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I have never seen this before. I had heirs die as children from illnesses. I also had no clue it was coming. There were no plots against his life. This just came out of the blue.
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Skuli's 8 year old brother Knut is now king. The heir is his uncle Chief Ragnarr the Evil of Westmoreland.
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I suspect your spymaster-regent was in on it. She did not appear to like the poor boy and since spymasters are in charge of revealing plots - it would make sense she might have not let slip that something was up.
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The game never revealed who was behind the plot. Halla's part in this tale is not finished. (Semi-Spoiler alert) She is a character whose influence is going to change the kingdom in some monumental ways. Chapter 4 will reveal some of these.
Speaking of Chapter 4 I am working on it. There are many things going on and I am trying to make it coherent. I have already gone back and rewritten several sections based on something I wrote later. Since this is my first AAR I am experimenting with different styles and such. I am an engineer by trade so I can be technical and methodical at times. I am trying to prevent this from reading like a bad history book.
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Chapter 4.1 Knut the Regency
Chapter 4.1 Knut the Regency
2 May 891 near Nottingham
Halla stared in disbelief at the note in her hand. She did not know whether to scream, cry, or go into a rage.
Marshal Hroðulfr approached. See her distress and discomfort, “What is wrong?”
She handed him the note. He read it. His eyes got big in disbelief.
“How could this happen?” he asked.
“I do not know, but I will find out.” she replied.
“Knut is now KIng and Helgi, Steward of Norfolk is regent.” he said.
Halla replied, “ Helgi is a good man as Steward of Norfolk and Regent of the County of Norfolk, but not as regent to the King.”
“You are correct. We must fix this as soon as possible.” He then thought, “We must leave for Norfolk today and then for Jorvik and convene the Council to select a permanent regent. However, if we leave and the army finds out it will destroy morale. The Mercians are on the run but this could give them the advantage.”
Halla was deep in thought and then offered, “Not if we tell them the Mercians had King Skuli assassinated. It will strengthen their resolve.”
Hroðulfr smiled. He had to keep reminding himself that Halla was only 20 years old. Her brother had chosen wisely when he made her Spymaster and secretly ensured that she would be regent if anything happened to him.
She continued, “We will go to Jorvik. My shieldmaidens will go to Norfolk and escort Knut and Helgi to Jorvik for the official ceremonies.”
Hroðulfr agreed and orders were sent.
Halla kept reminding herself that even though it was a dark time, the light of day always followed the dark of night.
2 May 891 near Nottingham
Halla stared in disbelief at the note in her hand. She did not know whether to scream, cry, or go into a rage.
Marshal Hroðulfr approached. See her distress and discomfort, “What is wrong?”
She handed him the note. He read it. His eyes got big in disbelief.
“How could this happen?” he asked.
“I do not know, but I will find out.” she replied.
“Knut is now KIng and Helgi, Steward of Norfolk is regent.” he said.
Halla replied, “ Helgi is a good man as Steward of Norfolk and Regent of the County of Norfolk, but not as regent to the King.”
“You are correct. We must fix this as soon as possible.” He then thought, “We must leave for Norfolk today and then for Jorvik and convene the Council to select a permanent regent. However, if we leave and the army finds out it will destroy morale. The Mercians are on the run but this could give them the advantage.”
Halla was deep in thought and then offered, “Not if we tell them the Mercians had King Skuli assassinated. It will strengthen their resolve.”
Hroðulfr smiled. He had to keep reminding himself that Halla was only 20 years old. Her brother had chosen wisely when he made her Spymaster and secretly ensured that she would be regent if anything happened to him.
She continued, “We will go to Jorvik. My shieldmaidens will go to Norfolk and escort Knut and Helgi to Jorvik for the official ceremonies.”
Hroðulfr agreed and orders were sent.
Halla kept reminding herself that even though it was a dark time, the light of day always followed the dark of night.
