Whiteshirts of England: A History of the Hvitserk Dynasty of Jorvik AAR
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Well, this is not going to help the anxiety of the king. Will he be able to get his revenge on Connachta though if there's no definite link...
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How is the title Count different from Jarl? I thought they were the same level in CK2?
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I was confused the first time I came across Jarl.
In CKII Count = Earl. Count is used pretty much by everyone but the English (Anglo-Saxon)
Duke = Jarl. Jarl is used by the Nordic rulers.
At first I was confusing Earl with Jarl.
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At one point in the future Eilif will realize how much he has lost.
Yes he did. Now Eilif has to deal with his daughter.
The next couple of sub chapters will add some more anxiety.
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Chapter 6.11.4 June 996 Gainsborough, County of Lincoln
22 June 996 Gainsborough, County of Lincoln
Sunlight streamed into the room from the windows. It had been many years since the drapes had been drawn open. Dust mites floated and danced in the rays of sunlight. Dust and neglect were all about the room despite a through cleaning done by the servants.
In the spartan room Count Siweard sat in an old chair. A chair the count swore whose stuffing had long turned to dust. The chair was at an angle to the table that the count used as a desk. The count rested one arm on the table and in the other he held a cup of ale. Across the table sat Jarl Anlaufr of Powys and the young Jarl Ælfweard of East Anglia. Both men drank ale from the cups they were holding.
Siweard said, “I apologize for the lack of wine. It appears that since I have been away from Gainsborough for so many years that the wine in cellar has either evaporated or turned to vinegar. Since no one knew when I would return they neglected to purchase more. But at least there is ale.”
Siweard raised his cup in a toast. Anlaufr and Ælfweard followed suit.
Siweard said, “I have been in Jorvik or traveling to Scotland or Ireland or England, and least not forget Paris and Rome coming back to Gainsborough does feel strange and unwelcoming. My second son Oswulf has done such a wonderful job as regent I feel many resent the fact that I am here.”
Siweard drained his cup. He reached for the pitcher on the table and filled the cup. He took a quick sip.
“Well they are just going to have to get used to me being here for the time being. For reasons I know not I am no longer in favor with our king. He ignores my reports and recommendations as of late. I feel that another has his ear and feeds him lies about me and my efforts.”
Anlaufr asked, “Is the hunchbacked woman you speak of?”
Almost choking on his ale Ælfweard asked, “Hunchbacked woman?”
Anlaufr replied, “As of late a young woman with a hunchback has been seen sneaking in and out of Eilif’s chambers. At first many rumored that she was his newest lover. However, her appearance did not match other women Eilif has lusted after. Given Lady Ingrid’s jealous streak few think Eilif would risk another affair. Some have offered that she is a private spy Eilif has been employing .”
Ælfweard asked, “Private spy?”
Anlaufr said, “Yes, a few swear Count Þorgil engaged her services during the Irish wars and during the unpleasantness with Queen Rimeot.”
Siweard answered, “The king is now listening to this charlatan. Those who have been envious of my poweress and influence with the king are ensuring Eilif listens to her.”
“Are you aware Eilif now believes that the information I provided to him about the English involvement with Gilla-Ruad was incorrect and over induldged? He is of the mind that there was no plot to trick Ealdmund into declaring war. That it was just some of Jarl Leofweald’s relative repaying favors for the Jarl of Northumberland. He even questioned whether there ever was a plot by Þegen Hereberht of Warwick to kidnap Prince Hlothere.”
“These lies have all been spread by my enemies in the court.”
Anlaufr said, “I have heard about his beliefs about the English involvement and have expressed my concerns regarding that topic. Just as he has every time I mention the dangers posed by England he dismisses it out of hand.”
Ælfweard said, “It is fine for him to dismiss the threat. He sits in Jorvik, many, many leagues from the English. Those of us on the borders are the ones who bear the brunt of any war. Over the past few years my regents have uncovered several English earls trying to fabricate claims to my jarldom.”
Siweard said, “He has now ignored the advice I have long given him to regarding Jarl Leofweald and Countess Maria of Hereford and gifted them large sums of gold for their allegiance. Once the luster on that gold has faded they will turn on him like a serpent in the dark.”
Anlaufr said, “I agree. I do not trust those two either.”
Siweard said, “I understand that Eilif tired of his son Rædwald and his antics and sent him back to his mother.”
Anlaufr said, “Yes, when I began this current tour of the kingdom I first had to escort Rædwald to Ludlow. The effort to groom Rædwald to be king ended mostly in failure. The boy excelled in learning history and writing. His weapons training did not go so well. The way he acted toward others put many people off. They felt he was too haughty. Many times he embarrassed Eilif. The worst was a couple of weeks before Eilif sent him to Ludlow. It came during an audience with a envoy from the Kingdom of Galicia. The envoy was so insulted that he stormed out of the meeting. It took days before the envoy would return and he would only do so if Rædwald was not present.”
