Chapter 9.40
1039 – July – Jorvik
Under the hot July sun Ofeig and Mauda strolled through the courtyard. Forced out of the keep by the heat and humidity they sought refuge under the shade of the trees. Finding a spot with sufficient shade and a slight breeze they stopped and took up seats on the ground resting their backs on trees.
Mauda sat with her back against a tree and said, “I wish Arngrimr would move the court to Richmond in the summer. What is the meaning of having a keep in Richmond if it goes unused?”
Ofeig sitting against the same tree to her left chuckled, “In this heat Richmond may not provide much relief.”
Mauda made a face and replied, “At least it does not smell so bad.”
Ofeig nodded. What else could he do, “You speak the truth there.” He looked at the sky and silently cursed the lack of clouds. Trying to find a positive he said, “I am sure rain will come soon.”
Mauda scoffed, “It has been nearly two weeks since we have seen any rain. What makes you think it will come soon are you a magician?”
Ofeig chuckled, “I am far from a magician. I overhead some traders saying they have seen storm clouds over the ocean west of Ireland.”
Mauda nodded, “We can only hope.”
After a few moments of silence Mauda looked at Ofeig. The young king looked forlorn in his thoughts. Concerned Mauda asked, “What troubles you these days?”
Ofeig looked down at the ground and played with some nearby grass blades. He sighed and replied, “I find myself missing Öysteinn.”
Mauda frowned. She knew how much Ofeig had worshiped Öysteinn, “His death shock us all.”
Ofeig looked at Mauda, “Even after these long months since November I find rarely does a day go by which I do not think of him.”
Mauda nodded, “It is hard to lose such a great man.”
Ofeig’s face grew sterner and his eyes narrowed, “His death was needless.”
A little surprised at Ofeig, Mauda asked, “How was his death needless? He died leading his troops and saving his sons’ lives.”
Ofeig replied, “He died in a war that should not have been.”
Confused Mauda responded, “I do not understand.”
Ofeig tensed, “He died in a war your father was tricked into declaring.”
Now Mauda felt bad. Declaring the Wiltshire Claim War had cost her father his position as Regent of King Ofeig. Her feeling kept her from responding.
Ofeig looked at her and continued, “It was that Padern and his allies Ealhswith, and Vagn who trick him to back the war. Then they turned on him.”
Mauda took a couple of measured breaths as she recalled the events of the day her father was deposed as regent. She remembered the fear and uncertainty as if it happened yesterday. Holding back her emotions took most of her energy and she could only nod her agreement.
Anger flashed into Ofeig’s eyes as he spoke further, “They have shown no matter how hard we try we can never trust the Welsh and especially the Anglo-Saxons. They are continuously plotting one way or another to take away our kingdom.”
Hearing Ofeig, Mauda’s eyes widened, “You think all Welsh and Saxons plot against us?”
Ofeig nodded, “I am beginning to believe so. We give them titles and land, positions of importance, and treat them as our equal. How do they repay us? They plot and scheme constantly. They take rightful powers away from us.”
Growing uncomfortable Mauda responded, “How do you now this?”
Ofeig scoffed, “I have seen it. Look at how Padern, a Welshman, and Duchess Ealhswith, an Anglo-Saxon, plot to rule the council and direct the kingdom to their benefit. Other Welsh and Anglo-Saxons frequently side with them.”
Mauda was unsure and asked, “Who are those you speak of?”
Ofeig replied, “Jarl Ealdmund of Powys. He was once a friend of the king and now he joins factions to render us powerless. Even the Anglo-Saxon branch of the House of Hvitserk shows its distain for us Nordic and Irish folk. They fight their civil war in Gwynedd no matter how detrimental it is to the kingdom. When I have the authority I will appoint only Norse and loyal Irish to titles and lands.”
Mauda had become extremely uncomfortable as Ofeig spoke. She had learned how King Rædwald how tried to bring peace to the various races within the kingdom. His efforts were met with resistance and eventually lead to uprisings and civil war. She hoped Ofeig would not travel such a path. She needed a change in subject.
“What have you heard from the war? How is Fer-Fugaill faring?”
It took a moment for Ofeig to process what Mauda had asked. Once he did, he smiled. “The war goes well. There are no big battles as the English army is no more. Fer-Fugaill and the French Duke Arnaud of Burgundy laid siege to Wareham. After seven months the city was taken and Eadric Orsicsson, the heir to the Count of Dorset; and his governess, Balthild were captured. Fer-Fugaill has moved on and now besieges Sherborne.”
