Chapter 7.10.2 - June 1012 Caerwent, County of Gwent
June 1012 Caerwent, County of Gwent
Nervous. Swæfræd was far past nervous. He was well on his way to a mental breakdown. He was sweating and his throat was dry. No amount of wine or ale could clinch his thirst. His stomach was in knots and he had not eaten a full meal in days. Sleep. What was sleep? As this day approached he slept less and less. Last night he hardly slept at all. His groom tried his best to hide the effects of the stress but to little avail. He paced about his private audience chamber like a caged animal.
His wife, Eadhburh sat in her chair watching him with one eye. The other drifted to the door frightened it would open. Their almost nine month old daughter, Hereswith, was with her nanny. Eadhburh worried obsessively about the baby. Rumors were beginning to spread that she suffered from dwarfism.
Deep down she felt that Swæfræd was not pleased with the condition of his heir or with her. She knew that he did not consider her to be beautiful. Many times he criticized her for being bookish and in his words boring. She did not like to go hunting or even travel from town to town. She preferred to stay in the keep and read her books. She and Swæfræd got together as husband and wife rarely. However they had done so recently and Eadhburh felt that she was beginning to show signs of being with child. If so and if she bore him a male heir perhaps some of the attitude toward her would lessen.
In addition to his wife his Chancellor, Mayor Geirr of Newport, and his Court Chaplin, Yngvar were present in the room. As they always were when Swæfræd held an audience several guards were stationed in the room. Servants were also in attendance to wait on their lord and his guests’ needs.
Eadhburh tiring of watching Swæfræd pace finally said, “Please sit down. You will give yourself an apoplexy.”
Swæfræd stopped and whirled around facing Eadhburh. His eyes were wide and his face contorted like he was in pain. Eadhburh had never seen him like this, “You do not understand.”
Thinking he was just a nervous son Eadhburh said, “It is your mother visiting. Sometimes they do that.”
Swæfræd shook his head and held it in his hands, “You have no idea of which you speak.”
Eadhburh did not care for the tone of his voice and glared at Swæfræd. Swæfræd noticed and realized that his words were spoken in a tone driven by his fear and wishing he was elsewhere. “My mother does not make visits. She never leaves places unless there is some disastrous event, or a revolt.”
By the look on Eadhburh’s face Swæfræd could tell she still did not understand. Trying not to let his anxiety and frustrations boil over he said, “My mother lived in the Barony of Warwick for many years. My brothers, sister, and I were all born there. For many years my mother knew that Þegen Hereberht of Warwick was plotting against both Rædwald and Hlothere she refused to leave. King Eilif insisted that she leave but again she would not. In order to protect him Eilif eventually had Rædwald move to York. Finally when I was two and half Hereberht died in a hunting accident. Many people thought that she had something to do with the death. I do not believe she did. Like many others I think my sister, Ælfthryth was involved if not the leader. Finally after several incidents with the rabble who supported Hereberht that almost resulted in her death she reluctantly moved.”
However, even that took a huge amount of persuasion. Duke Anlaufr of Powys who inherited the Barony of Warwick acting under orders from King Eilif moved her from Warwick to Ludlow. She would remain there until the revolt of Countess Maria of Hereford erupted and Anlaufr joined the rebels. She then fled to York. She has not left York since.”
He looked at the door to the room. Apprehension showing in his face and body, “Now she is coming here.”
Eadhburh gave up any future attempts to calm her husband. She began to hope that someone would come to the door to take her back to her daughter.
A moment later the doors swung open. The guard at the door cried, “Queen Mother Eadhild of York”
Eadhild began to step into the room but she stopped. She turned and said something to her guards. The guards stepped back and only she walked into the room. Those present looked at her entrance as odd. As she neared Swæfræd she locked gazes with him. He could see the storm brewing in her eyes. Sweat began anew on his brow and down his back. He tried to swallow but his throat was dry.
About two thirds of the way to her son. She stopped and looked around the room at the people in attendance. In a voice that could command the devil she roared, “Everyone out!”
Started half out of their wits all eyes stared at her. No one moved. Swæfræd seemed to be frozen in fear. She scanned the room again and seeing no one leaving roared again “I said everyone leave. This is between my son and I alone.” Some who were present swore later that they saw the beginnings of dragonfire coming from her mouth.
