Rochester, Kent, 856 AD
Rochester, Kent, 856 ADEolf spent three months looking over his shoulder. He had assumed a false name, Geldulf, knowing that only the few islanders who had fled to Rochester from Sceapig might recognise him. The reason for his furtiveness was fear of Ealdorman Raedulf’s wrath. He had failed in his task of spying on the Danes and, with nothing useful to report, felt it best to steer clear of the hall. Yet, he needed work to earn sufficient for his upkeep.
Quite why he had returned to this city, even he could not imagine. He could have gone anywhere and been safer; perhaps familiarity with the town influenced his decision. Eolf would be the first to admit that he was not a sharp thinker, but acted on instinct. So, keeping out of the public view as much as possible,
