save watch in awe as the older woman schooled her. It was fun.
Indeed, Æthelflæd has been around for quite some time but I never felt the need to highlight her until now. I think she has finally ripened. And while the Countess may wish to help Agatha, what she really wants is to help herself even more. For nearly all of the time that she was married to Cearl those many years ago, she was always in Northumberland rather than Dorset. She craves that Duchy from York more than anything (recall that the Dukes of York are also the Dukes of Northumberland.)I always enjoy seeing setting information weaved into a scene in such a way as to advance the plot and give insight into the characters involved
Æthelflæd comes off very much as the sort of person who, to use an evocative if somewhat crude phrase, "doesn't have time for your bullshit." She's witnessed much in her years, seeing kings and powerful lords come and go, and by all accounts she's been an active (if relatively low-key) participant in the intrigues of the realm and of her former lieges and husband. She wants to use that knowledge to benefit her present lady and help her reclaim her lost greatness -- but she's not going to tolerate being bull-rushed and browbeaten into compliance, nor sugarcoat her uncomfortable truths just to avoid puncturing someone's overinflated ego.
And if there's anyone with an overinflated ego in the room, it's most certainly Agatha. I'm getting the vibe of someone who thinks she's naturally superior to everyone around her, never content with what she already has, impatient to get what she wants at the moment and easily irritable when it doesn't come quickly or easily enough, and quick to assume that anyone who contradicts her is doing so with an ulterior motive and must be "put in their place." And while we haven't encountered the specific scenario yet, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that when things do eventually go wrong (as they inevitably will in some way, at some point) she's quick to find fault with everyone and everything other than herself. I'll leave the professional diagnoses to @Asantahene, but all in all that strikes me as a very volatile and unhealthy mix of character traits, and if she doesn't learn to rein herself in she's going to get herself deep in hot water sooner rather than later.
As for Agatha...
. I really cannot say more at this time. House Hwicce really has grown large, and not just in land within Mercia. They are all important now, second only to the royal House itself. And I'm pleased that description of Agatha works. It is fitting for her, I think. Dainty but with a massive ambition that may not match her physical size.
There is likely still not enough info on Agatha yet for a full diagnosis, but there is something there inside her. And I am glad some of the maps and what not worked. While steadily moving forward, there are still some bits and pieces that new readers might need to get fully up to speed. This seemed an appropriate way to do it.
I cannot say yet what will happen with Agatha, but I promise you it will indeed be entertaining.Bravo on a swirling scene. For Agatha, despite the efforts of the older countess, pride cometh before the fall. One can only hope so, anyway. I want to see this thoroughly villainous patricide in chains in someone’s dungeon, having overreached and then given a vengeful (insert name of relevant nemesis) the opportunity to put her in her place. Which is in the oubliette!
I think she is travelling in one direction: an eventual reckoning for her sins, cruelties, arrogance and pretension. But she will create much mayhem before that comes to pass - in every way. Which should be entertaining.
To all - So happy that this scene worked so well. It was quite fun to write. The venom spewing from both ladies was flowing off the page and into my lap. And it is not likely to get any kinder in the the future. The next scene arrives tomorrow and has a bit of a surprise to it which I hope you will like. And then after that, we will continue on with this back and forth in the plotting. I have reached over 100 pages in the document already and there is still a long way to go. And lots of good stuff coming up too. I really hope you enjoy.
Thank you for your steadfast readership and always interesting and well considered comments. They do keep me going.
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Agatha might be a murderer and schemer, but she is still but a young girl, with little experience in the real world. The countess talks without filter, but the young duchess surely needs it.