Whiteshirts of England: A History of the Hvitserk Dynasty of Jorvik AAR

[tpmcinty]

3 June 927 St Ethelberts, County of Hereford, Petty Kingdom of Mercia

Reposted below. There was a problem with uploading the picture. Sorry about that.

 

[JabberJock14]

Allies/tributaries are such a double-edged sword. But weakening another rival kingdom could have its value to Knut, even if he'd rather be focused elsewhere.

 

[tpmcinty]

3 June 927 St Ethelberts, County of Hereford, Petty Kingdom of Mercia

King Knut looked at the body laying on the stretcher before him. He could feel the tears welling up. He knelt on one knee and kissed Ingnemar, General, Court Chaplin, Court Physician, and friend on the forehead. Knut rose and nodded. The stretcher bearers picked up their burden and continued on their way.

Count Balthere, Marshal of Jorvik, came riding up. He stopped his horse and jumped off. He hurried over to Knut. Out of breath Balthere asked, “Is it true? Ingemar?”

“I am afraid so,” replied Knut sadly. “He became separated from the troops during the last charge. He was cut off and trying to fight his way back when he was surrounded and struck down by a host of the enemy.”

Balthere responded, “This was a costly victory today. We almost captured Count Eadric but he managed to slip past the cavalry. He was last seen fleeing toward Gwent. Best guess is he will make his way to the coast and take a ship to Somerset and then make his way to Wiltshire.”

Knut was displeased, “This whole war has been far too costly. King Eanhere’s inept generals lost Reading within weeks of us entering the war. Ingemar had to fight his way across Oxford. He defeated Eadric at Buckingham and we lost another commander, Bishop Steinn of Elmham.”

“We did capture General Lubartas, “said Balthere trying to interject something positive.

“Not a fair exchange,” responded Knut, “We then had send a portion of our army to Cornwall and rout Eadric’s army at St. Germans in March. A month later we freed Reading and thought we could bring the war to Wiltshire.”

Knut kicked a stone that was at his feet, “But no Eadric managed to move quicker and again Eanhere and his general bungled an opportunity and we found ourselves here in this godforsaken field.”

“Marshal, get this army organized. I want to be on the road as soon as possible and get to Wiltshire before that coward Eadric. I want Eadric captured alive so I can personally rip his heart out.”

Balthere saluted and headed off issuing orders.

Knut stood watching the sunset lost in thought. After a few moments he headed off toward his tent dreaming of revenge.

 

[tpmcinty]

15 November 927 near Bishopric of Ramsbury, County of Wiltshire

King Eanhere and Earl Eadric approached each other on the road leading to Ramsbury under a flag of truce. When they were close enough to hear each other with out yelling they stopped.

Eadric looked tired and was covered in dirt. His once proud armor was dented and scratched. He looked like he had not slept in days. King Eanhere on the other was immaculate looking. The early morning sun seemed to glisten off his armor. He was well cleaned and feed.

Eadric began the conversation, “What do you wish to discuss?”

King Eanhere responded, “Your surrender.”

Eadric began to leave. Eanhere called to him, “where are you going? Back to your army? How many men do you have 300, 400? Knut has over 8,000 heading this way. I have at least 1,500 here with more coming. You will never reach Ramsbury. You will be crushed. I am the anvil and Knut is the hammer. Your little attack into Oxford ended badly with you defeated. You have lost Wilton a week ago. What is left?”

Eadric stopped and turned. Eanhere spoke the truth although he did not know how small Eadric’s army truly was. He had only 200 men who could actually fight. Reaching Ramsbury could give him maybe 600 or 700. He was truly out of options.

Eanhere continued, “If Knut catches you, you are dead. Lord knows what tortures he will have for you before you die.”

Eadric slumped in the saddle. In a weak defeated voice he asked, “What is your proposal?”

Eanhere smiled, “Surrender to me here and now. You will go to my dungeons in Reading. They are far better than the ones in Jorvik. You will denounce Æthelwulf. You will live to see your child born. I know of your wife’s pregnancy. After my father’s death in May I am also now Duke of Northumbria. I have far more resources now than I did when this all started.”

