1 00:00:01,001 --> 00:00:03,754 I am th'red, son of th'red. 2 00:00:03,837 --> 00:00:09,343 Edward marched his forces to eoferw/c, where he received momentous news. 3 00:00:09,426 --> 00:00:13,805 We have been both blessed and cursed. 4 00:00:13,889 --> 00:00:15,974 There can be no more bastards. 5 00:00:16,058 --> 00:00:17,768 We are to be wed. 6 00:00:17,851 --> 00:00:19,645 Let us fetch a priest. 7 00:00:21,772 --> 00:00:22,898 80 soon, father? 8 00:00:22,981 --> 00:00:25,150 So I am to be replaced also. 9 00:00:25,234 --> 00:00:28,487 Ae/fi/r/eard left' the city with re/ucz'anz' company... 10 00:00:28,570 --> 00:00:29,988 Journey to where? 11 00:00:30,072 --> 00:00:32,074 To join my grandfather. 12 00:00:32,157 --> 00:00:34,535 Foraez'he/he/m had traveled non'h 13 00:00:34,618 --> 00:00:37,663 and made an alliance with king constantin of scot/and. 14 00:00:37,746 --> 00:00:40,457 You help me raise rebellion against the king, 15 00:00:40,541 --> 00:00:44,419 we put my grandson on the throne in wessex, 16 00:00:44,503 --> 00:00:48,924 we would offer half the profits from the lands of mercia 17 00:00:49,007 --> 00:00:51,843 through a marriage bond to the lady aelfwynn. 18 00:00:51,927 --> 00:00:55,222 Ladyae/swith failed in her attempt to free ae/fi/I/ynn... 19 00:00:55,305 --> 00:00:57,075 From aethe/he/m's men. 20 00:00:58,183 --> 00:01:00,352 Do not fight it! 21 00:01:03,939 --> 00:01:07,276 Aelfwynn! Run! 22 00:01:07,359 --> 00:01:10,195 Fol/owing sigt/yggr's death, 23 00:01:10,279 --> 00:01:13,824 stiorra sought re venge against those who brought her sorrow. 24 00:01:13,907 --> 00:01:15,826 Please tell me brida is your captive. 25 00:01:15,909 --> 00:01:16,994 Icannot 26 00:01:17,077 --> 00:01:19,913 then tell me she will be mine so that I may punish her. 27 00:01:19,997 --> 00:01:24,251 Knowing our fates are entwmed, I answered brida's call. 28 00:01:25,419 --> 00:01:30,549 We both knew this was a fight to the death, but our bonds were too deep. 29 00:01:30,632 --> 00:01:32,426 I will not kill you. 30 00:01:32,509 --> 00:01:35,095 If there was hope before, there can be hope again. 31 00:01:39,057 --> 00:01:41,643 - What have you done? - Ragnar... 32 00:01:43,020 --> 00:01:44,479 Destiny is all. 33 00:02:24,936 --> 00:02:27,105 - What are you doing here? - [Gasps} 34 00:02:55,926 --> 00:02:57,594 I will see you in Valhalla. 35 00:03:01,640 --> 00:03:02,683 Stiorra. 36 00:03:10,774 --> 00:03:11,817 Stiorra! 37 00:03:13,735 --> 00:03:17,239 Stiorra! Why will you not speak with me? 38 00:03:17,322 --> 00:03:20,951 I have freed you from her curse, there is nothing more for us to say. 39 00:03:21,034 --> 00:03:24,162 She did not curse me. She was coming back to me. 40 00:03:24,246 --> 00:03:25,664 She could have been saved. 41 00:03:25,747 --> 00:03:28,375 Sigtryggr did not have the chance to be saved. 42 00:03:28,458 --> 00:03:31,586 I will never understand why you were granting it to her. 43 00:03:31,670 --> 00:03:34,297 You could have stopped her, but you never did. 44 00:03:34,381 --> 00:03:37,092 You let this happen, many times. 45 00:03:37,175 --> 00:03:39,010 It is done. It is over now. 46 00:03:39,970 --> 00:03:43,432 Stiorra, please come with me. We can go home. 47 00:03:44,349 --> 00:03:45,892 You have no home. 48 00:03:45,976 --> 00:03:48,311 You have nothing to offer me. 49 00:03:50,021 --> 00:03:52,232 Stiorra, you have suffered too much. 50 00:03:52,315 --> 00:03:55,986 No! Those who have hurt me have suffered too little. 51 00:03:56,069 --> 00:03:59,990 No one has felt pain like I have endured. Not yet. 52 00:04:00,073 --> 00:04:01,867 Your life is not over. 53 00:04:01,950 --> 00:04:04,828 Yes, you have lost, but you will find new purpose. 54 00:04:06,496 --> 00:04:09,583 We carry our losses, but we journey onward. 55 00:04:09,666 --> 00:04:12,502 I will journey onward, yes, but not with you. 56 00:04:13,670 --> 00:04:15,213 We will build here. 57 00:04:15,297 --> 00:04:18,216 There is wood and fresh water and loyalty. 58 00:04:19,259 --> 00:04:20,552 Other Danes are coming. 59 00:04:20,635 --> 00:04:24,181 - We will live as Danes and die as Danes. - You will not find peace here. 60 00:04:24,264 --> 00:04:26,224 Then I will find it in sigtryggr's dead embrace. 61 00:04:26,308 --> 00:04:27,910 No, do not say that. 62 00:04:27,934 --> 00:04:31,188 That path is not meant for you. That is not what the gods want. 63 00:04:31,855 --> 00:04:33,815 I no longer believe in destiny. 64 00:04:47,829 --> 00:04:51,458 You have always spoken as though every action is part of some plan. 65 00:04:52,125 --> 00:04:56,254 Everything you have done has been excused because it was not your choice. 66 00:04:56,338 --> 00:04:58,799 That is not true. I have not walked blindly. 67 00:04:58,882 --> 00:05:02,052 All your battles, all those you have killed. 68 00:05:02,135 --> 00:05:05,013 You chose them over your family and called it fate. 69 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:09,226 What your destiny has brought me is pain and grief. 70 00:05:11,102 --> 00:05:13,396 So now my choice is to turn my back on you. 71 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:19,444 Hyah! 72 00:06:52,579 --> 00:06:53,997 Lord aethelhelm. 73 00:06:57,042 --> 00:06:58,251 You have visitors. 74 00:07:01,880 --> 00:07:04,424 - The lady aelfwynn is here? - No. 75 00:07:04,507 --> 00:07:07,802 Then kindly tell them I will attend when I am ready. 76 00:07:12,515 --> 00:07:14,434 I am not your lackey. 77 00:07:16,019 --> 00:07:20,482 You may be an ally of king constantin, but you are a guest in my fortress... 78 00:07:20,565 --> 00:07:22,067 I am ready. 79 00:07:22,150 --> 00:07:23,318 Who is here for me? 80 00:07:24,569 --> 00:07:26,237 - Your grandson. - Aelfweard? 81 00:07:26,947 --> 00:07:28,156 Why did you not say? 82 00:07:38,833 --> 00:07:43,129 Now this... this is a mercy! 83 00:07:43,213 --> 00:07:46,174 Oh, beloved child of my child! 84 00:07:46,257 --> 00:07:48,259 At last we're reunited. 85 00:07:49,636 --> 00:07:51,179 Oh, no. 86 00:07:51,262 --> 00:07:54,015 Oh, now, whatever is the matter? 87 00:07:55,308 --> 00:07:57,060 You've been told of my mother's death? 88 00:07:59,938 --> 00:08:01,189 Of course. 89 00:08:03,024 --> 00:08:05,110 And though my heart is broken, 90 00:08:06,361 --> 00:08:11,157 having you here is some reprieve from the unending sadness. 91 00:08:12,033 --> 00:08:13,702 My father has already remarried. 92 00:08:14,577 --> 00:08:16,162 The new queen is with child. 