After the festivities for the birth of the Lord, the New Year brought confusion and danger. First, Archdeacon Wulfred arrived in the thegn’s hall, bearing a letter from Alcuin in the Frankish court. His agitation prevented him from giving a coherent explanation of his worries but the following day, Thegn Sibert summoned other nobles of the area to a council meeting with the prelate. Deormund and his closest comrades were present in their role as bodyguards to the thegn.
Sibert began the consultation with a brief introduction:
“My lords, friends, welcome. We are gathered here in the name of the Lord and our king, Coenwulf, to hear the words of Archdeacon Wulfred, who bears tidings from overseas. We must hear him and take whatever action is necessary. Without further ado, I invite you, Arc