Eadric sighed. This was not a great offer but it was better than anything Knut would give him. With Knut there was also the risk of him seizing Eadric’s wife. Eadric made his decision. He slowly withdrew his sword and threw on the ground before Eanhere’s horse. Eanhere’s guards immediately rode up and seized Eadric.

 

[tpmcinty]

18 November 927 King Knut’s Camp on the road to Ramsbury

Knut was in a full rage. Bishop Cynehelm of Tyningham, Chancellor of Hwicce had just left the tent after informing Knut that Eadric had surrendered and was now King Eanhere’s prisoner.

“Three days ago! Can you believe the gall of that useless Hwiccian. Eanhere did this on purpose so he could have his revenge on Eadric and deny me my revenge,” the King ranted.

Queen Clorinda who was visiting her husband to discuss matters she needed to as Spymaster spoke, “Do not fret over this. This annoying war is over and done with. We have other plans.”

“Easy for you to say. Ingemar was not your friend,” snapped Knut.

Clorinda glared at him, “You forget what I owed Ingemar. He brought my daughter back from the edge of death. I could never repay him for that.” She continued, “with Ingemar gone I truly fear for our son Sigfrið since he has come down with consumption in June. I am not sure the new Court Physician, Godi Hrörekr of Halton, is capable of curing him.”

Clorinda struck a chord with Knut. He was deeply worried about his only heir and the fate of the kingdom he had worked so hard to build.

Clorinda continued, “Because of this war we could not attend the wedding of Gurli to Duke Elek of Ungvar in May and I could not console Hafrid when her husband KIng Ludwig died in battle against Ofieg of Sölvi’s Host in June.”

Knut stood silent taking several long deep breaths.

Clorinda continued, “Someday you will have your chance for vengeance against Edric. I promise you and you know I have ways to make it true.”

Knut smiled. He truly had a masterful Spymaster.

Seeing her husband calming down Clorinda returned to her report. “As I was saying you are the most powerful lord of this island. Now we need to look across the Irish Sea. The time to strike Ulaidh is very close….”

 

[tpmcinty]

Allies/tributaries are such a double-edged sword. But weakening another rival kingdom could have its value to Knut, even if he'd rather be focused elsewhere.

Right now Knut is regretting the alliance. However the tribute coming from Hwicce can make him forget quickly. Later this alliance will pay benefits. Soon all the alliances are going to twist things up real good.

 

[tpmcinty]

18 February 928 Chester

Mayor Tryggve of Macclesfield along with several other members of the city council and city guards were brought into the audience chamber in chains. They were brought before the king’s dias and roughly made to kneel before the king.

Knut looked at them in disgust. “What do you have to say for yourselves?”

Knut scanned each man and looked at them hard. Finally his gaze fell on Tryggve. Once Tryggve realized the king was waiting for an answer the mayor spoke, “We were doing what God told us to do to rid our city of the disease that is devastating our city by removing the Jews who brought the plague to our lands..”

Knut knew that the consumption epidemic was raging through Mercia and most of Jorvik. Only Norfolk, Suffolk, Gloucester, and Northumberland had been spared so far. He also knew that people were blaming anyone and everything for the illness. The Jews were just an easy target. Knut while wary of the Jews realized that they and their businesses and trading were essential to the economy of the kingdom. Knut had grand plans and those plans needed gold. He was willing to forgive many things to keep the treasury healthy and growing.

“And who told you that removing the Jews would end the plague?” asked Knut.

“God, “ Tyrggve boldly replied.

“And how did Our Lord do that?” inquired the king.

“Through his priest and through the Holy Father in Rome.”

“Pope Victor III meddling in my kingdom again, “ Knut mumbled under his breath. Knut shot a glance at Court Chaplain Bishop Halsten of Burton. The king continued looking at Halsten and asked, “Did I not decree that the Jews in the kingdom were not to be harmed and under the protection of the the Count of Chester, who is the Jarl of Lancaster, and also the KIng of Jorvik?”

Halsten squirmed a little. He had been slow in getting the message out to the parishes in the County of Chester. At first he was going to have the proclamation read in the churches, but decided that it would carry more weight if he read in the larger parishes and cities. However, he had been unexpectedly delayed a few times by some of the maidens he met along the way. Knut was well aware of what happened. Halsten had not earned the title the Wicked for no reason. Knut just wanted to make sure Halsten knew the king was aware of the situation.

