Lunden, 1001 AD
Lunden, 1001 ADThe royal palace stood on Thorn Island amid the marshes created by the rivers Thames and Tyburn and it was here that King Aethelred held court when not in Winchester. Escorted there by heavily armed guards, Folcwin experienced increasing unease about his safety. The king had surrounded himself with his bodyguard, warriors chosen for their stature and prowess. Walking into the hall, flanked by similar guards, Folcwin came face to face with the unsmiling king. The air was heavy with menace and the monarch’s opening words hardly reassuring.
“At least you dared to bring my ships to Lunden, Ealdorman.”
How to reply to this? Folcwin thought rapidly,
Am I being tried, here?
Am I being tried, here?He knelt before the king, bowed his head, and said,
“Sire, I hav
