1 00:00:01,002 --> 00:00:03,546 I am uhfred, son of th'red. 2 00:00:03,629 --> 00:00:05,673 A great battle has been won, 3 00:00:05,756 --> 00:00:08,676 but the saxons do not find themselves at peace. 4 00:00:08,759 --> 00:00:11,971 You've chosen mercia over the kingdom of Alfred. 5 00:00:12,054 --> 00:00:15,725 In Winchester, ladyae/sw/th has also worked to her own plan. 6 00:00:15,808 --> 00:00:19,187 You will take a message to the Welsh king. 7 00:00:19,270 --> 00:00:23,065 And the rivalry simmers with the new queen ae/f/aed. 8 00:00:23,149 --> 00:00:26,652 Lady aelswith was seen visiting Edward's bastard at the monastery. 9 00:00:26,736 --> 00:00:29,906 What business has she showing kindness to a whore and her offspring? 10 00:00:29,989 --> 00:00:31,991 Yet my part is done. 11 00:00:32,074 --> 00:00:34,285 I turned away from Saxon conflict 12 00:00:34,368 --> 00:00:37,288 and looked to uniting with my daughter stiorra. 13 00:00:37,371 --> 00:00:39,790 I want to make a home for my children to return to. 14 00:00:39,874 --> 00:00:41,959 Stiorra thrives. 15 00:00:42,043 --> 00:00:46,756 She's now grown and is at saltwic with ae/fi/I/ynn, aethelflaed's daughter, 16 00:00:46,839 --> 00:00:49,759 and another child, a mysterious boy. 17 00:00:49,842 --> 00:00:52,261 Who are your family? 18 00:00:52,970 --> 00:00:55,056 I've been told not to answer that. 19 00:00:55,139 --> 00:00:58,226 And though I hope the gods will allow peace, 20 00:00:58,309 --> 00:01:01,562 I fear ambitions will lead us back to war. 21 00:01:01,646 --> 00:01:05,441 When we return to aegelesburg, I will publicly castrate you! 22 00:01:05,524 --> 00:01:09,612 But the heat of battle has brought eardwulf unexpected re ward. 23 00:01:11,239 --> 00:01:13,449 Destiny is all/ 24 00:01:57,201 --> 00:01:58,369 [Guard] Open the gate! 25 00:01:59,412 --> 00:02:00,496 [Gate opens] 26 00:02:00,579 --> 00:02:02,123 [Horse neighs] 27 00:02:16,178 --> 00:02:17,221 [Eardwulf] Halt! 28 00:02:25,855 --> 00:02:29,650 [Murmuring] 29 00:02:33,446 --> 00:02:34,488 Make way! 30 00:02:36,407 --> 00:02:37,491 [Man] Gently. 31 00:02:40,202 --> 00:02:41,912 Lift him. Careful. 32 00:02:51,130 --> 00:02:53,466 Have no fear. He will recover. 33 00:03:17,740 --> 00:03:19,658 [Whispers] Stop praying for him to die. 34 00:03:20,826 --> 00:03:23,913 - We will be blamed for this. - Not if we blame him first. 35 00:03:37,051 --> 00:03:38,302 [Door opens] 36 00:03:39,804 --> 00:03:40,846 [Horse snorts] 37 00:03:42,515 --> 00:03:43,849 [Horse neighs] 38 00:03:44,892 --> 00:03:46,477 [Metal banging] 39 00:03:47,937 --> 00:03:48,979 Stiorra! 40 00:03:49,563 --> 00:03:52,233 - Open the doors! - Perhaps she is sleeping. 41 00:03:53,067 --> 00:03:55,486 Stiorra, wake up. It is your father. 42 00:03:55,569 --> 00:03:57,321 [Stiorra] Stay back and name yourselves. 43 00:03:57,988 --> 00:04:02,368 My father calls himself uhtred of bebbanburg. Who are you? 44 00:04:02,451 --> 00:04:05,287 Stiorra, it is us. It really is. 45 00:04:12,294 --> 00:04:14,213 Father has defeated the Danes. 46 00:04:19,593 --> 00:04:21,178 I've come to take you home. 47 00:04:22,346 --> 00:04:25,266 - You're lucky I didn't stab you. - [Uhtred chuckles] 48 00:04:26,559 --> 00:04:28,477 [Both laugh] 49 00:04:33,441 --> 00:04:36,777 The battle was never close. We would not have left you in danger. 50 00:04:36,861 --> 00:04:38,863 There have been rumors of retreating fighters. 51 00:04:38,946 --> 00:04:40,698 We made a plan if we were attacked. 52 00:04:41,449 --> 00:04:44,076 - Where's my daughter? - Aelfwynn! 53 00:04:45,703 --> 00:04:49,248 - [Stiorra] Aelfwynn, your mother is here! - [Bird chirping] 54 00:04:53,836 --> 00:04:54,879 Mother! 55 00:04:56,380 --> 00:04:57,423 I've missed you! 56 00:04:58,257 --> 00:04:59,592 Oh, I've missed you too! 57 00:05:01,010 --> 00:05:03,262 Aethelstan! You can come out. 58 00:05:03,804 --> 00:05:05,723 Cnut has been sent to hell! 59 00:05:09,643 --> 00:05:10,895 Who's the boy? 60 00:05:11,687 --> 00:05:12,855 I am no one. 61 00:05:14,607 --> 00:05:16,442 I will explain later. 62 00:05:19,195 --> 00:05:22,198 Father, when do we ride home to coccham? Tonight? 63 00:05:22,281 --> 00:05:24,742 No, but soon, once the peace is secure. 64 00:05:24,825 --> 00:05:28,370 Please! I'm too old to be stuck here with children! 65 00:05:28,454 --> 00:05:29,497 Stiorra! 66 00:05:30,206 --> 00:05:31,582 [Stiorra sighs] 67 00:05:34,919 --> 00:05:36,003 [Door opens] 68 00:05:38,422 --> 00:05:40,966 [Finan] Lord aldhelm approaches from the road. 69 00:05:54,522 --> 00:05:55,940 [Aldhelm sighs] 70 00:05:56,023 --> 00:05:58,400 Lady, aethelred is injured. 71 00:05:59,026 --> 00:06:00,319 Some are saying fatally. 72 00:06:02,321 --> 00:06:04,031 There's a rumor he will not last the week. 73 00:06:04,114 --> 00:06:05,699 - We must go to him. - Tomorrow. 74 00:06:05,783 --> 00:06:09,137 - These roads are too dangerous at night... - We must speak to him and the ealdormen. 75 00:06:09,161 --> 00:06:10,913 No plan has been made for the succession. 76 00:06:10,996 --> 00:06:12,915 Lady, the mood amongst the ealdormen is ugly. 77 00:06:14,083 --> 00:06:16,710 Those who survived the massacre blame aethelred for deserting them 78 00:06:16,794 --> 00:06:18,914 and denounce your brother for not coming to their aid. 79 00:06:19,338 --> 00:06:21,006 Does this anger extend to aethelflaed? 80 00:06:23,342 --> 00:06:24,426 I don't know. 81 00:06:27,596 --> 00:06:29,682 - We ride at first light. - [Aldhelm] Lady. 82 00:06:29,765 --> 00:06:32,393 [Uhtred] Stiorra, take the children and secure yourselves. 83 00:06:32,476 --> 00:06:34,186 Open the door to no one but us. 84 00:06:34,270 --> 00:06:36,438 Why? You said the Danes were defeated? 85 00:06:36,522 --> 00:06:39,066 - It is not just the Danes we have to fear. - What? 86 00:06:39,149 --> 00:06:41,235 How much longer will I live like a prisoner? 87 00:06:41,318 --> 00:06:43,320 She is young to take on such a burden. 88 00:06:43,404 --> 00:06:45,948 You were betrothed by her age and suffered worse. 89 00:06:46,031 --> 00:06:48,993 They will remain secure until the new threats have passed. 90 00:06:51,579 --> 00:06:53,998 We should not leave the children unprotected any longer. 91 00:06:54,081 --> 00:06:55,499 My men will stay here. 92 00:06:55,583 --> 00:06:58,252 If aethelred dies, times will be unstable. 93 00:06:59,211 --> 00:07:01,547 An empty throne provokes more trouble than a weak king. 94 00:07:01,630 --> 00:07:05,134 Our traditions are strong. The ealdormen will choose a wise successor. 95 00:07:05,217 --> 00:07:07,761 And what if that successor seeks to have you removed? 96 00:07:07,845 --> 00:07:09,930 Widows are rarely welcome in times of change. 97 00:07:10,014 --> 00:07:12,308 - Look at your mother. - Mercia is my home. 98 00:07:12,391 --> 00:07:16,478 Yet you have no formal protection here, no son or father to speak for you. 99 00:07:16,562 --> 00:07:18,272 At best, they will send you to a nunnery 100 00:07:18,355 --> 00:07:20,816 and marry your daughter to the highest bidder. 101 00:07:20,899 --> 00:07:23,527 No! Aelfwynn will not suffer because of this. 102 00:07:23,611 --> 00:07:24,987 So leave. 