Chapter 22Kingsham, 722 AD
Ealdberht waited in the corner of the tavern hunched over an ale, mentally bemoaning his stature that stood him in such good stead on the battlefield. His massive frame made him stand out in any gathering and now, when he wished to remain inconspicuous, it drew attention to him as a gumboil draws attention to the sufferer's face. The delicate nature of his proposed encounter, to coat the name of treason with honey, made secrecy essential. Trying, in vain, to blend with the wall at his back, Ealdberht kept an eye trained for the Mercian ealdorman Wyflaed had courted assiduously for the past ten days.
Ealdorman Leofwig found Ealdberht a companionable young man, but if he were to succeed with his plans, he could not let himself befriend the aetheling. The message