Siweard said, “I fear for the kingdom the day Rædwald becomes king.”
Anlaufr said, “I too.”
Ælfweard asked, “Do you think Eilif or Rædwald knew about Eadhild’s plans regarding Hereberht?”
Siweard, “I cannot see how either of them did not know or suspect something.”
Ælfweard asked, “And they did nothing?”
Anlaufr replied, “Having Hereberht dead removes a pretender to the crown for both of them.”
Ælfweard said, “There are many who will not forget their involvement.”
Siweard said, “This is all speculation. There is no evidence that Eadhild had him killed. Only rumor and innuendo.”
Anlaufr said, “Whether there is proof or not people will believe what they want and the feeling is going against the King and Crown Prince.”
Ælfweard asked, “What can we do?”
Siweard replied, “Perhaps Count Ingólfr of Leicester is not quite the lunatic that many have been accusing him of being.”
Anlaufr said, “You may be correct. For the good of the kingdom it is time that the Council had more power so that it can exercise some restraint over Eilif and prevent Rædwald from destroying the kingdom once he becomes king.”
Siweard said, “Count Rögnvaldr of Gloucester has expressed his desire to also join such a cause.”
Anlaufr asked, “Why the change of heart with Rögnvaldr?”
Siweard answered, “Since Eilif and Leofweald are now on friendly terms Rögnvaldr wants nothing to do with Eilif. He feels the king has betrayed him.”
Anlaufr said, “With our three levies, and those of Count Ingólfr and Count Rögnvaldr we represent a formidable force. However, it may not be enough. We could still use a lord or two.”
Siweard said, “There are not many left to choice from. We can discount my son Cytelbearn. Since Eilif appointed him Jarl of Mann he worships Eilif.”
Anlaufr said, “That leaves us with Count Padern of Glamorgan and Countess Sif of Gwent.”
Ælfweard asked, “What of Count Hrolfr of Westmoreland?”
Anlaufr replied, “Hrolfr is too busy trying to find support for himself to become king. Nothing else matters to him.”
Siweard said, “Traditionally Westmoreland lords have always been against the king but only for themselves. They do not cooperate with others. It is a tradition going back to Count Ragnarr the Evil and Jarl Sigrið I of the Petty Kingdom of Jorvik.”
After a few moments of silence as each man contemplated their decision Siweard spoke, “So it is decided that we will throw our lot in with Ingólfr in an effort to increase the power of the king’s council.”
Anlaufr and Ælfweard responded, “Yes.”
Anlaufr added, “God forgive us and help us and the kingdom.”
Sunlight streamed into the room from the windows. It had been many years since the drapes had been drawn open. Dust mites floated and danced in the rays of sunlight. Dust and neglect were all about the room despite a through cleaning done by the servants.
In the spartan room Count Siweard sat in an old chair. A chair the count swore whose stuffing had long turned to dust. The chair was at an angle to the table that the count used as a desk. The count rested one arm on the table and in the other he held a cup of ale. Across the table sat Jarl Anlaufr of Powys and the young Jarl Ælfweard of East Anglia. Both men drank ale from the cups they were holding.
Siweard said, “I apologize for the lack of wine. It appears that since I have been away from Gainsborough for so many years that the wine in cellar has either evaporated or turned to vinegar. Since no one knew when I would return they neglected to purchase more. But at least there is ale.”
Siweard raised his cup in a toast. Anlaufr and Ælfweard followed suit.
Siweard said, “I have been in Jorvik or traveling to Scotland or Ireland or England, and least not forget Paris and Rome coming back to Gainsborough does feel strange and unwelcoming. My second son Oswulf has done such a wonderful job as regent I feel many resent the fact that I am here.”
Siweard drained his cup. He reached for the pitcher on the table and filled the cup. He took a quick sip.
“Well they are just going to have to get used to me being here for the time being. For reasons I know not I am no longer in favor with our king. He ignores my reports and recommendations as of late. I feel that another has his ear and feeds him lies about me and my efforts.”
Anlaufr asked, “Is the hunchbacked woman you speak of?”
Almost choking on his ale Ælfweard asked, “Hunchbacked woman?”
Anlaufr replied, “As of late a young woman with a hunchback has been seen sneaking in and out of Eilif’s chambers. At first many rumored that she was his newest lover. However, her appearance did not match other women Eilif has lusted after. Given Lady Ingrid’s jealous streak few think Eilif would risk another affair. Some have offered that she is a private spy Eilif has been employing .”
Ælfweard asked, “Private spy?”
Anlaufr said, “Yes, a few swear Count Þorgil engaged her services during the Irish wars and during the unpleasantness with Queen Rimeot.”
Siweard answered, “The king is now listening to this charlatan. Those who have been envious of my poweress and influence with the king are ensuring Eilif listens to her.”
