Chapter 9.35 - 1038 – February – Westmorland – Appleby
Chapter 9.35
1038 – February – Westmorland – Appleby
Countess Wulwynn entered the council chambers along with her husband Anarawd. As she crossed the room, she mentally checked that all in her council who were invited were present. Bishop Ealdwine of Cartmel her chancellor, Mayor Sigeræd of Lowther her marshal, and Osweald her spymaster sat at the large table in the center of the room. Her Court Chaplin, Eadberht was not invited as it was well know he was not in favor of any plots and had stated his opinion numerous times in the past. Osult, the Stewart of Westmorland was invited but he was delayed by a tax collection problem with a large landowner in the south of the county.
While waiting for the Countess arrival the three council members were examining a piece of correspondence from the Regent of Jorvik. Once Wulfwynn was seated Osweald handed her the document. She tossed into the center of table as if it was laced with poison.
Looking at those in the room she asked, “What are your thoughts of this appeal for our levies to fight this war between Oxford and England over Wiltshire?”
Sigeræd chuckled, “The countess is being generous. It is no appeal. It is a demand.”
Ealdwine nodded, “The marshal is correct. No matter how sugary the request is worded, anything from Jorvik and the Regency Council requesting our gracious assistance is still a demand.”
Sigeræd scoffed, “As many times before we are asked to put our levies; the levies we recruit, equip, and feed, in harm’s way for a war we will see no benefit from. Why should I care who is the Count or Countess of Wilshire?”
Wulfwynn responded, “I too care not who rules Wiltshire. I care our young men will be off fighting a meaningless war when there is much to do here. There are crops to be planted in a few months’ time. Flocks and herds to be tended. Goods to be made and sold. Those in Jorvik forget where our levies are drawn. I have my few knights and men at arms but most of my barony’s troops are the farmers and villagers scattered about the barony.” She looked at Sigeræd, “or are drawn from the townsfolk of cities such your Lowther.” Now she turned her attention to Ealdwine, “and lastly your men from your bishopric. Without them all, our county will suffer.”
Osweald nodded, “Milady you speak words of wisdom. From what I can discover not only is this war meant to hurt England and possibly indirectly aid Ealdmund Oshereson but there may be a more sinister reason.”
Sigeræd laughed, “With the Regency Council chicanery is expected.”
Wulfwynn looked at Osweald, “What other motive could there be?”
Osweald gazed at the countess and replied, “A play for power. One group wants the war to improve their stature within the counsel and the kingdom, the other wishes to use the war to discredit and embarrass its rivals.”
Throwing his arms up Sigeræd exclaimed, “And again our levies are pawns in their game of intrigue.”
Ealdwine responded, “It is our lot to be the pawn. We are an afterthought to the king or council. Our liege is the Jarl of Lancaster and the Jarl of Lancaster is the king. We are thus expected to answer any call more quickly and with more loyalty than the other jarls and counts of the kingdom.”
Pausing for a moment he looked around the room. “Westmorland has always been treated as the mad dog for Jorvik. Those of us who can remember thought when King Rædwald,” he looked at Wulfwynn, “appointed your father as count it would change. It did not. Your father Åke grew frustrated and the frustration drove him into the bosom of many schemes and factions.”
Remembering Anarawd was seated at the table Sigeræd looked at him asking, “And what of you Morgannwg? You father is at the center of the very Council causing so much harm to us. Is he not one who championed this war?”
Anarawd looked around at the faces of those in room. Measuring his reply, he said, “Padern is the man who sired me. I am nothing to him but an extra to be pawned off in some attempt to forge an allegiance to further his desire for power. Little did he know when I came here, I would become aware of his callous scheming. My refusal to betray my wife and follow his script has made me even more worthless than before. I would relish the sight of him utterly failing and the disgrace it would bring.”
Wulfwynn smiled at her husband and he back at her. If one looked closely, they would have thought there was more to the smiles than the love and respect of husband and wife. It was as if some secret was exchanged between them.
