1066

by G. K. Holloway

  There was a round of applause as Aldytha placed the final gift with the others. She raised her hand for silence, was handed a huge drinking horn and proposed a toast to the King. She took a sip and passed it on, everyone in the hall taking a sip in turn. Once they had drunk to Harold’s health, the members of the court took their places and Aldytha joined her brothers and Harold on the dais. She took her place and Harold turned to see her eyes focused only on him. She smiled alluringly.

  ‘Your brother, Earl Edwin, suggested you spend the next few days showing me round this part of Northumbria.’

  ‘Whatever you’d like to do, it would be a pleasure, my Lord,’ she said, with a flutter of her eyelids.

  Harold noticed her broad smile, the generous mouth and the sparkle in her eyes. To say he found her interesting would be an understatement. For the rest of the evening Aldytha gave Harold her undivided attention. She asked him about his journey and proceeded to praise his kingly qualities. They had to talk in whispers and sit quite close together so as not to spoil everyone’s entertainment.

  ‘Everyone’s so impressed that you’ve taken the trouble to journey here, especially in winter. No English king has travelled this far north since Athelstan and that was years ago.’

  ‘So everyone keeps telling me.’

  ‘Was it your idea, my Lord?’

  ‘It was, as a matter of fact.’

  ‘Well, I must say it was quite brilliant,’ she said, leaning towards him in order to whisper. ‘I think my brothers are quite put out.’

  Harold could feel her warm breath on his neck as she spoke.

  ‘Really?’ he replied.

  ‘Yes. They thought you would stay put in London, perhaps venturing out to Gloucester and Winchester like all the others before you. I think they had designs of their own.’

  Now it was Harold who was whispering in her ear. ‘What designs would they be?’

  ‘I don’t know. They never tell me anything.’

  As the evening passed, they got to know each other better and a mutual fascination grew between them. All too soon, the evening was over and the ladies made their way to the bowers. Once they had gone, Harold found he missed Aldytha’s company and tried to fill his mind with the politics in hand. As what was left of the evening wore on, Edwin and Morcar grew friendlier and they seemed pleased to see Harold had enjoyed the company of their sister.

  The next day, Harold discovered he would be spending the morning out hunting. Naturally, as hostess, Lady Aldytha would accompany him. On this morning, as on all subsequent mornings, the two of them would enjoy the time they spent together. By the end of the week Harold would be revelling in her company. Each day they would make an excursion to one or another part of Yorkshire. She paid close attention to whatever he said, always asking thoughtful questions and making intelligent observations, neatly sprinkled with witty remarks. It seemed to him that she positively sparkled.

  Each evening he would wait with eager anticipation until she came down to join him in the hall. After the customary toasts and formalities of the early evening, they were free to talk. Edwin and Morcar had a fine group of minstrels providing music and entertainment, which Harold and Aldytha used to full advantage, dancing with each other whenever the opportunity arose. Many of the northern nobles found this reassuring. Others thought their behaviour was verging on the scandalous but while Aldytha’s brothers seemed happy for their sister to monopolise the King, nothing would be done to change things. Meanwhile, in the background, Bishop Wulfstan and Archbishop Ealdred worked on securing the support of the North. Wulfstan worked constantly on Edwin, Morcar and all the northern nobility present at the Northumbrian court. He was successful with the clergy and the common people alike.

  Two days before the Witan was due to meet, Harold was out on the moors hunting with Aldytha and his housecarls. The sky had looked quite threatening when they were in York but Aldytha had assured them the weather would be fine and dismissed their concerns that they might get caught in a storm. Now the weather was closing in rapidly, growing cold and raw.

  ‘We’re never going to get back to York in time to miss this, Harold,’ said Aldytha, riding by his side, looking around, concerned about the darkening sky.

  ‘What do you suggest?’

  ‘Well, we can’t stay out here for long. It will most likely turn nasty very soon but we should be able to reach Guthrum’s hall in time.’

  ‘Who’s Guthrum?’

  ‘He’s a wealthy thane and a friendly fellow. I’m sure you’ll like him.’

  Casting a glance to the horizon, Harold saw black wedges of rain pouring down from the dark heavens, which were looking increasingly threatening.

  ‘Well, what are we waiting for?’

  Aldytha put her horse into a canter and the rest of the party followed. By the time they had reached Guthrum’s hall, freezing rain was thrashing down on them. With backs hunched against the wind, they dismounted and some of Guthrum’s men led their horses to the stables. Guthrum himself was surprised when he recognised Lady Aldytha and was rendered speechless when introduced to a drenched King Harold, dripping water, like the rest, all over the floor.

  Quickly recovering from his surprise, Guthrum ordered refreshments and led his guests to the hearth, where he introduced them to Whitgar, his youngest son, who still lived at home. Guthrum made a decent stab at small talk while they warmed themselves round the fire. As they stretched out their arms to warm their hands by the flames, Harold could not help but notice the glow of Aldytha’s skin, the brightness of her smile and the way the occasional water droplet ran down her face.