Swæfræd regained his wits and nodded. There was a mad scramble to leave the room. At first some guards were reluctant but one look from Eadhild convinced them to leave.
Eadhburh hesitated. As Swæfræd’s wife she thought her place should be with him. Eadhild thought otherwise. The Queen Mother said to her, “Child you especially need to leave. You do not need to be witness to what is about to happen.”
Eadhburh was both shocked and relieved. With dignity she rose, bowed to her husband and the Queen Mother. She then hastily left by the rear door.
Eadhild turned and seeing Mayor Geirr about to leave called him back, “Mayor Geirr, a word please.”
Geirr stopped. He turned and smiled. He walked back to Eadhild. “Yes, milady.”
Eadhild looked over the mayor. She huffed her unapproving assessment of the man, “You were my son’s regent before he came of age.”
Bursting with pride Geirr replied, “Yes, and he has turned out to be a great Earl, loved by his subjects.”
Almost spitting on Geirr Eadhild said, “So you are the buffoon who married my son to that dull, bookish, and ugly excuse for a bride who is twice his age.”
The smile and color drained from Geirr’s face. Before he could say anything Eadhild continued, “Were you getting back at Eilif for throwing Sif in the dungeon? What happened to the man Count Þorgil would praise for his leadership and ability to rule?”
Paralyzed from the verbal attack Geirr stood dumbfounded for a moment.
Eadhild continued with her assault, “Swæfræd should fire you as Chancellor, remove you as mayor and either throw you in the dungeon or banish you.”
Geirr looked at Eadhild. He had never been spoken to in such a manner and was at a loss for words. As he recovered Eadhild said to him, “That is all. Now leave us.”
Like someone in a trance Geirr walked to the door. He could not get away from Eadhild fast enough. Eadhild’s gaze followed Geirr out of the room. Once Geirr exited the room. Eadhild yelled, “Shut the doors.”
Upon hearing the bang of the doors closing Eadhild turned her full attention to Swæfræd.
Swæfræd walked slowly toward his mother. He outstretched his arms and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. He never made it. Eadhild raised her right hand and slapped him on his cheek with all her might. No expecting the slap and from its force Swæfræd nearly fell over. He stepped back and stood up straight. He placed his left hand over the side of his face which was glowing red. With his tongue he checked to see if lost any teeth. The whole side of his face hurt as he rubbed his hand over.
He looked at his mother and seeing she was ready to strike again he backed away and cowarded. Through the pain and confusion he pleaded, “Mother, why?”
She lowered her hand but the anger in her face remained, “You have disrespected your family, your king, and me.”
Afraid and confused Swæfræd asked, “How have I disrespected anyone?”
Eadhild glared at him, “By your actions.”
Still rubbing his face Swæfræd, “Actions? What actions?”
Growing frustrated which was only feeding her anger Eadhild said, “How many women have you bedded in the last year or so?”
Shocked at his mother’s question and a little embarrassed Swæfræd responded, “I do not keep count.”
Eadhild looked at him and shook her head in disgust, “Can you not control yourself?”
Beginning to regain his senses Swæfræd replied, “What am I to do when I have a wife the likes of which I have? I do what is required of me but that is not enough.”
Eadhild had wondered if the topic of Eadhburh would be brought up, “You do what all lords do. You fulfill your obligations. You have a mistress or two for your needs.”
Feeling he may have made a point Swæfræd asked, “Is that not what I have done? I have a daughter by her and another child on the way.”
Surprised by the announcement of Eadhburh being with child Eadhild asked, “She is with child?”
Swæfræd nodded, “She believes she is. It is early. Maybe too early to tell.”
Eadhild shook her head, “That does not change the fact of what you have done.”
Frustrated that he could change his mother’s attitude Swæfræd said, “You said that it is acceptable for me to have a mistress. How many did father have?”
The anger returned to Eadhild’s face, “You have no right to speak of your father and his mistresses. He was the king and as king he can do as he pleases. You are a lowly earl who is vassal to Duke Emrys of Deheubarth. You need to remember your station and what is acceptable.”