Wulfwynn turned and looked at the others, “What paths lie before us?”
Sigeræd sighed, “In accordance with your oaths troops must be given to the king.” He smiled like a devil, “The number afforded is not stated.”
Ealdwine joined Sigeræd in smiling, “We need to enough so as not to cause any retribution from the crown.”
Smiling herself Wulfwynn looked at Sigeræd and ordered, “Lord marshal, see that it is done.”
Sigeræd nodded, “yes, milady.”
Wulfwynn looked around the table and stated, “We must look to the future?”
Ealdwine confused asked, “The future, milady?”
Wulfwynn nodded, “Yes, the future. We must ensure our levies are not foolishly called to war again.”
Sigeræd replied, “As long as a Hvitserk sits on the throne, there will be no change. We will forever be their lackeys.”
Eyes narrowing Wulfwynn replied, “Then we must find a way to restrict the unhampered power of the king.”
Ealdwine rubbed his chin and replied, “An intriguing thought but one that is stillborn.”
Wulfwynn smiled. “Perhaps not my dear bishop. Others of like mind now take steps to see it so.”
Osweald looked at Wulfwynn, “You speak of Hereford do you not?”
Sigeræd grimaced, “The Countess Katarina. She is a malcontent. Always in opposition to the Council and to the crown. To be with her would bring further disfavor from Jorvik. Some will label you a traitor.”
Wulfwynn nodded, “To achieve such a goal I would risk disfavor and the acqusations of those who are even more traitorous.”
Sigeræd shook his head, “I tell you milady, she is nothing but trouble, constantly embroiled in one faction or another. Many lords have cut ties from her.”
Wulfwynn grinned, “Not all. Wulfrun of Leicester openly supports her.”
Growing frustrated Sigeræd replied, “Leicester is another who causes nothing but trouble for trouble’s sake.”
Ealdwine remarked, “Why should she not? After what was done in her county during the recent conversion from Orthodoxy. The lies, the threats, and even the occasional murder in the name of the Church. All to make the Council look good in the eyes of Rome.”
Ealdwine looked at Wulfwynn, “What are your wishes, milady?”
Wulfwynn looked around the room. Her husband and Osweald nodded. Sigeræd showed no emotion. She returned her gaze to Ealdwine, “Make inquires to Hereford. See if there is any benefit to our joining with her.”
Ealdwine nodded, “As you wish, milady.”
Before Wulfwynn could dismiss them Osweald spoke, “While gaining the power to decide who the kingdoms wars upon there is still the matter as Sigeræd said regarding a Hvitserk on the throne.”
Ealdwine looked oddly at Osweald, “What do you speak of?”
Osweald rubbed his chin as he spoke, “This Council has already shown itself willing to involve the kingdom in unnecessary wars. Take this Wiltshire war for instance. What is not to say they will not support Ofeig when he is of age and his desire for some needless war?”
Confused and slightly frighten at where this conversation may go Ealdwine replied, “Do you speak of another king? I am not sure we are ready for such.”
Osweald smirked, “A new king, one who is of age would not need this regency council. He could form his own council and fill it with those who aid him.”
Not so sure Sigeræd asked, “Is there someone in mind?”
Osweald grinned, “Someone acceptable to the lords. Someone not Hvitserk but perhaps very close.”
Anarawd asked, “Who would that be?”
Osweald looked at Anarwd, “Swæfræd, Count of Gwent.”
Surprised Anarawd stated, “Swæfræd, the bastard? Who would follow him?”
Osweald grinned, “You might be surprised. He is not Hvitserk, but he is close, very close. He shares the same parents as King Rædwald; King Eilif and Eadhild.”
Anarawd shook his head, “He was not legitimized.”
Osweald nodded, “That was true. That was the doing of another of King Eilif’s lovers, Ingrid af Chester. Ingrid detested Eadhild and used the threat of denying her charms to Eilif if he legitimized Swæfræd out of spite.”