  Guthrum was quite a humble man, even though he was a considerable landholder and he was already looking forward, with excitement, to telling his friends and neighbours about the King’s visit. The amount of prestige visited on his home was immeasurable. As he spoke, he knew he would dine off this day for years.

  Once he relaxed, Guthrum was the perfect host. Soon everyone was warm and dry, the smell of roasting meat wafting through from the kitchen whetting their appetites. Noting his guest’s hunger pangs, Guthrum ordered cold meats, smoked meat and pickles to be served immediately.

  Although there was no wine, there was an endless supply of mead and beer. In the evening when the cooked meats arrived, the party could barely manage anything more to eat. At the end of the day, in the place of honour with Aldytha by his side, Harold was surprised when she leaned over to him and said in a whisper something that made his heart skip a beat.

  ‘How are you enjoying our hospitality, my Lord?’

  ‘Everything I’ve heard about northern hospitality is true. It couldn’t be better.’

  ‘You don’t find the northern nights too cold?’

  ‘Not at all,’ he answered a little perplexed.

  ‘I do.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Since I lost my husband, there’s been no one to keep me warm through the cold winter nights. I’ve tried extra blankets but all to no avail. Can you suggest anything, Harold?’

  ‘You know, I’m absolutely amazed none of the fine young men of Northumbria have found a solution to your problem, Aldytha.’

  ‘I think it might take someone very special to make me warm.’

  ‘You know, I think your problem that you just need the right man.’

  ‘Well, if I’m cold I’ll need someone hot to warm me, won’t I? Do you think you’re hot enough, Harold?’

  Harold admired her boldness. ‘I think you need to be the judge of that.’

  ‘Oh, thank you, you’re so kind. I didn’t know how I was going to sleep tonight.’

  She looked at him, her eyes all fire.

  ‘I’m not sure what your brothers might think, Aldytha.’

  ‘Well, if they don’t know they won’t think anything, will they?’

  ‘Don’t you think it’ll be a bit obvious, the King prowling round the women’s bowers at night?’

  ‘No. All you have to do is wait until after I’ve left.�
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  ‘And then charge along the corridors after you?’

  ‘Don’t be silly. Leave a little time and then go towards your own quarters. I know Guthrum’s hall very well. I’ve been coming here since I was a child. Along the passage there’s a door that looks like a cupboard. Open it, step through and come up the stairs. When you get to the top, open the door quietly and you’ll see my bedroom door opposite. Two steps and you’ll be in my room and no one will be any the wiser.’

  ‘Isn’t there a guard?’

  ‘No. The only guard will be at the bottom of the stairs to the ladies’ quarters.’

  That evening, not long after Aldytha had retired to bed, Harold made an excuse, eventually managing to prize himself away from Guthrum and his family before leaving the hall, finding the doorway as described by Aldytha and from there making his way to her room and a warm welcome.

  She was in bed, waiting for him, the bedclothes tucked under her arms just like the time he had seen her in Gruffydd’s palace. That time the thought of pulling back the bedclothes had crossed his mind but he had done the honourable thing and maintained her modesty. There was no need for that now. Completely undressing while she watched his every movement, her eyes darting up and down his body, he moved toward the bed and she pulled the bedclothes back. At a glance he could see she was everything he had hoped she would be; her body soft and warm as he embraced her.

  The next day, in the cold chill of dawn, Harold slunk back the way he had gone the previous evening. Exhausted, he entered his room and climbed into bed to await the call to breakfast.

  And so it was on a bright, cold, February morning, a week after he had arrived in York, Harold found himself standing on hard frozen ground, ready to address the freemen of Northumbria who had gathered to meet at the Witan to decide whether or not they would pledge allegiance to him. Well over a thousand formed the crowd in the square and thousands more were jammed in the surrounding streets, hoping to see their king.

  While Archbishop Ealdred ran through the formalities before introducing the King to his subjects, Harold took his place in the centre of the huge circle of men that formed the Witan and addressed them sincerely, almost reverentially.

  ‘Good people of Northumbria, I thank you all for turning out on such a cold day, just to see me. They tell me no King of England has ventured so far north for many a year. I can’t think why; the hospitality here is second to none.’

  A cheer went up from appreciative crowd.

  ‘I must admit, though, it’s not just for the famed Northumbrian hospitality I’m here talking with you today. As you are all aware, our enemies are gathering against us. Now I know there are those who would like nothing better than to see a proud, independent Northumbria ruled by its own king, in its own way. Those of you who think that are looking back to the old days, which often seem fairer when time alters the memory. In those old days, when Northumbria was a kingdom, life was harsh. Norsemen raided the land and subjugated its people. It was only when England became united that we had the strength to fight off the foe. Now the foe threatens us once more. This time it is Duke William of Normandy who threatens us, to say nothing of my brother Tostig, who might yet return in an attempt to reclaim his old earldom.’