“Are you aware Eilif now believes that the information I provided to him about the English involvement with Gilla-Ruad was incorrect and over induldged? He is of the mind that there was no plot to trick Ealdmund into declaring war. That it was just some of Jarl Leofweald’s relative repaying favors for the Jarl of Northumberland. He even questioned whether there ever was a plot by Þegen Hereberht of Warwick to kidnap Prince Hlothere.”
“These lies have all been spread by my enemies in the court.”
Anlaufr said, “I have heard about his beliefs about the English involvement and have expressed my concerns regarding that topic. Just as he has every time I mention the dangers posed by England he dismisses it out of hand.”
Ælfweard said, “It is fine for him to dismiss the threat. He sits in Jorvik, many, many leagues from the English. Those of us on the borders are the ones who bear the brunt of any war. Over the past few years my regents have uncovered several English earls trying to fabricate claims to my jarldom.”
Siweard said, “He has now ignored the advice I have long given him to regarding Jarl Leofweald and Countess Maria of Hereford and gifted them large sums of gold for their allegiance. Once the luster on that gold has faded they will turn on him like a serpent in the dark.”
Anlaufr said, “I agree. I do not trust those two either.”
Siweard said, “I understand that Eilif tired of his son Rædwald and his antics and sent him back to his mother.”
Anlaufr said, “Yes, when I began this current tour of the kingdom I first had to escort Rædwald to Ludlow. The effort to groom Rædwald to be king ended mostly in failure. The boy excelled in learning history and writing. His weapons training did not go so well. The way he acted toward others put many people off. They felt he was too haughty. Many times he embarrassed Eilif. The worst was a couple of weeks before Eilif sent him to Ludlow. It came during an audience with a envoy from the Kingdom of Galicia. The envoy was so insulted that he stormed out of the meeting. It took days before the envoy would return and he would only do so if Rædwald was not present.”
Siweard said, “I fear for the kingdom the day Rædwald becomes king.”
Anlaufr said, “I too.”
Ælfweard asked, “Do you think Eilif or Rædwald knew about Eadhild’s plans regarding Hereberht?”
Siweard, “I cannot see how either of them did not know or suspect something.”
Ælfweard asked, “And they did nothing?”
Anlaufr replied, “Having Hereberht dead removes a pretender to the crown for both of them.”
Ælfweard said, “There are many who will not forget their involvement.”
Siweard said, “This is all speculation. There is no evidence that Eadhild had him killed. Only rumor and innuendo.”
Anlaufr said, “Whether there is proof or not people will believe what they want and the feeling is going against the King and Crown Prince.”
Ælfweard asked, “What can we do?”
Siweard replied, “Perhaps Count Ingólfr of Leicester is not quite the lunatic that many have been accusing him of being.”
Anlaufr said, “You may be correct. For the good of the kingdom it is time that the Council had more power so that it can exercise some restraint over Eilif and prevent Rædwald from destroying the kingdom once he becomes king.”
Siweard said, “Count Rögnvaldr of Gloucester has expressed his desire to also join such a cause.”
Anlaufr asked, “Why the change of heart with Rögnvaldr?”
Siweard answered, “Since Eilif and Leofweald are now on friendly terms Rögnvaldr wants nothing to do with Eilif. He feels the king has betrayed him.”
Anlaufr said, “With our three levies, and those of Count Ingólfr and Count Rögnvaldr we represent a formidable force. However, it may not be enough. We could still use a lord or two.”
Siweard said, “There are not many left to choice from. We can discount my son Cytelbearn. Since Eilif appointed him Jarl of Mann he worships Eilif.”
Anlaufr said, “That leaves us with Count Padern of Glamorgan and Countess Sif of Gwent.”
Ælfweard asked, “What of Count Hrolfr of Westmoreland?”
Anlaufr replied, “Hrolfr is too busy trying to find support for himself to become king. Nothing else matters to him.”
Siweard said, “Traditionally Westmoreland lords have always been against the king but only for themselves. They do not cooperate with others. It is a tradition going back to Count Ragnarr the Evil and Jarl Sigrið I of the Petty Kingdom of Jorvik.”
After a few moments of silence as each man contemplated their decision Siweard spoke, “So it is decided that we will throw our lot in with Ingólfr in an effort to increase the power of the king’s council.”
Anlaufr and Ælfweard responded, “Yes.”
Anlaufr added, “God forgive us and help us and the kingdom.”
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Paranoid and plotting (though they kind of go hand and hand after a while). So now Rædwald already develops enemies, (seems like he's a dreaded high learning character who can't lead armies, doesn't get diplomacy points and can't hold a lot of land due to low stewardship). Yet another thing that is likely to provoke a reaction from the king - he's going to be seeing enemies all around him.
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This feels like a much more dangerous conspiracy than some others have been.