Now getting angry himself Swæfræd replied, “Oh please spare me mother. Everyone is having affairs. I know Hlothere is bedding at least one of his maid servants and has contacted the Lover’s pox from her. And tell me how did Sigfrið get the Great Pox?”
Eadhild was not here to debate her son. She was here to make a point, “It is not that you are having affairs it is who you are having those affairs with and when.”
Swæfræd truly did not understand, “What do you mean?”
Eadhild snapped back, “ I speak of Eadflæd, the widow of your brother Earl Æthelweald of Gloucester.”
Thinking he had done nothing wrong Swæfræd replied, “Many men take their brother’s widow and comfort her.”
Anger flashed. Eadhild said, “They take them as their wife. They don’t bed them and give them a baby like you did. Since she was born in March have seen Ecgfrid?”
Swæfræd replied, “I have acknowledged her as my child. That is enough.”
Eadhild shook her head. She wanted to slap him again. “How then do explain Ingrid of Chester, the mother of your half brother Hjalmar?”
Without any show of emotion Swæfræd replied, “I have always been infatuated with her for as long as I can remember. An opportunity arose and I took it.”
Eadhild asked, “And what of your child she now carries? Will you acknowledge or legitimize the baby when it is born?”
Without any hesitation Swæfræd replied, “Neither. She is the reason father did not legitimize me. Therefore her child will be a bastard and will have less privileges than me.”
Eadhild was torn on this matter. Swæfræd was correct it was Ingrid who prevented Eilif from legitimizing Swæfræd and Eilif risked Ingrid’s anger when he acknowledged Swæfræd. Ingrid had wanted the child to have nothing but Eilif could not do that. However, on the other hand it was Ingrid who protected Rædwald and Hlothere when Elisabeth plotted their deaths so that her Sigfrið could be crown prince.
After a few moments of thought Eadhild asked, “What of this Ingjerðr Hjalmarsdottir who also carries your child?”
In a very nonchalant manner Swæfræd answered, “Her father was Hjalmar Aimerysson who was Spymaster of Dunholm for Countess Sif until his death. Her mother, Esclarmunde de Scully and her remained in Dunholm until Prince Hjalmar usurped the county from Countess Elin. Her mother fled to her family Clermont in the County of Auvergne in the Kingdom of Aquitaine. Ingjerðr now an adult decided to take an offer from Chief Krzysztof of Dal. We met while she was waiting in York for a ship to Norge.”
Eadhild asked bluntly, “Will you abandon that child also?”
Swæfræd did not pause, “No, I will acknowledge that child.”
Eadhild was trying of this conversation, “You must be more careful in the future. The more bastards you have the more possible claims there will be against your lands or even your brother the king. If you are not careful one day you could be staring at a bastard child across a battlefield or the blade of an assassin in the dark sent by a father, husband, or brother. It even be that father, brother, or husband themselves who decide to defend the honor of their daughter, sister, or wife. It is one thing to have the king’s bastard in the family. It is another to have the bastard of an earl who is also a bastard himself. Do you understand?”
Swæfræd nodded. He was growing weary of the beating his emotions were taking. He just wanted this over, “Yes mother I do.”
Eadhild looked at him lovingly, “I came here because I am your mother. I do not want you hurt or thrown in a dungeon because of a foolish affair.”
Swæfræd nodded again, “Yes, mother.”
Eadhild looked around the room and said, “Now call one of your servants. I wish to rest before dinner.”
Swæfræd called for his servants. Guards and servants entered the chambers. Several lead Eadhild from the room.
A few moments later Geirr rentered the chambers. The Chancellor appeared to be unscathed by the dressing down he received from Eadhild as he escorted a young woman into the chamber As the women was lead by Geirr to Swæfræd, the earl found himself following her every movement. He was drawn to her, to her curves and young almost angelic face. So enthralled with her he barely heard Geirr introduce her.
“Earl Swæfræd this is Linda Falkisdottir, daughter of the late Bishop Falki of Ely and the former Countess Maria of Hereford.”
Linda curtsied to the earl. Swæfræd took her hand in his and bent over kissing the top of it. Looking directly into her eyes and with a huge smile he said, “Charmed.”