Still not agreeing with the choice Anarawd said, “I know Swæfræd. As Count of Gwent he is one of my father’s vassals. He is a womanizer, more interested in his next conquest of the flesh than the responsibilities of his county.”
Sigeræd chuckled, “A welcome change there. He will be too busy to think of wars.”
Seeing an opportunity Ealdwine agreed, “His affairs could prove to be very useful as they could be used as leverage against him and force him to grant favors.”
Anarawd asked, “What if he does not agree?”
Ealdwine looked at Anarawd and said, “His agreement does not matter.”
Wulfwynn looked at Osweald, “Are there others of a like mind?”
Osweald nodded, “Rumors say Duchess Ealhswith of East Anglia.”
Surprised Sigeræd replied, “East Anglia? The Spymaster of the realm.”
Anarawd asked, “Are there others?”
Osweald cracked his knuckles, “I believe so. But none who will speak out loud.”
Wulfwynn thought for a moment and asked, “What others are these possible allies?”
Ealdwine wasted no time in answering, “Jarl Ealdmund of Powys would be a good candidate. He has supported making Swæfræd king in the past.”
Osweald chuckled, “Along with anyone else whose name is put forth.”
Ealdwine returned the chuckled, “True, true. But his dislike for the Council and Ofeig is real. It is a weapon that the right person could use to obtain their goals. His levies are large, well trained, and equipped. He coffers are full and he has made it known for the right cause he would provide the needed coin.”
Wulfwynn smiled and nodded, “Then you will make the appropriate indiscrete overtures to gain his trust and support.”
Ealdwine nodded, “I will milady.”
Wulfwynn asked, “Any others?”
Anarawd asked, “Countess Katarina of Hereford? She is always opposing the council and king in some way. She has even supported others to be king.”
It was Ealdwine who shook his head this time. “I do not trust her. She is Hvitserk. The times she supported others to be king they were from the House of Hvitserk such as Sigeberht and Eilif. In such an endeavor I fear she will side with blood.”
Wulfwynn asked, “Countess Wulfrun of Leicester?”
Osweald scratched his beard, “Perhaps. Her disdain for the Council and king has been spoken of before.”
Wulfwynn looked at Ealdwine, “Add a visit to Leicester to your travels..”
Ealdwine smiled and nodded, “As you wish milady.”
Sigeræd responded, “I do not see any others. Gwynedd is too involved with their civil war. Yngvar of Lincoln owes his title to the crown and council. Jarl Hlothere of Mann speaks his mind and once in a while is opposed to the council, but he is a king’s man through and through.”
Anarawd asked, “Yngvar of Hylmerk. None have mentioned him.”
At first no one responded. Then Osweald did, “Yngvar of Hlymerk has not made his leanings known in the past. He has remained out of any and all frays thus far.”
Wulfwynn looked at Ealdwine saying, “Perhaps we should ask.”
Ealdwine nodded, “I will make the appropriate inquiries.”
Wulfwynn smiled. “If there are no other matters we are done.”
None spoke and thusly Wulfwynn adjourned the meeting. After the council members departed Anarawd walked over to his wife and sat on the table beside her.
Wulfwynn looked up at her husband and smiled, “Your father would be proud.”
Anarawd nodded, “All is falling into place as he foresaw. Soon the council’s power will be more than the king. Gone will be the days of the king answering to no one.”
Wulfwynn smiled and nodded.
The mood of Anarawd changed and he looked sternly at his wife, “This madness of Osweald why did you encourage such? My father will never stand for deposing Ofeig.”
Wulfwynn patted him on his knee and chuckled, “All to make the ruse all the more believable my husband.”
Anarawd returned the smile, “That is good. I would hate to have to choose.”
Wulfwynn rose, “You will not.”
She turned and left the room followed by her husband. As she walked across the room, she smiled to herself thinking, One must leave all options open.