Tryggve unexpectedly spoke, “We heard the proclamation when it was read by Bishop Halsten. But after the Bishop departed the monsinger told us that since Bishop Halsten was such a wicked person he could not speak for God.”

Knut almost burst out laughing and there were a few chuckles throughout the chamber.

Knut then became deathly serious, “So you took it upon yourselves to defy my decree and round up the Jews of Macclesfield.”

“We were following God’s commands through the monsinger.”

“And where is this monsinger?” asked the king mockingly.

“We do not know he disappeared the day the soldiers arrived,” replied Tyrggve. Knut knew knew where the monsinger was. His body was feeding the creatures of one of the bogs east of the castle.

“In my kingdom, my laws and decrees are obeyed not the orders of a monsinger pretending to have orders from the Pope.” Knut looked at Halsten and asked, “Bishop Halsten did we ever receive any suggestions from His Holiness regarding the Jews and their connection to the consumption illness?”

Halsten’s mouth went dry. He had rehearsed his response and repeated it. “No my King we did not, “ lied Halsten.

Knut then turned to the group of prisoners. “You have all been found guilty of disobeying your liege and king. All those commanders of the city guard who participated in the round up will have their right hands cut off. Those of the city council who defied my orders will be blinded in one eye. And last Mayor Tryggve you will have your tongue cut out so that you may never utter orders that defy my wishes.”

The prisoners stood in shock. A few whimpered. “Remove them,” ordered Knut.

In a final act of defiance Tyrggve shouted, “You will be punished for sins and not..” A guard smashed the butt of his spear into the side of Tryggve’s head. The Mayor collapsed on the floor.

Knut walked over to him. A guard forced Tryggve unto his knees. “For that my dear Mayor, you will never sire any offspring.”

Tryggve’e eyes widened. He kept screaming, “No” as the guards drug him away.

Knut then stormed out of the chamber. He had a war to plan.

 

[stnylan]

Knut is not having a restful few episodes here. Indeed, everything seems to be conspiracy to make him more and more irate.

 

[tpmcinty]

23 October 928 Jorvik

King Knut was finally well enough to travel. He mounted his horse at the front of the column as it left Jorvik. Queen Clorinda joined him. She would ride as far as the border with Westmoreland. She smiled. Count Halfdan of Westmoreland was screaming for help. The Ulaidhians were in his lands and causing havoc. According to him he was helpless to do anything. Having lost the trust of his levies years ago she could see that being true. Also he probably secretly invited the Ulaidhians and then angered them and they were acting accordingly.

Clorinda tried to brighten the mood, “I received a letter from Halfrid. She says her marriage to Duke Milman of Slavonia is going well. She feels truly happy again. Milman has five children from his previous two wives.”

Knut cocked an eyebrow. Clorinda continue, “They died of illness. They were not good Nordic stock.” Knut smiled. Clorinda was glad to see do so. “The youngest daughter is 5 and Halfrid thinks she is precious.”

Knut was happy for his first born, “That is good.”

They rode silently for a while and then Knut turned to his queen, “Are you sure that this war was a good idea?”

“Yes my King it is,” responded Clorinda. “Through making Ulaidh tributary it will give you a foothold and gateway into Ireland.”

“Sometimes I feel that God is punishing me,” said Knut. “I should have listened when the fever came on in early June. Instead on the 16th I go and declare war on Chief Cathalán of Ulaidh to make him pay tribute. A week later I am experiencing chest pains and coughing constantly. Then I start coughing up blood and by August I am suffering from the same ailment that our son has been suffering from. This damn consumption.”

“You are better now thanks to Godi Hrörekr and so is our son,” offered Clorinda. She knew, however that Knut was still having bouts of coughing and weakness.

“Am I?”

Concern crossed Clorinda’s face. “If you are not well enough you do not have to go. No one will think less of you. Count Balthere or Count Karl can conduct the war.”

Knut took a deep breath, “That is where you are wrong. I must lead. I have been away for too long. Chief Cathalán has been able to use my absence and illness against me. While I laid in bed he called King Maredudd of Gwynedd into the war and marched across Scotland, Northumbria, and Cumberland.