103 00:07:26,155 --> 00:07:29,033 And come to coccham, where I can protect you both. 104 00:07:29,116 --> 00:07:30,159 [Aethelflaed sighs] 105 00:07:30,868 --> 00:07:33,662 Unless you want to live a life of prayer and chastity. 106 00:07:33,746 --> 00:07:36,165 The ealdormen will not turn on us. 107 00:07:36,248 --> 00:07:39,293 Battle does not always bring reward, aethelflaed. 108 00:07:39,376 --> 00:07:40,836 This much I have learned. 109 00:07:50,596 --> 00:07:54,266 [Breathes heavily] 110 00:08:01,899 --> 00:08:04,193 [Ealdormen whispering indistinctly] 111 00:08:09,239 --> 00:08:10,908 Why do the ealdormen circle? 112 00:08:12,826 --> 00:08:14,328 How long have I been sleeping? 113 00:08:15,371 --> 00:08:17,081 Since the day of the battle, lord. 114 00:08:17,164 --> 00:08:19,208 - You fell and injured your head. - Did we win? 115 00:08:21,210 --> 00:08:22,628 I remember very little. 116 00:08:24,963 --> 00:08:29,635 We did. We returned from east anglia and sent the Danes running to the sea. 117 00:08:31,387 --> 00:08:33,180 [Gasps and breathes heavily] 118 00:08:36,975 --> 00:08:39,853 Who in the name of god advised that we go to east anglia? 119 00:08:44,316 --> 00:08:45,359 You did. 120 00:08:46,568 --> 00:08:49,405 Then news came of the invasion and we returned to protect our people. 121 00:08:49,488 --> 00:08:51,990 After hundreds had already been slaughtered. 122 00:08:54,493 --> 00:08:56,745 I remember arriving at the battle... 123 00:08:58,455 --> 00:09:00,290 But I... 124 00:09:06,255 --> 00:09:09,299 - Am I to recover? - [Eardwulf] I'm assured that you will. 125 00:09:15,097 --> 00:09:17,224 [Gasps and breathes heavily] 126 00:09:19,268 --> 00:09:21,979 Why do you lie to him when he is certain to die? 127 00:09:22,062 --> 00:09:24,273 I ease him in his time of need. 128 00:09:25,482 --> 00:09:27,568 More like in his time of judgement. 129 00:09:27,651 --> 00:09:30,320 What is this but punishment for greed and ambition. 130 00:09:30,404 --> 00:09:33,449 - Burgred. - He left us to face the Danes alone. 131 00:09:34,408 --> 00:09:36,535 Took all the defenses we had and for what? 132 00:09:36,618 --> 00:09:39,204 A few miles of marshland barely able to yield a crop? 133 00:09:39,288 --> 00:09:40,330 Burgred. 134 00:09:40,414 --> 00:09:43,459 I will speak for I have nothing else to lose! 135 00:09:44,084 --> 00:09:46,503 My eldest, pulled from my hands, be... 136 00:09:48,464 --> 00:09:49,590 Beheaded. 137 00:09:51,258 --> 00:09:53,343 My youngest and my wife beaten. 138 00:09:53,427 --> 00:09:58,766 Men of honor paraded and humiliated, and no one came to help us! 139 00:09:58,849 --> 00:10:00,559 And yet we survived. 140 00:10:00,642 --> 00:10:03,645 I will not honor him. 141 00:10:05,439 --> 00:10:08,734 And nor should you, burgred, not after all that you've suffered. 142 00:10:10,402 --> 00:10:14,448 Suffice to say that I did all I could to persuade him to return sooner... 143 00:10:15,616 --> 00:10:16,742 But I failed. 144 00:10:17,326 --> 00:10:21,830 Trust me, the mercian guard feel your loss deeply. 145 00:10:34,176 --> 00:10:36,720 Aldhelm, have you spoken with the ealdormen? 146 00:10:36,804 --> 00:10:38,555 There's to be a witan with the survivors. 147 00:10:38,639 --> 00:10:40,349 Perhaps I will address them. 148 00:10:40,432 --> 00:10:43,352 They can thank me for bringing cnut to the field. 149 00:10:43,435 --> 00:10:46,647 - Perhaps you should remain here. - You do not want me with you? 150 00:10:46,730 --> 00:10:49,566 [Ludeca speaks angrily and indistinctly] 151 00:10:49,650 --> 00:10:53,904 Times are feverish. Now is a moment for calm negotiation. 152 00:10:53,987 --> 00:10:56,114 The men who play politics always say that. 153 00:10:57,366 --> 00:10:59,952 And then they come running for my help. [Sighs] 154 00:11:04,498 --> 00:11:08,627 I demand you do not leave the room. We are in love, are we not? 155 00:11:14,508 --> 00:11:17,678 Did he mention my mistake? Does he blame me for our late return? 156 00:11:17,761 --> 00:11:21,181 - [Whispers] He has not spoken of you. - Good. Perhaps he's forgotten. 157 00:11:21,265 --> 00:11:22,724 If he has, it will not be for long. 158 00:11:22,808 --> 00:11:26,186 - We should leave before his mind repairs. - No, we will stay until he dies. 159 00:11:26,270 --> 00:11:28,772 There is an opportunity to regain our influence. 160 00:11:28,856 --> 00:11:30,315 - Brother, no... - No, listen. 161 00:11:30,399 --> 00:11:33,652 The mercian guard are loyal to me, and the ealdormen are against him. 162 00:11:33,735 --> 00:11:35,946 Groups are forming as the ravens circle. 163 00:11:37,406 --> 00:11:41,076 - I could be a peacemaker between them. - Brother, this is madness. 164 00:11:41,159 --> 00:11:43,412 We've played with fire and found ourselves burnt. 165 00:11:44,204 --> 00:11:45,455 Lady aethelflaed. 166 00:11:46,540 --> 00:11:48,917 - Are you the woman who is healing him? - No. 167 00:11:49,001 --> 00:11:50,752 Merely sitting by his side. 168 00:11:51,169 --> 00:11:52,254 My name is eadith. 169 00:11:54,548 --> 00:11:55,799 I've heard your name. 170 00:11:57,801 --> 00:12:01,346 You must be her brother whose late entry into battle helped us prevail. 171 00:12:01,972 --> 00:12:04,683 - Our actions were decisive, lady. - If a little delayed. 172 00:12:05,517 --> 00:12:07,436 - I'd like to speak to my husband alone. - Lady. 173 00:12:07,519 --> 00:12:08,896 I command the mercian guard. 174 00:12:08,979 --> 00:12:11,440 - I only take orders from lord aethelred. - Lady. 175 00:12:11,523 --> 00:12:13,025 [Ealdorman] Lady aethelflaed. 176 00:12:14,818 --> 00:12:18,196 Are you questioning whether I know the mind of my own husband? 177 00:12:19,531 --> 00:12:22,951 No, of course not. We will withdraw. 178 00:12:25,287 --> 00:12:28,874 [Footsteps receding] 179 00:12:30,375 --> 00:12:31,710 [Softly] Aethelflaed. 180 00:12:33,003 --> 00:12:34,630 I must be dying if you're here. 181 00:12:35,213 --> 00:12:37,633 I am certain god will restore you to health. 182 00:12:39,343 --> 00:12:40,928 I fear that may not be true. 183 00:12:42,346 --> 00:12:45,515 Priests have prayed over me as though preparing the final rites. 184 00:12:47,517 --> 00:12:48,685 [Sighs] 185 00:12:49,311 --> 00:12:50,520 They will not meet my eye. 186 00:12:51,980 --> 00:12:53,273 And nor will you. 187 00:12:55,901 --> 00:12:56,944 Why have you come? 188 00:12:58,070 --> 00:12:59,404 To revel in my suffering? 189 00:13:02,491 --> 00:13:05,452 I am concerned about the fate of our daughter, 190 00:13:05,535 --> 00:13:07,663 should you be taken from us. 191 00:13:09,373 --> 00:13:13,085 Without a father to protect her, I wish to ensure she is not further abused. 192 00:13:14,795 --> 00:13:18,590 - You have treated her most unkindly. - That's because she is not my daughter. 193 00:13:19,508 --> 00:13:21,760 I may struggle to remember, but that I know. 194 00:13:21,843 --> 00:13:25,347 So, you must also know the people regard her as your daughter. 195 00:13:25,430 --> 00:13:29,434 - She is rather fair for a mercian... - And that consequently, 196 00:13:29,518 --> 00:13:32,854 they will seek her hand to support their claim to your title. 