93 00:08:16,913 --> 00:08:19,916 Ah. It will likely be a boy. 94 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:21,501 Your father's seed is strong, 95 00:08:21,584 --> 00:08:24,713 and should he view you as a threat to the succession, 96 00:08:24,796 --> 00:08:26,881 then your life will be in danger. 97 00:08:26,965 --> 00:08:29,718 My worst fears come to pass. 98 00:08:30,677 --> 00:08:32,554 I... I do not think he would harm me. 99 00:08:32,637 --> 00:08:35,932 The king can be most... unforgiving. 100 00:08:36,850 --> 00:08:39,519 Indeed, in my darkest hours, 101 00:08:39,602 --> 00:08:43,440 I imagine your mother's death was on his command. 102 00:08:43,523 --> 00:08:45,442 No, it was the Danes. 103 00:08:46,401 --> 00:08:51,031 He may not have loved her as we did, but... but that he would not do. 104 00:08:53,199 --> 00:08:56,703 Of course. I am sure you are right. 105 00:08:57,746 --> 00:09:01,916 But everything we do hence is to honor her hopes for you. 106 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:03,376 Are we united? 107 00:09:03,460 --> 00:09:06,838 Always. With a whole heart. 108 00:09:15,305 --> 00:09:16,765 And father Benedict. 109 00:09:19,017 --> 00:09:20,602 Welcome to bebbanburg! 110 00:09:21,978 --> 00:09:24,564 My everlasting thanks for bringing the boy. 111 00:09:27,734 --> 00:09:30,737 All debt to me is paid. 112 00:09:35,366 --> 00:09:36,409 Twice over. 113 00:09:43,541 --> 00:09:47,253 Now come, tonight we celebrate your arrival. 114 00:09:52,592 --> 00:09:54,969 Drink well, feast well, all. 115 00:09:56,304 --> 00:09:59,432 Great energy will be required for the times ahead. 116 00:10:00,141 --> 00:10:01,184 Eat! 117 00:10:10,193 --> 00:10:11,778 How are we to proceed? 118 00:10:11,861 --> 00:10:13,530 Well, first... 119 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:21,162 A wedding. 120 00:10:22,997 --> 00:10:27,752 King constantin of Scotland travels here to be married... 121 00:10:29,170 --> 00:10:30,547 To lady aelfwynn. 122 00:10:31,464 --> 00:10:33,883 My cousin is here? May I see her? 123 00:10:33,967 --> 00:10:37,178 She has not yet arrived, despite your grandfather's promises... 124 00:10:37,262 --> 00:10:40,348 She will be here. She's simply taking her time. 125 00:10:40,431 --> 00:10:43,768 Like all women, she rides slowly. 126 00:10:43,852 --> 00:10:47,772 She wishes to marry this king constantin? I would not want her to be forced. 127 00:10:47,856 --> 00:10:51,693 She will understand that it is for the best, my boy. 128 00:10:51,776 --> 00:10:54,737 It seals your alliance with the Scottish king 129 00:10:54,821 --> 00:10:57,615 and gives him reason to support our rebellion. 130 00:10:57,699 --> 00:10:59,868 It will provoke your father to war. 131 00:11:01,119 --> 00:11:04,080 A war? I thought you said we could do this without bloodshed... 132 00:11:04,164 --> 00:11:06,040 Not war. 133 00:11:07,792 --> 00:11:11,129 Confrontation, which we will win. 134 00:11:11,212 --> 00:11:15,800 Some blood may be spilled, some villages burned, but... 135 00:11:23,308 --> 00:11:26,686 We will present the king with our superior strength 136 00:11:26,769 --> 00:11:29,480 and he will concede defeat. 137 00:11:29,564 --> 00:11:35,278 And in return for that concession, you will be declared the next king. 138 00:11:35,361 --> 00:11:36,946 Then it will be an end. 139 00:11:37,864 --> 00:11:39,824 Or your father will be killed. 140 00:11:43,411 --> 00:11:47,832 Grandfather, reassure me to kill my father is not part of the plan. 141 00:11:47,916 --> 00:11:50,043 I am a man of peace. 142 00:11:51,169 --> 00:11:54,255 All I do is for the good of the saxons. 143 00:11:55,131 --> 00:11:58,218 Edward, he's grown tyrannical. 144 00:11:58,843 --> 00:12:02,513 Tell that to the Danes of rumcofa killed on your order. 145 00:12:03,723 --> 00:12:08,895 Each one complicit in the murder of my daughter! 146 00:12:10,104 --> 00:12:13,066 Do not doubt me on this, Benedict. 147 00:12:13,691 --> 00:12:20,823 I have proved many times that I am righteous in word and deed. 148 00:12:20,907 --> 00:12:24,494 Then I would hate for you to meet that which you dread. 149 00:12:31,251 --> 00:12:33,586 I should like to pray, alone. 150 00:12:35,421 --> 00:12:37,257 I have verses I must study. 151 00:12:37,340 --> 00:12:39,050 Perhaps there are 152 00:12:39,133 --> 00:12:45,056 some wise words in the book about the sort of man I am. 153 00:12:45,139 --> 00:12:49,143 Perhaps you do not know me as you think. 154 00:13:18,256 --> 00:13:21,092 Lord king, word has returned from the south. 155 00:13:21,175 --> 00:13:24,262 Aelfweard is not in Winchester, nor anywhere in wessex. 156 00:13:27,932 --> 00:13:29,767 Do you think he went to aethelhelm? 157 00:13:30,601 --> 00:13:31,811 It would seem likely. 158 00:13:32,687 --> 00:13:34,022 Though we know not where. 159 00:13:35,189 --> 00:13:36,524 The ingratitude. 160 00:13:37,233 --> 00:13:40,278 The dishonor of it. How could the boy be so foolish? 161 00:13:41,571 --> 00:13:45,533 He is still in grief for his mother and our marriage was quite hasty. 162 00:13:53,207 --> 00:13:58,171 - Do not attempt to dilute my anger. - He is a boy, as my child will be a boy. 163 00:13:58,254 --> 00:14:00,673 No mother wants to see a man reject his son. 164 00:14:00,757 --> 00:14:02,383 As ever, you speak with reason. 165 00:14:03,509 --> 00:14:05,345 I am wounded by his betrayal. 166 00:14:05,428 --> 00:14:07,847 As you should be. It is a grievous offense. 167 00:14:07,930 --> 00:14:12,977 I thought I had more mastery of things, but now I find myself reacting yet again 168 00:14:13,061 --> 00:14:16,314 to aethelhelm's provocation, unable to gain the momentum. 169 00:14:17,357 --> 00:14:19,359 Dragging myself on horseback to chase him. 170 00:14:19,442 --> 00:14:21,778 The momentum brought you eofennic. 171 00:14:21,861 --> 00:14:25,907 And your boldness against sigtryggr won you a kingdom that eluded your father. 172 00:14:25,990 --> 00:14:28,242 At whose arrangements? Aethelhelm's. 173 00:14:29,202 --> 00:14:33,289 - That is a cruel irony, yes, but it... - I fear it is more than that. 174 00:14:35,291 --> 00:14:37,835 What does this mean? 175 00:14:40,088 --> 00:14:43,383 All of it, why... why does it occur? 176 00:14:44,717 --> 00:14:48,096 In unreasonable haste, I win mercia and eofennic. 177 00:14:49,097 --> 00:14:51,891 Two conquests that evaded kings greater than I... 178 00:14:51,974 --> 00:14:53,643 - You deserve your success. - Do I? 179 00:14:54,811 --> 00:14:56,312 Perhaps god tests me. 180 00:14:57,772 --> 00:15:00,525 Or perhaps the devil tempts me to overplay my hand. 181 00:15:00,608 --> 00:15:03,861 This humiliation, 182 00:15:04,654 --> 00:15:10,118 this betrayal by my son... 183 00:15:16,457 --> 00:15:20,086 It is a moment that challenges my pride, and I must think clearly. 