He is now entrenched in Westmoreland. I am sure Halfdan had something to do with that. Lucky for us Halfdan’s temper probably got the better of him and because of it Chief Cathalán is on a rampage. But Halfdan uses that to point out my weaknesses and tries to regain the power he lost among the lords. The lords have not done much other than make sure Chief Cathalán cannot go further because they fear if I die and Sigfrið dies they will be left with Haldan as king. They will need their levies to defend against Halfdan.”

 

[tpmcinty]

24 February 929 near Radnor, County of Powys, Petty Kingdom of Gwynedd

King Knut waited in his tent. He was very tired from the war and from the consumption ravaging his body. A half an hour ago he had a tough coughing spell. He did not cough up any blood this time so he took that as a good sign.

Count Balthere of Cumberland was with him. “As wars go this was has been straightforward and relatively easy once we committed to it.”

Knut responded, “Yes, it appears Clorinda was correct in going after Chief Cathalán.”

Balthere agreed, “Yes she was right. The only snake in the ointment was Maredudd joining Cathalán. But even that was not much of a problem.” Balthere continued, “from the moment back in November when you defeated the Ulaidhians at Lowther and we captured their commander Cuilde mac Cuilde we had them. Even I was surprised when the Ulaidh tribal settlement surrendered 10 days later.”

“You are correct, Marshal,” replied Knut. “The battle at Caernarfon last month was the only true battle and that was only because we faced the forces of Ulaidh and Gwynedd. Capturing Myrddin ap Maredudd, their commander and son of King Maredudd has given us great leverage. Bringing the war to Gwynedd has also helped to weaken them.”

Balthere nodded in agreement.

A few moments later Count Karl of Gloucester entered.

“Chief Cathalán and King Maredudd have accepted the terms for surrender,” said Karl smiling. “You are now Suzerain of Ulaidh. I have the signed documents.”

 

[tpmcinty]

 

[tpmcinty]

Knut is not having a restful few episodes here. Indeed, everything seems to be conspiracy to make him more and more irate.

The more powerful he gets the more people plot against him and turn on him. Also the more friends he is losing and their replacements are not as skilled as their predecessors.

In addition some of his own actions are making things more difficult for him.

 

[tpmcinty]

14 July 931 Halton, County of Chester

Knut sat in his tent. He was tired from the day of battle and the consumption eating at his body. He had not had any coughing spells in about a week.

Godi Hrörekr of Halton, the Court Physician finished his examination, “You are doing much better Your Highness. You have been responding well to the treatments. Soon you will be free of this sickness just as your son is.” Sigfrið had recovered from his bout of consumption last spring.

“Is there anything else you need of me milord?”

"No good doctor, you may leave.”

Godi left the tent.

Count Balthere who had been standing in the shadows now approached. “So how much do you trust him?”

“I trust him as far as I can kick him,” replied the King.

“He did pull Sigfrið through,” replied Balthere.

“I am not sure how much of that was skill or just dumb luck,” retorted Knut. “Look at what he did for Clorinda. She has been gone since the end of December.”

“That was the Slow Fever that killed Clorinda not the consumption. She came across the disease in her travels as Spymaster”, stated Balthere.

“That changes little. She is not here now nor was she there when we declared the Conquest of Mercia in February of this year,” said Knut sadly longing for his wife and greatest advisor.

“What is the condition of the army?” asked Knut.

“Good, they are tired. It was a hard fought battle. We lost about a 1200 out of the 8200 we started the day with.”

“How about the Mercians?”

“I estimate that Bishop Eanhere of St Albans lost well over half of the 6000 he brought with him. What is left of his army is fleeing toward Shropshire. They were much more disciplined than in the past.” answered Balthere.

“That would be Ealhswith’s husband and Marshal, the Byzantine Basileios’ doing. You cannot be the son of the Emperor of the Eastern Empire and not learn something,” replied Knut.

“Too bad for us he was not elected Emperor when his father died and would be concerned more with the Empire than Mercia.”

“Yes but he is here now guiding Ealhswith. I knew the Mercians would not be weak as they were the last time we faced them. That is why I called Hwicce, Cornwall, and Ulaidh into this war. I wanted every advantage I could gain,” said Knut.

“You predicted the Mercians would invade and you were correct. Good thing our spies knew where they would do so.” state Balthere.