Nervous. Swæfræd was far past nervous. He was well on his way to a mental breakdown. He was sweating and his throat was dry. No amount of wine or ale could clinch his thirst. His stomach was in knots and he had not eaten a full meal in days. Sleep. What was sleep? As this day approached he slept less and less. Last night he hardly slept at all. His groom tried his best to hide the effects of the stress but to little avail. He paced about his private audience chamber like a caged animal.
His wife, Eadhburh sat in her chair watching him with one eye. The other drifted to the door frightened it would open. Their almost nine month old daughter, Hereswith, was with her nanny. Eadhburh worried obsessively about the baby. Rumors were beginning to spread that she suffered from dwarfism.
Deep down she felt that Swæfræd was not pleased with the condition of his heir or with her. She knew that he did not consider her to be beautiful. Many times he criticized her for being bookish and in his words boring. She did not like to go hunting or even travel from town to town. She preferred to stay in the keep and read her books. She and Swæfræd got together as husband and wife rarely. However they had done so recently and Eadhburh felt that she was beginning to show signs of being with child. If so and if she bore him a male heir perhaps some of the attitude toward her would lessen.
In addition to his wife his Chancellor, Mayor Geirr of Newport, and his Court Chaplin, Yngvar were present in the room. As they always were when Swæfræd held an audience several guards were stationed in the room. Servants were also in attendance to wait on their lord and his guests’ needs.
Eadhburh tiring of watching Swæfræd pace finally said, “Please sit down. You will give yourself an apoplexy.”
Swæfræd stopped and whirled around facing Eadhburh. His eyes were wide and his face contorted like he was in pain. Eadhburh had never seen him like this, “You do not understand.”
Thinking he was just a nervous son Eadhburh said, “It is your mother visiting. Sometimes they do that.”
Swæfræd shook his head and held it in his hands, “You have no idea of which you speak.”
Eadhburh did not care for the tone of his voice and glared at Swæfræd. Swæfræd noticed and realized that his words were spoken in a tone driven by his fear and wishing he was elsewhere. “My mother does not make visits. She never leaves places unless there is some disastrous event, or a revolt.”
By the look on Eadhburh’s face Swæfræd could tell she still did not understand. Trying not to let his anxiety and frustrations boil over he said, “My mother lived in the Barony of Warwick for many years. My brothers, sister, and I were all born there. For many years my mother knew that Þegen Hereberht of Warwick was plotting against both Rædwald and Hlothere she refused to leave. King Eilif insisted that she leave but again she would not. In order to protect him Eilif eventually had Rædwald move to York. Finally when I was two and half Hereberht died in a hunting accident. Many people thought that she had something to do with the death. I do not believe she did. Like many others I think my sister, Ælfthryth was involved if not the leader. Finally after several incidents with the rabble who supported Hereberht that almost resulted in her death she reluctantly moved.”
However, even that took a huge amount of persuasion. Duke Anlaufr of Powys who inherited the Barony of Warwick acting under orders from King Eilif moved her from Warwick to Ludlow. She would remain there until the revolt of Countess Maria of Hereford erupted and Anlaufr joined the rebels. She then fled to York. She has not left York since.”
He looked at the door to the room. Apprehension showing in his face and body, “Now she is coming here.”
Eadhburh gave up any future attempts to calm her husband. She began to hope that someone would come to the door to take her back to her daughter.
A moment later the doors swung open. The guard at the door cried, “Queen Mother Eadhild of York”
Eadhild began to step into the room but she stopped. She turned and said something to her guards. The guards stepped back and only she walked into the room. Those present looked at her entrance as odd. As she neared Swæfræd she locked gazes with him. He could see the storm brewing in her eyes. Sweat began anew on his brow and down his back. He tried to swallow but his throat was dry.
About two thirds of the way to her son. She stopped and looked around the room at the people in attendance. In a voice that could command the devil she roared, “Everyone out!”
Started half out of their wits all eyes stared at her. No one moved. Swæfræd seemed to be frozen in fear. She scanned the room again and seeing no one leaving roared again “I said everyone leave. This is between my son and I alone.” Some who were present swore later that they saw the beginnings of dragonfire coming from her mouth.
