Chapter 7.16.2 - February 1021 York
February 1021 York
As she had done many times over the last month, Ingrid sat in the chair in her chambers staring into space, tears running down her cheeks. They were the tears of a mother who lost everything.
Her solitude and mourning were interrupted by her daughter. Birgitta Eilifsdotir entered the chamber and walked over to her mother. Birgitta placed her hand gently on her mother’s shoulder from behind. Ingrid reached up and covered her daughter’s hand and laid her cheek upon it.
“First God saw to take my baby Birgitta of York, your sister by Swæfræd, during the terrible times of the consumption.”
Birgitta squeezed her mother’s shoulder tighter.
Ingrid continued, “Now He has taken your brother, Hjalmar.”
Resenting how her mother always favored Hjalmar, coldly Birgitta replied, “He foolishly tried to escape from the dungeons. His fate was forgone the moment he decided to do so. None escapes from the king’s dungeons.”
Ingrid pushed her daughter’s hand away, “That bastard Rædwald is why my boy is dead.”
Birgitta stepped back, “As I have learned during and after my marriage to the now Bishop Geoffroy of Charlieu was annulled, you do not defy the king.”
Ingrid glared at Birgitta, “Defiance! What do you know of defiance?”
Birgitta was growing angry and frustrated with her mother. The conversation was baring old wounds that Birgitta tried to bury. “My defiance cost me my children. My refusal to accept the King of Burgundy’s wishes to make my husband a bishop is why I stand here now and not with my children in Piemonte.”
Ingrid shook her head, “Hjalmar did not defy the king. He only showed loved and compassion toward his brother.”
Birgitta’s shoulders sagged. She knew it was useless to go on, but her anger came through, “Mother, he openly spoke against the king numerous times, he joined factions against the king, and he refused to raise his levies when ordered to do so.”
Ingrid’s face reddened with anger, “Begone. Why do you torture me so? Get from my site.”
Birgitta too a deep breath, “I only came here to tell you an emissary from Countess Katarina of Hereford is here to see you.”
Ingrid looked up at her daughter and with venom still in her voice asked, “Who?”
At that moment a man in clerical clothing appeared from behind Ingrid. He smiled and took her hand as he bowed. He kissed the back of her hand.
As he released her hand he said, “Bishop Totil of St Ethelberts, Lady Ingrid af Chester.”
Ingrid smirked at the bishop and asked, “What do I owe the honor of a visit from the Chancellor of Hereford?”
Stung by Ingrid’s attitude Totil did not let it show, “I bring you the deepest sympathies of the Countess Katarina and her Regent the Lady Hafrid.”
Ingrid slumped in the chair, “I have been given a lifetime of useless sympathies.”
Keeping his emotions in check Totil nodded, “I am confident those sympathies are heartfelt.”
Glassy eyed Ingrid replied, “Sympathies no me no good. Can they bring back my son?”
Maintaining his sternness Totil replied, “No they cannot.”
Ingrid looked at the bishop, “Can you?”
Totil looked back at Ingrid, “No, I cannot, milady.”
Ingrid looked at her daughter and then glared at the bishop, “You have done your duty. Why do you linger?”
Totil grinned, “What if I can offer you something that could lessen your grief some?”
Ingrid raised her eyebrows.
Totil’s grin turned into a smile, “I see you are intrigued.”
Ingrid leaned forward in the chair, “What do you speak of?”
Totil’s smile turned devilish, “What if I told you of a way to hurt Rædwald and secure a measure of revenge against him?”
Ingrid looked over at Birgitta. Birgitta was as wide eyed as her mother and shrugged her shoulders. Ingrid returned her gaze to Totil and said, “Do continue, bishop.”
Totil noticed a pitcher on the table nearby and walked to it. He took one of the cups and poured some wine from the pitcher. He turned to face mother and daughter and asked, “Wine?”
Ingrid and Birgitta shook their heads no.
Totil nodded and took a long sip, “How did your son die?”
With her face contorting from anger Ingrid hissed, “What game do you play at my dear bishop? I do not wish to play.”
Totil bowed apologetically, “My deepest apologies. I meant no disrespect.”
Ingrid gave the bishop a look that said he one chance to save himself.
Choosing his words carefully Totil said, “Hjalmar was killed trying to escape. I ask how someone in his condition could try to escape?”