“Yes that is why I kept the bulk of our army here in Chester and ordered the Hwiccian Earl Cearl of Clydesdale with a combined army of Jorvikians and Hwiccians to invade Wiltshire, “continued Knut.

“After Ceal defeated the Mercians at Tamworth in April he is now besieging Tamworth,” added Balthere.

“We will pursue the Mercian army wherever it flees and destroy it. Once the army is gone it will only be a matter of a few sieges before Ealhswith will be forced to surrender.”

“Yes, milord,” replied Balthere.

“Good, I would like to ge the pursuit underway. I want to break camp in the morning, “ ordered Knut.

Balthere saluted, “It will be as you wish.” He then turned and left.

Knut was pleased with how the war was progressing.

 

[tpmcinty]

16 November 931 Bishopric of Llanelwy, County of Perfeddwlad, Petty Kingdom of Mercia

Knut watched the remains of Bishop Earhere of St Albans army flee from the battlefield. With them thought Knut went any hope for Mercia. After today there was no more Mercian army. All that was left were the garrisons in the fortified towns and cities. Even those would not be enough. Tamworth in Warwick was under siege and Knut had left a portion of his army to besiege Hereford.

Knut’s watching of the Jorvikians and Hwiccian troops rounding up the Mercian survivors or chasing the ones fleeing the field was interrupted by two of his commanders arriving, Bishop Helgi of Elmham and Bishop Ælfsige of Ramsbury.

He looked at the commanders, “Helgi take your troops and cut off the Mercians trying to flee east toward Chester. Ælfsige I want you and your Hwiccians and Cornish soldiers to prevent any escaping into the Kingdom of Gwynedd. The Mercian army ends today and here.”

The two Bishops saluted and said, “Yes your Highness.” and rode off to follow their orders.

Count Karl of Gloucester approached the king. “The end of a fine campaign, milord.”

Knut nodded, “It was along pursuit since we defeated them at Reading back in October. Bishop Eanhere proved to be very adept at avoiding combat when it was not to his advantage. I fear that if he had orders different from the ones he had ordering him to capture Reading we would have had to chase him across Wessex and Wales. Making a stand at Reading was foolish.”

Knut paused, “Even today he almost avoided battle. If it had not been for the Jorvikian and Ulaidian troops commanded by Mayor Eadwulf of Bury arriving from Chester cutting Eanhere off from the sea as they did there would not have been a battle today.”

He then turned to Karl, “Once we are done killing or capturing rest of this Mercian army I want to have the army moving back to Hereford and the siege.

Saluating Karl responded, “Yes milord,” and rode off.

Knut was very please. The end of Mercia was at hand.

 

[tpmcinty]

25 February 932 Barony of Warwick

Dawn was breaking as Queen Ealhswith, and her husband and Marshal Prince Basileios of Byzantium walked the parapets. They stopped to observe the waking camp of Jorvikians and Hwiccians surrounding the castle. Soon they would be working at moving the siege lines closer. Ealhswith was trapped.

Tears were welling up as she looked at her husband, “Is this truly the end? Are we lost?”

He held her close, “I see no other way my dear queen. Æthelwulf II of Wessex was our last hope. All others are either too afraid of Knut or just don’t care. Some are trying to figure out ways to ally themselves with him. Æthelwulf was the last hope but now he has gone and gotten himself excommunicated. Your earls would leave you in droves if we allied with him now. In addition he has been tributary to King Fogartach of Connachta for the last ten years”

“Not they are not doing that already. How many have recalled their levies? Countess Eanswith of Northampton, and Countess Æbba of Shropshire through her regent Lady Sæthryth. Even my own barons and mayors are deserting us. I received word today that Baron Onlaf of Southwell recalled his levie,” lamented the queen. She continued, “We came here after Tamworth fell at the beginning of the month. Now we know Hereford was taken two days ago and King Knut and his army is on the march toward Worcester and probably here.”

“Even if you surrender you will still control Bedford, Warwick, Worcester, Leicester and Hereford. You are the lawful countess of those lands. Knut may be able to strip you of the title of Queen of Mercia but he cannot lawfully remove you from your other holdings,” reminded her husband.

“You are correct my husband,” she replied, “Knut may win this round but I will be a thorn in his side so much that he will regret conquering Mercia.”

She paused and looked out to the siege lines., “Now who will take the messages to those bastards?”

