Rochester, Kingdom of Kent, 855 AD
Rochester, Kingdom of Kent, 855 ADKing Aethelwulf, tall of stature and stern of countenance, gazed thoughtfully at Faruin, who had no idea of the king’s interest focused on him. His sixth sense failed him, despite the king’s intense scrutiny, for he did not feel the eyes studying him across the crowded hall.
The monarch’s examination was the outcome of his earlier discussion with his son. Aethelwulf toyed with his short blond beard, his mind revisiting the unusual fleeting insubordination of his youngest offspring. This youth, this islander, was the cause of Alfred’s dissent. Aethelwulf had told his son to prepare for departure the following morning, for they would reach the coast, cross the Channel on the first stage of their pilgrimage to Rome. The la