Mauda smiled and nodded, “That is good. What of the other army the one lead by Jarl Padern?”
Ofieg did not appear overly thrilled as he replied, “After far too long Padern finally captured Wilton. With troops from our Scottish and French allies he moved on to Ramsbury which fell surprisingly quickly. From there he marched to Sarum and took the city in short order. Now he lays siege to Clarendon which is the last English stronghold in Wiltshire.”
Without thinking Mauda said, “Padern has done well.”
Ofeig glared at her and with some venom in his voice responded, “Padern has had it easy once he finally took Wilton. Ramsbury and Sarum were undermanned and their defenses in a state of disrepair. Moving through Dorset Fer-Fugaill has to contend with a more prepared and determined foe. The defenses around their cities are well maintained and manned.”
In her defense Mauda replied, “I know Padern is not the better general.”
Now it was Ofeig who knew he had gone too far and needed to change the conversation.
“How does it feel to have your father home?”
Ofeig looked over the grass yard and asked, “How does it feel to have your father back?”
Mauda smiled, “It has been wonderful these last few months. I thank Sigeberht for his diligence in convincing Arngrimr to allow him to return to Jorvik.” Suddenly she grew somber, “But all good things must end.”
Concerned Ofeig asked, “Why say such a thing?”
Mauda frowned, “I will be sixteen in a week. The age where I can get married.”
Ofeig felt stupid for forgetting. “Oh”
Mauda continued, “I will be leaving for Germany and my intended husband King Gerhard soon after.”
Ofeig looked down. He realized how fond he had grown of Mauda and their friendship. “I wish you did not have to go.”
Mauda fought back a tear. She too cherished her time with Ofeig. “I too wish it weren’t so, but it must be done for the kingdom.”
Sometimes Ofeig regretted the actions required for the kingdom and had grown to hate that statement. “Will your father go?”
Mauda half smiled, “Yes, he will. He will stay for a time as your representative to the court of King Gerhard.”
Trying to sound cheerful, “Then it is not all bad.”
Mauda was not convinced, “It may not be then.”
Ofeig noticed a figure approaching them. He stood to get a better look and to be prepared for trouble if need be. Seeing him act so Mauda too rose.
“Who is approaching?” she asked.
The person came into focus and Ofeig replied, “It is Bishop Wistan.”
Mauda asked, “Wistan? What is he doing here?”
Ofeig shrugged his shoulders, “I know not.”
Just then Wistan reached them, “Milord, what are you doing here? Should you not be at your lessons?” He looked at Mauda. Mauda could see the distain in his eyes although he hid it well. She felt the bishop did not care for her since she was Rígán’s daughter and a bastard.
Authoritarianly Ofeig replied, “Our lessons were cancelled today due to the heat. We were here trying to find some relief from this ungodly heat.”
Wistan wiped some sweat from his brow. Ofeig thought the bishop must be crazy to wear his priestly robes in this heat. Wistan responded, “Ungodly, yes. This is the work of the Evil One.”
Mauda stood and brushed dirt off herself, “You blame this on the devil.”
Wistan shook his head, “No, Satan.”
Now Ofeig stood, “Are they not one in the same?”
Wistan rolled his eyes, “No they are not Satan created all that is physical. The earth, the sky, the weather. He trapped our angelic forms in these physical bodies so that we may not see God again. We are doomed to be reincarnated until we achieve salvation through the consolamentum.”
Ofeig and Mauda looked at one another in confusion. Ofeig looked at Wistan and asked, “What do you speak of?”
Wistan looked surprised and then regained his composure, “I sometimes forget you do not know the Truth. You are blinded and confused by the erroneous teachings of those who blindly follow the pope.”
Shocked Mauda responded, “Bishop Wistan, do you hear yourself? You speak against the Church and our Lord Jesus.”
Wistan shook his head, “I do not. I speak of a better understanding. Do you truly think Jesus could perform the miracles he did in this physical form?” pointing to his body. “I tell you he was not a physical man but a great spirit whose teachings show us the way to the consolamentum.”
Ofeig confused and growing a little frightened replied, “I do not understand.”
Wistan smiled, “Nothing to worry about I can show you.”