184 00:15:28,010 --> 00:15:29,345 Aelfweard is lost to me. 185 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:33,474 Were we to find him, this I would struggle to forgive. 186 00:15:33,558 --> 00:15:36,269 To flee the palace and ally with a man 187 00:15:36,352 --> 00:15:38,771 who has done so much wrong to me and to wessex, 188 00:15:38,855 --> 00:15:40,523 I do not think I can forgive it. 189 00:15:47,530 --> 00:15:49,323 We have another son in your belly. 190 00:15:55,204 --> 00:15:58,708 Perhaps I should accept aelfweard is forfeit 191 00:15:58,791 --> 00:16:01,836 and allow him to range like a fugitive with aethelhelm. 192 00:16:13,723 --> 00:16:15,558 That will mean he is always a threat. 193 00:16:15,641 --> 00:16:18,769 Better a threat away from Winchester than within the palace. 194 00:16:18,853 --> 00:16:21,772 Well, it would take great strength to ignore such an offense. 195 00:16:21,856 --> 00:16:26,068 I know and I struggle with it, but my heart tells me 196 00:16:26,152 --> 00:16:29,947 to not once again take the bait aethelhelm has cast upon the waters. 197 00:16:34,494 --> 00:16:38,706 I ignore provocation, fortify enough to rebuff them, 198 00:16:38,789 --> 00:16:41,876 but do not chase them down and walk into a trap. 199 00:16:42,502 --> 00:16:46,172 Am I foolish? Is that the devil's course? 200 00:16:50,009 --> 00:16:51,052 Well, I... 201 00:16:53,012 --> 00:16:55,806 I would never try to guess the mind of the devil. 202 00:16:57,808 --> 00:17:02,563 Just as I would never suggest you forfeit your son for my child. 203 00:17:03,814 --> 00:17:05,816 But as one who counsels you, 204 00:17:05,900 --> 00:17:09,779 I would say it is a wise strategy to settle for these gains. 205 00:17:11,364 --> 00:17:14,158 You control three of the four kingdoms. 206 00:17:15,451 --> 00:17:18,621 In time, our son can fight for the last. 207 00:17:19,914 --> 00:17:23,834 There is no dishonor in this path if you choose it with a clean heart. 208 00:17:23,918 --> 00:17:27,129 - If I do not play, aethelhelm cannot win. - Mm. 209 00:17:29,048 --> 00:17:31,050 He then dances to my song. 210 00:17:32,552 --> 00:17:33,594 And I prevail. 211 00:17:38,140 --> 00:17:40,476 After the fight is over... 212 00:17:42,311 --> 00:17:44,438 When we agree a truce, 213 00:17:46,107 --> 00:17:48,025 we build a new palace... 214 00:17:50,695 --> 00:17:51,946 In lundene. 215 00:17:53,573 --> 00:17:57,535 It stands between mercia and wessex. It's well-placed for trade. 216 00:17:57,618 --> 00:18:00,454 It should be at the heart of your new kingdom. 217 00:18:02,540 --> 00:18:04,625 This is all very ambitious, grandfather. 218 00:18:05,585 --> 00:18:07,628 I only hope I'm worthy of your faith in me. 219 00:18:07,712 --> 00:18:11,465 It is not mere faith! It is your blood! 220 00:18:13,009 --> 00:18:15,052 With the right advice, 221 00:18:15,636 --> 00:18:21,434 your people will sing of you as aelfweard the great! 222 00:18:21,517 --> 00:18:27,523 Your reign will hold in the same esteem as charlemagne! 223 00:18:30,067 --> 00:18:35,072 And we will raise a minster to your dear mother. 224 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:42,371 Under your rule, never again will a heathen harm any of our people. 225 00:18:44,123 --> 00:18:47,752 Never will a boy lose his mother as you did. 226 00:18:52,882 --> 00:18:56,636 - Is he drunk? - He has not been on the ale. 227 00:18:56,719 --> 00:19:02,433 I think perhaps he really believes he can unseat the Saxon king. 228 00:19:03,976 --> 00:19:07,229 Maybe it's time to kiss his arse? 229 00:19:07,313 --> 00:19:10,441 I am a man of low principles. 230 00:19:10,524 --> 00:19:14,236 - I prefer to call you pragmatic, lord. - Mm. 231 00:19:16,781 --> 00:19:20,534 Yet even I would not stoop to seek the favor of that... 232 00:19:20,618 --> 00:19:22,370 Wessex turd. 233 00:19:30,336 --> 00:19:34,048 I am not certain that our host welcomes your ambition. 234 00:19:36,509 --> 00:19:41,722 Then he will learn what happens when you cross men like us. 235 00:19:46,227 --> 00:19:47,603 You! Boy! 236 00:19:47,687 --> 00:19:51,482 - Fetch me ale! Fetch ale for your king. - Ye... yes, lord. 237 00:20:01,575 --> 00:20:04,620 Watch his back hoof. He's tired. 238 00:20:06,122 --> 00:20:07,790 I have abused his good nature. 239 00:20:14,422 --> 00:20:15,464 Uhtred. 240 00:20:19,301 --> 00:20:20,928 She failed to kill me. 241 00:20:23,514 --> 00:20:25,808 What a joy to see you well, pyrlig. 242 00:20:29,145 --> 00:20:32,690 - Did you find her? - Yes, I found her. 243 00:20:33,357 --> 00:20:34,775 Where is she now? 244 00:20:35,693 --> 00:20:37,111 She's with the gods. 245 00:20:37,194 --> 00:20:38,988 - You decided to kill her? - No. 246 00:20:39,071 --> 00:20:42,742 You were right. But, uh... 247 00:20:46,871 --> 00:20:47,913 I will tell you all. 248 00:20:48,873 --> 00:20:53,335 For now, I want you to go to your sister. She has secluded herself in the forest. 249 00:20:53,419 --> 00:20:58,799 I want you to find her, speak with her and make her come to rumcofa. 250 00:20:59,925 --> 00:21:01,552 Why has she gone to the forest? 251 00:21:01,635 --> 00:21:04,680 She believes there's no place for her, but she's wrong. 252 00:21:04,764 --> 00:21:06,807 She has suffered much, uhtred. 253 00:21:06,891 --> 00:21:09,643 Perhaps it is wiser to let her be rather than to command her. 254 00:21:09,727 --> 00:21:12,062 No, I shall not abandon her again. 255 00:21:12,146 --> 00:21:14,857 I will prove there is a place for her in rumcofa. 256 00:21:16,192 --> 00:21:18,360 And that I can be a true father. 257 00:21:18,444 --> 00:21:23,824 Father, the sentiment is truly noble, but stiorra has been a queen. 258 00:21:24,825 --> 00:21:27,203 She cannot live in rumcofa as a trader's wife. 259 00:21:27,870 --> 00:21:31,540 Besides, too much has happened there for it to be a place of sanctuary. 260 00:21:32,958 --> 00:21:35,586 Nevertheless, it is all we have. 261 00:21:42,092 --> 00:21:43,135 Lord! 262 00:21:45,304 --> 00:21:48,557 - Ah. You're alive. - I am. 263 00:21:49,183 --> 00:21:50,392 And brida? 264 00:21:51,310 --> 00:21:52,853 No. 265 00:21:54,188 --> 00:21:58,275 I know you did what you could. At least it's over now, hmm? 266 00:22:00,736 --> 00:22:04,365 We know you will have chosen the right path, uhtred. 267 00:22:04,448 --> 00:22:07,368 You should take some time, rest yourself. 268 00:22:08,077 --> 00:22:09,119 Indeed. 269 00:22:10,037 --> 00:22:15,334 I was thinking it is time we go back to the peace of rumcofa. 270 00:22:16,544 --> 00:22:18,921 I promised I'd return you to your families. 