Ingrid looked questioningly at the bishop but said nothing.
Totil continued, “The consumption had rendered him barely able to move. With his madness he did not even know you, his mother.”
Ingrid sat silently staring at Totil. Birgitta broke the awkward silence, “What are suggesting?”
Totil almost grinned but maintain a serious face as he calculated that he had Ingrid and Birgitta’s full attention. “What if he did not try to escape but was murdered?”
Birgitta stood with her mouth open. Ingrid glared at Totil with eyes if they could would have killed him. She ordered, “Explain.”
Still maintaining his sternness under Ingrid gaze Totil replied, “Say a guard was paid to murder him and make it look like Hjalmar tried to escape.”
Ingrid continued her glare, “If that were so, I am sure the guard would have been killed for what he knew.”
Totil dared to grin some, “What if said guard escaped the murder attempt?”
Ingrid was becoming more agitated at the conversation, “My dear bishop come to your point or I will have you removed from my sight.”
The smile fell from his face Totil realized he could no longer be subtle with Ingrid. He would have to be direct. “I presume, milady you know a man named Beornwulf.”
Ingrid’s eyes widen some and she replied, “Yes, he was one of Hjalmar’s guards.”
Birgitta cut in, “He is the guard who killed Hjalmar. No one has seen him since that night. Mother has requested numerous times to speak with him.”
Totil allowed himself a grin, “Several weeks ago Beornwulf appeared in a tavern in Gisors which in the County of Vixen in France.”
Still wary of the bishop Ingrid responded, “I know where Gisors is. I have traveled there to visit my dear friend Skuld Totilsdohtor.”
Totil nodded, “Yes, Skuld Totilsdotor who was the sister of the late Earl Sumarliði and aunt to my liege the Countess Katarina.”
Ingrid smiled and said, “Perhaps I will have some wine.”
Totil nodded and said, “Yes, milady.” He placed his cup on the table and filled another cup and gave it to Ingrid who took a small sip, “Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” replied Totil.
Ingrid gestured toward Totil and said, “Do continue with your tale.”
Totil noted that the meanness had returned to Ingrid’s voice. He replied, “On this particular night Beornwulf partook in too much ale and other spirits. He spun a story of how he was approached by one of Duke Ealdmund’s men and paid to kill Hjalmar and disguise it as an escape attempt. At first, he refused but the price was so high he knew if he did not do it one of the other guards would and why should they get rich. He befriended Hjalmar and on the appointed night he led Hjalmar out of his cell and into one of the dungeon’s many corridors. There he stabbed him to death and raised the alarm. When the other guards appeared, he explained to them that he caught Hjalmar escaping and the Duke of Northumbria resisted and he had to kill him. No one doubted Beornwulf’s word.”
Ingrid rested her elbows on her knees and brought her hands together like she was praying. Totil could see she was thinking hard. Ingrid asked, “A nice yarn thus far but how did Beornwulf come to this tavern?”
Totil took a sip of wine and walked over the hearth and warmed his hand for a moment and answered, “You were correct in saying that the killer would be killed and Beornwulf was no stranger to dark deeds. He had been paid half before the deed and when he went to collect the remainder of his ill-gotten pay several men tried to kill him. He was ready for them and able to fight them off and escape. He made his way to the port and took passage on the first ship he found that was leaving. The ship brought him to Normandy and he worked his way to Gisors.”
Ingrid now folded her hands in her lap and asked, “How do we know this?”
Totil smiled, “On the particular night in question a associate of the Lady Skuld was in the tavern and overheard the conversation of Beornwulf. This associate introduced himself to Beornwulf and upon seeing how drunk the man was offered to aid him to his room. Of course, Beornwulf was not taken to his room but found himself before Skuld. He was persuaded to tell his tale to her. Knowing the importance of this information Skuld had Beornwulf escorted to Hereford with instructions that you should be made aware of his confession.”
Ingrid sat silent with her eyes closed and her hands clasped together so tight the knuckles were turning white.
Seeing her mother was not going to say anything Birgitta asked, “What is the fate of this Beornwulf?”
Totil turned to Birgitta and put on an innocent face, “He is enjoying the protection of Countess Katarina for the time being. In a couple of weeks, he will go before the Countess and her Regent Hafrid and tell his tale so that all will know the treachery of Rædwald.”
