Athelney, spring, 894 AD
Athelney, spring, 894 ADBefore reaching the heart of my narrative, indulge an old man in some reflection. I first came to my conclusions about the importance of culture when I came face to face with an angry thegn. In our society, the firstborn son inherits his father’s land and assumes his obligations and responsibilities.
One day, a Wiltshire thegn, father of three sons, unwillingly crossed the causeway with his eldest. He stated his problem to Abbot John. I happened to be present in the abbot’s quarters in my role of provisioner.
After introducing himself as Thegn Ernulf of Tilshead in the hundred of Whorwellsdown, a place in Wiltshire near the Somerset border, he launched into his tirade.
“This is my eldest son, Wolfram. I have taught him all I know—combat,
