Outlaw (Aelfraed) Read Free

Duck-legs,” Ridley and I smiled for she always referred to Harold’s previous consort, Edith Swanneck in such disparaging terms and we no longer bothered to correct her, “is trying to do  all she can to protect her son and increase his chances of becoming King.  She has told William that Harold had a bastard.” She looked at me.  It was the first time I had realised that was what I was. “Do not take offence Aelfraed for William is a bastard himself. She hates me and wishes ill to come to my children.”
    Despite my uncle’s previous admonition I could not help myself, “But your majesty, your brothers what of them?”
    “I fear my brothers are too busy watching their own backs and seeing what they can get out of Duke William.  And you Aethelward, you have many enemies at the new court for all your friends died at Senlac and Stamford.”
    He shrugged, “Having enemies does not worry me. What does worry me is your precarious state for you have few guards should anyone attempt harm on your babies.”
    There was a silence as we all wrestled with the problem. When Ridley spoke, and came up with the solution we all stared at him.  He was the quiet one, the warrior but that day he showed us his innate wisdom.  “Your majesty should go to Topcliffe. It is safer than here and there you will be amongst trusted friends.”
    For Ridley this was his proudest moment for Aethelward clapped him on his broad back.   “I have underestimated you Ridley and I thank you for the best solution.”
    The Queen did not look convinced.   “Topcliffe?”
    “My castle, majesty.   A little rough around the edges but secure and we could defend against a large army.  It would give us breathing space to decide what to do.”
    “And this is not a safe haven.   Your brothers will both have spies here and Edith knows it well.”
    “Mentioning that witch’s name has decided me.   We will leave for your home tomorrow.” She leaned over and touched my arm.  “And I will get to see your lovely wife again.  Now I am hungry, let us eat.” She went to the door and asked her guard to tell the cook to serve the food. 
    “Where are the twins, majesty?” Ulf and Harold had been born shortly before the cataclysmic battles which had decimated the ranks of the Saxon nobility and they represented the future, if there was one. “They are sleeping hopefully, with their wet nurse.” She leaned over to touch my hand.  “A little advice, Aelfraed, when Gytha gives birth make sure you have a room for your child which has solid walls or everyone will hear the wails and no-one will sleep.”
    I had not yet thought of being a father.   Other events had occupied my mind and I realised that I had given no thought to events after the birth which was but a couple of months away.  I suddenly smiled for I knew that Gytha and Sarah would have done all the planning which was necessary.  I still felt guilt, as most fathers would, but I knew that all would be well.
    The servants scurried in bearing fine dishes filled with steaming food. It had seemed a long time since I had broken my fast and ridden all the way to Jorvik and my grumbling stomach confirmed this. Politeness dictated that, as guests, we waited until Ealdgyth had begun to eat.   One of the servants who had brought in the food saw us waiting and waved their hand at the streaming plates, “My lord, eat for the Queen will be eating food specially prepared for her.”
    My uncle’s preoccupation with listening and not speaking began to pay off because there was something about the man I did not like. Perhaps it was his accent for he did not have the northern accent of the other servants.   It might have been his nervous look but whatever the reason I kept my wits about me and my attention on the servant. Ridley tucked greedily into the mutton stew and Aethelward picked at his. I tore a piece of bread and dipped it into the rich gravy of the stew, all the while watching and waiting. Other