Birgitta shook her head. This was all too much for her. “What will become of him?”
Totil smirked, “I am sure he will get an appropriate award.”
Ingrid suddenly stood up. Her body was shaking from rage. Her eyes filled with hate she turned and stormed out the room surprising Birgitta and Totil.
Birgitta trying to stop her mother called out, “Mother, no.” She had a feeling she knew where her mother was going.
*****
Hlothere and Rædwald stood in the strategy room each holding a mug of warm ale.
Hlothere drank some of his ale and asked, “Why?”
Rædwald drank his ale and replied, “I feel it is time.”
Hlothere shook his head, “You still have not told me why you want to do this.”
Rædwald took another drink of ale and replied, “I have never felt right about using the Anglo-Saxon names and titles. I have felt along it disrespects our father and the line of kings back to Ragnarr Loðbrok.”
Hlothere drank some of his ale and inquired, “Then why did you change to Anglo-Saxon in the first place?”
Rædwald looked down into his mug, “I let others influence me.”
Hlothere asked, “Who could influence you?”
Rædwald seemed embarrassed, “Mother, Leofweald of Northumbria, Bishop Dyre of Halton, and even Siweard.”
Hlothere finished his ale and placed the mug on the table, “If you were not sure why did you let them convince you into making the change?”
Rædwald placed his mug on the table and leaned with both hands on the table, “I was a new king and inexperienced. Father never truly taught me anything about being a king. I was just over 18 when he unexpectedly died. I was naive and too trusting of people who had their own agendas. I was told it would bring peace to the kingdom. Little good it did when most of the Norse lords rebelled.”
Hlothere turned and leaned on the edge of the with his rear and asked, “Do you not think the Anglo-Saxons lords may rebel?
Rædwald stood straight and turned, looking at his brother, “Let them. I will crush them. I was weak back then but now I am powerful.”
Hlothere continued leaning on the table, “What do the other Counselors say?”
Rædwald walked a few steps away from the table and replied, “Ealdmund and Emrys feel as long as I do not strip any of the Anglo-Saxon lords of their titles and replace them with Norse lords there will be no issues.”
There was a commotion in the corridor just outside the door. Both brothers watched with interest. Hlothere stood at the ready with his hand near his sword as did Rædwald. Suddenly a figure charged into the room screaming. The guards just inside the door stopped the figure. The figure struggled punching and kicking at the guards.
Rædwald recognized the figure as Ingrid. He also saw Birgitta just behind her mother. His half-sister had the look of fear written all over her face.
Rædwald ordered the guards to release Ingrid. They did so with caution. Even though she was full of anger common sense took over and she did not charge the king. She knew if she did so it could mean her death.
With a face bright red with rage and her fists clinched she yelled, “You bastard, you had him murdered, your own brother.”
Rædwald stood silent and did not move.
Ingrid continued, “I now how you paid the guard, Beornwulf to murder him and tell all my son died trying to escape. For this I name you Kinslayer!”
Rædwald gestured to the guards to remove Ingrid. When they started to do so Ingrid began to resist. Birgitta stepped in and said, “Let’s go, mother.”
Thankfully Ingrid listened, and they departed with the guards close behind.
Rædwald turned to find an angry Hlothere glaring at him.
Hlothere said through clenched teeth, “Did you do it? Did you have Hjalmar killed?”
Rædwald dismissed the charge, “She is crazy with grief. A woman in her state will say almost anything.”
Hlothere continued glaring at Rædwald, “You did not answer me.”
Getting annoyed Rædwald did not respond.
Hlothere continued, “I know that Beornwulf has not been at his posts for several weeks now. I am Steward and it is one my duties to know such things. I thought he left or got killed in a tavern fight. Now hearing this. I ask you again did you kill our brother?”
Fully annoyed Rædwald roared, “I am king. I do not answer to you.”
Hlothere brought his face close to Rædwald’s and said, “Damn you.”
Hlothere pushed past his brother and stormed out of the room.
Rædwald stood in silence for a few moments and then called for his secretary.
The secretary entered the room and bowed, “You called for me Your Highness.”
Rædwald looked at the secretary and said, “Find the Master of the Keep. Tell him that Ingrid af Chester is to leave the keep by sundown tomorrow and she is to never return.”
The secretary responded, “Yes Sire.” He bowed and left the room leaving the king to himself in the gathering gloom.
