9.4.4
October 1031
Rhuddlan, Perfeddwlad
As he traversed the hallway the footsteps of Mayor Strula of Macclesfield echoed somberly reflecting his mood lately. The shadows in the corners and crevices of the corridor seem to close in around the mayor and his escort Dag, eldest son of Jarl Ealdmund of Powys. Gone was the laughter and joy that once filled this passage. Memories of a joyful young prince Eadweard, laughing and running down this very hall as his father King Rædwald chased him lingered in his mind and caused him to sigh.
Dag turned to him and asked, “Milord, you said something?”
Strula chuckled, “Nothing, just an old memory.”
Dag nodded as they continued their trek.
Gone were the days of the strong reigns of Rædwald and Eadweard. Now a council, a name by which a rabble went by, wielded power in the name of a child king of five. A child who few expected to see his sixteenth birthday and accession to the crown in his own right. Weighed down by the fact he was a member of the very imponent council he hated, Strula reasoned he fought for the good of the kingdom. He was not like those lords who schemed and plotted for their own gain putting their needs before that of the kingdom.
All this infighting and intrigue had thrown the kingdom into chaos. An ill-conceived war with little or no real planning with Scotland was the child of these times. Three regents in the short time since Eadweard’s death cast a dark omen over the council’s doing. None could foresee the sudden death of Emrys so soon after his ascendancy to regent, but then again perhaps it should have been expected given his age and past battle with consumption. Ealdmund, on the other hand, was looked upon as a strong regent who could stay afloat in the mire of plots and schemes. None could predict his utter failure and decent into indecision and inaction. All this brought another conspiracy to bear fruit and find Ealdmund unceremoniously removed as regent and Rígán installed in his place.
Despite his misgivings Strula began to grudgingly give Rígán his due. Under the Irishman the council seem to find its purpose and direction. Quick, stern decisions brought a unity back that had floundered for some time. The war was given the priority it needed. Plots and schemes were frowned upon and those who engaged in them chastised and made to see the error of their ways. At last the council spoke in one voice, that of the regent Rígán. However, Strula knew in the dark recesses of the kingdom and the minds of power-seeking men plans were forming and the regent and those who supported him must be vigilant.
They reached the door of the solar. Strula smiled remembering the many jovial occasions hosted within the room. The smile quickly faded from his face as he peered into the room. It was as gloomy and heavy as the hall. It was as if all the joy and pleasure had been exorcised from the room. Looking into the room Strula shook his head to clear his thoughts as it appeared the gloom emanated from the man standing with his back to them.
As Dag directed Strula into the room he said, “Father, the Lord Chancellor Strula to see you.”
At first Ealdmund did not move. Strula wondered if he had heard his son and was going to announce himself. Ealdmund turned around with a smile on his face and stepped toward Strula with his right arm extended. Strula stepped toward him and took Ealdmund’s arm in greeting.
Ealdmund said, “it is good to see you.” He looked at his servant and ordered, “Some ale.”
Strula nodded and stepped back away from Ealdmund. Strula took stock of the man before him. A man he had known for decades and served with under two kings. Outwardly he appeared as he had in the past with no visual sign of the trauma and stress he had so recently gone through. His eyes were bright and his demeanor cheerful. A far cry from the defeated man who fled from Jorvik in disgrace after beginning replaced as regent. On the surface there was no bitterness.
Strula, however, was concerned with what simmered below the façade. Ealdmund was still spymaster and had at the tips of his finger a powerful network of information or mayhem. The chancellor was tasked to discover where the heart of the Jarl of Powys laid, reconciliation or revenge.
As the servants brought the ale and mug Dag bowed and began to leave. Ealdmund looked at him and held his hand up halting his son’s departure.
“Stay, my son.”
Strula hid his discomfort at the idea of Dag remaining. “Are you sure? Some of what I must speak of is for your ears only.”
Ealdmund knew he was causing discomfort in Strula and enjoyed it. It gave him an advantage. “He is my heir and will rule this jarldom when I am gone.”
Strula grinned, “I am sure that will be many years from now.”
Ealdmund seemed somber and replied, “One never knows the future. Now do they old friend?”