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Chapter 4.1A - Halla the Regent and the Conquest of Chester May 891-December 892
Excerpts from the Jorvikian Chronicles
Halla’s plans worked almost perfectly. Knut was escorted to Jorvik with no incidents. The Counselors all arrived with a day or two. Halla was again appointed regent on 8 May 891. Halla immediately set her agents on finding who was responsible for King Skuli’s death and why.
The Mercians did take advantage of the chaos created by the assassination of King Skuli and invaded the County of Jorvik. Sigbjörn pursued them and caught the Mercians near St Peters where he crushed them on 9 June 891.
Sigbjörn then forced the Mercians into the 1st Battle of Nottingham on 26 September 891 thoroughly defeating them. Sigbjörn then turned westward and attacked into the County of Derby.
In the meantime Earl Oshere of Suffolk raised a small army and attacked the besiegers of Nottingham. Marshal Hroðulfr lead the Jorvikians to victory at the 2nd Battle of Nottingham on 1 February 892.
On 22 March 892 Chester fell to the Jorvikians and Derby was sacked. Eadwine now lead a another small army toward Nottingham. This time Count Balthere of Cumberland defeated the Mercians at the 3rd Battle of Nottingham on 28 April 892.
Then events happened in rapid succession. Halton fell on 9 July 892. Nottingham was sacked on 3 August 892. Macclesfield was taken on 18 October 892. The County of Chester was now fully occupied by Jorvik. Chesterfield was sacked on 20 November 892. Then St Martin was sacked on 26 November 892.
Mercia had enough. On 2 December 892 Mercia surrendered and the Petty Kingdom of Jorvik gained the County of Chester.
Halla’s plans worked almost perfectly. Knut was escorted to Jorvik with no incidents. The Counselors all arrived with a day or two. Halla was again appointed regent on 8 May 891. Halla immediately set her agents on finding who was responsible for King Skuli’s death and why.
The Mercians did take advantage of the chaos created by the assassination of King Skuli and invaded the County of Jorvik. Sigbjörn pursued them and caught the Mercians near St Peters where he crushed them on 9 June 891.
Sigbjörn then forced the Mercians into the 1st Battle of Nottingham on 26 September 891 thoroughly defeating them. Sigbjörn then turned westward and attacked into the County of Derby.
In the meantime Earl Oshere of Suffolk raised a small army and attacked the besiegers of Nottingham. Marshal Hroðulfr lead the Jorvikians to victory at the 2nd Battle of Nottingham on 1 February 892.
On 22 March 892 Chester fell to the Jorvikians and Derby was sacked. Eadwine now lead a another small army toward Nottingham. This time Count Balthere of Cumberland defeated the Mercians at the 3rd Battle of Nottingham on 28 April 892.
Then events happened in rapid succession. Halton fell on 9 July 892. Nottingham was sacked on 3 August 892. Macclesfield was taken on 18 October 892. The County of Chester was now fully occupied by Jorvik. Chesterfield was sacked on 20 November 892. Then St Martin was sacked on 26 November 892.
Mercia had enough. On 2 December 892 Mercia surrendered and the Petty Kingdom of Jorvik gained the County of Chester.
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Chapter 4.B - Slow Fever and Raid June 893-January 897
Since the war was over and it would be some time before the levies replenished themselves and the planning was complete for the next raid Halla dedicated herself to ensuring Knut’s safety and finding whoever was behind the plot to kill Skuli. While she never uncovered a specific person or group that ordered the assassination she did discover that the traditionalist element of the Norse gods worshipers had truly come to believe that Skuli was cursed. She found that many of them felt that they could not live in a kingdom ruled by him. She came to be convinced that the former Leader of the Hunt acted on his own hoping to win the favors of the gods. He did not his body was found in a pond several weeks later. It appeared that his horse threw him and he was either injured in the fall and drowned in the pond or died from the fall.
