The Last Kingdom

A summit is held between the Danes and English forces. Representatives of both Wessex and East Anglia, Alfred among them, gather. Uhtred accompanies Ragnar to help with translating. The Danes assert their right to any land they conquer; they find to their amazement (and amusement) that the English, particularly the scholarly Alfred, believe their God will direct them to victory. A priest from Bebbanburg tells an incredulous Uhtred, “[Alfred] is a good Christian … as I pray you are, and it is God’s will that Alfred should become king” (91).

As part of the negotiations, Alfred offers to pay the Danes a hefty ransom for Uhtred, who pretends to want exactly that. The offer falls through, however, and Uhtred stays with the Danes. As the warriors discuss terms of settlement, Uhtred is told by a Saxon priest who recognizes him that, in his absence, Uhtred’s uncle Aelfric has usurped his title as Lord of Bebbanburg, married Uhtred’s stepmother, and intends to have a son to carry on this illicit claim. Uhtred, his honor violated, is incensed.

The Danes return to the business of subduing the English, pillaging down the coast toward southern Wessex. Within weeks, half of England belongs to the Danish invaders.