Winchester, Engla-lond. First week of July, A.D. 935
“Out! Everyone out!”
“But my lord, you have petitioners.”
Athelstan waved a hand at his steward. “Tell them to wait. Now, leave me. You as well, Byrnstan. And you too, Louis.”
Byrnstan grinned, bowed, then departed behind the others. Louis hesitated, but Athelstan"s piercing gaze drove him from the hall. When they had gone, Athelstan grabbed the roll of parchment just delivered by the Northern trader and, with thudding heart, untied the ribbon that bound it. Slowly, carefully, he unrolled the thin vellum and began to read:
To King Athelstan, the glorious and generous servant of God, King of the Anglisc. I, King Hakon, brother in Christ and former fosterling in your charitable household, send greetings.
It is with joyous heart and h