197 00:13:34,189 --> 00:13:35,565 So, what is it that you want? 198 00:13:35,649 --> 00:13:39,569 At the very least, you agree not to betroth her to some heartless fool. 199 00:13:40,904 --> 00:13:41,989 As you were? 200 00:13:45,534 --> 00:13:48,745 Our union brought us misery, and the people knew it. 201 00:13:49,913 --> 00:13:52,791 It created a crack in mercia that did not serve it well. 202 00:13:54,209 --> 00:13:57,254 The ealdormen of marriageable age were all slaughtered... 203 00:13:58,255 --> 00:13:59,673 The best of them taken. 204 00:14:01,591 --> 00:14:04,302 There's a danger dishonorable hands will try to grasp her. 205 00:14:06,221 --> 00:14:08,890 - So? - So, allow me to choose someone suitable 206 00:14:08,974 --> 00:14:11,727 and I promise you, this kingdom will thrive. 207 00:14:17,232 --> 00:14:20,736 I agree. You should approve the match. 208 00:14:23,697 --> 00:14:26,366 If only you were as faithful to me as you are to mercia. 209 00:14:28,452 --> 00:14:31,705 If you had not treated me with so much cruelty since our wedding night, 210 00:14:31,788 --> 00:14:34,583 perhaps things could have been very different between us. 211 00:14:42,340 --> 00:14:45,677 If you fear death, now is the moment to ask for forgiveness. 212 00:14:49,890 --> 00:14:51,516 Who ordained you confessor? 213 00:14:56,813 --> 00:14:59,066 Then let it be between you and your god. 214 00:15:00,442 --> 00:15:03,153 May he weigh you in the balance for all you have done. 215 00:15:03,779 --> 00:15:05,864 [Footsteps receding] 216 00:15:07,032 --> 00:15:08,241 Aethelflaed! 217 00:15:11,203 --> 00:15:13,663 I know that I have not always treated you kindly. 218 00:15:14,498 --> 00:15:15,540 For that, I am sorry. 219 00:15:18,835 --> 00:15:21,630 I was younger and more foolish. 220 00:15:24,841 --> 00:15:29,221 And, as for you, I hope that you can find some comfort. 221 00:15:34,017 --> 00:15:36,103 To live without being loved is a torture. 222 00:15:41,525 --> 00:15:44,027 Which is why you acted with so much cruelty? 223 00:16:00,043 --> 00:16:03,171 [Men shouting indistinctly] 224 00:16:09,761 --> 00:16:13,390 If I may say, lord king, I think this is unwise. 225 00:16:13,473 --> 00:16:18,728 Injured or not, aethelred will be held to account for abandoning mercia. 226 00:16:18,812 --> 00:16:22,566 I say let them drown in a turmoil of their own making. 227 00:16:22,649 --> 00:16:25,110 Turned out well for us last time, leaving them to it. 228 00:16:25,861 --> 00:16:27,445 Until the enormous battle. 229 00:16:27,529 --> 00:16:29,990 Indeed, father pyrlig knows how to win battles. 230 00:16:30,073 --> 00:16:31,241 [Chuckles] 231 00:16:31,324 --> 00:16:32,492 We won the war. 232 00:16:32,951 --> 00:16:35,120 Now we must help bring about the peace. 233 00:16:35,954 --> 00:16:38,290 Mercia does not need any more instability. 234 00:16:39,082 --> 00:16:42,961 - And what about the people of Winchester? - 4ndeed. 235 00:16:43,837 --> 00:16:47,382 Have my mother publicly rebuked for raising king hywel's army. 236 00:16:47,465 --> 00:16:50,135 She must learn her interference brings a cost. 237 00:17:00,437 --> 00:17:01,897 - Cenric! - Lord. 238 00:17:03,773 --> 00:17:06,693 Have our men directed here to help rebuild the town. 239 00:17:06,776 --> 00:17:08,820 - Lord. - The mercians are proud people. 240 00:17:08,904 --> 00:17:11,072 I doubt they will want our help. 241 00:17:11,156 --> 00:17:13,700 We will not ignore their plight again. 242 00:17:18,914 --> 00:17:20,624 [Ealdormen argue] 243 00:17:20,707 --> 00:17:23,960 [Burgred] Our lord will not recover! We should not delay the decision! 244 00:17:24,044 --> 00:17:27,047 [Ludeca] We are too few to pass a decision! 245 00:17:27,130 --> 00:17:31,635 We should wait until other ealdormen have arrived from all parts of mercia! 246 00:17:31,718 --> 00:17:34,262 That is how it has been done and shall continue! 247 00:17:34,346 --> 00:17:37,641 - But the matter is pressing, ludeca. - Yes! 248 00:17:37,724 --> 00:17:39,517 And the next successor is clear. 249 00:17:39,601 --> 00:17:41,144 [Ealdormen argue] 250 00:17:41,228 --> 00:17:43,939 My younger son's claim is strong through his uncle... 251 00:17:44,022 --> 00:17:49,194 And he is untainted by a connection to disloyal wessex. 252 00:17:49,277 --> 00:17:51,821 Your son is too young, burgred. 253 00:17:51,905 --> 00:17:53,114 Oh, come on! 254 00:17:53,198 --> 00:17:57,369 If the worst should befall our kingdom, we will need a man of wisdom! 255 00:17:57,452 --> 00:17:58,745 Oh, wisdom! 256 00:17:58,828 --> 00:18:01,081 And who would you be thinking of, ludeca? 257 00:18:01,873 --> 00:18:04,960 He may yet be well enough to announce his own successor. 258 00:18:05,043 --> 00:18:07,462 We should speak to them. They talk in circles. 259 00:18:07,545 --> 00:18:10,882 - They will not offer me a chance to speak. - They can refuse you? 260 00:18:10,966 --> 00:18:13,510 They say I should be at aethelred's bedside. 261 00:18:16,096 --> 00:18:18,598 Tell me it is less disordered than it looks. 262 00:18:18,682 --> 00:18:19,724 Icannot 263 00:18:19,808 --> 00:18:24,020 there is division. There is anger. They think wessex has abandoned them. 264 00:18:25,146 --> 00:18:28,817 And there is talk that they do not honor the union. 265 00:18:32,028 --> 00:18:33,822 As in mercia break from wessex? 266 00:18:33,905 --> 00:18:35,991 - [Aldhelm] Some are saying that, yes. - [Sighs] 267 00:18:36,074 --> 00:18:40,537 Then we must appease them. I understand their frustrations with my husband, 268 00:18:40,620 --> 00:18:43,248 but to sever Saxon unity would hurt us all. 269 00:18:44,874 --> 00:18:46,626 We must remain united. 270 00:18:47,711 --> 00:18:49,713 [Healer chants prayer] 271 00:18:49,796 --> 00:18:52,924 [Aethelred pants] 272 00:19:01,850 --> 00:19:04,060 Lord aethelred, I heard you were injured. 273 00:19:06,104 --> 00:19:07,147 Yes, I... 274 00:19:09,065 --> 00:19:10,817 Forgive me if I do not get up. 275 00:19:13,361 --> 00:19:14,696 They told me that... 276 00:19:25,332 --> 00:19:27,000 Has your father sent you? 277 00:19:30,045 --> 00:19:31,421 What... 278 00:19:39,179 --> 00:19:41,389 He will be in his shroud before the week is out. 279 00:19:41,473 --> 00:19:45,894 You must act decisively to install someone here before chaos breaks out. 280 00:19:45,977 --> 00:19:48,104 His successor is decided by the ealdormen. 281 00:19:48,188 --> 00:19:50,398 And who decides what the ealdormen decide? 282 00:19:50,482 --> 00:19:52,359 I cannot simply march into mercia 283 00:19:52,442 --> 00:19:54,736 and tell them how to conduct their affairs. 284 00:19:54,819 --> 00:19:56,988 I've not been as attentive to them as I should have. 285 00:19:57,072 --> 00:20:01,034 Fortunately, you are already here. So, no marching is required. 286 00:20:01,117 --> 00:20:03,328 Danish survivors have been spotted heading east. 287 00:20:03,411 --> 00:20:05,455 Should we send a band to capture them? 288 00:20:06,539 --> 00:20:10,377 No, all forces must come here to aegelesburg, 289 00:20:16,383 --> 00:20:18,385 - Are those the ealdormen? - Yes. 290 00:20:18,468 --> 00:20:20,637 What do we know of them and their intentions? 291 00:20:20,720 --> 00:20:23,181 Those two reckon they have a chance to take the title. 