271 00:22:19,004 --> 00:22:21,507 The danger's over now. We can stop running for wessex, 272 00:22:21,590 --> 00:22:24,051 make some coin from the toll on the trade river. 273 00:22:25,219 --> 00:22:28,722 Fight the raiders, go back to how things were. 274 00:22:31,267 --> 00:22:33,644 Lord, no. 275 00:22:33,727 --> 00:22:36,188 Our families have fled to wessex, lord. 276 00:22:36,272 --> 00:22:38,482 They have settled. They are waiting for us. 277 00:22:38,566 --> 00:22:42,945 Our lives in rumcofa are destroyed. Let the dead rest in peace, eh? 278 00:22:43,863 --> 00:22:49,201 But it can be a home, a real home for us, for our families. 279 00:22:50,828 --> 00:22:52,913 - Aethelstan, you loved it there. - I did. 280 00:22:54,915 --> 00:22:57,515 - I do wish to be alongside you... - And I want you there. 281 00:22:57,585 --> 00:22:59,461 I also wish to serve my father. 282 00:23:02,214 --> 00:23:04,675 - He needs loyalty. And I... I need... - I understand. 283 00:23:04,758 --> 00:23:06,677 You will come visit us, I'm sure. 284 00:23:07,553 --> 00:23:08,637 Lord, 285 00:23:09,763 --> 00:23:13,851 uhtred, we are brothers for life, thick and thin. 286 00:23:13,934 --> 00:23:16,228 We'll ride with you to death. You know that. 287 00:23:16,312 --> 00:23:20,149 But this is not the right choice, lord. Our time in rumcofa has passed. 288 00:23:20,232 --> 00:23:23,652 There... there are too many things there to remind us of what we have lost. 289 00:23:23,736 --> 00:23:25,237 But we cannot roam forever. 290 00:23:26,238 --> 00:23:29,783 We cannot leave our children without a place to find comfort. 291 00:23:29,867 --> 00:23:31,577 Uhtred, come on! 292 00:23:31,660 --> 00:23:34,330 I've lost stiorra until I can offer her hope. 293 00:23:36,415 --> 00:23:37,583 I need you to agree. 294 00:23:43,172 --> 00:23:45,549 If you command rumcofa, we'll follow you. 295 00:23:46,550 --> 00:23:50,012 But I ask, is there another path? 296 00:23:59,980 --> 00:24:01,440 Open the front gate! 297 00:24:10,532 --> 00:24:15,955 A lesson for you. Act with confidence, Providence smiles. 298 00:24:21,293 --> 00:24:23,128 Lady aelfwynn. 299 00:24:25,172 --> 00:24:27,341 Will you come down from your horse? 300 00:24:28,175 --> 00:24:31,220 - Do I have any choice in the matter? - Do not be afraid. 301 00:24:31,303 --> 00:24:34,515 I do not intend violence, merely to bring peace. 302 00:24:41,689 --> 00:24:43,482 Where's bresal? 303 00:24:43,565 --> 00:24:45,901 There was a fight. He did not survive. 304 00:24:45,985 --> 00:24:48,988 I'm sorry, lord. I know he was a good friend to you. 305 00:24:52,825 --> 00:24:56,203 The men I truly count as friends do not die so easily. 306 00:25:14,013 --> 00:25:15,973 Lord king! 307 00:25:23,647 --> 00:25:26,400 One moment. 308 00:25:37,411 --> 00:25:39,872 - Lord king, lady aelswith is here. - Yes. 309 00:25:41,623 --> 00:25:44,001 My king, whatever's the matter? 310 00:25:44,084 --> 00:25:46,795 Prepare for a new attack. 311 00:25:48,547 --> 00:25:51,383 - The Danes? Or aethelhelm? - Neither. 312 00:25:52,259 --> 00:25:53,886 Shorter and more vicious. 313 00:25:55,971 --> 00:25:58,307 Oh, my dearest son. 314 00:25:58,390 --> 00:26:02,061 Mother, what happened to your plan to spirit aelfwynn away from mercia? 315 00:26:02,144 --> 00:26:06,899 It went awry, and so I bring grave news. 316 00:26:06,982 --> 00:26:09,943 - Aelfwynn was captured on the road. - By who? 317 00:26:10,027 --> 00:26:15,157 We are not certain, but one, at least, did not survive my wrath. 318 00:26:15,240 --> 00:26:16,950 We believe them to be hired men. 319 00:26:17,034 --> 00:26:19,912 We suspect an association with lord aethelhelm. 320 00:26:29,838 --> 00:26:34,009 Rouse lord aldhelm. Tell him I come imminently to discuss the matter. 321 00:26:34,093 --> 00:26:37,721 Send a command to search for her now! 322 00:26:37,805 --> 00:26:39,181 What is there to discuss? 323 00:26:40,140 --> 00:26:43,018 She is your blood and she is in danger. 324 00:26:43,769 --> 00:26:47,189 And that is to say nothing of her value to your enemies. 325 00:26:49,316 --> 00:26:51,527 Edward, why do you hesitate? 326 00:26:51,610 --> 00:26:53,695 I'm not hesitating! 327 00:26:53,779 --> 00:26:56,573 I am simply not rushing blindly into action. 328 00:26:56,657 --> 00:26:59,076 - Edward, why... - Please do not argue with me, mother. 329 00:26:59,159 --> 00:27:02,996 - She is aethelflaed's child! - I am aware of her bloodline. 330 00:27:03,080 --> 00:27:05,124 But I am also aware of lord aethelhelm. 331 00:27:06,125 --> 00:27:10,087 I will not react with haste to this provocation, nor chase him blindly. 332 00:27:10,170 --> 00:27:11,630 We do not even know where he is, 333 00:27:11,713 --> 00:27:15,926 so allow me to follow what I know to be the right path. 334 00:27:25,102 --> 00:27:27,604 Oh, you have not had the chance to meet properly. 335 00:27:29,064 --> 00:27:31,692 - Mother, this is your new... - I will not acknowledge 336 00:27:31,775 --> 00:27:33,902 whichever harlot you've decided to bed! 337 00:27:33,986 --> 00:27:36,196 I was going to say this is your new queen. 338 00:27:38,031 --> 00:27:39,825 Eadgifu and I are wed. 339 00:27:39,908 --> 00:27:41,326 She is with child. 340 00:27:49,877 --> 00:27:51,003 Well, 341 00:27:51,837 --> 00:27:55,090 a... a baby will be a blessing. 342 00:27:55,174 --> 00:27:56,216 Thank you. 343 00:27:59,970 --> 00:28:02,389 I... I did not mean to call you, um... 344 00:28:03,724 --> 00:28:07,227 I would kneel, but my bones are stiff from... 345 00:28:07,311 --> 00:28:10,063 No, I quite understand. You are no longer young in years... 346 00:28:10,147 --> 00:28:13,358 From slaughtering a man with my bare hands. 347 00:28:15,819 --> 00:28:17,779 A slight exaggeration. 348 00:28:18,989 --> 00:28:21,533 I drove a knife through his neck. 349 00:28:23,160 --> 00:28:24,953 I was not wearing gloves. 350 00:28:33,253 --> 00:28:36,715 It has been an eventful time. 351 00:28:37,966 --> 00:28:40,719 Mm. Then you have surely earned a good rest. 352 00:28:42,888 --> 00:28:46,016 I will ensure you are given the grandest chamber in eofennic. 353 00:28:46,099 --> 00:28:47,935 The king and I can sleep elsewhere. 354 00:28:51,688 --> 00:28:53,774 It is my honor to honor you. 355 00:28:54,441 --> 00:28:57,986 I hope, in time, you deem me worthy of your son. 356 00:29:06,495 --> 00:29:09,623 What has changed within my son, I wonder, 357 00:29:10,290 --> 00:29:13,585 that he has no appetite to fight for his niece 358 00:29:13,669 --> 00:29:15,754 and against lord aethelhelm, no less? 359 00:29:16,880 --> 00:29:18,924 His new bride, perhaps? 360 00:29:19,007 --> 00:29:22,344 No, I do not think the king's so easily distracted. 