As she had done many times over the last month, Ingrid sat in the chair in her chambers staring into space, tears running down her cheeks. They were the tears of a mother who lost everything.
Her solitude and mourning were interrupted by her daughter. Birgitta Eilifsdotir entered the chamber and walked over to her mother. Birgitta placed her hand gently on her mother’s shoulder from behind. Ingrid reached up and covered her daughter’s hand and laid her cheek upon it.
“First God saw to take my baby Birgitta of York, your sister by Swæfræd, during the terrible times of the consumption.”
Birgitta squeezed her mother’s shoulder tighter.
Ingrid continued, “Now He has taken your brother, Hjalmar.”
Resenting how her mother always favored Hjalmar, coldly Birgitta replied, “He foolishly tried to escape from the dungeons. His fate was forgone the moment he decided to do so. None escapes from the king’s dungeons.”
Ingrid pushed her daughter’s hand away, “That bastard Rædwald is why my boy is dead.”
Birgitta stepped back, “As I have learned during and after my marriage to the now Bishop Geoffroy of Charlieu was annulled, you do not defy the king.”
Ingrid glared at Birgitta, “Defiance! What do you know of defiance?”
Birgitta was growing angry and frustrated with her mother. The conversation was baring old wounds that Birgitta tried to bury. “My defiance cost me my children. My refusal to accept the King of Burgundy’s wishes to make my husband a bishop is why I stand here now and not with my children in Piemonte.”
Ingrid shook her head, “Hjalmar did not defy the king. He only showed loved and compassion toward his brother.”
Birgitta’s shoulders sagged. She knew it was useless to go on, but her anger came through, “Mother, he openly spoke against the king numerous times, he joined factions against the king, and he refused to raise his levies when ordered to do so.”
Ingrid’s face reddened with anger, “Begone. Why do you torture me so? Get from my site.”
Birgitta too a deep breath, “I only came here to tell you an emissary from Countess Katarina of Hereford is here to see you.”
Ingrid looked up at her daughter and with venom still in her voice asked, “Who?”
At that moment a man in clerical clothing appeared from behind Ingrid. He smiled and took her hand as he bowed. He kissed the back of her hand.
As he released her hand he said, “Bishop Totil of St Ethelberts, Lady Ingrid af Chester.”
Ingrid smirked at the bishop and asked, “What do I owe the honor of a visit from the Chancellor of Hereford?”
Stung by Ingrid’s attitude Totil did not let it show, “I bring you the deepest sympathies of the Countess Katarina and her Regent the Lady Hafrid.”
Ingrid slumped in the chair, “I have been given a lifetime of useless sympathies.”
Keeping his emotions in check Totil nodded, “I am confident those sympathies are heartfelt.”
Glassy eyed Ingrid replied, “Sympathies no me no good. Can they bring back my son?”
Maintaining his sternness Totil replied, “No they cannot.”
Ingrid looked at the bishop, “Can you?”
Totil looked back at Ingrid, “No, I cannot, milady.”
Ingrid looked at her daughter and then glared at the bishop, “You have done your duty. Why do you linger?”
Totil grinned, “What if I can offer you something that could lessen your grief some?”
Ingrid raised her eyebrows.
Totil’s grin turned into a smile, “I see you are intrigued.”
Ingrid leaned forward in the chair, “What do you speak of?”
Totil’s smile turned devilish, “What if I told you of a way to hurt Rædwald and secure a measure of revenge against him?”
Ingrid looked over at Birgitta. Birgitta was as wide eyed as her mother and shrugged her shoulders. Ingrid returned her gaze to Totil and said, “Do continue, bishop.”
Totil noticed a pitcher on the table nearby and walked to it. He took one of the cups and poured some wine from the pitcher. He turned to face mother and daughter and asked, “Wine?”
Ingrid and Birgitta shook their heads no.
Totil nodded and took a long sip, “How did your son die?”
With her face contorting from anger Ingrid hissed, “What game do you play at my dear bishop? I do not wish to play.”
Totil bowed apologetically, “My deepest apologies. I meant no disrespect.”
Ingrid gave the bishop a look that said he one chance to save himself.
Choosing his words carefully Totil said, “Hjalmar was killed trying to escape. I ask how someone in his condition could try to escape?”
Ingrid looked questioningly at the bishop but said nothing.