292 00:20:23,848 --> 00:20:26,309 The gray-haired one, ludeca, wants the kingdom 293 00:20:26,393 --> 00:20:27,894 and hasn't the balls to fight for it. 294 00:20:28,436 --> 00:20:32,649 The other, burgred, wants it for his son, but no one likes him enough to say yes. 295 00:20:32,732 --> 00:20:37,112 Could this son be betrothed to your niece lady aelfwynn? 296 00:20:37,195 --> 00:20:39,864 Bring a successor under your wing with a family connection? 297 00:20:39,948 --> 00:20:41,658 It worked for your father. 298 00:20:41,741 --> 00:20:44,077 A child on the throne will not bring security. 299 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:47,038 Let us meet with the older ealdorman ludeca. 300 00:20:47,122 --> 00:20:50,959 He is likely to be the most reasonable. First, I must speak with my sister. 301 00:21:00,802 --> 00:21:01,845 Lord? 302 00:21:04,347 --> 00:21:06,516 It appears there might be new turbulence. 303 00:21:06,599 --> 00:21:09,769 Tell the wessex guards to settle within the walls. 304 00:21:10,228 --> 00:21:11,813 - Of course. - Oh. 305 00:21:11,896 --> 00:21:15,191 And that command to punish the king's mother, 306 00:21:15,275 --> 00:21:18,069 that is an order you yourself could undertake? 307 00:21:18,153 --> 00:21:20,447 Was punishment what the king commanded? 308 00:21:20,530 --> 00:21:24,492 It's what he wants but cannot order directly. 309 00:21:25,368 --> 00:21:30,248 He feels the lady aelswith needs... containing. 310 00:21:38,173 --> 00:21:40,216 Brother, you have heard of my husband's injury? 311 00:21:40,300 --> 00:21:44,304 Yes, I've seen him. Should he die, what are the plans for the succession? 312 00:21:44,387 --> 00:21:46,681 It is not clear. The ealdormen are much diminished. 313 00:21:46,764 --> 00:21:48,766 There is talk of a break from wessex. 314 00:21:49,934 --> 00:21:52,604 They wish to abandon the alliance between wessex and mercia. 315 00:21:52,687 --> 00:21:54,968 - They feel you have abandoned them. - That cannot happen. 316 00:21:55,482 --> 00:21:57,066 If tettenhall has taught us anything, 317 00:21:57,150 --> 00:22:00,111 it is that the two kingdoms stand stronger when they are together. 318 00:22:00,195 --> 00:22:01,946 - I know... - I cannot preside over 319 00:22:02,030 --> 00:22:03,364 the breaking of our alliance 320 00:22:03,448 --> 00:22:06,701 and I will not allow the fracturing of our father's dream! 321 00:22:10,330 --> 00:22:13,041 We will betroth the lady aelfwynn to the successor 322 00:22:13,124 --> 00:22:14,792 and seal the bond between our lands. 323 00:22:14,876 --> 00:22:18,171 In return for the strength she'll bring to their claim in mercia, 324 00:22:18,254 --> 00:22:20,048 we will ask they are loyal to wessex. 325 00:22:20,131 --> 00:22:22,717 I agree with the idea, but it is not that simple. 326 00:22:22,800 --> 00:22:25,303 The best of the young ealdormen have been slaughtered. 327 00:22:25,386 --> 00:22:26,471 There's no one suitable. 328 00:22:26,554 --> 00:22:28,431 Then we will find someone suitable. 329 00:22:28,515 --> 00:22:31,351 Lord king, the men who remain are not well disposed to you. 330 00:22:31,434 --> 00:22:33,871 - There's no obvious choice. - Where is the lady aelfwynn now? 331 00:22:33,895 --> 00:22:35,480 Safe at saltwic with my men. 332 00:22:35,563 --> 00:22:37,291 Bring her here and we will settle the matter. 333 00:22:37,315 --> 00:22:40,818 No! We will settle the matter and then we will bring her here. 334 00:22:40,902 --> 00:22:42,237 Aegelesburg is volatile. 335 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:44,614 Surely it is best if she is with her family. 336 00:22:44,697 --> 00:22:46,699 She's too young to be used as bait. 337 00:22:49,619 --> 00:22:53,414 Find me the right suitor and we will make haste to arrange a match. 338 00:22:54,082 --> 00:22:57,418 I promise you, brother, this alliance means as much to me as it does to you. 339 00:22:59,546 --> 00:23:00,755 Bring the ealdormen to me. 340 00:23:01,965 --> 00:23:04,092 Have no fear, I will resolve this. 341 00:23:07,637 --> 00:23:09,430 Keep an eye on the ealdormen yourself. 342 00:23:09,514 --> 00:23:12,225 I will find out how long Edward intends to stay. 343 00:23:12,308 --> 00:23:16,104 My brother is finally trying to enact my father's will. We should welcome this. 344 00:23:16,187 --> 00:23:18,856 I know, but his authority is under threat 345 00:23:18,940 --> 00:23:21,609 and men under threat do not always act with wisdom. 346 00:23:21,693 --> 00:23:25,029 [Footsteps receding] 347 00:23:29,951 --> 00:23:33,121 Show respect for the fallen of tettenhall! 348 00:23:45,717 --> 00:23:48,428 [Woman gasps and sobs] 349 00:23:48,511 --> 00:23:51,889 [Sobs] 350 00:23:56,102 --> 00:23:58,438 Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. 351 00:24:03,192 --> 00:24:06,154 You must pay your respects, aelfweard. Come with me. 352 00:24:09,449 --> 00:24:12,535 He is too young to be displayed before the people. 353 00:24:12,619 --> 00:24:14,454 If he's to send men to war, 354 00:24:14,537 --> 00:24:18,708 as the future king of wessex, he must know the consequences. 355 00:24:26,633 --> 00:24:28,426 I will not try and woo king Edward! 356 00:24:28,509 --> 00:24:32,096 I'm not asking you to hump him, merely ingratiate yourself, as will I. 357 00:24:32,180 --> 00:24:34,182 Why would we try a plan that has failed before? 358 00:24:34,265 --> 00:24:36,517 Has it failed? We're in the palace, are we not? 359 00:24:36,601 --> 00:24:38,478 By luck, nothing more. 360 00:24:38,561 --> 00:24:41,814 - You're giving up too easily. - And you are living a fantasy. 361 00:24:41,898 --> 00:24:44,984 Take this opportunity and escape. 362 00:24:45,068 --> 00:24:46,903 Go back to having nothing? 363 00:24:46,986 --> 00:24:50,198 And avoid the turmoil that will unfold when aethelred dies. 364 00:24:50,281 --> 00:24:54,577 I am mistress to a dead king. You are the favorite of a dead king. 365 00:24:54,661 --> 00:24:56,746 Since when have such people thrived? 366 00:24:56,829 --> 00:24:58,956 Edward is not foolish like aethelred. 367 00:24:59,040 --> 00:25:02,043 Please, brother, see what is real and what is not. 368 00:25:03,878 --> 00:25:05,713 For a whore, you lack ambition. 369 00:25:08,007 --> 00:25:11,177 - What did you say? - Every plan we've made, you've agreed to. 370 00:25:12,053 --> 00:25:16,057 You cannot choose to play and then run, when it gets a little dangerous. 371 00:25:16,140 --> 00:25:19,060 [Uhtred] Aethelflaed. [Breathes heavily] 372 00:25:19,143 --> 00:25:21,771 Edward has ordered all his troops to aegelesburg. 373 00:25:21,854 --> 00:25:23,398 He is just being cautious. 374 00:25:23,481 --> 00:25:25,191 Or he's expecting a fight. 375 00:25:25,274 --> 00:25:28,528 There will be no fight, because we will find a resolution. 376 00:25:29,237 --> 00:25:32,448 Trust him. He knows now not to put one kingdom before the other. 377 00:25:32,532 --> 00:25:35,576 [Eadith] I am going to francia before your insanity drowns us both! 378 00:25:35,660 --> 00:25:38,788 You will go nowhere without my permission! 379 00:25:39,539 --> 00:25:40,915 Is all well, lady? 380 00:25:42,041 --> 00:25:43,167 Yes. 381 00:25:43,918 --> 00:25:47,046 He is my brother and it is just a foolish disagreement. 