Chapter 6.6
4 October 989 Gloucester
Candles flickered in the cool autumn breeze that crept in through the opened windows. The appetizing smell of a freshly cooked meal filled the chamber. Servants stood along the wall waiting to serve the man and women eating at the table.
Eilif was savoring every bite of food. Most of all, however he was enjoying the quiet and cherishing the privacy of being with only one other person.
Eilif looked at his companion, “This is the first moment that I have truly had the chance to relax and enjoy good company since my arrival here in Gloucester four days ago.”
The woman seated across from him smiled and replied, “You honor me, Your Highness, that you would spend such a special time with me.”
Eilif said, “No you honor me. I have been very neglect in spending time with you.”
The woman responded, “You are king and have many more important things to occupy your time than I.”
Eilif said, “Do not think less of yourself Maria Ingemarsdotir. Yes, I am king and I should have called upon you more often.”
Maria replied, “Ingemarsdoitor, that is a name I have not heard in many a good year. Many have forgotten who was my father, the the former Jarl of Northumberland. Those who do remember him want no reminders of him.”
Eilif said, “What happened was not your fault and it was not your father’s either. He fell under the control of a dark power and could not help himself. I know it pained my father greatly to lose him as a friend and counselor.”
Maria said, “Thank you milord for your kind words and understanding.”
Eilif said, “We have know one another far too long to allow a name to pass judgement.”
Maria replied with a wicked smile, “Yes we have known each other.”
Eilif finished his meal and a servant removed the plates. Another servant refilled his goblet with wine. Maria also finished and her plate was removed and she was given more wine.
Eilif leaned back in his chair and took a few sips of wine. “If I have one more meeting I think I will lose my mind. Since my arrival it has been meeting after meeting.”
Maria said, “What is so concerning that the king must address it?”
Eilif replied, “Fear.”
Maria asked, “Fear of what?”
Eilif replied, “Heretics, raiders from the sea, things that go bump in the night. Fear of King Ealdmund of England for example.”
Maria said, “Ealdmund? Why would any fear him?”
Eilif replied, “Weak and unsure mayors, bishops, and barons. The Welsh of Gwent, Glamorgan, Powys, and Dyfed see hordes of English invading their lands to press Ealdmund’s claim for the Jarldom of Deheubarth. They still remember the legend of my father and the Welsh farm. They look upon the crown of Jorvik as their protectors from their old enemies. Count Padern of Glamorgan and particularly Count Þorgil know that we would defeat the English.”
Eilif did not continue with his thoughts out loud.
It would be a long and bloody victory. It is a cost that I would prefer not to have to pay. I remember marching through Scotland. The ruined farms and villages. The dead and the disease. The land that took many years to recover. Any war with England will subject our border counties to the same fate. Those who cry the loudest for war will then be weeping and blaming me as their fields run red with blood and fires rage across the land.
Maria said, “They are fools. Ealdmund could care less about the Welsh. His attention lies with Northumberland, Mercia, and East Anglia.”
Eilif smiled, “I have long missed our political discussions”
Maria returned the smiled and raised her goblet to Eilif, “I too have missed them.”
Eilif said, “Your alusterious Count here in Gloucester, Rögnvaldr too has a problem with England. Although I suspect it more about gaining support for backing his claim on the County of Oxford.”
Maria said, “Rögnvaldr is dangerous. He is a man who will go to great lengths to obtain what he wants.”
Eilif said, “Yes, I am aware of his methods. Cyneswith lived in fear of his threats on her family for many years. I will not forgive him for that. I will never aid him in any venture.
Maria said, “That is why he is again conspiring with those who wish to increase the power of the council.”
Eilif smiled, “That comical lot. Little good it will do him.”
Maria said, “I fear you take them too lightly.”
Eilif said, “Why shouldn’t I? Their leader is Count Cytelbearn. His little County of Mann can raise maybe 450 troops. Rögnvaldr on a good day might be able to raise 600 levies. That is not much of force to challenge me.”
Maria asked, “What of Jarl Leofweald of Northumberland?”
Eilif said, “Even with his 1500 levies they still would have a difficult time of it. Leofweald holds a grudge against me because he feels that I did not aid him enough against the revolt of Count Markus.”
Maria asked, “What of your Spymaster Count Siweard joining with them? Having a trusted member of your Council plotting against you should be a concern.”
Eilif answered, “Siweard and I don't always see eye to eye and joining the faction is his way to show his displeasure with me. I know his loyalty is true.”
Maria said, “I feel you play a dangerous game with him. You should fire him.”
Eilif said, “Do not concern yourself with Siweard. He is right where I want him.”
Maria said, “One you should be concerned with is Countess Maria of Hereford.”
Eilif asked, “Why do you say so?”
Maria replied, “Her new husband Thurfrith, the widower of Cyneswith. His hatred of you is well known. He resents you for your affair with Cyneswith. He would not try anything when Cynewsith was alive as he feared her. Now as Maria’s husband he poisons her against you. Joining a faction may be the least troublesome thing she does.”
Eilif said, “It was good that when he married Maria he was removed as regent to Count Ealdmund of Bedford and as guardian of my daughter. If he stayed there much longer Bedford would have become a problem and I would have lost any chance with Judith.”
Maria then smiled seductively and said, “Enough of this talk of politics. I don’t believe you invited me here to talk about the kingdom. Now did you?”
Eilif smiled and replied, “Of course not.”
Maria rose and walked around the table to Eilif. She took his hand and he rose from his seat. With a devilish look in her eyes she lead him toward the bed chambers.