All of these events had Halla questioning her faith more and more. She did not trust any of the fundamental worshipers of the Norse gods. She did not think the Seers could any thing that wasn’t self serving to themselves. She found herself more in the company of the Christian lords. She trusted them more and made her choices based on that. She had chosen a Christian, Count Balthere of Cumberland to prepare and lead the next raid. Many of the commanders were Christian. Some Norse lords were angry with her. Her brother Chief Ragnarr the Evil of Westmoreland was the principal one, but then again her brother King Sigfrið and her never trusted him anyway.
Of course her brother Chief Ragnarr of Westmoreland was one of the leading and perhaps the most vocal of the traditionalists. She suspected his involvement and would love to prove it some day. For now she needed to make sure Knut stayed safe even more so since Ragnarr was next in line for the throne.
One thing that began to bother her more and more was the fact that the kingdom was alone. It was surrounded by Christian kingdoms. The old Norse kingdoms of the sons of Ragnarr Loðbrok were being conquered one by one by the Christian kingdoms. None of the kingdoms of Scandinavia offered any support and in some cases they were becoming Christian. She had more than one conversation with Christian lords explaining how if the king was Christian then marriages could be used with other Christian kingdoms to gain alliances and influences.
All of Halla’s plans had to wait suddenly. In June of 893 Knut came down with a severe case of diarrhea. By July Knut had contacted Slow Fever (Typhoid Fever).
Halla spared no expense or method to cure the king. She allowed the Norse seers to try first but the king seemed to only get worse. Out of desperation she allowed one of the Christian physicians to attempt a cure. After some scares and close calls Knut was fully recovered by October.
In February of 894 Count Balthere of Cumberland departed Jorvik on the next big raid.
The raid started with the sacking of Trier and Coblenz. Next Breda and Friesland were raided closing out the year. The raiders continued down the English Channel hitting Westfriesland, Zeeland, Eu, Évreux, and Mortain. They crossed the Channel and raided Dyfed, Devon, Glamorgan, and Gwent. The raiders returned in January 897 carrying over 366 gold.
All of these events had Halla questioning her faith more and more. She did not trust any of the fundamental worshipers of the Norse gods. She did not think the Seers could any thing that wasn’t self serving to themselves. She found herself more in the company of the Christian lords. She trusted them more and made her choices based on that. She had chosen a Christian, Count Balthere of Cumberland to prepare and lead the next raid. Many of the commanders were Christian. Some Norse lords were angry with her. Her brother Chief Ragnarr the Evil of Westmoreland was the principal one, but then again her brother King Sigfrið and her never trusted him anyway.
Of course her brother Chief Ragnarr of Westmoreland was one of the leading and perhaps the most vocal of the traditionalists. She suspected his involvement and would love to prove it some day. For now she needed to make sure Knut stayed safe even more so since Ragnarr was next in line for the throne.
One thing that began to bother her more and more was the fact that the kingdom was alone. It was surrounded by Christian kingdoms. The old Norse kingdoms of the sons of Ragnarr Loðbrok were being conquered one by one by the Christian kingdoms. None of the kingdoms of Scandinavia offered any support and in some cases they were becoming Christian. She had more than one conversation with Christian lords explaining how if the king was Christian then marriages could be used with other Christian kingdoms to gain alliances and influences.
All of Halla’s plans had to wait suddenly. In June of 893 Knut came down with a severe case of diarrhea. By July Knut had contacted Slow Fever (Typhoid Fever).
Halla spared no expense or method to cure the king. She allowed the Norse seers to try first but the king seemed to only get worse. Out of desperation she allowed one of the Christian physicians to attempt a cure. After some scares and close calls Knut was fully recovered by October.
In February of 894 Count Balthere of Cumberland departed Jorvik on the next big raid.
The raid started with the sacking of Trier and Coblenz. Next Breda and Friesland were raided closing out the year. The raiders continued down the English Channel hitting Westfriesland, Zeeland, Eu, Évreux, and Mortain. They crossed the Channel and raided Dyfed, Devon, Glamorgan, and Gwent. The raiders returned in January 897 carrying over 366 gold.
