- •Chapter one
- •In silence, the brothers sat and ate a little cheese, with a couple of apples from Father Henry's sack; there was nothing to be said as at last melancholia and sleep overtook them.
- •In his dream, he reveled in the softness and warmth of her lips as they once more sealed upon his.
- •Chapter two
- •Chapter three
- •In irritation. Sprig turned to stalk in Cecil's direction.
- •Chapter four
- •Chapter five
- •Chapter six
- •Chapter seven
- •In the shadows of the bell tower corridor stood two women and a man. The Ladies Ethelfrith and Saethryd were talking in whispers with the assassin, Eumer, when the sound of footsteps was heard
- •In the distance, two masons chipped away furiously at a slab of lime to act as a makeshift gravestone for the old king's interment.
- •Chapter eight
- •I'm just as tired as you, I can assure you," Stigand said as they walked out of the room.
- •In side the lodge, Alan spoke with Walter about the rider. "He looks very ill, sir, Philippe is with him, and we're not happy about his condition."
- •Chapter ten
- •Chapter eleven
- •Chapter twelve
- •In the fields below, Harald Sigirrdsson rode out with Tostig by his side. Harald's fighting men were being used to usher the burgers and countrymen to deposit their riches in one giant heap.
- •In unison, a roar of defiance came back. "Cifesborren!" (Son of a whore!" jeered all from the ranks of Sigurdsson's men.
- •I feel that the moment we see the enemy, the attack should begin whether we are rested or not." Brithnoth growled.
- •Chapter thirteen
- •Chapter fourteen
- •In a flash Philippe stopped the blow and took Robert to the ground, holding him there.
- •I take it that we've fresh horses ready?" William asked with a look that required a positive answer, the only kind he would accept.
- •I wonder if it is time to speak with Walter Giffard. He may just be wondering what might happen if we lose, too? So many copies of so many deeds," Odo muttered to himself.
- •Chapter fiveteen
- •Inside the lodge, the men around the table were silent for a moment while all eyes were on the duke.
- •Chapter sixteen
- •In the pregnant silence that followed, Odo looked thoughtful.
- •Chapter seventeen
- •It never rains but it pours
- •It's not what you'd call wine, hut it sure is good, though. Alan thought.
- •I'll cut your fucking throat if you do that again." He grabbed at the old warrior and was thrown head over heels by Brithnoth's mighty arm.
- •14Th October, 1066. Early morning
- •Chapter twenty
- •In turn, each of the men told his story of the events of the last few days.
In turn, each of the men told his story of the events of the last few days.
Alan and Philippe sobbed, for they understood that the good people of England were now to suffer ill fortune under the yoke of a foreign tyrant.
Thridred rose to his feet, and stood looking at the young man before him. He reached out to touch the shoulder of a youth thrown savagely into the world of men by the events he'd just witnessed. "You shall have your revenge, Cedric." He looked about at his companions.
"These men will teach you their art and skills. We will do all we can to rid our land of the Normans, and they will rue the day they came to England." He then turned to Gytha and knelt before her. "My lady, you are the widow of a great and valiant man, the mother of a king and a queen. You have seen your sons die in battle, and now your daughter is a dowager queen. We, here, pledge our allegiance to you and Queen Edith."
Gytha looked almost shocked as they all knelt before her. Their deference towards the mother of such fine sons was all too obvious. She looked with pride upon the men kneeling before her. She raised her hand a little at them. "My late husband. Earl Godwin, would have been proud to have had you serve with him. I am but a woman, and you, my dear, faithful men fill my sad heart with gladness and pride. Come with us to Ireland. We shall regroup and prepare for the conflict ahead." Gytha threw her gaze at the two Frenchmen. "Philippe and Alan, we are proud and honored to have you with us."
They gathered what little they had and prepared to follow the ladies into the thick, dark green of the English forest.
EPILOGUE
The priest stood over the old man mumbling the words of the Last Rites, in Latin, and listening for Philippe's confession. He turned his gaze to Poppa and slowly shook his head.
Philippe opened his eyes to gaze at the brave robin standing at the window and smiled at the red-breasted creature. The bird chirped and fluttered its feathers impatiently.
"It's time, my beloved," Thora said sweetly. "I've waited a long time for you."
The light grew brighter and Philippe felt a deep, warm peace stealing over him. Thora became a shadow in the center of the light, moving slowly towards him, her hands held out from her waist. Her smile was pure and loving, and her demeanor, longing. He stretched out his arms to her to feel her warmth and love.
Thora took his hands in hers and kissed his lips so softly. She smiled. "Come with me; there is no pain in heaven, my darling, only love."
They walked hand in hand into a welcoming light, where a group of people awaited smiling lovingly; their arms outstretched. His father; mother; his brothers, Alan and Thomas; his adopted parents, Charles and Adela; and Maria were all waiting to greet him
Philippe looked again as the robin chirped once more. "Come along, Philippe."
Philippe closed his eyes for the last time.
The robin hopped out of the window, and they both flew into the heavens.
Poppa kissed her father goodbye, the tears streaming down her face, falling onto his cheek. She rose from the bed and fell into Emma's arms; they each comforted the other.
"They're all together, Emma, in peace with Jesus," she said as she felt Emma hold her closer, and more tightly. She then felt Emma's tears on her neck. "We're the elders now, Emma. We must be strong for the others."
Poppa glanced up to Alan's shield that hung on the wall beside her father's bed, the crossbow bolt that saved the king still embedded within it. The children must now know our fathers' story, and one day, we shall tell them 'our' story, Emma." Poppa took Emma's hand in hers and led her outside to gather the children around them.
THE END
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