9.2.2
January 1030
Near Wexford, Leinster
The guard opened the door to the house, that had been commandeered for Padern by the local officials as a good will gesture to replace the tent the Marshal o Jorvik had been using. The house was simple in nature, more like a cottage. It had only a large room that served as a parlor and dining area, and a kitchen area with a hearth for warmth. A separate pit was used for cooking. The bedroom was the only room that had a door and its own hearth. The attic which was more of a loft was reached by a ladder and where Padern’s squire and scribe slept.
The guard announced Count François of Leinster. The count entered the room and removed his furs which he gave to a servant who was sent to fetch them. He was offered a mug of hot broth which he eagerly took. The broth felt good against the cold and dampness of the Irish winter.
François made his way over to the group of men standing near the roaring fire in the hearth. He stopped before one and bowed. The man returned the bow. Naturally speaking Occitan and French François spoke Nordic with a heavy accent, “Jarl Padern it is good to see you again.”
Padern nodded, “You are always welcome Count François.” Directing François toward the hearth Padern said, “Here come closer and warm yourself. The cold is very bitter today and this cottage you have provided is very welcomed.”
François moved next to the hearth and soaked in the heat given off, “Thank you.”
Padern then pointed to the two men with him, “I do not believe you have met my commanders.”
François shook his head, “I have not had the pleasure.”
Padern smiled and walked over to the nearest and placed his hand on the man’s shoulders, “This is Lord Harold.” Harold smiled and bowed. François returned the gestures. Padern then went to the man dressed in bishop’s robes. Padern placed his arm on the bishop’s shoulder and said, “Bishop Cynehelm of Halton.” As Harold did Cynehelm bowed and François returned the bow.
Smiling François said, “It is good to meet you both.”
Suspicious and wondering the nature of François’ visit Padern asked, “What do we owe the honor of your company today?”
François tried to remain stoic, but his nervousness came through, “I come on a delicate matter.”
Now even more suspicious but also suspecting he knew the reason Padern sked, “What would that be?”
François swallowed and replied, “Four months ago, out of the goodness of his heart and in honor of his Queen, the Princess Bodil, sister of King Rædald, and great aunt to King Ofieg, King Gargamel consented a safe haven for your army to gather.”
Thinking he knew what was coming next Padern knew he had to be respectful, “For his kindness and foresight we are entirely grateful.”
François nodded. Silent like prisoners going to the executioner’s block Padern and his commanders waited as François spoke, “With the coming of spring His Majesty was speculating as to when your campaign would commence.”
Padern understood the meaning of the count’s words and chuckled inside about the subtlety of the order for them to leave Leinster without actually saying it. Having no wish to slight his host or to cause an incident Padern smiled and replied, “We were this day discussing the start of the campaign.”
François nodded, “The ground is frozen now. It would be a good time to march before the spring mud overtakes the roads.”
Knowing he had been given another nudge Padern nodded, “You are correct about the roads as Harold was discussing with me this morning.”
While he only showed politeness Padern thought
One day we will come for you. By the points of swords, we will make Aquitaine yield these lands to us.
Not knowing Padern’s true feelings François relaxed, “King Gargamel does wish you luck and good fortune in your endeavors once they begin. As King Gargamel cherishes his wife Queen Bodil Aquitaine cherishes its friendship with Jorvik.”
Padern smiled and patted François on the back, “We shall be on the road soon very soon.”
Playing his role Harold now spoke, “Since Chief Andrew has encountered unexpected difficulties in taking Fort Dyflinn the time is coming for us to move against him. We can strike him while he is preoccupied and in a weaken state.”
François now truly was relieved. He had feared resistance on the part of Padern. Concern was rampant throughout the county and the court at Carcassonne the war would be fought on Leinsterian soil or as winter stores dwindled the Jorvikian army would resort to some form of plundering the county.
Smiling François said, “I will send word you are preparing to move northward. When should I inform the king, you will begin your trek northward?”