Swæfræd regained his wits and nodded. There was a mad scramble to leave the room. At first some guards were reluctant but one look from Eadhild convinced them to leave.
Eadhburh hesitated. As Swæfræd’s wife she thought her place should be with him. Eadhild thought otherwise. The Queen Mother said to her, “Child you especially need to leave. You do not need to be witness to what is about to happen.”
Eadhburh was both shocked and relieved. With dignity she rose, bowed to her husband and the Queen Mother. She then hastily left by the rear door.
Eadhild turned and seeing Mayor Geirr about to leave called him back, “Mayor Geirr, a word please.”
Geirr stopped. He turned and smiled. He walked back to Eadhild. “Yes, milady.”
Eadhild looked over the mayor. She huffed her unapproving assessment of the man, “You were my son’s regent before he came of age.”
Bursting with pride Geirr replied, “Yes, and he has turned out to be a great Earl, loved by his subjects.”
Almost spitting on Geirr Eadhild said, “So you are the buffoon who married my son to that dull, bookish, and ugly excuse for a bride who is twice his age.”
The smile and color drained from Geirr’s face. Before he could say anything Eadhild continued, “Were you getting back at Eilif for throwing Sif in the dungeon? What happened to the man Count Þorgil would praise for his leadership and ability to rule?”
Paralyzed from the verbal attack Geirr stood dumbfounded for a moment.
Eadhild continued with her assault, “Swæfræd should fire you as Chancellor, remove you as mayor and either throw you in the dungeon or banish you.”
Geirr looked at Eadhild. He had never been spoken to in such a manner and was at a loss for words. As he recovered Eadhild said to him, “That is all. Now leave us.”
Like someone in a trance Geirr walked to the door. He could not get away from Eadhild fast enough. Eadhild’s gaze followed Geirr out of the room. Once Geirr exited the room. Eadhild yelled, “Shut the doors.”
Upon hearing the bang of the doors closing Eadhild turned her full attention to Swæfræd.
Swæfræd walked slowly toward his mother. He outstretched his arms and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. He never made it. Eadhild raised her right hand and slapped him on his cheek with all her might. No expecting the slap and from its force Swæfræd nearly fell over. He stepped back and stood up straight. He placed his left hand over the side of his face which was glowing red. With his tongue he checked to see if lost any teeth. The whole side of his face hurt as he rubbed his hand over.
He looked at his mother and seeing she was ready to strike again he backed away and cowarded. Through the pain and confusion he pleaded, “Mother, why?”
She lowered her hand but the anger in her face remained, “You have disrespected your family, your king, and me.”
Afraid and confused Swæfræd asked, “How have I disrespected anyone?”
Eadhild glared at him, “By your actions.”
Still rubbing his face Swæfræd, “Actions? What actions?”
Growing frustrated which was only feeding her anger Eadhild said, “How many women have you bedded in the last year or so?”
Shocked at his mother’s question and a little embarrassed Swæfræd responded, “I do not keep count.”
Eadhild looked at him and shook her head in disgust, “Can you not control yourself?”
Beginning to regain his senses Swæfræd replied, “What am I to do when I have a wife the likes of which I have? I do what is required of me but that is not enough.”
Eadhild had wondered if the topic of Eadhburh would be brought up, “You do what all lords do. You fulfill your obligations. You have a mistress or two for your needs.”
Feeling he may have made a point Swæfræd asked, “Is that not what I have done? I have a daughter by her and another child on the way.”
Surprised by the announcement of Eadhburh being with child Eadhild asked, “She is with child?”
Swæfræd nodded, “She believes she is. It is early. Maybe too early to tell.”
Eadhild shook her head, “That does not change the fact of what you have done.”
Frustrated that he could change his mother’s attitude Swæfræd said, “You said that it is acceptable for me to have a mistress. How many did father have?”
The anger returned to Eadhild’s face, “You have no right to speak of your father and his mistresses. He was the king and as king he can do as he pleases. You are a lowly earl who is vassal to Duke Emrys of Deheubarth. You need to remember your station and what is acceptable.”