361 00:29:22,427 --> 00:29:26,515 Then he maneuvers in ways I simply cannot understand. 362 00:29:29,309 --> 00:29:32,604 Lady aelswith, there is another possibility. 363 00:29:33,438 --> 00:29:37,150 You have silver. You could easily buy the men to find her. 364 00:29:37,234 --> 00:29:40,654 Silver? For the honor of saving the blood of Alfred? 365 00:29:40,737 --> 00:29:43,949 - I merely suggest... - Men should be paying me 366 00:29:44,032 --> 00:29:46,660 for the privilege of fighting in her name. 367 00:29:50,706 --> 00:29:54,126 As ever, the lord provides. 368 00:29:58,297 --> 00:30:00,299 I have a job for you. 369 00:30:13,353 --> 00:30:15,814 Lord uhtred, it is eadith. 370 00:30:15,897 --> 00:30:16,940 Yes? 371 00:30:21,945 --> 00:30:23,780 I thought you had left for frankia. 372 00:30:24,489 --> 00:30:27,200 The gods had other ideas. 373 00:30:27,284 --> 00:30:29,703 It has been quite the journey. 374 00:30:29,786 --> 00:30:31,621 It is a relief to see you. 375 00:30:31,705 --> 00:30:34,666 Mm, do not be too hasty. I bring only trouble. 376 00:30:37,711 --> 00:30:39,671 I have spoken with your men. 377 00:30:39,755 --> 00:30:41,798 They say you are returning to rumcofa. 378 00:30:42,758 --> 00:30:43,800 I am. 379 00:30:44,801 --> 00:30:47,012 You are welcome to join us should you wish. 380 00:30:47,971 --> 00:30:49,014 That is kind. 381 00:30:50,766 --> 00:30:52,309 Are you set on this path? 382 00:30:53,060 --> 00:30:54,102 Yes. 383 00:30:57,105 --> 00:30:59,024 I know the men have suffered there, 384 00:31:00,233 --> 00:31:04,112 but I have to take stiorra away from eofennic and the lands she has lost. 385 00:31:07,532 --> 00:31:08,867 A darkness has found her. 386 00:31:10,869 --> 00:31:12,204 What has happened to her? 387 00:31:17,876 --> 00:31:19,252 I did not stop it. 388 00:31:25,634 --> 00:31:27,052 I did not protect her. 389 00:31:29,846 --> 00:31:31,723 Well, perhaps I could talk with her. 390 00:31:33,517 --> 00:31:35,060 Find a way to cure her heart. 391 00:31:37,437 --> 00:31:39,606 I'm afraid it's already too late. 392 00:31:41,608 --> 00:31:44,277 For many years I was not there when she needed me. 393 00:31:44,361 --> 00:31:47,447 I gave my life to wessex and the saxons. 394 00:31:48,156 --> 00:31:49,783 This feeling I know. 395 00:31:52,786 --> 00:31:54,204 My children have suffered. 396 00:31:54,996 --> 00:31:59,167 I never gave them a chance to live as a family after they lost their mother. 397 00:31:59,835 --> 00:32:04,131 I thought that to be absent was to protect them from the dangers I faced, but... 398 00:32:07,426 --> 00:32:11,054 I was not a father, not as they deserved. 399 00:32:17,060 --> 00:32:20,480 Stiorra is being swallowed by a dread. 400 00:32:21,481 --> 00:32:24,860 I've seen it before. In brida. I've seen what it can do. 401 00:32:26,736 --> 00:32:30,740 She needs a place to heal, to become herself again. 402 00:32:32,534 --> 00:32:34,077 And that place is rumcofa? 403 00:32:35,162 --> 00:32:38,999 I do not know, but it is all I have got. 404 00:32:41,334 --> 00:32:43,003 Why do you ask me of this? 405 00:32:46,715 --> 00:32:48,550 Aelfwynn has been taken by aethelhelm. 406 00:32:50,343 --> 00:32:55,390 The king is reluctant to act, so lady aelswith and I were wondering 407 00:32:55,474 --> 00:32:59,561 - if perhaps you might gather your men... - No, eadith, I cannot. 408 00:32:59,644 --> 00:33:02,898 She is lady aethelflaed's daughter. You swore to protect her. 409 00:33:02,981 --> 00:33:06,067 I cannot give myself to others when my daughter needs me! 410 00:33:13,658 --> 00:33:15,911 Lady aelswith has silver. 411 00:33:15,994 --> 00:33:18,747 I've tried to persuade her to buy men, but she will not. She's... 412 00:33:18,830 --> 00:33:20,832 The king should look to his duty. 413 00:33:20,916 --> 00:33:22,542 Not me, not you, the king. 414 00:33:23,335 --> 00:33:24,920 The king is deaf to it. 415 00:33:28,048 --> 00:33:31,384 I'm sorry. I have to take care of my daughter. 416 00:33:37,474 --> 00:33:39,017 So, what shall I do? 417 00:33:46,483 --> 00:33:50,737 Uhtred, whatever you need for this pursuit, 418 00:33:50,820 --> 00:33:52,155 mercia will supply. 419 00:33:54,324 --> 00:33:56,117 I will not be leaving to seek aelfwynn. 420 00:33:57,869 --> 00:34:00,163 But you must. Edward has refused. 421 00:34:00,789 --> 00:34:03,208 And yet I cannot help mercia with this. 422 00:34:03,875 --> 00:34:06,211 In time, the king will come to his senses. 423 00:34:07,754 --> 00:34:10,048 - Trust that I have my reasons. - Of course. 424 00:34:10,131 --> 00:34:12,717 But, please, speak with the king on this matter. 425 00:34:12,801 --> 00:34:16,096 He will not heed me on it. Despite himself, he listens to you. 426 00:34:17,097 --> 00:34:19,391 - Lord aldhelm! - Not today. 427 00:34:20,183 --> 00:34:22,644 Will you ask for me to speak with the king? 428 00:34:22,727 --> 00:34:26,565 - I will summon you when the time is right. - My business is urgent. 429 00:34:26,648 --> 00:34:29,192 - Lord aethelhelm is fomenting rebellion. - We know this. 430 00:34:30,777 --> 00:34:31,945 He will be stopped. 431 00:34:32,028 --> 00:34:33,196 I'm not so certain. 432 00:34:34,239 --> 00:34:36,575 He has the Scottish army on his side. 433 00:34:37,409 --> 00:34:39,828 He has made an alliance with constantin 434 00:34:39,911 --> 00:34:42,414 and has offered him the hand of lady aelfwynn. 435 00:34:43,748 --> 00:34:48,044 Of course. She is to be used in a bargain. 436 00:34:48,128 --> 00:34:49,963 How do you know this? 437 00:34:50,046 --> 00:34:52,340 I have heard aethelhelm speak of it himself. 438 00:34:55,677 --> 00:34:59,222 I escorted lord aelfweard to find his grandfather. 439 00:35:02,434 --> 00:35:05,103 - Then you are an enemy of the king. - I know. 440 00:35:05,186 --> 00:35:07,480 And I will accept what punishments may come. 441 00:35:09,733 --> 00:35:12,444 But the threat from aethelhelm seemed too great to ignore. 442 00:35:13,445 --> 00:35:16,281 He is set on war with the king and the Scots follow him. 443 00:35:16,364 --> 00:35:22,287 And when Christian realms turn on each other, I fear all is lost. 444 00:35:22,370 --> 00:35:26,499 You should leave here. Protect yourself. I will report your message. 445 00:35:31,504 --> 00:35:34,382 Lord aethelhelm, where will we find him? 446 00:35:34,466 --> 00:35:38,136 In a fortress north of here, name of bebbanburg. 447 00:35:39,012 --> 00:35:40,805 He is the guest of lord wihtgar. 448 00:35:59,908 --> 00:36:01,826 I trust you slept well. 449 00:36:02,494 --> 00:36:03,995 I did not sleep at all. 450 00:36:04,704 --> 00:36:10,377 The howling of the wind can unsettle those softened to such things. 