Padern put on a fake smile and replied, “It will take some time to break camp once we decide. I would think nearly a month.”
François nodded, “Good that is very good.” He bowed and said, “I must take my leave now for there are pressing matters in Wexford requiring my presence.”
Padern, Harold, and Cynehelm bowed. Padern said, “I have enjoyed your visit.”
François gave his half-drunk bowl of broth to a servant while another brought his furs. The count left the house.
With the count was gone Padern turned to Harold and Cynehelm and growled, “We knew this day would come so it looks like our decision to begin the campaign has been made for us”
Harold shook his head, “I would have preferred spring well after the thaw and mud. Marching and fighting in winter has never been a favorite of mine.”
Cynehelm chuckled, “Those of Nordic lineage would scoff at you and call you soft. A winter fight they would say is in their blood.”
All chuckled. Padern said, “I hope you are right good bishop, for we shall have a winter fight.”
Harold rubbed his chin, “The Scots will be busy about the siege. They will think we will wait for spring as that is what they would do.”
Cynehelm smirked, “We could catch them unaware.”
Harold paced, “The count is accurate, the ground is still hard from the cold and therefore the roads will be also. We will be ahead of the thaw and the muddy, sometime impassable roads of early spring.”
Cynehelm smiled, “It is almost as if God has willed it.”
Padern looked at Cynehelm, “God may will it, but I put my faith in knowledge. The knowledge of knowing my enemy.”
Harold nodded and responded, “What are your orders?”
Padern looked at both commanders, “Send out the scouts northward. Find the best routes north. Watch the Scottish, keep track of their movements. Count their numbers. Have the spies learn their secrets.”
Both commanders nodded and replied, “Yes milord.”
Padern put his hands near the flame to warm them, “Make preparations for the army to break camp.”
Harold replied, “As you wish.”
Harold and Cynehelm bowed and left the house.
As they walked through the camp Harold said, “I truly hope God is with us.”
Surprised as Cynehelm had never thought Harold an overly pious man asked, “Why do speak such?”
Harold stopped and looked around the camp and sighed, “For many here in this camp this will be their first campaign and first taste of battle. We will need God’s help to keep them strong and fearless.”
Cynehelm felt doubt wash over him, “I shall pray for such assistance.”
*****
The house was a beehive of activity of servants packing Padern’s belongings and loading them on wagons as the army prepared to march northward. Padern directed the chaos while trying to maintain his sanity. Padern’s attention was diverted by a guard announcing a visitor, “Duchess Ealhswith of East Anglia.”
Padern turned and looked at the door and saw the duchess enter the cottage. Padern walked over to her. Upon reaching her he reached out and took her hand and kissed the back of it saying, “Duchess Ealhswith.”
She smiled and replied, “Jarl Padern.”
Still holding her hand and indicating the table and benches along it Padern said, “Come sit and warm yourself at the hearth.”
Leading her he brought her to the table. He aided her in sitting on the bench. Padern ordered a servant to bring them ale. He walked to the other side of the table and sat down. Just as he did the ale arrived. The servant placed a mug before each and Padern indicated the servant should leave them.
Padern smiled at Ealhswith and aid, “Some warm ale to take the chill off.”
Ealhswith returned the smile and replied, “Thank you.”
Both took drinks from their mugs.
Padern said, “It is a long journey from Norfolk. Why does the Lady of East Anglia grace me with her presence?”
Ealhswith smiled, “I wish to see how you treat my husband Cenfus and my brother Offa and my levies. I have heard you are a hard taskmaster, demanding perfection.”
Feigning shock and hurt Padern replied, “I only do what is necessary to bring victory to our king.”
Both burst out laughing.
Ealhswith took another drink and looked at Padern with seriousness written across her face, “I wish to speak to you of a matter.”
Curious Padern asked, “What sort of matter?”
Ealhswith replied, “A very sensitive and private matter for your ears only.”
Padern cocked and eyebrow. Seeing the determination in her face he stood and yelled, “Everyone out.”