382 00:25:48,464 --> 00:25:49,674 My husband is asking for you. 383 00:25:50,883 --> 00:25:52,301 Attend to him, please. 384 00:25:58,808 --> 00:26:00,935 What kind of a man treats his sister this way? 385 00:26:03,521 --> 00:26:05,773 [Footsteps receding] 386 00:26:07,275 --> 00:26:09,277 Aethelred has soured this place. 387 00:26:11,612 --> 00:26:12,697 Thenleave. 388 00:26:14,365 --> 00:26:16,033 You do not have to do this. 389 00:26:17,201 --> 00:26:20,496 If we went with you, they would follow and drag us back in shame. 390 00:26:20,580 --> 00:26:22,180 Then we go further than they can follow. 391 00:26:22,248 --> 00:26:25,042 North, to the edge of the danelaw. Ceaster. 392 00:26:25,543 --> 00:26:27,336 The road to ceaster is too dangerous. 393 00:26:27,420 --> 00:26:30,006 But if we made it, it has Roman walls. 394 00:26:30,965 --> 00:26:32,300 It can be defended. 395 00:26:38,306 --> 00:26:40,600 I want to, uhtred... 396 00:26:42,977 --> 00:26:45,104 To live in peace by your side... 397 00:26:46,773 --> 00:26:48,900 To raise my daughter in safety. 398 00:26:49,984 --> 00:26:52,528 Nothing would bring me greater happiness. 399 00:26:54,614 --> 00:26:56,657 But if we left, we could never return. 400 00:26:57,742 --> 00:27:01,162 We cannot let them destroy all we have fought for. 401 00:27:09,378 --> 00:27:13,090 [Clatter of hammering] 402 00:27:13,174 --> 00:27:15,092 [Indistinct chattering] 403 00:27:23,351 --> 00:27:26,687 This is a generous gesture, lord king. 404 00:27:26,771 --> 00:27:28,773 I know I speak for the people of mercia 405 00:27:28,856 --> 00:27:32,068 when I say we are grateful for your men's labor. 406 00:27:32,151 --> 00:27:36,155 Come on, men! Let our friends from wessex see our strength! 407 00:27:36,239 --> 00:27:37,990 [Man] Ladies of wessex, don't pout. 408 00:27:38,783 --> 00:27:40,284 Is this intended as a slight? 409 00:27:41,452 --> 00:27:42,870 Oh, no, lord king. 410 00:27:42,954 --> 00:27:45,748 He merely strives to redeem his family name 411 00:27:45,832 --> 00:27:47,333 and I, for one, look on it kindly. 412 00:27:47,708 --> 00:27:51,587 His father lost his lands in very undignified circumstances. 413 00:27:51,671 --> 00:27:54,757 He merely has the drive of one tainted by disgrace. 414 00:27:55,341 --> 00:27:56,467 Eardwulf? 415 00:28:00,721 --> 00:28:03,307 I believe you pulled me to safety during the battle. 416 00:28:03,891 --> 00:28:06,936 Yes, lord king, I did, something I'd do for any warrior. 417 00:28:07,812 --> 00:28:11,566 Tell me, how are the mercian guard minded on the succession 418 00:28:11,649 --> 00:28:13,234 should your lord depart this life? 419 00:28:14,610 --> 00:28:15,820 They have no view on it. 420 00:28:16,737 --> 00:28:19,532 They're loyal to the leader of mercia, whoever that is. 421 00:28:20,950 --> 00:28:23,327 They have little time for politics, but... 422 00:28:23,411 --> 00:28:26,247 They're good men who respond to strong leadership. 423 00:28:29,542 --> 00:28:33,379 Well, I thank you for your honesty and your action on the battlefield. 424 00:28:36,090 --> 00:28:37,341 Lord king! 425 00:28:38,509 --> 00:28:42,722 On behalf of my people, I demand that you remove your troops from aegelesburg. 426 00:28:44,223 --> 00:28:47,727 I will not abandon mercia, when she is in need. 427 00:28:47,810 --> 00:28:50,229 It's clearly a provocative show of strength! 428 00:28:50,938 --> 00:28:53,357 I know that you are a man in grief, 429 00:28:53,441 --> 00:28:57,069 but may I suggest you remove yourself from the king's presence. 430 00:29:03,576 --> 00:29:04,619 Gladly. 431 00:29:05,786 --> 00:29:07,330 I've had my fill of wessex. 432 00:29:09,582 --> 00:29:13,377 There are ways to make men lord of mercia without the witan. 433 00:29:13,461 --> 00:29:14,837 You seek to control us... 434 00:29:18,174 --> 00:29:19,425 And I will use them. 435 00:29:25,723 --> 00:29:28,142 I fear these are not vacant threats. 436 00:29:28,935 --> 00:29:32,063 Burgred will do something foolish to place his son on the throne. 437 00:29:32,730 --> 00:29:35,274 Has he not lost one child already? 438 00:29:35,358 --> 00:29:38,110 Aethelred is fading, lord. 439 00:29:38,778 --> 00:29:39,862 Time is pressing. 440 00:29:45,993 --> 00:29:50,039 - What do you make of ludeca? - He cares deeply for peace, which is good. 441 00:29:50,122 --> 00:29:54,543 But he also cares deeply for mercia, which may lead us into conflict in time. 442 00:29:56,003 --> 00:29:59,256 He seems a man of piety and reason. 443 00:29:59,340 --> 00:30:02,385 But how old will he be when aelfwynn is of age to produce an heir? 444 00:30:03,552 --> 00:30:07,431 He is not much older than I am and I am still active in the field. 445 00:30:08,057 --> 00:30:09,725 Aethelflaed will not like it. 446 00:30:09,809 --> 00:30:14,438 With respect, your sister needs to start doing as she's told. 447 00:30:16,607 --> 00:30:20,569 That man eardwulf, he seems respected by his warriors. 448 00:30:21,570 --> 00:30:24,073 He is younger and we know him to be brave. 449 00:30:24,156 --> 00:30:25,574 But he's not an ealdorman. 450 00:30:26,200 --> 00:30:27,868 Find out what you can about him. 451 00:30:29,036 --> 00:30:33,249 [Men shouting] 452 00:30:45,177 --> 00:30:46,804 Do not ask me! 453 00:30:47,972 --> 00:30:49,265 What is Edward planning? 454 00:30:49,348 --> 00:30:51,475 I do not know, and I've had enough of politics! 455 00:30:53,102 --> 00:30:57,356 You got in trouble for raising the Welsh? You did what was needed. 456 00:30:57,440 --> 00:31:00,901 Did I? Hundreds dead, mercia in turmoil! 457 00:31:00,985 --> 00:31:04,697 - It turned the tide against the Danes. - And led to new chaos and new divisions! 458 00:31:04,780 --> 00:31:08,909 Look how the people turn on each other. This is what happens when kings weaken. 459 00:31:08,993 --> 00:31:11,746 The lines of command are broken and the people on the streets suffer. 460 00:31:11,829 --> 00:31:15,875 Nonetheless, I need you to find out what Edward is planning to do with his troops. 461 00:31:15,958 --> 00:31:20,504 No. I'm a man who speaks the truth, or at my worst, a man who uses his fists. 462 00:31:20,588 --> 00:31:23,090 I was not built for spying and betrayal! 463 00:31:23,174 --> 00:31:24,717 [Sighs] I'll leave you. 464 00:31:27,344 --> 00:31:28,596 Beocca warned me. 465 00:31:29,638 --> 00:31:32,725 He said I might have to choose between my conscience and my king. 466 00:31:34,018 --> 00:31:37,104 But what if it was a message to be steadfast that I ignored, 467 00:31:37,188 --> 00:31:38,230 seeking my own glory? 468 00:31:41,025 --> 00:31:42,818 [Inhales] 469 00:31:42,902 --> 00:31:44,528 Beocca saw things... 470 00:31:45,738 --> 00:31:47,740 More clearly than the rest of us. 471 00:31:48,616 --> 00:31:50,159 He knew what was coming. 472 00:31:50,242 --> 00:31:53,037 [Inhales and exhales slowly] 473 00:31:53,120 --> 00:31:55,539 And he knew that you would choose wisely. 474 00:32:06,550 --> 00:32:08,677 [Grunting and snoring] 475 00:32:08,761 --> 00:32:09,845 Shut up. 476 00:32:30,616 --> 00:32:32,326 Where are you taking these women? 477 00:32:35,162 --> 00:32:38,332 On a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint wite. 478 00:32:38,415 --> 00:32:40,918 We will give thanks for our great victory. 