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And so the storm clouds do gather as they always must when weak princes are set to inherit...the question is whether they will wait to launch their dastardly plan. Game mechanics suggest not
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Rædwald is as average as they come. None of his ratings are over 6 (Diplomacy and Learning). I fear for his demesne and how much he will have to give up. This does not bode well for Eilif as there always be maunvering as vassals want to be in a position to exert themselves when a weak Rædwald takes the throne.
This conspiracy was the most dangerous to date. At the save file date I used for this subchapter the faction had a strength of 93%. One or two joining the faction was all that was needed. Eilif had to use the best tools he had; gold and appointments.
The clouds are definitely gathering. Rædwald may eventually bear the brunt of his weakness in the future but the thought of him being king is creating some havoc for Eilif now.
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Chapter 6.11.5 May 997 Richmond
24 May 997 Richmond
Alone in his study the shadows seem to reach out in an attempt to snare the king. The only light that penetrated the gloom came through the balcony doors that the king stood before. As he had many times before he marveled at the various hues of reds and oranges mingled in the sunset sky. Far off in the distance he head the call of some birds.
In the palace full of people Eilif felt truly alone.
Long time friends have deserted and turned on us. First Ingólfr turned. His greed consumed him. Ate at his mind until he began to believe that he was the hero in the poems he wrote. In his mind he is the great Jarl of Mercia or the mighty King of Norge. He schemes with others to make me bow to the council. He neglects his duties as Steward. Many rightfully so call him a lunatic. We would enjoy removing him from Council but many would see such a move wrongly and accuse us of being tyrannical. In other times we would care but we need the lords’ cooperation and their levies.
Next Anlaufr strayed from us. Long he has served us. First in the Jarldom of Lancaster and now here in Jorvik. He has always resented that we have not declared a war on England and brought King Ealdmund to his knees. He has never understood that we cannot risk a war with the English until we are sure we can defeat them. A long drawn out war will do more harm to the kingdom and while we may defeat England we may not be in a position to defend ourselves from others such as Aquitaine or Norge. He could not wait a little longer. One more war and we will be ready for England. Our gold did bring him back to us but now we will always have doubts about his sincerity.
Lastly is Siweard. His change has hurt us the deepest. Siweard who stood with my father through many trials. The man who has been alongside us since the beginning. The one person that we never had to question his loyalty. Even when in the early years of our reign he seemed to join with the dissenters he did so out of loyalty. He spied on them and kept watch on them as we had planned. This is different. There is no plan. We fear he now sees plots and schemes everywhere and has come to trust no one even his oldest friends. The great scheme involving Gilla-Ruad was not as grand as he laid out. It was only Jarl Leofweald and his relatives trying to trick us into declaring war on England. Perhaps he has been Spymaster far too long. He has become paranoid. Offering gold will only insultant him.
We now have a council full of advisors whose advice we can no longer trust. We are truly alone and must act accordingly.
We no longer have Maria Ingemarsdotir as we no longer desire one another. Distance and age have separated us for once and all. We will cherish the moments we had together but there will be no more. She will grow old with her husband and children.
Mayor Arthwys has left us and gone to God several months ago. They say it was his heart. In him we have a lost a great general who won many battles for us. Without him and Þorgil there are no truly skilled commanders to lead our armies. When war comes, whom shall we turn to, who can we trust?
Even our son Rædwald has become a disappointment to us. Trying to groom him to assume the kingship when we are no longer among the living did not go well. He constantly acted as if he was above all others and did not have to listen to his tutors and elders. This made for many unpleasant outcomes. Hopefully time and maturity will direct him to change. Otherwise he will have a difficult reign.
Wallowing in his self pity Eilif barely noticed Dyre and a messenger enter the room. Slowly Eilif turned to face them.
Drye spoke, “Your Highness pardon the interruption but this messenger has come from Nassau.”
Eilif asked, “King Karl III of East Francia?”
The messenger replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”
Eilif said, “Thank you Dyre.”
Eilif looked at the messenger.
The messenger spoke, “Your Highness I bring sad tidings from King Karl of East Francia. Your sister and widow of Prince Norbert, Princess Bodil went to God on March 18th.”
Stunned Eilif asked, “How did she pass?”
The messenger replied, “From complications from the gout she suffered from.”
Eilif nodded and the messenger continued, “She was buried alongside her husband . King Karl sends his deepest sympathies.”
The messenger then handed Eilif the scroll he was holding.
Eilif said, “Thank you.”
The messenger and Dyre bowed and left the room.
Eilif sat down in his chair behind his desk. He placed his left elbow on the desk and covered his eyes with his left hand.
Poor Bodil. I remember your joy when you went off to your marriage to Prince Norbert. The expectations of many children you had. But alas that did come to pass as Norbert was taken from you eight long years ago.
Ingrid entered the room. Dyre had told her of Bodil’s passing and she rushed to him. She hugged him as he sat in his chair. He hugged her back and buried his head in her chest. The tears came freely now.
I am now truly alone. I am all that remains of my father.