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Chapter 4.1C - Conquest of Derby and end of the Regency
With the treasury flush with the raiders’ gold it was time to look to expand the kingdom. Again Mercia was ripe to be the victim. Æthelhild was still queen but barely. The Mercian nobles were still not in favor of having a queen. Æthelhild was constantly dealing and compromising to keep her throne. She was embroiled in a war to revoke the County of Hereford. On 14 July 898 Halla and the Council launched the war for the conquest of Derby against Mercia.
In August of 898 Æthelhild called her ally King Hywell II of Deheubarth into the war.
It mattered little. The Jorvikians defeated a combined army of troops from the County of Hereford and Deheubarth, commanded by Ceoiwulf, a commander of Hereford, at the Battle of Warwick on 30 October 898.The Jorvikians then crushed a combined army of Mercians and Deheubarthians at the Battle of Crowland on 14 January 899. Derby fell to the Jorvikians on 22 March 899.
In the middle of this war the Regency for King Knut ended on 2 April 899. In short ceremony near the siege lines of Chesterfield Halla stepped down as regent and turned over the kingdom to Knut. Halla was confident that she had taught Knut what he was going to need to be a great ruler who would make Jorvik the strongest kingdom in Britain. Knut thanked his aunt whom he worshipped for all that she did for him and asked her to remain his spymaster.
In August of 898 Æthelhild called her ally King Hywell II of Deheubarth into the war.
It mattered little. The Jorvikians defeated a combined army of troops from the County of Hereford and Deheubarth, commanded by Ceoiwulf, a commander of Hereford, at the Battle of Warwick on 30 October 898.The Jorvikians then crushed a combined army of Mercians and Deheubarthians at the Battle of Crowland on 14 January 899. Derby fell to the Jorvikians on 22 March 899.
In the middle of this war the Regency for King Knut ended on 2 April 899. In short ceremony near the siege lines of Chesterfield Halla stepped down as regent and turned over the kingdom to Knut. Halla was confident that she had taught Knut what he was going to need to be a great ruler who would make Jorvik the strongest kingdom in Britain. Knut thanked his aunt whom he worshipped for all that she did for him and asked her to remain his spymaster.
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I think you are doing fine so far. I do enjoy the narrative points more and think you can write them well - but that's my own preference (as you might have guessed). You're moving along at good pace and I think have struck a good balance in text and screenshots. So keep it up!
Curious to see what Knut does now and if he can escape the curse of short reigns that have plagued his predecessors. Seems as if he has a good base by which to start from, so perhaps he can become that timeline's Knut the Great a hundred years early. Also wondering how much more of a role Halla will play. I enjoy seeing strong female characters in these stories maneuvering in societies that are often stacked against them.
Curious to see what Knut does now and if he can escape the curse of short reigns that have plagued his predecessors. Seems as if he has a good base by which to start from, so perhaps he can become that timeline's Knut the Great a hundred years early. Also wondering how much more of a role Halla will play. I enjoy seeing strong female characters in these stories maneuvering in societies that are often stacked against them.
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Thanks!
I would like to do more in the narrative vein but it can be hard to put an interesting spin when it just another war, or raiding party. I am trying to do more as the AAR moves on because I do like that style. It gives it a feel like you are reading a story. But hey this is the first try. I am not expecting perfection. I just want something that will keep folks interested.
I am several kings ahead of the story in the game itself. I am taking a break from playing until I bring the storyline closer. Also the game frustrated me with an event that happened and I needed to step away from it. Doing the AAR is rekindling my desire to continue the game.
As I am writing the AAR I am learning/realizing some things. I keep a running log as I am playing the game in Word. I add screenshots and type in important information. I found that I started out doing that well but as time went on I got sloppy. I do have many save points so I can go back and get some screen shots and other information. I need to remember to do a better job at choosing when I save.