Now getting angry himself Swæfræd replied, “Oh please spare me mother. Everyone is having affairs. I know Hlothere is bedding at least one of his maid servants and has contacted the Lover’s pox from her. And tell me how did Sigfrið get the Great Pox?”
Eadhild was not here to debate her son. She was here to make a point, “It is not that you are having affairs it is who you are having those affairs with and when.”
Swæfræd truly did not understand, “What do you mean?”
Eadhild snapped back, “ I speak of Eadflæd, the widow of your brother Earl Æthelweald of Gloucester.”
Thinking he had done nothing wrong Swæfræd replied, “Many men take their brother’s widow and comfort her.”
Anger flashed. Eadhild said, “They take them as their wife. They don’t bed them and give them a baby like you did. Since she was born in March have seen Ecgfrid?”
Swæfræd replied, “I have acknowledged her as my child. That is enough.”
Eadhild shook her head. She wanted to slap him again. “How then do explain Ingrid of Chester, the mother of your half brother Hjalmar?”
Without any show of emotion Swæfræd replied, “I have always been infatuated with her for as long as I can remember. An opportunity arose and I took it.”
Eadhild asked, “And what of your child she now carries? Will you acknowledge or legitimize the baby when it is born?”
Without any hesitation Swæfræd replied, “Neither. She is the reason father did not legitimize me. Therefore her child will be a bastard and will have less privileges than me.”
Eadhild was torn on this matter. Swæfræd was correct it was Ingrid who prevented Eilif from legitimizing Swæfræd and Eilif risked Ingrid’s anger when he acknowledged Swæfræd. Ingrid had wanted the child to have nothing but Eilif could not do that. However, on the other hand it was Ingrid who protected Rædwald and Hlothere when Elisabeth plotted their deaths so that her Sigfrið could be crown prince.
After a few moments of thought Eadhild asked, “What of this Ingjerðr Hjalmarsdottir who also carries your child?”
In a very nonchalant manner Swæfræd answered, “Her father was Hjalmar Aimerysson who was Spymaster of Dunholm for Countess Sif until his death. Her mother, Esclarmunde de Scully and her remained in Dunholm until Prince Hjalmar usurped the county from Countess Elin. Her mother fled to her family Clermont in the County of Auvergne in the Kingdom of Aquitaine. Ingjerðr now an adult decided to take an offer from Chief Krzysztof of Dal. We met while she was waiting in York for a ship to Norge.”
Eadhild asked bluntly, “Will you abandon that child also?”
Swæfræd did not pause, “No, I will acknowledge that child.”
Eadhild was trying of this conversation, “You must be more careful in the future. The more bastards you have the more possible claims there will be against your lands or even your brother the king. If you are not careful one day you could be staring at a bastard child across a battlefield or the blade of an assassin in the dark sent by a father, husband, or brother. It even be that father, brother, or husband themselves who decide to defend the honor of their daughter, sister, or wife. It is one thing to have the king’s bastard in the family. It is another to have the bastard of an earl who is also a bastard himself. Do you understand?”
Swæfræd nodded. He was growing weary of the beating his emotions were taking. He just wanted this over, “Yes mother I do.”
Eadhild looked at him lovingly, “I came here because I am your mother. I do not want you hurt or thrown in a dungeon because of a foolish affair.”
Swæfræd nodded again, “Yes, mother.”
Eadhild looked around the room and said, “Now call one of your servants. I wish to rest before dinner.”
Swæfræd called for his servants. Guards and servants entered the chambers. Several lead Eadhild from the room.
A few moments later Geirr rentered the chambers. The Chancellor appeared to be unscathed by the dressing down he received from Eadhild as he escorted a young woman into the chamber As the women was lead by Geirr to Swæfræd, the earl found himself following her every movement. He was drawn to her, to her curves and young almost angelic face. So enthralled with her he barely heard Geirr introduce her.
“Earl Swæfræd this is Linda Falkisdottir, daughter of the late Bishop Falki of Ely and the former Countess Maria of Hereford.”
Linda curtsied to the earl. Swæfræd took her hand in his and bent over kissing the top of it. Looking directly into her eyes and with a huge smile he said, “Charmed.”
- 1