“As your Marshal I will,” replied Basileios.

Ealhswith looked at husband and a moment of concern and dread crossed her mind., “That is good. Now let us get this ugliness done and over with.”

 

[tpmcinty]

So ends Mercia.

Knut is now the major force in the British Isles. Can he hold onto it or will the land run red with blood? It is one thing to become top dog. It is another to stay there.

 

[stnylan]

Knut reigns supreme. But that war had some hard fought moments.

 

[JabberJock14]

Seems like Knut the Great of England (or Jorvik) is inevitable at this point. Pretty much only death can stop him. But being this is the 10th century, such things cannot be ruled out. The marriage to a Byzantine prince did get me wondering how that would have worked had they actually managed to seal an alliance - I wonder if they would have sent forces and if they would have arrived in time.

I've also noticed his has been going more and more narrative, which for my own selfish reasons (I love narrative), I wholeheartedly approve of.

 

[tpmcinty]

Seems like Knut the Great of England (or Jorvik) is inevitable at this point. Pretty much only death can stop him. But being this is the 10th century, such things cannot be ruled out. The marriage to a Byzantine prince did get me wondering how that would have worked had they actually managed to seal an alliance - I wonder if they would have sent forces and if they would have arrived in time.

I was wondering the same thing. Also what will happen if their son becomes an heir to a Byzantine territory. Would there then be a piece of the Empire in the middle of Jorvik or some of Jorvik in Anatolia? There is a war later in the game when one or more eastern European kingdoms join with Jorvik's allies but they never send troops.

I've also noticed his has been going more and more narrative, which for my own selfish reasons (I love narrative), I wholeheartedly approve of.

I am actually having fun doing this way. I usually write the basic story and then go back and figure out how it can be told as a narrative. The opening part of the next chapter had me stumped for a couple of days but then I got inspired.

 

[tpmcinty]

Chapter 4.5 Knut Lord of the Island

10 July 932 Ipswich, County of Suffolk

Knut sat on the side of the bed trying to catch his breath. He had just gone through another long coughing bout brought on by the consumption he suffered from. Despite his illness his lover Alfrið sat beside him in the bed trying to comfort him. He looked at her and smiled back him. Knut had found solace in the arms of this seventeen year old lover after the loss of his beloved Clorinda. The consumption made it very unlikely that Knut was going to remarry any time soon.Who would want their daughter to marry a king who would not be around for long.

He had met Alfrið a little over a year ago during the early part of the war with Mercia as his army marched through Chester. When the King first encountered her she was a camp follower. Just another orphan of war who had attached herself to the army for survival. She had been chosen to be a server for the king’s guard’s meals and to clean up afterward. Knut saw her one evening and was instantly infatuated with her. He had her reassigned to wait on him and things progressed from there.

“What troubles you my sweet?” asked Alfrið.

“Being king,” replied Knut. “I am surrounded by plots and those who would steal my throne. Even my own son Sigrið, at age 14 has become ay rival. He meets with Countess Gurli of Dunholm and Count Siweard of Lincoln, both of whom I know plot to make the Council stronger and my powers weaker. All because I disciplined him as a child for reading my letters.”

Another cough came on. Knut wondered if he would ever be rid of the coughing, “Then we have this ugly business with Peasants Revolting here in Suffolk starting at the beginning of May.

Their ragtag army and leader, Hereweard, actually stood and fought us in battle outside these walls six days ago.

They were crushed and Hereweard was captured. As an example I was forced to execute him.” Alfrið looked pale. “I am sorry if the method made you ill but it had to be chosen to drive the point home that revolting against the king will not be tolerated. Disemboweling someone will make people remember the consequences of rebelling.”

Knut continued, “Now raiders from Scandinavia have begun appearing again. Ragnarr of Austisland landed in Perfeddwlad in late June but the local lords were able to drive him out within a month.”

Knut took a few deep breaths and finished his rant, “Now we have this trouble with Countess Æbba of Shrewsbury and her regent Sæthryth scheming with Ealhswith. I am being forced to consider revoking her rights to either Perfeddwlad or Shrewsbury.”

Knut was silent now as Alfrið was massaging his back. She leaned over, “Come my lover let us forget these troubles.” She kissed him and he did forget his troubles for a while.