Alone in his study the shadows seem to reach out in an attempt to snare the king. The only light that penetrated the gloom came through the balcony doors that the king stood before. As he had many times before he marveled at the various hues of reds and oranges mingled in the sunset sky. Far off in the distance he head the call of some birds.
In the palace full of people Eilif felt truly alone.
Long time friends have deserted and turned on us. First Ingólfr turned. His greed consumed him. Ate at his mind until he began to believe that he was the hero in the poems he wrote. In his mind he is the great Jarl of Mercia or the mighty King of Norge. He schemes with others to make me bow to the council. He neglects his duties as Steward. Many rightfully so call him a lunatic. We would enjoy removing him from Council but many would see such a move wrongly and accuse us of being tyrannical. In other times we would care but we need the lords’ cooperation and their levies.
Next Anlaufr strayed from us. Long he has served us. First in the Jarldom of Lancaster and now here in Jorvik. He has always resented that we have not declared a war on England and brought King Ealdmund to his knees. He has never understood that we cannot risk a war with the English until we are sure we can defeat them. A long drawn out war will do more harm to the kingdom and while we may defeat England we may not be in a position to defend ourselves from others such as Aquitaine or Norge. He could not wait a little longer. One more war and we will be ready for England. Our gold did bring him back to us but now we will always have doubts about his sincerity.
Lastly is Siweard. His change has hurt us the deepest. Siweard who stood with my father through many trials. The man who has been alongside us since the beginning. The one person that we never had to question his loyalty. Even when in the early years of our reign he seemed to join with the dissenters he did so out of loyalty. He spied on them and kept watch on them as we had planned. This is different. There is no plan. We fear he now sees plots and schemes everywhere and has come to trust no one even his oldest friends. The great scheme involving Gilla-Ruad was not as grand as he laid out. It was only Jarl Leofweald and his relatives trying to trick us into declaring war on England. Perhaps he has been Spymaster far too long. He has become paranoid. Offering gold will only insultant him.
We now have a council full of advisors whose advice we can no longer trust. We are truly alone and must act accordingly.
We no longer have Maria Ingemarsdotir as we no longer desire one another. Distance and age have separated us for once and all. We will cherish the moments we had together but there will be no more. She will grow old with her husband and children.
Mayor Arthwys has left us and gone to God several months ago. They say it was his heart. In him we have a lost a great general who won many battles for us. Without him and Þorgil there are no truly skilled commanders to lead our armies. When war comes, whom shall we turn to, who can we trust?
Even our son Rædwald has become a disappointment to us. Trying to groom him to assume the kingship when we are no longer among the living did not go well. He constantly acted as if he was above all others and did not have to listen to his tutors and elders. This made for many unpleasant outcomes. Hopefully time and maturity will direct him to change. Otherwise he will have a difficult reign.
Wallowing in his self pity Eilif barely noticed Dyre and a messenger enter the room. Slowly Eilif turned to face them.
Drye spoke, “Your Highness pardon the interruption but this messenger has come from Nassau.”
Eilif asked, “King Karl III of East Francia?”
The messenger replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”
Eilif said, “Thank you Dyre.”
Eilif looked at the messenger.
The messenger spoke, “Your Highness I bring sad tidings from King Karl of East Francia. Your sister and widow of Prince Norbert, Princess Bodil went to God on March 18th.”
Stunned Eilif asked, “How did she pass?”
The messenger replied, “From complications from the gout she suffered from.”
Eilif nodded and the messenger continued, “She was buried alongside her husband . King Karl sends his deepest sympathies.”
The messenger then handed Eilif the scroll he was holding.
Eilif said, “Thank you.”
The messenger and Dyre bowed and left the room.
Eilif sat down in his chair behind his desk. He placed his left elbow on the desk and covered his eyes with his left hand.
Poor Bodil. I remember your joy when you went off to your marriage to Prince Norbert. The expectations of many children you had. But alas that did come to pass as Norbert was taken from you eight long years ago.
Ingrid entered the room. Dyre had told her of Bodil’s passing and she rushed to him. She hugged him as he sat in his chair. He hugged her back and buried his head in her chest. The tears came freely now.
I am now truly alone. I am all that remains of my father.
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And now the king is mired in his grief and a sense of abandonment-not a good place to rule methinks. He had best get his head out of the melancholia soon or his fractious lords will do it for him
A well written and poignant scene that really conveyed the king's gloom and sense of loneliness
A well written and poignant scene that really conveyed the king's gloom and sense of loneliness
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Eilif's star started burning so brightly... but now it dims and perhaps burns out? It would not be uncommon for medieval rulers to have great success in their youth, only to find the later half of their rules decidedly less enjoyable. Henry II especially comes to mind there.
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He has reached that point where the world is no longer the world he knew.
Thank you for the praise. After all that has recently occurred I think Eilif has had to rethink many things and learn that life is not the easy ride he had. In the coming chapters he does recover some of his old vigor.