1038 – February – Westmorland – Appleby
Countess Wulwynn entered the council chambers along with her husband Anarawd. As she crossed the room, she mentally checked that all in her council who were invited were present. Bishop Ealdwine of Cartmel her chancellor, Mayor Sigeræd of Lowther her marshal, and Osweald her spymaster sat at the large table in the center of the room. Her Court Chaplin, Eadberht was not invited as it was well know he was not in favor of any plots and had stated his opinion numerous times in the past. Osult, the Stewart of Westmorland was invited but he was delayed by a tax collection problem with a large landowner in the south of the county.
While waiting for the Countess arrival the three council members were examining a piece of correspondence from the Regent of Jorvik. Once Wulfwynn was seated Osweald handed her the document. She tossed into the center of table as if it was laced with poison.
Looking at those in the room she asked, “What are your thoughts of this appeal for our levies to fight this war between Oxford and England over Wiltshire?”
Sigeræd chuckled, “The countess is being generous. It is no appeal. It is a demand.”
Ealdwine nodded, “The marshal is correct. No matter how sugary the request is worded, anything from Jorvik and the Regency Council requesting our gracious assistance is still a demand.”
Sigeræd scoffed, “As many times before we are asked to put our levies; the levies we recruit, equip, and feed, in harm’s way for a war we will see no benefit from. Why should I care who is the Count or Countess of Wilshire?”
Wulfwynn responded, “I too care not who rules Wiltshire. I care our young men will be off fighting a meaningless war when there is much to do here. There are crops to be planted in a few months’ time. Flocks and herds to be tended. Goods to be made and sold. Those in Jorvik forget where our levies are drawn. I have my few knights and men at arms but most of my barony’s troops are the farmers and villagers scattered about the barony.” She looked at Sigeræd, “or are drawn from the townsfolk of cities such your Lowther.” Now she turned her attention to Ealdwine, “and lastly your men from your bishopric. Without them all, our county will suffer.”
Osweald nodded, “Milady you speak words of wisdom. From what I can discover not only is this war meant to hurt England and possibly indirectly aid Ealdmund Oshereson but there may be a more sinister reason.”
Sigeræd laughed, “With the Regency Council chicanery is expected.”
Wulfwynn looked at Osweald, “What other motive could there be?”
Osweald gazed at the countess and replied, “A play for power. One group wants the war to improve their stature within the counsel and the kingdom, the other wishes to use the war to discredit and embarrass its rivals.”
Throwing his arms up Sigeræd exclaimed, “And again our levies are pawns in their game of intrigue.”
Ealdwine responded, “It is our lot to be the pawn. We are an afterthought to the king or council. Our liege is the Jarl of Lancaster and the Jarl of Lancaster is the king. We are thus expected to answer any call more quickly and with more loyalty than the other jarls and counts of the kingdom.”
Pausing for a moment he looked around the room. “Westmorland has always been treated as the mad dog for Jorvik. Those of us who can remember thought when King Rædwald,” he looked at Wulfwynn, “appointed your father as count it would change. It did not. Your father Åke grew frustrated and the frustration drove him into the bosom of many schemes and factions.”
Remembering Anarawd was seated at the table Sigeræd looked at him asking, “And what of you Morgannwg? You father is at the center of the very Council causing so much harm to us. Is he not one who championed this war?”
Anarawd looked around at the faces of those in room. Measuring his reply, he said, “Padern is the man who sired me. I am nothing to him but an extra to be pawned off in some attempt to forge an allegiance to further his desire for power. Little did he know when I came here, I would become aware of his callous scheming. My refusal to betray my wife and follow his script has made me even more worthless than before. I would relish the sight of him utterly failing and the disgrace it would bring.”
Wulfwynn smiled at her husband and he back at her. If one looked closely, they would have thought there was more to the smiles than the love and respect of husband and wife. It was as if some secret was exchanged between them.