451 00:36:10,460 --> 00:36:14,297 Please, eat. You will find the food is not what you are used to. 452 00:36:16,633 --> 00:36:18,218 It is the food of my lands. 453 00:36:18,301 --> 00:36:20,595 And what a bounty your lands provide. 454 00:36:24,516 --> 00:36:26,017 Why have you brought me here? 455 00:36:26,101 --> 00:36:30,146 For your protection, child, from the king. 456 00:36:30,230 --> 00:36:33,149 He would never harm me. I am his blood. 457 00:36:33,233 --> 00:36:36,152 He has remarried. The new queen is with child. 458 00:36:36,236 --> 00:36:38,822 He is creating a new bloodline. 459 00:36:40,615 --> 00:36:43,660 History has proven, time and again, 460 00:36:43,743 --> 00:36:47,747 a new regime wants rid of remnants of the old. 461 00:36:49,249 --> 00:36:52,961 We are kin. I do not need this protection. 462 00:36:53,044 --> 00:36:56,256 The king has denied you the throne your mother left you, 463 00:36:56,339 --> 00:36:59,592 murdered the ealdormen to seat himself. 464 00:36:59,676 --> 00:37:02,846 His disregard for you is apparent. 465 00:37:02,929 --> 00:37:06,808 If you were not here, you would surely already be dead by his hand. 466 00:37:08,101 --> 00:37:12,063 And to secure your protection, as your mother would have wished, 467 00:37:13,773 --> 00:37:15,233 we have found you a husband. 468 00:37:16,860 --> 00:37:20,822 I am already betrothed to cynlaef of rumcofa. 469 00:37:20,905 --> 00:37:25,034 A boy from rumcofa? 470 00:37:25,618 --> 00:37:28,788 Hardly a match for a granddaughter of Alfred. 471 00:37:28,872 --> 00:37:31,374 No, you will marry a king. 472 00:37:33,084 --> 00:37:34,335 Not him! 473 00:37:35,211 --> 00:37:38,381 Too much kinship is bad for a bloodline. 474 00:37:39,841 --> 00:37:44,012 It creates weak men, and weak men make for weaker kings. 475 00:37:48,683 --> 00:37:52,479 I speak of constantin of Scotland. 476 00:37:52,562 --> 00:37:56,232 An alliance with him will leave Saxon lands safe. 477 00:37:56,316 --> 00:37:59,402 I do not wish to be traded like cattle. 478 00:37:59,486 --> 00:38:02,363 I do not see any other purpose for you. 479 00:38:04,741 --> 00:38:06,034 You are not a queen. 480 00:38:07,577 --> 00:38:09,204 You are not a warrior. 481 00:38:09,287 --> 00:38:13,041 You are, by your own admission, barely a lady. 482 00:38:14,542 --> 00:38:18,546 It is a good marriage. You should be grateful. 483 00:38:20,131 --> 00:38:22,759 Please, cousin. If you have 484 00:38:22,842 --> 00:38:27,138 - any remaining loyalty to your family... - It is not I who has been disloyal. 485 00:38:28,056 --> 00:38:30,517 It's my family who has been disloyal to me. 486 00:38:37,232 --> 00:38:41,277 I will throw myself from the walls sooner than marry this man. 487 00:38:41,361 --> 00:38:42,612 Then do it! 488 00:38:42,695 --> 00:38:47,700 It will just be one less thing for me to be concerned with. 489 00:38:51,371 --> 00:38:55,500 I thought so. Do not make promises you cannot keep. 490 00:39:26,447 --> 00:39:29,158 What is it that you want of me? 491 00:39:29,242 --> 00:39:31,202 Talking to yourself, uhtred? 492 00:39:32,161 --> 00:39:33,496 Or is this you at prayer? 493 00:39:35,248 --> 00:39:36,541 I think I'm cursed. 494 00:39:37,292 --> 00:39:39,085 Then consider me the curse-slayer. 495 00:39:41,671 --> 00:39:45,049 Call me a foolish old priest, but I sense you are troubled. 496 00:39:45,133 --> 00:39:48,177 Aethelhelm has joined with the Scots to take northumbria. 497 00:39:48,261 --> 00:39:51,222 And he's launching his rebellion from bebbanburg. 498 00:39:55,518 --> 00:39:59,397 Now, that is a strange twist of fate. 499 00:40:02,233 --> 00:40:04,027 It's not strange at all. 500 00:40:06,529 --> 00:40:11,200 My gods are doing it to taunt me, to tempt me from my duty to my family. 501 00:40:11,284 --> 00:40:12,535 Why would they do that? 502 00:40:12,619 --> 00:40:15,371 - What've you done? - Well, that I never understand. 503 00:40:15,455 --> 00:40:17,999 - Mm. - All I know is that for most of my life, 504 00:40:18,082 --> 00:40:21,544 I've given my sword to wessex and it drew me away from my family. 505 00:40:23,087 --> 00:40:25,465 Stiorra thinks it was my choice, but... 506 00:40:26,633 --> 00:40:28,051 I'm not so sure. 507 00:40:30,845 --> 00:40:34,891 Sometimes, I think that my fate is to wander and to never arrive. 508 00:40:34,974 --> 00:40:37,560 You've served the house of wessex with much honor. 509 00:40:38,686 --> 00:40:40,939 I've worked hard for Alfred's ambition, yes. 510 00:40:42,065 --> 00:40:43,983 But my own kin suffered for it. 511 00:40:44,067 --> 00:40:45,860 Well, it brought you aethelflaed. 512 00:40:46,778 --> 00:40:48,112 And then she was taken. 513 00:40:49,030 --> 00:40:50,365 - The gods are cruel. - Mm. 514 00:40:51,115 --> 00:40:52,450 And now they offer this? 515 00:40:53,826 --> 00:40:58,998 All life is a test, true. But my god does not want you to fail. 516 00:41:01,209 --> 00:41:03,044 Perhaps there is design in this 517 00:41:03,127 --> 00:41:05,838 that is benevolent. 518 00:41:05,922 --> 00:41:10,510 Then perhaps you are not meant to choose between your fate and Alfred's ambition, 519 00:41:10,593 --> 00:41:12,512 between your children and his. 520 00:41:12,595 --> 00:41:15,056 Perhaps you are meant to serve both. 521 00:41:15,139 --> 00:41:16,683 I cannot serve two masters. 522 00:41:17,725 --> 00:41:19,811 But what if there's only one master? 523 00:41:20,478 --> 00:41:23,815 One god, one destiny, many branches. 524 00:41:23,898 --> 00:41:25,108 Yes, yes. 525 00:41:25,191 --> 00:41:27,819 - One tree. - That is where our beliefs differ. 526 00:41:27,902 --> 00:41:29,988 And this is where I will insist. 527 00:41:31,072 --> 00:41:32,115 Think about it. 528 00:41:33,032 --> 00:41:36,869 You retake bebbanburg and ensure northumbria does not fall to the Scots. 529 00:41:36,953 --> 00:41:40,081 In that act, you find a home for your bloodline. 530 00:41:43,418 --> 00:41:48,548 You're saying that it is my destiny to make england for Edward? 531 00:41:51,759 --> 00:41:55,638 That all this wait for bebbanburg served a purpose? 532 00:41:55,722 --> 00:41:57,181 Maybe. 533 00:41:59,183 --> 00:42:00,768 Your god has a sense of humor. 534 00:42:00,852 --> 00:42:03,813 It seems he does. 535 00:42:05,398 --> 00:42:08,317 And do you want to accept this calling? 536 00:42:08,401 --> 00:42:13,990 Yes, I want to accept, but is it a path of destiny or... or of arrogance? 537 00:42:14,073 --> 00:42:16,617 Am I being tempted for a fall? 538 00:42:16,701 --> 00:42:22,498 Perhaps the threads my gods have woven, perhaps they make a net to snare me? 539 00:42:22,582 --> 00:42:26,919 And when I failed the first time, that was the sign that I ignored. 