As I said before once the "Groomed to Perfection" modifier expired things started to go downhill. Now Eilif has to work for respect and glory.
As they say he is going to grab the bull by the horns soon. But life has a way of ruining things,
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Chapter 6.12.1 October 997 Jorvik
Chapter 6.12
20 October 997 Jorvik
The throne room had been prepared in all of its eloquence. Tapestries of all the rulers of Jorvik hung between the windows. From the rafters hung banners of all the jarldoms and several counties of the kingdom. The throne rested atop a dias made of stone with four steps. Behind the throne on the wall hung the banner of the kingdom of Jorvik.
The room was crowded this day. It had been several years since a royal ceremony had attracted this many guests. Those in attendance were arrayed according to their importance to the crown. On the left at the front stood the council. The top advisors to the king were Marshal Jarl Anlaufr of Powys, Chancellor Hjalmar Haraldrsson Akra, Spymaster Count Siweard of Lincoln, and Court Chaplin Arni. To everyone’s surprise Count Ingólfr of Leicester, the Steward was in attendance. It had been several years since he had set foot in Jorvik when the king was present.
Beside the counsellors were Jarl Leofweald of Northumbria, Jarl Ælfweard of East Anglia, Count Æthelweald of Gloucester. These were the vassals that were ruled directly by the King of Jorvik. Next were the representatives from Scotland, Connachta, Ulaidh, and Tír Eoghain.
Across the alise at the front were the king’s commanders. They were Jarl Cytelbearn of Mann, Bishop Hrolfr of Burton, Bishop Sturla of Worcester, Mayor Olafr of Macclesfield, Mayor Ivor of Carmarthen. Count Siweard was also a commander but he stood with the Counselors.
Then came the vassals who were ruled under the king by him also being their jarl. From the Jarldom of Lancaster was Count Hrolfr of Westmoreland. Countess Maria of Hereford was a vassal of the Jarldom of Mercia. Vassals from the Jarldom of Deheubarth were Countess Sif of Gwent and Count Padern of Glamorgan.
A solitary man marched slowly down the aisle toward the throne. At the foot of dias he stopped and turned to face the audience, In his right hand he held a metal staff. He banged the staff on the stone floor until the room was silent.
The crier then called out, “All hail, Eilif, King of Jorvik.”
At that moment all in the room took a knee. Eilif entered the room followed by Prince Rædwald, Prince Hlothere, Prince Sigfrið, and Princess Bodil. Once they reached the dias the princes and princess moved to their left and stood with the Counselors. Eilif ascended the dias. At the throne he turned and faced the gathering. After a moment he sat upon the throne. Once the king was seated the audience stood.
Eilif spoke, “Count Ingólfr, What is the status of the consumption epidemic?”
Ingólfr stepped forward and said, “There is little of change to report, Sire. The epidemic began in Lincoln in June. It has since spread to Norfolk, Suffolk, Northampton, and Essex. The hospitals in East Anglia are aiding the sick. Where there are no hospitals the death toll rises.”
Eilif said, “Thank you Count Ingólfr.” Ingólfr stepped back. Eilif thought, skillfully done commenting about the hospitals and mentioning by not saying it that Lincoln has no hospital. Another way to drive the wedge deeper between Siweard and us.
Eilif said, “Chancellor Hjalmar has there been any changes in the situation in Argyll?”
Hjalmar stepped forward and said, “No milord. King Ewan still has not been successful in obtaining a claim to Argyll.”
Eilif said, “Thank you Lord Chancellor.”
Hjalmar bowed and stepped back
Eilif said, “Court Chaplin Arni read the letter that we have received form the Holy Father, Pope Silvester II.”
Arni stepped forward. He unrolled the scroll he held and began to read, “To Your Highness Eilif, King of Jorvik and Lord of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, to the Lords of Jorvik. I extend the deepest gratitude of the Church. With the gifts you bestowed upon the Church, and the men who volunteered and fought against the Khazars the enemies of Church lead by Count Ötemis of Napoli have been defeated and the Church restored to Napoli.You have our blessings. His Holiness, the Vicar of Christ, Pope Silvester II.”
Eilif said, “Thank you, Arni.”
Arni bowed and stepped back.
The room was silent, waiting.
Eilif then broke the silence, “I, Eilif, King of Jorvik, Suzerain of Scotland, Connachta, Ulaidh, and Tír Eoghain in accordance with feudal laws, that the Counties of Perefeddwald and Powys are subject to the Kingdom of Jorvik, and with the blessings of the Holy Father in Rome, hereby declare we are the Jarl of the Jarldom of Gwynedd.”
The room erupted into applause. A chant of “God save the king.” filled the chamber.
Eilif smiled. My contributions to the Papacy have paid great rewards. With the gold the Khazar Count Ötemis of Napoli was defeated and Catholicism was returned to land. For the moment the Khazar threat ended. Having the support of the Pope was not required but having it is better.
