Conquest

‘It is doubtful whether the Welsh would support Eadric that far from their homeland.’

‘And what of the Danes?’

‘Many messages have been sent. Their king, Svein Estrithson, says he will come when the time is right.’

Hereward spent a few moments pondering Edmund’s answer before commenting. ‘We have to think about the Danes carefully. They will demand a great deal in return for their support — perhaps the whole kingdom! There is little point in removing a Norman, only to replace him with a Dane. But it is good to know he will come. If his army has to be bought, what do we have?’

‘I have brought all of King Harold’s remaining treasury with me. Half his wealth went with his three sons to Ireland, some went to his daughters in exile in Flanders, and Edith Swan-Neck has enough for herself. What remains is sufficient to support this small force plus the men I’ve dispersed around the earldoms.’

‘But nothing left to entice the Danes?’

‘I’m afraid not, sir. Our resources are very limited, especially compared to the plundered gold and silver available to the Duke.’

Hereward left until last the vital question about the most important of England’s surviving forces. ‘What of the Earls of Mercia and Northumbria, Edwin and Morcar?’

‘I’m afraid that is the worst news of all, both have submitted to William and are at his court at Winchester.’

Hereward’s blood rose. ‘Absent on Senlac Ridge, and now they sup with the Devil!’

‘They bring shame to all of us, sir.’

‘What of their housecarls?’

‘Some, the loyal ones from Northumbria, are with us. Some of Edwin’s Mercians are with Eadric the Wild, but most have gone to ground.’

‘These are the men we have to recruit; then we will be much more powerful. So, Edmund, after that gloomy account, I hope you can offer me at least a tiny morsel to nibble on. Tell us some good news.’

‘Well, sir, your judgement to land here in the North has been vindicated. There is good news from Northumbria, and it may be the spark we need. At the turn of the year, William elevated a Norman brigand called Robert de Commines to be Earl of Northumbria. He arrived with an escort of five hundred men and installed himself in the house of the Bishop of Durham. He and his men then went on the rampage, murdering anyone who stood in their way. Now the whole area has risen against him. Scouts arrived two days ago with news that de Commines and his entire garrison have been put to the sword by a large force, led by the Northumbrian thegns, some of Morcar’s housecarls and a vigilante group formed by the people of Durham. There is now no Norman presence in the North beyond York. What’s more, York is for the taking, as few Normans are within its walls.’

‘Excellent. That will feed our hunger, but we must act quickly.’ Hereward was galvanized. The adrenalin started to rush as he barked his orders. ‘Martin, you must organize your messengers. Their instructions need to be very precise and everyone must act in unison.’

‘How many men?’

‘At least ten. They must be able to ride like the wind and be swift of foot, as they may need to abandon their horses. Have them ready at dawn tomorrow. Edmund, is the Atheling with King Malcolm in Scotland?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Good. He must come south, proclaiming that he is the rightful King and that his army is on the march under my command. He must gather all the support he can in Durham and continue south to York. York will be our stronghold and, for the time being, our capital city. The Archbishop can crown Edgar as King.’

‘Sir, I’m afraid Archbishop Ealdred has sworn allegiance to William.’

Hereward’s enthusiasm turned to anger. ‘How many traitors do we have in this kingdom?’

‘Too many, sir. Far too many.’

‘Ealdred is clearly a coward, and cowards can be easily persuaded. Martin, word must be sent to our supporters in York that we will approach across the Pennines, and that Edgar will enter from Durham. Emphasize that our arrival is imminent. Convey my congratulations to Eadric the Wild for his brave resistance in Mercia. Tell him that now would be the ideal time to mount another attack on any burgh or city he feels appropriate. Finally, when our base in York is secure, he should be prepared to join us on a full-scale march to the South. Please stress that his Welsh comrades, the Princes Bleddyn and Rhiwallon, are more than welcome as part of his force. A message must go to King Harold’s sons in Dublin, encouraging them to accelerate their raids in Wessex.

‘Next, the Danes. Edwin, this is a task for you. Your blood is sufficiently noble to look King Svein in the eye and say that I would be grateful for his regal presence in England. Tell him that the spoils will be great, but that he must accept Edgar’s sovereignty of England. Edmund, where is Edith Swan-Neck?’

‘She is with the nuns at Lincoln, sir.’