Wulfwynn turned and looked at the others, “What paths lie before us?”
Sigeræd sighed, “In accordance with your oaths troops must be given to the king.” He smiled like a devil, “The number afforded is not stated.”
Ealdwine joined Sigeræd in smiling, “We need to enough so as not to cause any retribution from the crown.”
Smiling herself Wulfwynn looked at Sigeræd and ordered, “Lord marshal, see that it is done.”
Sigeræd nodded, “yes, milady.”
Wulfwynn looked around the table and stated, “We must look to the future?”
Ealdwine confused asked, “The future, milady?”
Wulfwynn nodded, “Yes, the future. We must ensure our levies are not foolishly called to war again.”
Sigeræd replied, “As long as a Hvitserk sits on the throne, there will be no change. We will forever be their lackeys.”
Eyes narrowing Wulfwynn replied, “Then we must find a way to restrict the unhampered power of the king.”
Ealdwine rubbed his chin and replied, “An intriguing thought but one that is stillborn.”
Wulfwynn smiled. “Perhaps not my dear bishop. Others of like mind now take steps to see it so.”
Osweald looked at Wulfwynn, “You speak of Hereford do you not?”
Sigeræd grimaced, “The Countess Katarina. She is a malcontent. Always in opposition to the Council and to the crown. To be with her would bring further disfavor from Jorvik. Some will label you a traitor.”
Wulfwynn nodded, “To achieve such a goal I would risk disfavor and the acqusations of those who are even more traitorous.”
Sigeræd shook his head, “I tell you milady, she is nothing but trouble, constantly embroiled in one faction or another. Many lords have cut ties from her.”
Wulfwynn grinned, “Not all. Wulfrun of Leicester openly supports her.”
Growing frustrated Sigeræd replied, “Leicester is another who causes nothing but trouble for trouble’s sake.”
Ealdwine remarked, “Why should she not? After what was done in her county during the recent conversion from Orthodoxy. The lies, the threats, and even the occasional murder in the name of the Church. All to make the Council look good in the eyes of Rome.”
Ealdwine looked at Wulfwynn, “What are your wishes, milady?”
Wulfwynn looked around the room. Her husband and Osweald nodded. Sigeræd showed no emotion. She returned her gaze to Ealdwine, “Make inquires to Hereford. See if there is any benefit to our joining with her.”
Ealdwine nodded, “As you wish, milady.”
Before Wulfwynn could dismiss them Osweald spoke, “While gaining the power to decide who the kingdoms wars upon there is still the matter as Sigeræd said regarding a Hvitserk on the throne.”
Ealdwine looked oddly at Osweald, “What do you speak of?”
Osweald rubbed his chin as he spoke, “This Council has already shown itself willing to involve the kingdom in unnecessary wars. Take this Wiltshire war for instance. What is not to say they will not support Ofeig when he is of age and his desire for some needless war?”
Confused and slightly frighten at where this conversation may go Ealdwine replied, “Do you speak of another king? I am not sure we are ready for such.”
Osweald smirked, “A new king, one who is of age would not need this regency council. He could form his own council and fill it with those who aid him.”
Not so sure Sigeræd asked, “Is there someone in mind?”
Osweald grinned, “Someone acceptable to the lords. Someone not Hvitserk but perhaps very close.”
Anarawd asked, “Who would that be?”
Osweald looked at Anarwd, “Swæfræd, Count of Gwent.”
Surprised Anarawd stated, “Swæfræd, the bastard? Who would follow him?”
Osweald grinned, “You might be surprised. He is not Hvitserk, but he is close, very close. He shares the same parents as King Rædwald; King Eilif and Eadhild.”
Anarawd shook his head, “He was not legitimized.”
Osweald nodded, “That was true. That was the doing of another of King Eilif’s lovers, Ingrid af Chester. Ingrid detested Eadhild and used the threat of denying her charms to Eilif if he legitimized Swæfræd out of spite.”