Totil continued, “The consumption had rendered him barely able to move. With his madness he did not even know you, his mother.”
Ingrid sat silently staring at Totil. Birgitta broke the awkward silence, “What are suggesting?”
Totil almost grinned but maintain a serious face as he calculated that he had Ingrid and Birgitta’s full attention. “What if he did not try to escape but was murdered?”
Birgitta stood with her mouth open. Ingrid glared at Totil with eyes if they could would have killed him. She ordered, “Explain.”
Still maintaining his sternness under Ingrid gaze Totil replied, “Say a guard was paid to murder him and make it look like Hjalmar tried to escape.”
Ingrid continued her glare, “If that were so, I am sure the guard would have been killed for what he knew.”
Totil dared to grin some, “What if said guard escaped the murder attempt?”
Ingrid was becoming more agitated at the conversation, “My dear bishop come to your point or I will have you removed from my sight.”
The smile fell from his face Totil realized he could no longer be subtle with Ingrid. He would have to be direct. “I presume, milady you know a man named Beornwulf.”
Ingrid’s eyes widen some and she replied, “Yes, he was one of Hjalmar’s guards.”
Birgitta cut in, “He is the guard who killed Hjalmar. No one has seen him since that night. Mother has requested numerous times to speak with him.”
Totil allowed himself a grin, “Several weeks ago Beornwulf appeared in a tavern in Gisors which in the County of Vixen in France.”
Still wary of the bishop Ingrid responded, “I know where Gisors is. I have traveled there to visit my dear friend Skuld Totilsdohtor.”
Totil nodded, “Yes, Skuld Totilsdotor who was the sister of the late Earl Sumarliði and aunt to my liege the Countess Katarina.”
Ingrid smiled and said, “Perhaps I will have some wine.”
Totil nodded and said, “Yes, milady.” He placed his cup on the table and filled another cup and gave it to Ingrid who took a small sip, “Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” replied Totil.
Ingrid gestured toward Totil and said, “Do continue with your tale.”
Totil noted that the meanness had returned to Ingrid’s voice. He replied, “On this particular night Beornwulf partook in too much ale and other spirits. He spun a story of how he was approached by one of Duke Ealdmund’s men and paid to kill Hjalmar and disguise it as an escape attempt. At first, he refused but the price was so high he knew if he did not do it one of the other guards would and why should they get rich. He befriended Hjalmar and on the appointed night he led Hjalmar out of his cell and into one of the dungeon’s many corridors. There he stabbed him to death and raised the alarm. When the other guards appeared, he explained to them that he caught Hjalmar escaping and the Duke of Northumbria resisted and he had to kill him. No one doubted Beornwulf’s word.”
Ingrid rested her elbows on her knees and brought her hands together like she was praying. Totil could see she was thinking hard. Ingrid asked, “A nice yarn thus far but how did Beornwulf come to this tavern?”
Totil took a sip of wine and walked over the hearth and warmed his hand for a moment and answered, “You were correct in saying that the killer would be killed and Beornwulf was no stranger to dark deeds. He had been paid half before the deed and when he went to collect the remainder of his ill-gotten pay several men tried to kill him. He was ready for them and able to fight them off and escape. He made his way to the port and took passage on the first ship he found that was leaving. The ship brought him to Normandy and he worked his way to Gisors.”
Ingrid now folded her hands in her lap and asked, “How do we know this?”
Totil smiled, “On the particular night in question a associate of the Lady Skuld was in the tavern and overheard the conversation of Beornwulf. This associate introduced himself to Beornwulf and upon seeing how drunk the man was offered to aid him to his room. Of course, Beornwulf was not taken to his room but found himself before Skuld. He was persuaded to tell his tale to her. Knowing the importance of this information Skuld had Beornwulf escorted to Hereford with instructions that you should be made aware of his confession.”
Ingrid sat silent with her eyes closed and her hands clasped together so tight the knuckles were turning white.
Seeing her mother was not going to say anything Birgitta asked, “What is the fate of this Beornwulf?”
Totil turned to Birgitta and put on an innocent face, “He is enjoying the protection of Countess Katarina for the time being. In a couple of weeks, he will go before the Countess and her Regent Hafrid and tell his tale so that all will know the treachery of Rædwald.”
Birgitta shook her head. This was all too much for her. “What will become of him?”