The servants stopped in shock. Padern reiterated, “Out now.”
Quickly the servant stopped their tasks and exited the cottage leaving Padern, Ealhswith, his squire, and his scribe. Padern looked at Ealhswith and she nodded. Padern looked at this squire and scribe, “You too.”
Both nodded and reluctantly went out into the cold.
Padern sat back down and looked at Ealhswith, “Now my good lady what is this sensitive and private matter you spoke of?”
Ealhswith sipped some ale and smiled, “What is your opinion of the manner of court lately?”
Padern took some ale himself, “Confused and directionless.”
Ealhswith smirked, “You are kinder than I am.”
Padern grinned, “I am on Council, so not all is ruinous.”
Ealhswith looked at Padern and asked, “Why do think it is as so?”
Padern smirked, “I can enumerate many reasons. I feel you already know many of them and are about to tell me.”
Ealhswith lifted her mug to toast Padern, “Shrewd. You will not commit until you know my position.”
Padern grinned sinisterly, “I know you need me greatly for whatever it is you are planning. Otherwise you would not be here in person. This places me in a position of strength.”
Ealhswith shook her head, “You are correct. My need does place me at a disadvantage.”
Padern sipped some ale and leaned back on the bench, “And what is this need you speak?”
Ealhswith grinned, “It is not just for me. It is for the kingdom.”
Padern chuckled, “Of course it is.”
Ealhswith becoming annoyed with Padern and his borderline condescending attitude replied, “The kingdom needs strength and stability.”
Padern grinned, “On that we can agree.”
Ealhswith nodded, “We cannot obtain either with the current state of affairs in Jorvik.”
Padern finished his ale. He realized the pitcher was at the other end of the table and stood. “What are you speaking of?”
Ealhswith watched Padern walked to the end of the table and grab the pitcher, “We have a three-year-old for a king and a Regency Council who can only be described as inept.”
Padern walked back to his seat, “Harsh words spoken before a member of that very council you criticize.”
Padern took her cup and poured more ale, “A council you have not attended. If you had, you would understand.” Padern refilled his mug and placed the pitcher between them and returned to his seat as Ealhswith continued, “Take this war. A misguided endeavor if there ever was one.”
Padern drank some ale and replied, “We fight this war to show King Ælfgar, King Diogo, and the Irish despite having a child king we are still powerful and should not be trifled with.”
Ealhswith shook her head, “But now? King Eadweard was barely two months in his tomb and we are at war. Is the war truly to show the power of the kingdom or to give glory to certain lords?”
Padern eyes narrowed, “Careful, dear duchess. You seem to forget to whom you speak.”
Ealhswith realized her faux pas, “I meant no disrespect to your father. I am sure he was the voice of reason in the storm of absurdity and only voted for war to show unity.”
Padern grinned and nodded, “Apology accepted. Now I wish you clearly state your purpose.”
Ealhswith took a drink and replied, “The kingdom cannot suffer a thirteen-year regency.”
Padern looked at her and said, “It survived a similar crisis with a child king and a murder.”
Ealhswith shook her head, “Unlike Knut we do not have a Lady Halla to lead the council. Even with all her greatness she still lost Skuli to an assassin.”
Padern shrugged his shoulders, “We just have not found our Lady Halla.”
Ealhswith leaned toward Padern, “We do not have the time. If ever do find such a person, the kingdom will already be ruined.” She took a drink of ale and as she placed the mug on the table a devilish grin came to her face, “I feel we do not need to wait.”
Now intrigued Padern asked, “You speak of deposing the young king?”
Ealhswith nodded, “In these times it is the best course of action. We need the stability of an adult.”
Padern cocked an eyebrow, “And whom do you have in mind for such a task?”
Ealhswith smiled, “Someone you are familiar with, Count Swæfræd of Gwent.”
Padern burst out in laughter, “Swæfræd? He is a bastard.”