Ofeig gave a quick look at Mauda. Mauda stood there wide eyed in shock. Ofeig turned back to Wistan and said, “I wish you could, but I have weapons training that if I do not leave now, I will be late.”
Wistan said, “I thought you said your lessons were cancelled.”
Trying to recover Ofeig stumbled through, “Yes, the inside, the lesson taught in the keep were canceled. Weapos training is outside. Lord Tadg makes us train in all manner of weather. He says it keeps us true to the world.”
Wistan turned to Mauda, “What of you? Do you have to go?” Wistan truly wanted an audience to hear his new teachings.
Frigtened Mauda stammered, “I-I-I…”
Ofeig came to her rescue, “Don’t you remember you must find your brother Sigeberht as he has some important papers for you.”
Mauda nodded excessively, “You are correct. I had almost forgotten. I must go to Prince Sigeberht.”
Wistan nodded, “Then at another time.”
Ofeig and Mauda nodded. Wistan walked off down the path away from them. When he was out of hearing range Ofeig said, “We must find Prince Sigeberht.”
Less than an hour later they were in Sigeberht’s chambers. In great detail Ofeig deatailed their encounter with Wistan. Mauda who was still in shock did not speak. She nodded when Ofeig asked her to confirm what he had state. Through the telling of the chance meeting Sigeberht remained silent.
Once Ofeig complete his statement he expected Sigeberht to respond. To Ofeig’s surprise his uncle said nothing. He stood and paced about the room. He finally stopped with his back toward Ofeig. His hands were clasped behind his back. At one point Ofeig thought the prince was praying.
With a loud exhale Sigeberht turned and faced Ofeig and Mauda. In a voice filled with concern and sadness Sigeberht spoke, “Bishop Wistan has fallen under the Cathar heresy.”
With a questioning look Ofeig asked, “The Cathar heresy? I have never heard of it.”
Sigeberht frowned, “Unfortunately you will be hearing more and more of it, I fear. Many throughout the Isles are falling under its spell. Some say it has taken root in Scotland and spreads like a weed.”
Intrigued Mauda asked, “What is this Cathar heresy?”
Sigeberht shrugged his shoulders, “I know little of its heretical teachings and I care not to learn any.”
Ofeig asked, “Where did this come from?”
Sigeberht shook his head and said, “None know. Many believe it started in Aquitaine or Burgundy. The pope has declared it a heresy and must be wiped out.”
Curious Ofeig asked, “What happens next?”
Sigeberht looked at Ofeig and replied, “We must report this to the Archbishop.”
Mauda took her turn, “Then what?”
Sigeberht frowned, “Wistan will be arrested. If he does not recant his heresy he will be imprisoned and could face death.”
Ofeig and Mauda nodded their understanding.
Sigeberht gathered some things and said, “Now if you excuse me, we must find the Archbishop.”
Surprised Ofeig asked, “We?”
Sigeberht nodded, “You will need to tell him what happened.”
Ofeig was distressed about telling the story to Archbishop Eastmund. Living through the encounter had been stressful, telling the tale to his uncle had been close to terrifying. Now having to repeat the story to the most powerful man in the Church truly terrified Ofeig. What Ofeig was about to do could cost Wistan his life. While Ofeig did not trust Wistan and many times seemingly hated him for siding with Padern. Having the information that could lead to the death of a person who had known for many years made him uncomfortable to say the least.
Ofeig asked, “Do you think the heresy is why he had sided with Padern?”
Sigeberht stopped at what he was doing and looked at Ofeig. After a moment of thought he replied, “Could be. We knew Padern had some damning information about Wistan and was using it to force his allegiance.”
Innocently Ofeig asked, “Do you think if he abandoned this heresy, he would join with us again?”
Sigeberht took a measured breath and answered, “I know not. Many times, people do not abandon their heresies.”
Angerly Mauda responded, “The traitor deserves no favors. He betrayed my father and I shall never forget or forgive.”
Ofeig and Sigeberht looked at Mauda surprised at the anger and hate in her voice. Ofeig looked at Sigeberht and asked, “What will happen next?’
Sigeberht frowned, “I think we will need to appoint a new Court Chaplin.”
The three left the prince’s chambers and made their report to Archbishop Eastmund. Later that day Wistan was confronted. When he did not deny his beliefs, he was arrested and thrown in the dungeons to await his fate.