Strula nodded, “We do not know God’s plan for us.”
Ealdmund’s mood changed and he chuckled “True very true.” He looked directly at Dag and said, “When I am not present here in Rhuddlan he speaks for me as my regent.”
A servant handed mugs of ale to Strula and Ealdmund.
Since being deposed as regent Strula knew Ealdmund had not left his keep. Visitors came and went but to everyone’s knowledge the jarl remained closeted here. Strula thought it odd for such a statement and furthermore Dag appeared caught off guard by it also.
Strula reckoned he should probe some, “It was my understanding your wife, Ælfthryth was your regent.”
Ealdmund sipped some ale and smiled, “In the past she was. Now, however, her health prevents her undertaking such a role.”
Knowing nothing of the duchess’ ill health Strula was surprised, “Her health? I hope it is nothing serious.”
A look of pain crossed Ealdmund’s face, “The physicians say it is not life threatening and with care and treatment she can live a long life. I do fear the stress of regency would affect her in a poor way.”
Now truly confused and concerned. He had long considered Ælfthryth a friend, “If I may be so bold, what afflicts her?”
After another sip of ale Ealdmund replied, “It is podagra. There are days where the pain in her toe is so great, she cannot walk without help.”
Stunned Strula replied, “I shall pray for her health and recovery.”
Ealdmund nodded his appreciation. Ealdmund looked at his son and smirked. Standing behind and to the side of Strula Dag took several draughts of ale. Him being the future regent of Powys was news to him and he did not rightly know how to take such an elevation of trust from his father. Hoping it was true Dag was still nagged by the thought this could all be an act for the benefit of the chancellor.
As he planned Ealdmund had seized control of the meeting from Strula. This meeting would now follow the path laid out by the spymaster.
Ealdmund directed Strula toward the chairs in the room. The three men sat. Before Strula could speak Ealdmund aggressively stated, “I pray you found troops for Öysteinn? I am sure his victories at Dornoch, Crieff, and Thurso have reduced his numbers even further. It will not be long before he cannot fight.” Ealdmund grinned waiting for the question he knew was coming.
Strula’s face contorted in confusion, “Thurso?”
Ealdmund tried not to let his satisfaction show. From Strula’s reaction Ealdmund knew his spy network was operating more efficiently than Rígán’s personal network.
“Öysteinn engaged Earl Malmure at Thurso a little over a week ago. It was not much of a battle, but it sent Malmure and his Scottish running.” He looked at Strula with an inquisitive face, “Word has not reached council?”
Somewhat annoyed Strula answered, “Perhaps now but when I departed there was no news.”
Ealdmund sat content in knowing word still had not reached Jorvik.
Strula sipped some ale and said, “These victories bring victory closer.”
Ealdmund nodded, “They do but final victory cannot be realized without the taking of Scottish cities.” Giving the chancellor a stern look Ealdmund continued, “Öysteinn barely has enough soldiers to battle the Scots. He cannot do both. Fight the Scottish army and siege their cities.”
Strula struggled for a response. From his disastrous command of a field army to his incompetent managing of the war effort the ineptitude of the marshal, Padern was glaringly obvious now more than ever. As a result, Rígán had begun to assume a more direct role of conducting the war.
Seeing no response forthcoming Ealdmund continued, “Lord Iain, and Mayor Ælfric of Renfrew were captured at Thurso. They join Baron Roderick of Fortevoit who was captured at Crieff, and Chief Andrew and Mayor Alan. Öysteinn now has quite a Scottish entourage that can bring a tidy ransom. Such money could be used to hire mercenaries until the levies are replenished.”
Strula chewed his bottom lip nervously and replied, “Rígán has spoken of the possibility of hiring mercenaries.”
Ealdmund scoffed, “He had better do more than speak of it. Earl Malmure of Oriel acting as marshal has not just taken command of the Scottish armies in the field but as Regent of Scotland, he has hired the Saxon Band.”
Strula’s eyes widen hearing such news.
Pleased with Strula’s reaction Ealdmund continued, “They will be arriving in Argyll in the coming weeks.”