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This is something it took me quite a few chapters to realize as well. Now I save every two years in game or so. I also have a log of events. But I'm often surprised at how much there was laying beneath the surface with in the realm or even with characters in court that you may not notice if you're focused on your character. So those save points to look back can really help.
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It is taking me longer than I anticipated to pull this next chapter together. I had to go back and rewrite several sections after proofreading them. They did not feel right. I hope to start posting it tomorrow. It may take a day or two to get it posted. I have to also upload and edit images.
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Chapter 4.2A - Victory in Derby and Vassal War June 899-August 901
Chapter 4.2 Knut the Young King
899-900 The Conquest of Derby War with Mercia
The war continued. The Jorvikians stormed Chesterfield on 3 June 899. On 19 August 899 the Jorvikians under the command of Chief Hroðulf of Dunholm defeated the Mercian who were commanded by Eawine at the Battle of Cambridge. Northampton was taken on 21 September 899.
Now King Knut took direct command of one of the armies. On 5 November 899 his army defeated the Mercians at the Battle of Derby. Baron Eadweld of Warwick was captured during the battle.
Burton fell on 8 January 900. King Knut lead his army to another victory at the 2nd Battle of Crowland also on 8 January 900.
On 10 March 900 Cambridge fell. After the fall of the city Queen Æthelhild surrendered ending the war. King Knut gained the County of Derby which would now be called Djuraby.
During the war and soon after the end of the regency Knut’s uncle Chief Ragnarr the Evil of Westmoreland declares the Westmorelander Conquest of Gloucester on 19 August 899. Ragnarr saw an opportunity to gain some territory and power. In addition he could show his contempt for the king and his niece Halla. Ragnarr declared the war against King Æthelwulf of Hwice who outnumbered him 3 to 1. Of course things did not go as Ragnarr planned. His overblown opinion of himself thought his levies that he held back from the war with Mercia would flock to his banner. They did not. He barely was able to raise half of the levies. His troops had to march half way across England and Wales. Once they arrived at Gloucester they were crushed by the army of Hwicee. Æthelwulf called King Charles II of West Francia into the war to aid him. The war settled down into a stalemate. However, in early 901 Ragnarr was beginning to show signs that he was beginning to break the stalemate.
899-900 The Conquest of Derby War with Mercia
The war continued. The Jorvikians stormed Chesterfield on 3 June 899. On 19 August 899 the Jorvikians under the command of Chief Hroðulf of Dunholm defeated the Mercian who were commanded by Eawine at the Battle of Cambridge. Northampton was taken on 21 September 899.
Now King Knut took direct command of one of the armies. On 5 November 899 his army defeated the Mercians at the Battle of Derby. Baron Eadweld of Warwick was captured during the battle.
Burton fell on 8 January 900. King Knut lead his army to another victory at the 2nd Battle of Crowland also on 8 January 900.
On 10 March 900 Cambridge fell. After the fall of the city Queen Æthelhild surrendered ending the war. King Knut gained the County of Derby which would now be called Djuraby.
During the war and soon after the end of the regency Knut’s uncle Chief Ragnarr the Evil of Westmoreland declares the Westmorelander Conquest of Gloucester on 19 August 899. Ragnarr saw an opportunity to gain some territory and power. In addition he could show his contempt for the king and his niece Halla. Ragnarr declared the war against King Æthelwulf of Hwice who outnumbered him 3 to 1. Of course things did not go as Ragnarr planned. His overblown opinion of himself thought his levies that he held back from the war with Mercia would flock to his banner. They did not. He barely was able to raise half of the levies. His troops had to march half way across England and Wales. Once they arrived at Gloucester they were crushed by the army of Hwicee. Æthelwulf called King Charles II of West Francia into the war to aid him. The war settled down into a stalemate. However, in early 901 Ragnarr was beginning to show signs that he was beginning to break the stalemate.