540 00:42:27,712 --> 00:42:29,380 When father beocca was taken... 541 00:42:29,464 --> 00:42:32,091 It was a sign that beocca believed in your mission. 542 00:42:33,051 --> 00:42:36,721 - But perhaps you were not ready. - I felt as ready then as I feel now. 543 00:42:36,804 --> 00:42:39,182 - What if I fail again? - But what if you don't? 544 00:42:41,434 --> 00:42:44,854 What if you do? If you died in the doing of it, what would happen? 545 00:42:46,439 --> 00:42:50,359 All reputation lost, all bloodline left to roam without protection. 546 00:42:52,236 --> 00:42:54,197 The shame would be heavy in Valhalla. 547 00:42:55,198 --> 00:42:56,949 But there is no shame in heaven. 548 00:42:57,575 --> 00:42:58,910 That is the beauty of it. 549 00:42:59,869 --> 00:43:04,123 So my advice would be believe my god is on your side. 550 00:43:04,207 --> 00:43:06,000 And that you do not walk alone. 551 00:43:09,253 --> 00:43:10,963 - There is no god. - Mm. 552 00:43:11,631 --> 00:43:12,882 Only the gods. 553 00:43:18,513 --> 00:43:20,056 Thank you for your kindness. 554 00:43:22,183 --> 00:43:23,351 You could be right. 555 00:43:25,144 --> 00:43:26,646 Maybe they are on my side. 556 00:43:32,443 --> 00:43:34,862 Have you heard from lord aethelhelm? 557 00:43:34,946 --> 00:43:37,198 Has he taken possession of the mercian girl? 558 00:43:39,033 --> 00:43:40,493 Last night, I hear. 559 00:43:42,078 --> 00:43:46,457 I'm impressed. I thought perhaps he'd overplayed his hand. 560 00:43:47,667 --> 00:43:51,379 I still think it is unwise to trust a man who betrays his king. 561 00:43:53,297 --> 00:43:54,340 True. 562 00:43:55,800 --> 00:44:00,471 But what he offers is sound, so we move our soldiers closer to the border. 563 00:44:03,724 --> 00:44:06,978 It may take a while. There have been floods in cumbraland. 564 00:44:07,061 --> 00:44:09,730 Then we do not alert Edward to our presence 565 00:44:09,814 --> 00:44:12,441 until all our numbers are gathered. 566 00:44:13,067 --> 00:44:16,529 When we are as one, we shall face him down. 567 00:44:18,406 --> 00:44:20,241 What if he will not be cowed? 568 00:44:20,324 --> 00:44:23,536 Then he will face a battle he shall lose. 569 00:44:24,162 --> 00:44:28,666 And in the face of defeat, he will make us a better offer. 570 00:44:28,749 --> 00:44:30,459 What, us being the Scots? 571 00:44:31,377 --> 00:44:35,131 Or us being the alliance with lord aethelhelm? 572 00:44:35,214 --> 00:44:37,383 I will stand by my word. 573 00:44:38,926 --> 00:44:41,137 For as long as is necessary. 574 00:44:47,185 --> 00:44:49,520 We will be ready to move out by the morning. 575 00:44:49,604 --> 00:44:52,023 - Lord king. - I have been informed of Benedict's news. 576 00:44:52,106 --> 00:44:55,735 But not of my plan, which will return aelfwynn and deliver aethelhelm. 577 00:44:55,818 --> 00:44:58,905 And as I already told my mother, this situation requires restraint. 578 00:44:58,988 --> 00:45:01,073 - We are returning to wessex. - Listen to me. 579 00:45:02,909 --> 00:45:04,160 I know how to end this. 580 00:45:05,036 --> 00:45:07,496 There is no ending to this that is satisfactory. 581 00:45:08,080 --> 00:45:11,792 Aethelhelm will be expecting me to lead an army into battle. It is surely a trap. 582 00:45:11,876 --> 00:45:14,003 I know, but we have the advantage. 583 00:45:14,086 --> 00:45:16,088 Father Benedict told us of their plan. 584 00:45:16,172 --> 00:45:18,925 We have a moment to strike whilst they're unprepared. 585 00:45:19,008 --> 00:45:22,970 - It would be foolish not to use it. - I can assure you I am not foolish. 586 00:45:23,054 --> 00:45:25,514 Only unwilling to behave as my enemies dictate. 587 00:45:26,182 --> 00:45:29,310 So we divide those enemies. We leave immediately. 588 00:45:29,393 --> 00:45:32,313 We cut off constantin before he even reaches bebbanburg. 589 00:45:32,396 --> 00:45:34,941 If I can intercept him and stop the incursion, then... 590 00:45:35,024 --> 00:45:37,526 Aethelhelm would be without allies at bebbanburg. 591 00:45:37,610 --> 00:45:39,946 He may control the household guard, but they'd be no match 592 00:45:40,029 --> 00:45:43,115 for the mercian army. It would not be easy to breach the fortress. 593 00:45:43,199 --> 00:45:45,785 But it is possible if we're our full number. 594 00:45:45,868 --> 00:45:48,913 I lead the men of wessex, and we push the Scots back over the border. 595 00:45:48,996 --> 00:45:51,874 Meanwhile, aethelhelm will be forced to surrender and aelfwynn returned. 596 00:45:51,958 --> 00:45:55,920 But what will stop constantin from making another incursion in years to come? 597 00:45:56,504 --> 00:45:59,924 You fortify the lands north of bebbanburg and I hold them for you. 598 00:46:06,681 --> 00:46:09,892 Uhtred, lord of bebbanburg, just as you always wanted. 599 00:46:09,976 --> 00:46:11,519 And you hold it alone? 600 00:46:11,602 --> 00:46:12,770 Not alone. 601 00:46:13,980 --> 00:46:16,983 I take it you're not heading to rumcofa after all, lord. 602 00:46:17,733 --> 00:46:21,153 We heard from lady aelswith that there may be something you might need our help with. 603 00:46:21,237 --> 00:46:26,367 You have found the men I sought to return aelfwynn when you refused, I see? 604 00:46:26,450 --> 00:46:28,703 Yes, thank you very much for this. 605 00:46:30,162 --> 00:46:33,124 So, then, when you are dead, who holds the north after you? 606 00:46:34,667 --> 00:46:37,336 Your seedless son, or a child of stiorra the Dane? 607 00:46:38,170 --> 00:46:39,672 I cannot speak for my daughter. 608 00:46:39,755 --> 00:46:40,798 No, you cannot. 609 00:46:42,550 --> 00:46:45,011 Uhtred's plan has much to commend it, 610 00:46:45,094 --> 00:46:47,221 but still this is not the correct course of action. 611 00:46:47,305 --> 00:46:50,141 You're going to allow the marriage to take place? Edward! 612 00:46:50,224 --> 00:46:54,020 I'm going to make constantin an offer in exchange for aethelhelm's head. 613 00:46:54,645 --> 00:46:56,731 He is the greater threat to our kingdom. 614 00:46:58,566 --> 00:47:02,069 Northumbria is a land much disputed between us and the Scots. 615 00:47:02,153 --> 00:47:06,532 Until a settlement is made, there will be no peace and those that will suffer 616 00:47:06,615 --> 00:47:09,535 are not those in this room, but farmers, fishermen, families. 617 00:47:09,618 --> 00:47:13,164 I am a king for all saxons, not king to one man. 618 00:47:13,247 --> 00:47:16,125 And though I owe that man a debt, I cannot put that debt 619 00:47:16,208 --> 00:47:18,961 nor that man's ambition above the lives of my people. 