479 00:32:41,001 --> 00:32:44,130 You shall not leave the town. An order has come from aegelesburg. 480 00:32:44,964 --> 00:32:46,841 You are to be confined as a punishment 481 00:32:46,924 --> 00:32:49,176 for raising an army without the king's consent. 482 00:32:50,803 --> 00:32:53,722 And when was this confinement decided? 483 00:32:53,806 --> 00:32:56,100 I've been asked to enact the will of the king. 484 00:32:57,434 --> 00:32:59,645 Have lady aelswith guarded in the reading room. 485 00:32:59,728 --> 00:33:01,522 [Women mutter and gasp] 486 00:33:02,356 --> 00:33:03,566 Do as cenric orders! 487 00:33:05,151 --> 00:33:06,735 Ignore this girl! 488 00:33:09,446 --> 00:33:11,907 She speaks without authority. 489 00:33:14,493 --> 00:33:18,414 - Look how she trembles! - Do you defy the will of the king? 490 00:33:19,582 --> 00:33:21,458 You are not the king. 491 00:33:21,542 --> 00:33:24,587 No, but I am anointed queen. 492 00:33:24,670 --> 00:33:27,631 And in Edward's absence, my will takes precedence. 493 00:33:32,511 --> 00:33:33,971 I will not fight against it. 494 00:33:35,681 --> 00:33:39,810 I simply ask that a soldier bring a prayer book to my room, 495 00:33:39,894 --> 00:33:41,604 so that I may reflect. 496 00:33:50,196 --> 00:33:53,949 [Ludeca] It will be resolved with a little will on all sides. [Laughs] 497 00:33:54,909 --> 00:33:56,076 Some wine... 498 00:33:59,622 --> 00:34:03,500 He is honest and good-natured, but I am troubled by his age. 499 00:34:06,420 --> 00:34:08,297 Should I offer ludeca my niece... 500 00:34:08,923 --> 00:34:13,135 As a dowry in return for a renewal of the alliance? 501 00:34:13,802 --> 00:34:16,889 That is, of course, your decision, 502 00:34:16,972 --> 00:34:20,768 but I would follow your instincts. 503 00:34:21,435 --> 00:34:23,395 Look to the hero of the battle. 504 00:34:25,189 --> 00:34:27,316 No more trouble in the taverns, I hope. 505 00:34:27,399 --> 00:34:30,402 We will send men to water down the ale, lord king. 506 00:34:30,486 --> 00:34:32,422 Lord aethelhelm asked me to join you at the table. 507 00:34:32,446 --> 00:34:33,948 I did indeed, welcome. 508 00:34:36,659 --> 00:34:37,743 Continue. 509 00:34:39,161 --> 00:34:42,206 The mercian guard is loyal to him. 510 00:34:42,289 --> 00:34:45,084 It would bring the fighting force under your command. 511 00:34:46,126 --> 00:34:49,922 As you know, he's keen to restore his name 512 00:34:50,005 --> 00:34:52,716 and he served aethelred with complete loyalty. 513 00:34:52,800 --> 00:34:54,802 They even called him the arse-licker. 514 00:34:56,553 --> 00:34:58,639 I do not want an arse-licker. 515 00:34:58,722 --> 00:35:01,892 I want a man who will serve all of our interests. 516 00:35:02,935 --> 00:35:08,607 Yes, someone who will work with us to achieve the peace you need. 517 00:35:08,691 --> 00:35:10,734 But the choice is yours. 518 00:35:13,570 --> 00:35:15,447 Is there more trouble in the town? 519 00:35:15,531 --> 00:35:16,949 Does burgred gather men? 520 00:35:19,493 --> 00:35:21,412 No, the king just asked I sit beside you. 521 00:35:25,541 --> 00:35:28,752 It's a sign that he wishes to propose to the ealdormen and the mercian guard 522 00:35:28,836 --> 00:35:30,379 that I should be the successor. 523 00:35:36,427 --> 00:35:37,553 Do I have your loyalty? 524 00:35:40,014 --> 00:35:41,734 The guard are loyal to the leader of mercia. 525 00:35:41,765 --> 00:35:42,808 Good. 526 00:35:43,350 --> 00:35:45,352 Then finally order will be restored. 527 00:35:54,320 --> 00:35:56,905 [Aethelred breathes heavily] 528 00:35:58,240 --> 00:36:00,659 [Softly] Thank you for staying by my side. 529 00:36:01,452 --> 00:36:03,370 Your wife has commanded it. 530 00:36:04,413 --> 00:36:07,583 They all wish me dead, do they not? 531 00:36:10,544 --> 00:36:14,298 Why? Did I do something to offend my people? 532 00:36:19,303 --> 00:36:23,390 All of you, leave me alone... with... 533 00:36:25,559 --> 00:36:26,769 With eadith. 534 00:36:37,696 --> 00:36:39,239 I remembered your name. 535 00:36:43,369 --> 00:36:44,912 Were we in love? 536 00:36:46,163 --> 00:36:48,582 Though I know I regret to see you suffer... 537 00:36:50,125 --> 00:36:52,586 I could not in truth say that I loved you. 538 00:36:56,256 --> 00:36:58,467 If I mistreated you, then I am sorry. 539 00:37:04,098 --> 00:37:05,849 Women are used to being mistreated. 540 00:37:08,060 --> 00:37:09,686 We are taught to endure it. 541 00:37:10,896 --> 00:37:12,481 Will you survive without me? 542 00:37:13,690 --> 00:37:14,942 I do not know. 543 00:37:17,861 --> 00:37:19,988 I have survived a great deal. 544 00:37:20,781 --> 00:37:26,370 Tell me the truth. Am I to die? 545 00:37:33,710 --> 00:37:36,713 Prayers are being said for you, yes. 546 00:37:38,173 --> 00:37:42,803 The rumor is that your mind fails and you will die, lord. 547 00:37:43,637 --> 00:37:45,139 Then I need a miracle. 548 00:37:47,850 --> 00:37:50,102 And it's not clear that I am owed one. 549 00:37:53,063 --> 00:37:55,816 You could try praying on the relics of our beloved Saint. 550 00:37:56,650 --> 00:38:00,529 For all your mistakes in mercia, gathering his bones was not one of them. 551 00:38:00,612 --> 00:38:04,283 They're in the treasury. Ask for them to be brought to me. 552 00:38:04,366 --> 00:38:05,784 I will fetch them. 553 00:38:08,912 --> 00:38:10,831 Perhaps they will bring you to yourself. 554 00:38:11,290 --> 00:38:13,000 Or just a scrap of luck. 555 00:38:15,711 --> 00:38:18,630 I fear that I have much to account for. 556 00:38:27,181 --> 00:38:29,933 This reminds me of when I drank with your father last. 557 00:38:30,017 --> 00:38:32,895 He had just secured victory at the battle of ethandun. 558 00:38:32,978 --> 00:38:34,688 The feasting was magnificent. 559 00:38:34,771 --> 00:38:38,609 My father always felt our two lands thrived when we broke bread together. 560 00:38:38,692 --> 00:38:41,445 Exactly, the unity between us is critical, 561 00:38:41,528 --> 00:38:44,656 both countries, side by side, equal like brothers. 562 00:38:45,157 --> 00:38:47,576 But with deference to king Edward. 563 00:38:47,659 --> 00:38:49,995 With mutual respect, yes. 564 00:38:57,294 --> 00:38:59,087 We should discuss this unity. 565 00:39:00,005 --> 00:39:01,798 And the betrothal of my niece. 566 00:39:01,882 --> 00:39:04,218 It seems wise to secure one with the other... 567 00:39:04,927 --> 00:39:07,387 Subject, of course, to the approval of the ealdormen. 568 00:39:07,971 --> 00:39:10,849 The ealdormen will do my bidding. I have them under my control. 569 00:39:13,727 --> 00:39:16,104 Well, as you know, lady aelfwynn is dear to me. 570 00:39:16,188 --> 00:39:19,483 I should like her to be betrothed to a man I trust. 571 00:39:19,566 --> 00:39:24,071 I agree that seems preferable. Her youth means that she could be fertile for years. 572 00:39:24,821 --> 00:39:25,906 [Glass thuds] 573 00:39:26,281 --> 00:39:28,283 [Footsteps leaving] 574 00:39:28,367 --> 00:39:29,409 Yes. 575 00:39:30,285 --> 00:39:34,248 Well, obviously, we want a man with standing in all parts of mercia, 576 00:39:34,331 --> 00:39:36,166 someone we might see as a... 577 00:39:36,250 --> 00:39:38,144 I think the phrase you're searching for is peacemaker. 