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Chapter 4.2B - Baptism
24 September 901 Bishopric of St Peters
Knut sat quietly in his chambers contemplating his decision.
His Aunt Halla had been in his thoughts a great deal these past few days. Throughout his childhood he could remember her rage and obsession over the murder of his brother Skuli. She pursued trying to find out who ordered the young king’s death. All signs kept leading toward his uncle Chief Ragnarr the Evil of Westmoreland and his following of fundamental worshipers of the Norse gods. They did like Skuli and Knut’s mother since she was a Beaudoin and a Muslim. They looked at Skuli in disgust because he had dark olive skin like his mother, that he did not look like a true Viking. They spread rumors that the gods cursed him and that was why he was of a different skin coloring. They could not stand that his father King Sigfrið did not make the conquered Anglo Saxon lords take up the Norse gods or kill them and replace them with good Odin worshiping lords. Halla continued this policy under the regency.
He knew that his father and Halla as his regent realized that they were a minority in the Christian lands. Forcing the Anglo Saxons to convert would only incite rebellions and eventually the downfall of the House of Hvitserk and Jorvik. The Norse gods may be strong but more and more they appeared to be weak against the Christian god. It seemed even the common folk agreed. More and more were turning to the Christian god. Fewer and fewer were making sacrifices to the Nordic gods. Ragnarr and his zealots responded with terror. Killing converts and burning churches. However, even in his own county of Westmoreland he could not stamp out Christianity. His subjects were always on the verge of open rebellion.
The turning point came when Knut contracted Slow Fever. The Norse Seers and physicians were summoned to treat the king. They chanted, and performed rituals and sacrifices but the king’s condition continued to deteriorate. In a rage and in desperation Halla dismissed the Norse Seers and physicians and had a Christian physician and priest brought to attend Knut. The physician went to work. He prepared medicines and treatments while the priest prayed. Finally Knut began to recover.
When Bishop Jourdain arrived in late May of 901 Knut did not oppose his preachings. Halla issued strict orders that the Bishop and his followers were not to be harmed. A group of Ragnarr’s followers attacked a parish of Christians near St Peters. Halla’s shieldmaidens caught them and dealt with them very harshly. On attacker who was blinded was allowed to return to Ragnarr. Both Halla and Knut met with Bishop Jourdain on many occasions to discuss religious matters.
A knock came on the door. Knut rose from the chair and straighten his white robes. He walked to the door and opened it. A priest and a group of acolytes meet him. Knut nodded and the priest turned. The group lead by an acolyte bearing a crucifix and the king following proceeded down the corridor to the baptismal font. Bishop Jourdain stood at the font writing. Knut removed his robes down to his undergarment. Knut kneeled.
Bishop Jourdain in Latin then began, “Do you wish to be baptized?”
Knut hoping that he would remember the Latin responses replied, “I do”
“Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling, “ continued Bishop Jourdain. He then turned to face Knut, “In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.Therefore I ask: Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?”
Knut replied, “I reject them.”
“Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?”
“I renounce them.”
“Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God?”
“I repent of them.”
“Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?”
“I turn to Christ.”
“Do you submit to Christ as Lord?”
“ I submit to Christ.”
“ Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?”
“I come to Christ.”
The bishop then stood before Knut and made the sign of the cross on Knut’s forehead saying, “Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross.”
Bishop Jourdain continued, “May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ.”
Bishop Jourdain signaled and Knut stepped into the baptismal font and knelt.
Bishop Jourdain then asked, “King Knut is this your faith.”
Knut replied, “This my faith”
The bishop now said,“King Knut Sigfriðsson Hvitserk I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
He then immersed Knut three times in the waters of the font.
Bishop Jourdain finished with, “May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ's pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory.
All those gathered responded, “Amen.”
Knut sat quietly in his chambers contemplating his decision.