620 00:47:22,131 --> 00:47:24,717 Constantin's reputation is that of a man who seeks 621 00:47:24,800 --> 00:47:27,428 to protect Scotland at all costs, above all else. 622 00:47:28,262 --> 00:47:31,349 So, I will come to an agreement with him. 623 00:47:32,975 --> 00:47:36,395 In exchange for marrying aelfwynn and isolating lord aethelhelm, 624 00:47:37,021 --> 00:47:38,898 we will divide northumbria in two, 625 00:47:38,981 --> 00:47:42,068 to create an area of fortification around the Scottish border. 626 00:47:42,151 --> 00:47:44,028 You would split northumbria! 627 00:47:45,404 --> 00:47:48,407 These are lands my forebears died for. Saxon lands! 628 00:47:48,491 --> 00:47:50,785 Now, finally, you're a Saxon? 629 00:47:50,868 --> 00:47:52,620 The people there speak your language. 630 00:47:52,703 --> 00:47:55,456 They were once two kingdoms. It has been thus before. 631 00:47:56,582 --> 00:47:59,293 The lands around bebbanburg fall to the Scots 632 00:47:59,377 --> 00:48:01,253 and aethelhelm is disposed of. 633 00:48:01,337 --> 00:48:05,549 - With aelfwynn sacrificed alongside him? - Not a palatable choice, but sensible. 634 00:48:05,633 --> 00:48:07,134 If northumbria is divided, 635 00:48:07,218 --> 00:48:10,638 you forfeit any chance to create the kingdom your father hoped for. 636 00:48:10,721 --> 00:48:12,807 Yes, but in return, I will bring peace 637 00:48:12,890 --> 00:48:16,185 to a land larger and more unified than he ever achieved. 638 00:48:17,478 --> 00:48:20,898 I have ended the tyranny of bloody succession the people endured. 639 00:48:20,981 --> 00:48:23,692 Now they thrive under the protection of a man 640 00:48:23,776 --> 00:48:25,903 who does not take their deaths lightly. 641 00:48:25,986 --> 00:48:29,573 - Lord king, your choice has no honor. - No honor? 642 00:48:30,199 --> 00:48:34,745 To forego my chance to unify all of these lands for the sake of my people? 643 00:48:35,538 --> 00:48:40,459 To put aside my father's dream, the dream of my family, to ensure that we prosper? 644 00:48:40,543 --> 00:48:42,461 That is not honor. That is martyrdom. 645 00:48:42,545 --> 00:48:46,132 If the people wish to reward me in their prayers, that is their will. 646 00:48:47,258 --> 00:48:50,636 My father's ambition failed them in the end. I do not have his failings. 647 00:48:50,719 --> 00:48:55,057 - It was not ambition. It was vision. - Visions are nothing more than dreams. 648 00:48:55,141 --> 00:48:56,684 Only a fool would chase them. 649 00:48:57,810 --> 00:48:59,770 I think that you are afraid. 650 00:49:01,021 --> 00:49:02,773 Of war, of death. 651 00:49:03,607 --> 00:49:04,650 You're afraid. 652 00:49:09,196 --> 00:49:10,698 Only a fool would not be. 653 00:49:12,867 --> 00:49:15,369 And I am not a fool. 654 00:49:19,165 --> 00:49:20,207 No. 655 00:49:22,793 --> 00:49:24,587 Lord king, this is callous, 656 00:49:24,670 --> 00:49:27,756 to aelfwynn and to all those in northumbria who are Saxon. 657 00:49:27,840 --> 00:49:30,009 Mercia owes both a debt of loyalty. 658 00:49:30,092 --> 00:49:32,511 Mercia is best served when the south is secure. 659 00:49:32,595 --> 00:49:35,014 Not at the expense of the north. 660 00:49:35,097 --> 00:49:38,601 Aethelflaed would listen to uhtred now. 661 00:49:39,393 --> 00:49:40,728 As must we. 662 00:49:40,811 --> 00:49:44,648 And I gave your sister my word that I would keep aelfwynn safe. 663 00:49:46,817 --> 00:49:48,903 I will not sacrifice her as you do now! 664 00:49:51,822 --> 00:49:53,616 And nor will the mercian army. 665 00:50:05,586 --> 00:50:08,672 - I stand with uhtred. - Well, there we have it. 666 00:50:09,798 --> 00:50:12,051 Not only lord aethelhelm who seeks to rebel. 667 00:50:12,134 --> 00:50:14,136 With respect, lord king... 668 00:50:18,015 --> 00:50:20,935 It is not only lord aldhelm who believes you to be wrong. 669 00:50:23,062 --> 00:50:26,106 There are good people in northumbria. They are your people. 670 00:50:26,815 --> 00:50:28,359 You owe them your protection. 671 00:50:31,237 --> 00:50:32,905 We stand with uhtred. 672 00:50:35,199 --> 00:50:38,410 It is not that you are wrong, my son. 673 00:50:38,494 --> 00:50:42,081 It is that you are simply mistaken on this occasion. 674 00:50:43,916 --> 00:50:46,460 Whilst your arguments are considered, 675 00:50:47,253 --> 00:50:51,423 I would urge you to follow the counsel of lord uhtred. 676 00:50:52,383 --> 00:50:57,137 Your father trusted his judgment, as should you. 677 00:51:29,795 --> 00:51:32,214 Aethelstan, my boy, what do you say? 678 00:51:35,593 --> 00:51:39,179 Should we take a fight to the Scots, risking decades of conflict, 679 00:51:39,263 --> 00:51:45,144 or seek a solution that profits both sides yet denies uhtred his ancestral home? 680 00:51:45,227 --> 00:51:48,606 - You do not have to answer, aethelstan. - And yet he should. 681 00:51:50,566 --> 00:51:52,901 Since aelfweard has shown himself disloyal, 682 00:51:53,694 --> 00:51:56,447 aethelstan could be the king to face the Scots. 683 00:52:00,242 --> 00:52:02,661 What do you say, aethelstan? 684 00:52:17,051 --> 00:52:19,511 Our faith teaches us to speak the truth. 685 00:52:22,181 --> 00:52:23,849 It teaches us to seek peace. 686 00:52:26,143 --> 00:52:27,978 And that all christians must unite. 687 00:52:38,739 --> 00:52:40,491 To abandon those in your kingdom... 688 00:52:42,701 --> 00:52:44,078 Divide their lands... 689 00:52:46,038 --> 00:52:47,164 That is not unity. 690 00:52:54,421 --> 00:52:56,131 I will follow lord uhtred. 691 00:53:04,098 --> 00:53:08,227 Not sure things are going your way, lord king. 692 00:53:08,310 --> 00:53:11,397 As I told you, uhtred, you do not walk alone. 693 00:53:15,234 --> 00:53:17,277 We gather an army... 694 00:53:17,361 --> 00:53:19,697 Whoa, whoa, whoa! 695 00:53:23,450 --> 00:53:25,494 I will brook no more defiance. 696 00:53:29,540 --> 00:53:32,501 I am a just king, but think on those who I have crushed. 697 00:53:32,584 --> 00:53:35,337 Think on the ealdormen. Think of sigtryggr. 698 00:53:42,553 --> 00:53:44,680 The gates will be closed to all. 699 00:53:44,763 --> 00:53:47,307 No one will leave on penalty of execution. 700 00:53:52,104 --> 00:53:55,816 Then the mercian guard will be ordered to ram the gate down. 701 00:53:55,899 --> 00:53:58,944 You can try to fight us, lord king, but we will fight back. 702 00:53:59,570 --> 00:54:02,281 You delay and we lose the advantage. 703 00:54:03,073 --> 00:54:05,868 So, you can join our mission or you can flounder here. 704 00:54:06,452 --> 00:54:08,245 But we will be gone by sunrise. 705 00:54:10,414 --> 00:54:11,457 Choose!