A dark mood cam over Strula, “This is grave news, indeed. When did you learn of it?”
Prepared for such a question Ealdmund grinned and answered, “It was only just confirmed last evening.”
Strula filled with doubts of where Ealdmund’s loyalties lie asked, “Has Council been informed?”
Ealdmund grin became more noticeable, “It was too late in the evening to dispatch a courier, so one was sent at first light.” Innocently Ealdmund looked at Strula, “I do not let my personal feelings for certain members of council interfere with my duty to the kingdom.”
Strula was unsure whether to believe Ealdmund or not.
Ealdmund drained his mug and motioned for a servant to refill it. As the servant went about pouring fresh ale Ealdmund asked, “How do your negotiations fare for an alliance?”
Strula sat back heavily in the chair, “They are tedious and go on and on.”
Ealdmund nodded, “Is there one more favorable?”
Strula finished his ale and held out his mug for a refill, “France.”
Ealdmund smirked, “I knew Norge or Norway as it is now called would be a waste of time and said so many times in the past. King Geirr’s position as king is perilous. Too many revolts and wars. I spoke against the betrothal of Prince Eilif to Princess Sigrid when King Eadweard first proposed the union. As he usually did Eadweard ignored the advice of his counselors and arranged the betrothal against our misgivings.”
Strula nodded in agreement. He had conducted the negotiations for the betrothal of Eilif and Sigrid. He too expressed his dissatisfaction of Eadweard’s decision but like Ealdmund he ultimately had to bow to the royal prerogative.
“The Regent of France, Evrard Welf, is receptive to an alliance. There are a few details to reach agreement upon. The treaty should be in place within the next six months or before.”
Ealdmund sipped some ale, “Why so long?”
Strula took a deep breath, “There is concern over the war France is embroiled in.”
Ealdmund raised an eyebrow, “The war with Count Dietrich of Innsbruck?”
Strula nodded, “Some on council feel it will distract the French from committing fully to our aid.”
Ealdmund chuckled, “There is nothing to be concerned about. Helferich will never see his claim to the throne of France come to fruition. He will need far more support from the French nobles than just his brother Dietrich. On a lucky day Dietrich may be able to put eight hundred troops in the field. A mere pinprick against King Nicolas.”
Strula looked at Ealdmund and asked, “Then I may return to council and reassure them there is nothing to be concerned about.”
Ealdmund nodded, “Dietrich may win a battle of take a poorly defended city but in the end, he will lose the war.”
Strula smiled, “That is good.”
Ealdmund nodded and drank some ale, “Have you seen Prince Sigeberht’s newborn son, Hjalmar?”
Strula sipped some ale, “I have not had the pleasure to visit Ath Claith.”
For the first time in the conversation Ealdmund was surprised, “In Ath Claith? I would have thought she and the babe would be with Sigeberht in Jorvik.”
Ealdmund chastised himself. He trusted Sigeberht and thinking the prince would do right, he did assign an agent to watch over Richenza. Lesson learned. He hoped his over confidence had not led to a blunder of potentially catastrophic portions if anything happened to the princess and her babe.
Strula looked concerned as he too realized the possible disaster that could befall the kingdom if the second in line to the throne fell into Scottish hands.
“The princess takes her role as regent while her husband is in attendance at Jorvik to heart. She has emphatically stated she must remain in Ath Caith to show the people of Dyflinn and Ireland the House of Hvitserk would not abandon them.”
Ealdmund shook his head, “While I understand her intentions, I wish her head was where her heart is.”
Ealdmund fell silent and looked out the window lost in thought. He slowly turned back saying, “Now it fits.”
Surprised at Ealdmund’s mutterings Strula asked, “What fits?”
Ealdmund looked at Strula, “The rumors and bits and pieces of conversations and actions that have been heard and observed. Now it comes clearer.”
Confused Strula, “What is clearer?”
Ealdmund exclaimed, “Malmure’s actions.”
Strula asked, “What of his actions?”
Ealdmund settled down some and replied, “Before Thurso Malmure had been trying to leave Scotland. The action at Thurso was not much of a battle as it was Malmure’s rearguard being caught unawares. At first I dismissed him leaving Scotland to getting away from Öysteinn.” He pointed at Strula, “Now I know what that sly Scottish bastard is doing.”