Totil smirked, “I am sure he will get an appropriate award.”
Ingrid suddenly stood up. Her body was shaking from rage. Her eyes filled with hate she turned and stormed out the room surprising Birgitta and Totil.
Birgitta trying to stop her mother called out, “Mother, no.” She had a feeling she knew where her mother was going.
*****
Hlothere and Rædwald stood in the strategy room each holding a mug of warm ale.
Hlothere drank some of his ale and asked, “Why?”
Rædwald drank his ale and replied, “I feel it is time.”
Hlothere shook his head, “You still have not told me why you want to do this.”
Rædwald took another drink of ale and replied, “I have never felt right about using the Anglo-Saxon names and titles. I have felt along it disrespects our father and the line of kings back to Ragnarr Loðbrok.”
Hlothere drank some of his ale and inquired, “Then why did you change to Anglo-Saxon in the first place?”
Rædwald looked down into his mug, “I let others influence me.”
Hlothere asked, “Who could influence you?”
Rædwald seemed embarrassed, “Mother, Leofweald of Northumbria, Bishop Dyre of Halton, and even Siweard.”
Hlothere finished his ale and placed the mug on the table, “If you were not sure why did you let them convince you into making the change?”
Rædwald placed his mug on the table and leaned with both hands on the table, “I was a new king and inexperienced. Father never truly taught me anything about being a king. I was just over 18 when he unexpectedly died. I was naive and too trusting of people who had their own agendas. I was told it would bring peace to the kingdom. Little good it did when most of the Norse lords rebelled.”
Hlothere turned and leaned on the edge of the with his rear and asked, “Do you not think the Anglo-Saxons lords may rebel?
Rædwald stood straight and turned, looking at his brother, “Let them. I will crush them. I was weak back then but now I am powerful.”
Hlothere continued leaning on the table, “What do the other Counselors say?”
Rædwald walked a few steps away from the table and replied, “Ealdmund and Emrys feel as long as I do not strip any of the Anglo-Saxon lords of their titles and replace them with Norse lords there will be no issues.”
There was a commotion in the corridor just outside the door. Both brothers watched with interest. Hlothere stood at the ready with his hand near his sword as did Rædwald. Suddenly a figure charged into the room screaming. The guards just inside the door stopped the figure. The figure struggled punching and kicking at the guards.
Rædwald recognized the figure as Ingrid. He also saw Birgitta just behind her mother. His half-sister had the look of fear written all over her face.
Rædwald ordered the guards to release Ingrid. They did so with caution. Even though she was full of anger common sense took over and she did not charge the king. She knew if she did so it could mean her death.
With a face bright red with rage and her fists clinched she yelled, “You bastard, you had him murdered, your own brother.”
Rædwald stood silent and did not move.
Ingrid continued, “I now how you paid the guard, Beornwulf to murder him and tell all my son died trying to escape. For this I name you Kinslayer!”
Rædwald gestured to the guards to remove Ingrid. When they started to do so Ingrid began to resist. Birgitta stepped in and said, “Let’s go, mother.”
Thankfully Ingrid listened, and they departed with the guards close behind.
Rædwald turned to find an angry Hlothere glaring at him.
Hlothere said through clenched teeth, “Did you do it? Did you have Hjalmar killed?”
Rædwald dismissed the charge, “She is crazy with grief. A woman in her state will say almost anything.”
Hlothere continued glaring at Rædwald, “You did not answer me.”
Getting annoyed Rædwald did not respond.
Hlothere continued, “I know that Beornwulf has not been at his posts for several weeks now. I am Steward and it is one my duties to know such things. I thought he left or got killed in a tavern fight. Now hearing this. I ask you again did you kill our brother?”
Fully annoyed Rædwald roared, “I am king. I do not answer to you.”
Hlothere brought his face close to Rædwald’s and said, “Damn you.”
Hlothere pushed past his brother and stormed out of the room.
Rædwald stood in silence for a few moments and then called for his secretary.
The secretary entered the room and bowed, “You called for me Your Highness.”
Rædwald looked at the secretary and said, “Find the Master of the Keep. Tell him that Ingrid af Chester is to leave the keep by sundown tomorrow and she is to never return.”
The secretary responded, “Yes Sire.” He bowed and left the room leaving the king to himself in the gathering gloom.
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