578 00:39:38,168 --> 00:39:41,088 Someone who can unite the divisions in mercia. 579 00:39:42,172 --> 00:39:43,215 Indeed. 580 00:39:44,675 --> 00:39:47,010 A peacemaker for times of peace. 581 00:39:49,763 --> 00:39:51,265 Could you be such a man, eardwulf? 582 00:39:58,313 --> 00:39:59,856 Eardwulf is not an ealdorman. 583 00:40:01,191 --> 00:40:02,901 His family was disgraced. 584 00:40:02,985 --> 00:40:05,112 Well, disgrace can be reversed by royal decree. 585 00:40:09,992 --> 00:40:13,704 If you agree, all we would need would be the approval of a witan. 586 00:40:14,413 --> 00:40:16,540 And the ealdormen will do your bidding, will they not? 587 00:40:16,623 --> 00:40:19,167 Unless they feel that I am being cheated. 588 00:40:19,251 --> 00:40:20,919 [Edward] But you would not be. 589 00:40:21,003 --> 00:40:25,716 Because if eardwulf takes the title, the land he is owed becomes vacant. 590 00:40:26,758 --> 00:40:31,805 And those could be handed to you in exchange for your generous support. 591 00:40:39,354 --> 00:40:40,647 To the peacemaker. 592 00:40:43,483 --> 00:40:44,526 Peacemaker. 593 00:40:46,737 --> 00:40:48,864 To the peacemaker. 594 00:40:57,331 --> 00:41:00,167 [Footsteps approaching] 595 00:41:03,920 --> 00:41:07,382 Lord, I come with news that will revive you. 596 00:41:11,803 --> 00:41:12,846 [Sighs] 597 00:41:13,847 --> 00:41:16,058 Has a successor been chosen? 598 00:41:16,975 --> 00:41:20,479 The king wishes to betroth me to your daughter. 599 00:41:26,860 --> 00:41:28,403 I will not agree to it. 600 00:41:29,488 --> 00:41:31,907 But her hand with mine will unite the two kingdoms 601 00:41:31,990 --> 00:41:34,368 and I will be the peacemaker who saves mercia. 602 00:41:36,662 --> 00:41:39,456 I promised my wife I would not act without her. 603 00:41:41,750 --> 00:41:46,046 Without a plan, king Edward will take your throne and mercia will be subsumed. 604 00:41:47,631 --> 00:41:50,634 Please, lord, just trust that I have mercia's best interests at heart. 605 00:41:51,677 --> 00:41:55,138 I'm begging you. Have I not always served you well? 606 00:41:58,433 --> 00:42:01,436 [Breathes heavily] 607 00:42:04,856 --> 00:42:05,982 No, you do not. 608 00:42:08,860 --> 00:42:13,407 I cannot place it, but my stomach tells me that you lie. 609 00:42:16,868 --> 00:42:17,953 Lord... 610 00:42:19,413 --> 00:42:21,498 I have never lied to you. 611 00:42:24,584 --> 00:42:26,962 [Grunts] 612 00:42:28,672 --> 00:42:31,591 {gasps} 613 00:42:32,759 --> 00:42:34,678 you have a stench about you. 614 00:42:35,262 --> 00:42:37,389 [Breathes heavily] 615 00:42:37,472 --> 00:42:39,641 You are not worthy of my daughter. 616 00:42:41,893 --> 00:42:45,188 [Strained] You will never rule mercia. 617 00:42:45,272 --> 00:42:47,524 [Breathes heavily] 618 00:42:48,567 --> 00:42:49,860 [Grunts] 619 00:42:52,571 --> 00:42:53,697 Get out. 620 00:42:54,448 --> 00:42:55,490 Leave me. 621 00:43:05,333 --> 00:43:08,628 [Hoarse and softly] Guards, help! 622 00:43:08,712 --> 00:43:10,213 [Gasping] 623 00:43:10,297 --> 00:43:11,339 [Softly] Help... 624 00:43:13,383 --> 00:43:14,426 Hel... 625 00:43:18,680 --> 00:43:20,223 [Yelps and groans] 626 00:43:25,103 --> 00:43:26,396 [Grunts and groans] 627 00:43:41,578 --> 00:43:42,954 [Neck snaps] 628 00:43:44,080 --> 00:43:49,544 [Eardwulf pants] 629 00:43:58,678 --> 00:44:01,973 You did not hear it from me. I merely left the feast to take a piss. 630 00:44:02,057 --> 00:44:03,600 And if I am asked, I will deny it. 631 00:44:03,683 --> 00:44:06,061 Of course, pyrlig, I will not mention your name, 632 00:44:06,144 --> 00:44:09,481 but enough talking in corners, I'll simply confront him with it... 633 00:44:10,607 --> 00:44:15,237 Edward, tell me there is a mistake, that you have not broken our agreement 634 00:44:15,320 --> 00:44:17,131 and betrothed my daughter without my knowledge. 635 00:44:17,155 --> 00:44:19,407 We are simply making plans should the worst happen. 636 00:44:19,491 --> 00:44:22,661 You agreed aelfwynn should not be used as a bargaining piece. 637 00:44:22,744 --> 00:44:24,746 That was before king Edward struck a bargain. 638 00:44:25,455 --> 00:44:28,416 Ludeca, you cannot be joined to aelfwynn. She's a child. 639 00:44:29,334 --> 00:44:34,047 I'm not the suitor. I'm merely someone trying to prevent chaos. 640 00:44:35,841 --> 00:44:38,510 So, who have you betrothed my daughter to? 641 00:45:16,423 --> 00:45:18,508 [Aethelflaed] Edward, you swore you'd not betroth her 642 00:45:18,592 --> 00:45:19,759 to a man I despised. 643 00:45:19,843 --> 00:45:21,970 He is a great warrior. He is a leader of men. 644 00:45:22,053 --> 00:45:24,764 Aethelred still rules here, and he will not allow this. 645 00:45:30,979 --> 00:45:32,439 I cannot wake him. 646 00:45:42,908 --> 00:45:45,535 I had looked to this moment for many years. 647 00:45:48,663 --> 00:45:52,250 And now it is here, why do I feel as if I want to cry? 648 00:45:53,084 --> 00:45:56,713 I think he regretted the pain he caused you, lady. 649 00:45:58,256 --> 00:46:00,884 Lord have mercy on his soul and on us all. 650 00:46:03,887 --> 00:46:04,971 Prepare the body 651 00:46:05,055 --> 00:46:08,725 and inform your brother that his betrothal will take place imminently. 652 00:46:09,851 --> 00:46:12,062 You are to be sister to the new lord of mercia. 653 00:46:15,273 --> 00:46:17,418 - [Aethelflaed] Edward, I will fight this! - You will not. 654 00:46:17,442 --> 00:46:19,861 You agreed that aelfwynn's betrothal was best for mercia... 655 00:46:19,945 --> 00:46:23,156 I will not have my child condemned to a life of misery. 656 00:46:26,326 --> 00:46:29,829 - Please, ludeca, do not accept this plan. - The plan offers stability. 657 00:46:29,913 --> 00:46:32,165 I believe it to be the best solution. 658 00:46:33,083 --> 00:46:36,002 Eardwulf is not the man to bring peace. Please. 659 00:46:36,086 --> 00:46:38,672 Lady, begging is unbecoming. 660 00:46:39,381 --> 00:46:42,467 After everything I have done for mercia... 661 00:46:42,550 --> 00:46:44,761 To have risked my life for this reward, 662 00:46:44,844 --> 00:46:47,180 my child thrown to a man who will mistreat her? 663 00:46:47,263 --> 00:46:50,725 Perhaps it will teach her more deference than her mother has. 664 00:46:58,358 --> 00:47:01,611 Ride to saltwic. Fetch the lady aelfwynn. 665 00:47:02,529 --> 00:47:05,615 King Edward would like you to ensure no force is used. 666 00:47:09,494 --> 00:47:10,704 [Horse snorts] 667 00:47:10,787 --> 00:47:13,123 [Hooves beating] 668 00:47:23,299 --> 00:47:24,634 He is gone. 669 00:47:24,718 --> 00:47:25,802 Aethelred is dead. 670 00:47:27,303 --> 00:47:28,471 Then you are free. 671 00:47:29,305 --> 00:47:30,682 He can torment you no longer. 672 00:47:32,600 --> 00:47:33,852 I wish that were true. 673 00:47:34,853 --> 00:47:38,023 But they seem to be set on destroying me and all that matters. 674 00:47:42,694 --> 00:47:46,281 I thought aethelred's death would be a chance for me to live in peace... 675 00:47:47,240 --> 00:47:48,783 After all this time. 676 00:47:50,452 --> 00:47:52,162 But they cast me aside... 677 00:47:52,996 --> 00:47:55,248 Treat my child as a bag of silver. 