Still not agreeing with the choice Anarawd said, “I know Swæfræd. As Count of Gwent he is one of my father’s vassals. He is a womanizer, more interested in his next conquest of the flesh than the responsibilities of his county.”
Sigeræd chuckled, “A welcome change there. He will be too busy to think of wars.”
Seeing an opportunity Ealdwine agreed, “His affairs could prove to be very useful as they could be used as leverage against him and force him to grant favors.”
Anarawd asked, “What if he does not agree?”
Ealdwine looked at Anarawd and said, “His agreement does not matter.”
Wulfwynn looked at Osweald, “Are there others of a like mind?”
Osweald nodded, “Rumors say Duchess Ealhswith of East Anglia.”
Surprised Sigeræd replied, “East Anglia? The Spymaster of the realm.”
Anarawd asked, “Are there others?”
Osweald cracked his knuckles, “I believe so. But none who will speak out loud.”
Wulfwynn thought for a moment and asked, “What others are these possible allies?”
Ealdwine wasted no time in answering, “Jarl Ealdmund of Powys would be a good candidate. He has supported making Swæfræd king in the past.”
Osweald chuckled, “Along with anyone else whose name is put forth.”
Ealdwine returned the chuckled, “True, true. But his dislike for the Council and Ofeig is real. It is a weapon that the right person could use to obtain their goals. His levies are large, well trained, and equipped. He coffers are full and he has made it known for the right cause he would provide the needed coin.”
Wulfwynn smiled and nodded, “Then you will make the appropriate indiscrete overtures to gain his trust and support.”
Ealdwine nodded, “I will milady.”
Wulfwynn asked, “Any others?”
Anarawd asked, “Countess Katarina of Hereford? She is always opposing the council and king in some way. She has even supported others to be king.”
It was Ealdwine who shook his head this time. “I do not trust her. She is Hvitserk. The times she supported others to be king they were from the House of Hvitserk such as Sigeberht and Eilif. In such an endeavor I fear she will side with blood.”
Wulfwynn asked, “Countess Wulfrun of Leicester?”
Osweald scratched his beard, “Perhaps. Her disdain for the Council and king has been spoken of before.”
Wulfwynn looked at Ealdwine, “Add a visit to Leicester to your travels..”
Ealdwine smiled and nodded, “As you wish milady.”
Sigeræd responded, “I do not see any others. Gwynedd is too involved with their civil war. Yngvar of Lincoln owes his title to the crown and council. Jarl Hlothere of Mann speaks his mind and once in a while is opposed to the council, but he is a king’s man through and through.”
Anarawd asked, “Yngvar of Hylmerk. None have mentioned him.”
At first no one responded. Then Osweald did, “Yngvar of Hlymerk has not made his leanings known in the past. He has remained out of any and all frays thus far.”
Wulfwynn looked at Ealdwine saying, “Perhaps we should ask.”
Ealdwine nodded, “I will make the appropriate inquiries.”
Wulfwynn smiled. “If there are no other matters we are done.”
None spoke and thusly Wulfwynn adjourned the meeting. After the council members departed Anarawd walked over to his wife and sat on the table beside her.
Wulfwynn looked up at her husband and smiled, “Your father would be proud.”
Anarawd nodded, “All is falling into place as he foresaw. Soon the council’s power will be more than the king. Gone will be the days of the king answering to no one.”
Wulfwynn smiled and nodded.
The mood of Anarawd changed and he looked sternly at his wife, “This madness of Osweald why did you encourage such? My father will never stand for deposing Ofeig.”
Wulfwynn patted him on his knee and chuckled, “All to make the ruse all the more believable my husband.”
Anarawd returned the smile, “That is good. I would hate to have to choose.”
Wulfwynn rose, “You will not.”
She turned and left the room followed by her husband. As she walked across the room, she smiled to herself thinking, One must leave all options open.
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