His Aunt Halla had been in his thoughts a great deal these past few days. Throughout his childhood he could remember her rage and obsession over the murder of his brother Skuli. She pursued trying to find out who ordered the young king’s death. All signs kept leading toward his uncle Chief Ragnarr the Evil of Westmoreland and his following of fundamental worshipers of the Norse gods. They did like Skuli and Knut’s mother since she was a Beaudoin and a Muslim. They looked at Skuli in disgust because he had dark olive skin like his mother, that he did not look like a true Viking. They spread rumors that the gods cursed him and that was why he was of a different skin coloring. They could not stand that his father King Sigfrið did not make the conquered Anglo Saxon lords take up the Norse gods or kill them and replace them with good Odin worshiping lords. Halla continued this policy under the regency.
He knew that his father and Halla as his regent realized that they were a minority in the Christian lands. Forcing the Anglo Saxons to convert would only incite rebellions and eventually the downfall of the House of Hvitserk and Jorvik. The Norse gods may be strong but more and more they appeared to be weak against the Christian god. It seemed even the common folk agreed. More and more were turning to the Christian god. Fewer and fewer were making sacrifices to the Nordic gods. Ragnarr and his zealots responded with terror. Killing converts and burning churches. However, even in his own county of Westmoreland he could not stamp out Christianity. His subjects were always on the verge of open rebellion.
The turning point came when Knut contracted Slow Fever. The Norse Seers and physicians were summoned to treat the king. They chanted, and performed rituals and sacrifices but the king’s condition continued to deteriorate. In a rage and in desperation Halla dismissed the Norse Seers and physicians and had a Christian physician and priest brought to attend Knut. The physician went to work. He prepared medicines and treatments while the priest prayed. Finally Knut began to recover.
When Bishop Jourdain arrived in late May of 901 Knut did not oppose his preachings. Halla issued strict orders that the Bishop and his followers were not to be harmed. A group of Ragnarr’s followers attacked a parish of Christians near St Peters. Halla’s shieldmaidens caught them and dealt with them very harshly. On attacker who was blinded was allowed to return to Ragnarr. Both Halla and Knut met with Bishop Jourdain on many occasions to discuss religious matters.
A knock came on the door. Knut rose from the chair and straighten his white robes. He walked to the door and opened it. A priest and a group of acolytes meet him. Knut nodded and the priest turned. The group lead by an acolyte bearing a crucifix and the king following proceeded down the corridor to the baptismal font. Bishop Jourdain stood at the font writing. Knut removed his robes down to his undergarment. Knut kneeled.
Bishop Jourdain in Latin then began, “Do you wish to be baptized?”
Knut hoping that he would remember the Latin responses replied, “I do”
“Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling, “ continued Bishop Jourdain. He then turned to face Knut, “In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.Therefore I ask: Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?”
Knut replied, “I reject them.”
“Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?”
“I renounce them.”
“Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God?”
“I repent of them.”
“Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?”
“I turn to Christ.”
“Do you submit to Christ as Lord?”
“ I submit to Christ.”
“ Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?”
“I come to Christ.”
The bishop then stood before Knut and made the sign of the cross on Knut’s forehead saying, “Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross.”
Bishop Jourdain continued, “May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ.”
Bishop Jourdain signaled and Knut stepped into the baptismal font and knelt.
Bishop Jourdain then asked, “King Knut is this your faith.”
Knut replied, “This my faith”
The bishop now said,“King Knut Sigfriðsson Hvitserk I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
He then immersed Knut three times in the waters of the font.
Bishop Jourdain finished with, “May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ's pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory.
All those gathered responded, “Amen.”
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Chapter 4.2C - Rewards February 902
4 February 902 Durham
King Knut and his spymaster Halla entered the chamber. Chief Hroðulfr of Dunholm, Marshal of Jorvik who was waited for them greeted them.
After some small talk Halla became serious, “Have you been following Ragnarr’s adventure over Gloucester.”