The cheering and the chants gave no indications of lessening. Eilif nodded.The crier pounded his staff on the floor until the room grew quiet again.
Eilif spoke, “From this day forward the succession law of the kingdom is changed to Agnatic-Cognatic Primogeniture. If there are no sons to inherit than the eldest daughter will do so.”
This time the reaction of the crowd was mixed. Eilif did not care. He rose. The crowd quieted and all dropped to knee. Eilif followed by Rædwald and then his Counselors left the throne room.
Once in the anteroom Rædwald asked his father, “Why did you change the Succession Law?”
Eilif replied, “To protect the House of Hvisterk and the kingdom. Without allowing a daughter to inherit the crown could pass to someone not of our family or even worse to another House. All the jarldoms and counties except for Gloucester have laws allowing women to inherit. It was time for the kingdom to follow suit.”
Rædwald said, “I understand.”
Attendants approached Eilif. They quickly helped the king shed his royal robes. They also assisted Rædwald. When the attendants were finished Eilif noticed Hjalmar standing in the doorway to the corridor.
Eilif followed by Rædwald walked over to the Chancellor and asked, “Do you have some news?”
Hjalmar replied, “Yes, milord. Count Rögnvaldr of Gloucester died several days ago.”
Eilif asked, “What was the cause?”
Hjalmar said, “It was natural causes. He passed away in his sleep.His chambermaid found him dead in bed when she went to wake him in the morning.”
Eilif said, “So Æthelweald obtained his desire and is now Count of Gloucester. He inherited as a matter of course without any plots or schemes just like we told him.”
Hjalmar said, “He will need to come to Jorvik for you to confirm him as count and to swear fidelity.”
Eilif said, “Schedule the ceremony for next month.”
Hjalmar said, “As you wish, milord.”
Eilif thought to himself as he walked back to his chambers, Those who seek to gain more power for the Council will try to use our obtaining the title of Jarl of Gwynedd and changing succession laws as more reasons against me. Count Ingólfr of Leicester is still the leader. I still find it difficult that Count Siweard is part of this. After such a long friendship his position hurts us. His paranoia has made it difficult to fully trust him. His paranoia has also turned him against us. I am disappointed that Jarl Ælfweard of East Anglia has joined with them. Hopefully it is just youth and coming out from being under regents and having them tell him what to do for so many years.They will have more to howl about in the coming months.
20 October 997 Jorvik
The throne room had been prepared in all of its eloquence. Tapestries of all the rulers of Jorvik hung between the windows. From the rafters hung banners of all the jarldoms and several counties of the kingdom. The throne rested atop a dias made of stone with four steps. Behind the throne on the wall hung the banner of the kingdom of Jorvik.
The room was crowded this day. It had been several years since a royal ceremony had attracted this many guests. Those in attendance were arrayed according to their importance to the crown. On the left at the front stood the council. The top advisors to the king were Marshal Jarl Anlaufr of Powys, Chancellor Hjalmar Haraldrsson Akra, Spymaster Count Siweard of Lincoln, and Court Chaplin Arni. To everyone’s surprise Count Ingólfr of Leicester, the Steward was in attendance. It had been several years since he had set foot in Jorvik when the king was present.
Beside the counsellors were Jarl Leofweald of Northumbria, Jarl Ælfweard of East Anglia, Count Æthelweald of Gloucester. These were the vassals that were ruled directly by the King of Jorvik. Next were the representatives from Scotland, Connachta, Ulaidh, and Tír Eoghain.
Across the alise at the front were the king’s commanders. They were Jarl Cytelbearn of Mann, Bishop Hrolfr of Burton, Bishop Sturla of Worcester, Mayor Olafr of Macclesfield, Mayor Ivor of Carmarthen. Count Siweard was also a commander but he stood with the Counselors.
Then came the vassals who were ruled under the king by him also being their jarl. From the Jarldom of Lancaster was Count Hrolfr of Westmoreland. Countess Maria of Hereford was a vassal of the Jarldom of Mercia. Vassals from the Jarldom of Deheubarth were Countess Sif of Gwent and Count Padern of Glamorgan.
A solitary man marched slowly down the aisle toward the throne. At the foot of dias he stopped and turned to face the audience, In his right hand he held a metal staff. He banged the staff on the stone floor until the room was silent.
The crier then called out, “All hail, Eilif, King of Jorvik.”
At that moment all in the room took a knee. Eilif entered the room followed by Prince Rædwald, Prince Hlothere, Prince Sigfrið, and Princess Bodil. Once they reached the dias the princes and princess moved to their left and stood with the Counselors. Eilif ascended the dias. At the throne he turned and faced the gathering. After a moment he sat upon the throne. Once the king was seated the audience stood.
Eilif spoke, “Count Ingólfr, What is the status of the consumption epidemic?”