Ealdmund now had Strula truly concerned, “What is he doing?”
Ealdmund pounded his fist into his palm. “The Saxon Band is not going to Argyll. They have already landed in either Ulaidh or Oriel. Their ships are going to Argyll to ferry Malmure and the remaining Scottish army to Ireland.”
Confused Strula said, “You said they would be landing in Argyll.”
Ealdmund sighed, “Sometimes even I get dubbed.”
Strula looked at Ealdmund, “Why would they go elsewhere?” From the look Ealdmund gave Strula the chancellor knew, “Oh my God.”
Ealdmund nodded, “He is going for Richenza and her child. What better bargaining chips could he have?”
Strula swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. “Is there time?”
Concern and doubt came to Ealdmund’s face, “I pray there is.” He looked directly at Strula and said, “You must leave immediately and carry this news directly to the council. They must find soldiers to defend or at the worst relieve Ath Claith.”
To press the urgency Ealdmund stood. Strula stood but hesitated. He looked at Ealdmund in a way that unnerved the jarl for a moment.
Strula said handing his mug to a servant, “There is one question I must ask.”
Ealdmund eyed the chancellor cautiously, “What is the question?”
Strula continued looking at Ealdmund, “Where do your loyalties truly lie?”
The question floored Ealdmund. He never expected such a question. “W-with the king of course. Have I not proved that here and now?”
Strula continued his attack, “I have seen what appears to be an act of loyalty but”
Ealdmund was beginning to become annoyed. Never before had his loyalty been questioned. Even when was deposed as regent it was not a question of loyalty. “Do continue.”
Strula smirked, “There is concern regarding who you have been associating with as of late.”
Ealdmund was beginning to see where the conversation going but decided to play coy, “Whom would that be?”
Strula replied matter-of-factly, “Countess Katarina of Hereford.”
Ealdmund’s assumption was correct, “I have long been a friend of the countess. We share many of the same concerns with our holdings being close to one and another.”
Strula’s tone darkened, “It is not your friendship that brings the appearance of disloyalty. It is your apparent support of her wish to return the succession law to gavelkind.”
Ealdmund thought for a moment. This was not the time and place for a battle over opinions and perceptions. There was far too much at stake at this moment of time particularly with the war. Ealdmund put on his best face and replied, “I am truly sorry if there was any appearance of support for Katarina’s cause. I only engaged in a conversation to determine how much support she had or felt she could muster. At all times my loyalties were always with King Ofieg.”
Strula seemed satisfied, “I am glad to hear such old friend. I told those in court who felt you had abandoned the king they were mistaken.”
Ealdmund smiled, “I thank you, old friend for your confidence.” He reached out and grasped Strula’s wrist and Strula returned the gesture. Ealdmund released his grip and said, “Now you must hurry. The Council must be made aware of this threat and Öysteinn must stop Malmure from leaving Scotland.”
Strula nodded. Ealdmund turned to Dag and said, “See that the Chancellor has everything he needs.”
Dag nodded, “I will.”
As Dag and Strula left Ealdmund called to Dag, “When you have finished please return here. There is much to be done.”
Dag bowed and replied, “Yes.”
Dag and Strula disappeared through the doorway.
Close to an hour later Dag returned to the room. He found his father standing peering out the window lost in deep thought. Dag walked across the room and stood next to his father. Without turning Ealdmund asked, “Has Strula departed?”
Dag nodded, “Yes, father he has.”
Ealdmund nodded and bit his lower lip for a moment. “Hopefully the fools on council will listen to him. I know they would ignore me if I spoke of what is needed to be done.”
Dag looked at his father, “You do not sound confident.”
Ealdmund looked back at his son, “Why should I. That collection of schemers and incompetents can’t bring the Countess of Gloucester to heel and force her to end her war with Jarl Thurcytel.”
Dag nodded his agreement of this father’s assessment, “Mildrith has won another battle. This one at Bangor Fawr.”