Hroðulfr answered, “Some but I have been busy with the problems of the kingdom to concern myself with his petty squabbles.”
“Since the death of Charles II and the withdrawal of the West Francia forces he is beginning to advance again. King Æthelwulf of Hwicce appears to be more inept than previously thought.”
“That could be worrisome. Ragnarr gaining another county especially one as important as Gloucester could upset the balance.”
King Knut then spoke, “You have a claim to Gloucester through your mother’s family don’t you?”
“Yes, milord. But I have long ago resolved not pursuing that claim. The expense would be enormous.”
“It would be such a shame if a claim of such an important county went to waste.”
Hroðulfr looked perplexed not sure he was following the king.
Knut turned to Halla, “Don’t I owe the Marshal a bonus for his loyal service?”
She smiled, “Yes I believe I remember you saying something about that as we traveled here. You even wrote a note to cover it.” She reached into the satchel she was carrying and produced the note. She handed it to Hroðulfr.
Hroðulfr looked at the note and his eyes widen. “Milord this is beyond generous. I cannot accept it.” Handing the note toward Knut.
Knut refused it, “if you feel that it is too much to have I am sure you have a cause it could be used for.”
Suddenly it hit Hroðulfr. He smiled. He had been played like a fine musical instrument. “I am sure I can put it to good use. I just hope there is time to do so.”
The king smiled. He and Halla then began to leave but the king stopped. “One more thing. We must move some ships from Jorvik to Chester and Lancaster. The Gaels and Scots have become somewhat troublesome lately and the ships maybe needed to move troops where they are needed. Since it is a military matter I leave it in your capable hands to arrange.”
The king and Halla left. Hroðulfr stood there for a moment in shock. He was amazed and proud how Kut had handled the situation. Then a thought crossed the old Marshal’s mind, By the gods, no correction by God what have we created?
King Knut and his spymaster Halla entered the chamber. Chief Hroðulfr of Dunholm, Marshal of Jorvik who was waited for them greeted them.
After some small talk Halla became serious, “Have you been following Ragnarr’s adventure over Gloucester.”
Hroðulfr answered, “Some but I have been busy with the problems of the kingdom to concern myself with his petty squabbles.”
“Since the death of Charles II and the withdrawal of the West Francia forces he is beginning to advance again. King Æthelwulf of Hwicce appears to be more inept than previously thought.”
“That could be worrisome. Ragnarr gaining another county especially one as important as Gloucester could upset the balance.”
King Knut then spoke, “You have a claim to Gloucester through your mother’s family don’t you?”
“Yes, milord. But I have long ago resolved not pursuing that claim. The expense would be enormous.”
“It would be such a shame if a claim of such an important county went to waste.”
Hroðulfr looked perplexed not sure he was following the king.
Knut turned to Halla, “Don’t I owe the Marshal a bonus for his loyal service?”
She smiled, “Yes I believe I remember you saying something about that as we traveled here. You even wrote a note to cover it.” She reached into the satchel she was carrying and produced the note. She handed it to Hroðulfr.
Hroðulfr looked at the note and his eyes widen. “Milord this is beyond generous. I cannot accept it.” Handing the note toward Knut.
Knut refused it, “if you feel that it is too much to have I am sure you have a cause it could be used for.”
Suddenly it hit Hroðulfr. He smiled. He had been played like a fine musical instrument. “I am sure I can put it to good use. I just hope there is time to do so.”
The king smiled. He and Halla then began to leave but the king stopped. “One more thing. We must move some ships from Jorvik to Chester and Lancaster. The Gaels and Scots have become somewhat troublesome lately and the ships maybe needed to move troops where they are needed. Since it is a military matter I leave it in your capable hands to arrange.”
The king and Halla left. Hroðulfr stood there for a moment in shock. He was amazed and proud how Kut had handled the situation. Then a thought crossed the old Marshal’s mind, By the gods, no correction by God what have we created?
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