Surprised and taken back by Padern’s reaction Ealhswith took a moment to compose herself and replied, “Yes is a bastard, the acknowledged bastard of King Eilif. He would have been legitimized if it had not been for the scheming of the slut Ingrid af Chester.”
Padern shook his head, “That is a rather harsh judgement of Ingrid.”
Now it was Ealhswith who laughed, “What can be said about the traitorous bitch who now dwells in Galicia. Her own daughter Birgitta, Queen of Danmark will not have her.” Ealhswith looked at Padern, “But I did come here to discuss Ingrid.”
Padern smirked, “No you did not, but Swæfræd?”
Ealhswith grinned, “Why not Swæfræd. Did your father or you ever find cause to not trust him or find fault with him?”
Padern took a moment to think and replied, “I cannot say we have. However, he did inherit one trait from his father when came to lovers and siring bastards.”
Ealhswith leaned back and replied, “Siring bastards has never been looked upon as a hindrance to the House of Hvitserk.”
Hearing Hvitserk Padern realized something, “Swæfræd is not of the House of Hvitserk nor is he considered Norse.”
Nodding Ealhswith replied, “You speak the truth.”
Slightly unsure Padern looked at Ealhswith, “Will that not present an obstacle?”
Ealhswith shook her head, “The Hvitserk kings draw much of their power from being the Jarl of Jorvik, Lancaster, and Mercia; and the Count of Jorvik, Lancaster, Chester, Djuraby, Worcester, and Warwick. Beyond the royal holdings a child, Prince Eilif rules in Northumberland, and another child, Thurcytel rules in Gwynedd. Prince Sigeberht holds Dyflinn, and Katarina is Countess of Hereford. Even within the house there is conflict as Countess Mildrith of Gloucester wars with Thurcytel to replace him with his uncle, Count Hlothere of Shrewsbury as jarl.”
Padern drank some ale and said, “Hvitserk is a powerful force within the kingdom. Removing them from power will meet with great resistance.”
Ealhswith smirked, “I think not.”
Curious Padern asked, “What makes you think so?”
Eahlswith stood in order to warm her hands near the hearth, “Hlothere Stawell is Jarl of Mann, Ealdmund Wiglafing is Jarl of Powys, you of Morgannwg are Jarl of Deheubarth, and I of Kiil are Duchess of East Anglia. Yngvar af Llanelwy is Count of Hlymrek, and Wulfrun Akra is Countess of Leicester. Within the royal holdings Wulfwynn Ytra is Countess of Westmorland and Yngvar af Waren is Count of Lincoln. This is also a powerful group of which many tire of being under the House of Hvitserk.”
Padern shook his head, “I would not count on Ealdmund to go against the child king.”
Ealhswith nodded, “You are right. But even without him we still can place Swæfræd on the throne.”
Padern finished his ale, “And won’t those of Norse linage object?”
Ealhswith smirked, “I expect they will. One must remember only Eilif, Sigeberht, Katarina, and Yngvar of Lincoln are Nordic. The others are Anglo-Saxon, Welsh, and Irish.”
Padern rubbed his chin thinking, “I do say it is an interesting proposal, but I don’t see how I would be of use.”
Ealhswith chuckled, “Come, come Jarl Padern. You rule one the most powerful jarldoms in the kingdom.”
Padern nodded, “True, very true but I am a member of council who are sworn to protect and guide the young king.”
Ealhswith laughed, “In what is most likely the worst secret in the kingdom you support Gavelkind Succession with Countess Katarina.”
Padern glared at Ealhswith, “Gavelkind Succession does not replace the king with another it only lessens the power of the crown by distributing the king’s holding more fairly upon his death.”
Ealhswith shook her head and finished her ale, “Believe what you like. You still plot against the crown.”
Ealhswith stood, “I must be going.”
Padern also stood and walked with Ealhswith to the door. At the door he said, “You have given me much to ponder over these coming days.”
Ealhswith smiled, “I look forward to our next meeting.”
Padern replied as he kissed the back of her hand, “I do too.”
Ealhswith turned and walked out into the camp.