Ealdmund turned and paced past his son, “With each victory she becomes more arrogant and confident. More difficult to control and the war takes its toll on the land and people of the Jarldom of Gwynedd.”
Dag kept his eyes on Ealdmund, “A poor situation getting poorer.”
Ealdmund smiled and then became very serious, “Enough about the troubles in Wales. We have work to do.”
Dag was confused, “We do?”
Ealdmund raised an eyebrow as he turned and looked at his son, “Have you forgotten the Scottish so quickly?”
Dag now was even more confused, “I thought…”
Ealdmund raised his hand silencing Dag, “As I stated I am loyal to the kingdom. A Scottish victory could spell the end of Jorvik. The English return from Iberia now as King Diogo of Galicia no longer requires them with his victory over Duke Pelaio of Portucale in the War for Adelfonso’s Claim on Asturias de Oviedo. This would be an opportune moment for Ælfgar to join with King Muirgius of Connachta since his war to take the throne of Cornwall has ended without success. Any perceived weakness on our part will encourage them to try to regain some lost lands.”
Dag looked down feeling stupid, “I am sorry. I misunderstood.”
Ealdmund smiled and patted him on the back, “Understandable given my lack of love for my fellow council members. What I do now is not for them but for the legacy of Rædwald and Eadweard. I do it for Ofieg in the off chance he survives to become king on his own right or for Prince Sigeberht if fate so determines he becomes king.”
Dag understood, “What must be done?”
Looking determined Ealdmund replied, “We must know where the Saxon Band is. We must find where Malmure intends to depart from Scotland. The most important thing is to ensure Öysteinn is aware of the Scottish plans and movements so he can act in time.”
Ealdmund pause for a moment and became forlorn.
Dag notice the change and asked, “What troubles you now, father?”
Ealdmund became even more determined, “We must make plans for removing Richenza and Hjalmar from Ath Claith if the need arises.” He looked at Dag and put his hand on his son’s shoulder, “I need you to travel to Ath Claith and speak with Richenza and explain the gravity of the situation.”
Dag nodded. He was pleased and proud his father had entrusted him with such a task.
Ealdmund knew how Dag felt and smiled, “Now go. But before you leave send in Mayor Ælfræd. We have some spy work to do.”
Unsure Dag asked, “Is he not home in Denbigh?”
Ealdmund smiled, “No he is here. I sent for him several days ago. He arrived yesterday.”
Dag nodded and turned. He walked several steps and stopped. He was fumbling for words when Ealdmund asked, “Does something trouble you?”
Dag took a deep breath, “Are you going to abandoned Countess Katarina so easily? I thought you promised her you would stand with her.”
Ealdmund chuckled, “I told Strula what he wanted to hear. I have no plans of dropping my support for the Countess of Hereford.”
Reasured Dag responded, “That is good to hear.”
Ealdmund narrowed his eyes some and said, “They bribed Count Yngvar of Hlymrek to withdraw his support from the Gavelkind Succession and Increasing the Power of the Council factions and I consider any less of a bribe to be an insult.”
Surprised Dag asked, “You would abandoned Katarina for gold?”
Ealdmund smirked, “Of course I would. Would you not?”
Dag was mortified and torn by the question, “I never thought you would turn your back on someone who has supported you since you were disposed.”
Ealdmund realized Dag was truly concerned about his father going back on his word, “Do not trouble yourself over it. Katarina and I have discussed the possibility of a bribe being offered. We have decided if the amount is useful then it should be accepted.”
Dag seemed unsure but replied, “I see. What usefulness would a bribe serve?”
Ealdmund laughed, “It will help to pay my way to Constantinople.”
Dag shook his head. His father’s obsession with Greek fire grew day by day and none could persuade him from perusing this folly. Perhaps another day Dag could change his mind. Dag smiled and replied, “Thank you for reassuring me.”
Ealdmund smiled and waved Dag to go, “Now be on your way.”
Dag bowed and left the room. Ealdmund watched him leave and then turned to view out the window once more.
He closed his eyes and muttered to himself, “My dear Emrys what are we to do? I am the last of our breed. All we strived for and built is coming apart.”
. On the bright side I am writing again