Ingólfr stepped forward and said, “There is little of change to report, Sire. The epidemic began in Lincoln in June. It has since spread to Norfolk, Suffolk, Northampton, and Essex. The hospitals in East Anglia are aiding the sick. Where there are no hospitals the death toll rises.”
Eilif said, “Thank you Count Ingólfr.” Ingólfr stepped back. Eilif thought, skillfully done commenting about the hospitals and mentioning by not saying it that Lincoln has no hospital. Another way to drive the wedge deeper between Siweard and us.
Eilif said, “Chancellor Hjalmar has there been any changes in the situation in Argyll?”
Hjalmar stepped forward and said, “No milord. King Ewan still has not been successful in obtaining a claim to Argyll.”
Eilif said, “Thank you Lord Chancellor.”
Hjalmar bowed and stepped back
Eilif said, “Court Chaplin Arni read the letter that we have received form the Holy Father, Pope Silvester II.”
Arni stepped forward. He unrolled the scroll he held and began to read, “To Your Highness Eilif, King of Jorvik and Lord of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, to the Lords of Jorvik. I extend the deepest gratitude of the Church. With the gifts you bestowed upon the Church, and the men who volunteered and fought against the Khazars the enemies of Church lead by Count Ötemis of Napoli have been defeated and the Church restored to Napoli.You have our blessings. His Holiness, the Vicar of Christ, Pope Silvester II.”
Eilif said, “Thank you, Arni.”
Arni bowed and stepped back.
The room was silent, waiting.
Eilif then broke the silence, “I, Eilif, King of Jorvik, Suzerain of Scotland, Connachta, Ulaidh, and Tír Eoghain in accordance with feudal laws, that the Counties of Perefeddwald and Powys are subject to the Kingdom of Jorvik, and with the blessings of the Holy Father in Rome, hereby declare we are the Jarl of the Jarldom of Gwynedd.”
The room erupted into applause. A chant of “God save the king.” filled the chamber.
Eilif smiled. My contributions to the Papacy have paid great rewards. With the gold the Khazar Count Ötemis of Napoli was defeated and Catholicism was returned to land. For the moment the Khazar threat ended. Having the support of the Pope was not required but having it is better.
The cheering and the chants gave no indications of lessening. Eilif nodded.The crier pounded his staff on the floor until the room grew quiet again.
Eilif spoke, “From this day forward the succession law of the kingdom is changed to Agnatic-Cognatic Primogeniture. If there are no sons to inherit than the eldest daughter will do so.”
This time the reaction of the crowd was mixed. Eilif did not care. He rose. The crowd quieted and all dropped to knee. Eilif followed by Rædwald and then his Counselors left the throne room.
Once in the anteroom Rædwald asked his father, “Why did you change the Succession Law?”
Eilif replied, “To protect the House of Hvisterk and the kingdom. Without allowing a daughter to inherit the crown could pass to someone not of our family or even worse to another House. All the jarldoms and counties except for Gloucester have laws allowing women to inherit. It was time for the kingdom to follow suit.”
Rædwald said, “I understand.”
Attendants approached Eilif. They quickly helped the king shed his royal robes. They also assisted Rædwald. When the attendants were finished Eilif noticed Hjalmar standing in the doorway to the corridor.
Eilif followed by Rædwald walked over to the Chancellor and asked, “Do you have some news?”
Hjalmar replied, “Yes, milord. Count Rögnvaldr of Gloucester died several days ago.”
Eilif asked, “What was the cause?”
Hjalmar said, “It was natural causes. He passed away in his sleep.His chambermaid found him dead in bed when she went to wake him in the morning.”
Eilif said, “So Æthelweald obtained his desire and is now Count of Gloucester. He inherited as a matter of course without any plots or schemes just like we told him.”
Hjalmar said, “He will need to come to Jorvik for you to confirm him as count and to swear fidelity.”
Eilif said, “Schedule the ceremony for next month.”
Hjalmar said, “As you wish, milord.”
Eilif thought to himself as he walked back to his chambers, Those who seek to gain more power for the Council will try to use our obtaining the title of Jarl of Gwynedd and changing succession laws as more reasons against me. Count Ingólfr of Leicester is still the leader. I still find it difficult that Count Siweard is part of this. After such a long friendship his position hurts us. His paranoia has made it difficult to fully trust him. His paranoia has also turned him against us. I am disappointed that Jarl Ælfweard of East Anglia has joined with them. Hopefully it is just youth and coming out from being under regents and having them tell him what to do for so many years.They will have more to howl about in the coming months.
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Given there has been some ... disharmony ... recently, this was a well stage-managed presentation to try and enforce the impression of stable governance, or so it seems to me. And for those not in the know, it would probably work
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Both a well staged demonstration and a good way of reminding us, the readers, of the state of the nation. Well done
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Some of the males in the family may not like the change in Succession Law. On the other hand the women will be pleased...and start plotting to kill the males.
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