678 00:47:56,374 --> 00:47:58,877 I will bargain a way out of this... Somehow I will. 679 00:47:58,960 --> 00:48:02,630 We do not need negotiation. We must alert our allies, 680 00:48:02,714 --> 00:48:04,758 rally them against eardwulf, if necessary. 681 00:48:04,841 --> 00:48:08,011 It would set the mercian fyrd against the wessex army. It would be a civil war. 682 00:48:09,304 --> 00:48:13,183 A group of riders have just been sent by lord aethelhelm to saltwic. 683 00:48:13,266 --> 00:48:14,517 They are to take aelfwynn. 684 00:48:16,102 --> 00:48:17,562 Edward is not himself. 685 00:48:18,772 --> 00:48:20,356 I will speak with him again. 686 00:48:21,649 --> 00:48:24,903 Go to ceaster. Take her somewhere you can protect her. 687 00:48:29,365 --> 00:48:33,828 Lord, I've heard the terrible news. I will inform the people of the tragedy. 688 00:48:34,829 --> 00:48:36,998 Our traditions will unite us in grief. 689 00:48:37,082 --> 00:48:39,501 May it bring a time of healing for mercia. 690 00:48:42,545 --> 00:48:44,923 I fear my sister will not mourn him. 691 00:48:45,673 --> 00:48:48,551 With respect, lord king, your sister should follow the custom. 692 00:48:48,635 --> 00:48:51,429 She loves mercia, but she never loved its leader. 693 00:48:55,433 --> 00:48:58,478 Have aethelflaed confined until all this is settled. 694 00:48:58,561 --> 00:49:02,232 If only to save her offending the ealdormen by her lack of grief. 695 00:49:12,951 --> 00:49:16,204 - I do not wish to be confined. - It's a chance to mourn. 696 00:49:17,747 --> 00:49:20,500 May I suggest you make this simple and comply? 697 00:49:36,975 --> 00:49:38,059 [Door slams] 698 00:49:50,155 --> 00:49:51,239 Lady aelswith... 699 00:49:53,283 --> 00:49:55,952 Good, a man I trust. 700 00:49:57,370 --> 00:49:59,789 Follow my next instructions... 701 00:49:59,873 --> 00:50:02,208 And I am sure you will be well rewarded. 702 00:50:04,377 --> 00:50:07,881 [Birds chirping] 703 00:50:30,195 --> 00:50:31,321 [Chuckles] 704 00:50:39,037 --> 00:50:40,538 [Chomps and chuckles] 705 00:50:40,622 --> 00:50:42,165 - [Chicks chirp] - Dip-dip. 706 00:50:43,291 --> 00:50:46,836 [Stiorra] Was bebbanburg as impressive as we were told as children? 707 00:50:46,920 --> 00:50:47,962 It was more so... 708 00:50:48,713 --> 00:50:49,964 And harder to attack. 709 00:50:50,798 --> 00:50:53,927 Do you think we'll ever return to it, or is it lost forever? 710 00:50:54,010 --> 00:50:56,512 I don't think I will see it again in my lifetime. 711 00:50:58,306 --> 00:51:00,350 Perhaps our children will reclaim it. 712 00:51:01,392 --> 00:51:02,894 I do not want children. 713 00:51:04,479 --> 00:51:05,897 I'm tired of their company. 714 00:51:05,980 --> 00:51:07,732 [Horses neighing] 715 00:51:13,863 --> 00:51:16,157 Aelfwynn, come in... now! 716 00:51:18,243 --> 00:51:19,327 Aethelstan... 717 00:51:22,288 --> 00:51:23,706 Men are riding this way. 718 00:51:23,790 --> 00:51:26,668 - Which men? - I don't know, but they're coming. 719 00:51:28,378 --> 00:51:29,420 Wait! 720 00:51:30,922 --> 00:51:31,965 We have a plan. 721 00:51:37,011 --> 00:51:39,806 Oh? Can I help you? Are you lost? 722 00:51:39,889 --> 00:51:42,350 We're taking lady aelfwynn to aegelesburg. 723 00:51:42,433 --> 00:51:44,852 She's already been taken to Winchester. 724 00:51:46,562 --> 00:51:47,647 Who by? 725 00:51:47,730 --> 00:51:50,525 Erm, I think he called himself uhtred. 726 00:51:51,943 --> 00:51:53,027 Let us in! 727 00:51:55,238 --> 00:51:57,115 You two, search the grounds. 728 00:51:59,325 --> 00:52:00,535 The rest of you with me. 729 00:52:13,589 --> 00:52:15,174 Nothing here. 730 00:52:37,572 --> 00:52:38,614 Off! 731 00:52:45,997 --> 00:52:47,040 I told you... 732 00:52:47,665 --> 00:52:48,916 She's not here. 733 00:52:50,585 --> 00:52:51,669 Let's go! 734 00:52:52,962 --> 00:52:54,255 [Sighs] 735 00:53:09,896 --> 00:53:11,147 Stiorra! 736 00:53:11,522 --> 00:53:12,690 Stiorra? 737 00:53:13,649 --> 00:53:16,152 Stiorra! It is your father! 738 00:53:18,613 --> 00:53:21,115 - Did they hurt you? - No, it worked. 739 00:53:21,199 --> 00:53:22,700 - I sent them away. - Good. 740 00:53:23,618 --> 00:53:25,453 Sihtric! 741 00:53:25,536 --> 00:53:26,662 I told you. 742 00:53:26,746 --> 00:53:29,165 - We prepared ourselves for an invasion. - [Chuckles] Lord! 743 00:53:30,041 --> 00:53:31,209 Is it over? 744 00:53:31,292 --> 00:53:33,312 - Hey, little trickster you got here. - [Stiorra laughs] 745 00:53:33,336 --> 00:53:34,504 Where's aelfwynn? 746 00:53:42,303 --> 00:53:43,346 [Whistles] 747 00:53:53,106 --> 00:53:55,775 Death came for mother faster than she could ever know. 748 00:53:55,858 --> 00:53:59,028 I've always felt it would come for me, at speed, from nowhere. 749 00:53:59,904 --> 00:54:03,157 When I saw the horses, father, I was prepared, but I wasn't afraid. 750 00:54:03,658 --> 00:54:08,287 Besides, I had faith you'd come for me. And I was right. 751 00:54:08,371 --> 00:54:11,916 [Footsteps approaching] 752 00:54:15,962 --> 00:54:18,840 Bread, water and weapons, the rest we'll find on the road. 753 00:54:18,923 --> 00:54:21,134 Stiorra, get the children on the cart! 754 00:54:21,217 --> 00:54:22,403 We head north towards ceaster. 755 00:54:22,427 --> 00:54:23,719 Do you think we have enough? 756 00:54:23,803 --> 00:54:25,888 With children and a band of five? 757 00:54:25,972 --> 00:54:29,308 It's only until aethelflaed secures agreement from her brother. 758 00:54:30,268 --> 00:54:32,061 All will be made right. 759 00:54:41,028 --> 00:54:42,071 [Door opens] 760 00:54:44,031 --> 00:54:47,368 Come. I have alerted the man who protects you. He's outside the window. 761 00:54:47,452 --> 00:54:50,413 If you think I will fall into a trap, you are mistaken. 762 00:54:50,496 --> 00:54:53,958 - Please, lady, I am trying to help you. - Why would a mistress help a wife? 763 00:54:54,041 --> 00:54:57,587 Because mercia has wronged us both and our brothers have turned on us. 764 00:54:57,670 --> 00:54:58,870 Lady, we are not so different. 765 00:54:59,755 --> 00:55:01,549 I have never humped a man for influence. 766 00:55:01,632 --> 00:55:04,177 Just for your country and political alliance. 767 00:55:04,260 --> 00:55:07,930 I never humped aethelred willingly and, believe me, I am paying for it. Go. 768 00:55:08,014 --> 00:55:12,310 I have nothing and no one. You have silver and men that will help you. 769 00:55:13,895 --> 00:55:14,937 [Grunts] 770 00:55:15,688 --> 00:55:16,814 Use them. 771 00:55:18,691 --> 00:55:19,817 Lady. 772 00:55:20,526 --> 00:55:24,113 - Will eardwulf not kill you for this? - He will try but he will not succeed. 773 00:55:24,197 --> 00:55:25,490 Go, lady. 774 00:55:26,324 --> 00:55:29,577 My brother cannot be controlled and will bring nothing but disaster. 775 00:55:31,621 --> 00:55:33,748 Find uhtred on the road to ceaster. 776 00:55:34,832 --> 00:55:37,627 Tell him to meet me at the ruins of Saint milburg's priory. 777 00:55:37,710 --> 00:55:40,379 Do this and I will ensure you never go penniless. 778 00:55:56,729 --> 00:55:57,897 [Grunts] 779 00:55:58,523 --> 00:56:01,275 Aldhelm, do I really abandon mercia after everything? 780 00:56:01,359 --> 00:56:04,111 Lady, mercia has abandoned you. 781 00:56:04,195 --> 00:56:05,905 - [Aethelflaed sighs] - Go.