  At this there was much muttering from the assembly.

  ‘Never fear. I’m sure if Tostig returns, you’ll have a warm welcome waiting for him, just as Wessex would have a warm welcome for Duke William, a welcome warmer than the fires of hell. But think about how much easier it would be if Northumbria and her neighbours fought off Tostig together. Or for that matter, how much easier it would be for Wessex to fight off Normandy with the help of her neighbours and fellow countrymen, for aren’t we all Englishmen now?’

  Now the assembly warmed to Harold and shouts of agreement went up from the crowd.

  ‘Nobody in England wants to be ruled by a foreign king who would have no respect for our customs or laws. England needs but one king. Be warned, a house divided must fall.’

  ‘The King is right and has my full support,’ yelled Morcar, enthusiastically.

  ‘And mine,’ added Edwin, with a bellow.

  ‘King Harold is wise, his words so true,’ added Morcar before continuing, ‘think of England, as it was, the separate kingdoms of Mercia, Northumbria and Wessex, powerful kingdoms but easy prey to enemies. Think of England as it is today, the powerful earldoms in the South, East Anglia and Wessex, united under one family, the illustrious House of Godwin. And here in the North we have the earldoms of Northumbria and Mercia, united under one family, the House of Leofric. Now think of the future. Think of all England and the earldoms, united under one family: think how strong we would be.’

  There was a resounding cheer from the crowd.

  Earl Morcar, with the Witan on his side, turned to address the King at the top of his voice. ‘Then why not unite our houses and secure forever the future of our great country? King Harold, the House of Leofric proudly offers you its fairest daughter, Lady Aldytha!’

  The crowd roared in jubilation; hats and anything to hand flew into the air. Harold knew instantly there was no way out of this trap. To refuse the hand of Lady Aldytha would be a gross insult to Northumbria as well as to Edwin and Morcar, to say nothing of the lady herself. He could afford no more enemies; he had enough as it was. His heart sank as he smiled at the crowd and accepted Morcar’s proposal. Lady Aldytha was produced and escorted through the gathering to Harold’s side. Their eyes met as she approached him and she held his gaze.

  ‘I didn’t know anything about this, Harold, I swear.’

  ‘Really?’

  Aldytha’s bright blue eyes flashed. ‘What do you think?’ she snapped, affronted.

  And yet like a perfect couple they held hands and kissed before the cheering crowd. Morcar and Edwin were obviously delighted and applauded for all to see. The picture was one of perfect happiness.

  Two days later, Archbishop Ealdred presided over the wedding and crowned Aldytha Queen in York minster. Later that evening, after the wedding feast, Harold excused himself to the Aelfgarson brothers and rose to leave the hall to raucous calls from the guests. Harold was acutely conscious of the new sword that hung at his side; his brothers-in-law had had it especially made for him.

  The royal couple bade goodnight and made their way to the bedroom, the cheers of the guests dying behind them. Swaying slightly, arm in arm, they reached the bedroom door. This was the first time they had been alone together since Morcar had made his proposal at the Witan. Since then, whenever the circumstances permitted, they had exchanged whispered words, accusations and denials and the occasional furtive conversation. Aldytha claimed to know nothing of Edwin and Morcar’s plan. She claimed to have been duped as much as he. Harold believed her and everything between them was as it should be with newlyweds. Keener than most brides, Aldytha was already starting to undress before she reached the bedroom door.

  Harold found her irresistible. Here was his legal wedded wife, his Queen, for whom he had renounced all others, yet to him she felt like the other woman, a concubine. But looking at her in the candlelight, seeing how much she wanted him, it was as though everyone and everything outside the room evaporated. The world was just the two of them.

  In the morning, after once more making love, Harold presented Aldytha with a fabulous morning gift of seven bolts of the finest silk in an array of bright colours, some shot with gold thread.

  ‘Thank you, Harold. You’re so generous,’ she said and planted a kiss firmly on his lips.

  In raptures she ran all of the silks through her fingers, studying them carefully.

  ‘They’re beautiful,’ she said, as though in awe of their colour and texture.

  ‘So are you,’ he answered.

  ‘Do you really think so?’

  ‘I thought that was obvious.’

  ‘You know for me this is more than just a marriage of two families?’

  ‘I did have that feeling, yes,’ he teased.

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bsp; ‘Don’t be horrid,’ she said, giving him a playful slap across his upper arm.

  They kissed and putting the gift to one side, she arranged herself on top of him.

  ‘I love you, Harold,’ she said, sighing.

  Harold kept his eyes closed and simply enjoyed her.

  Later, as they lay side by side, Aldytha once more told Harold she loved him.

  ‘Of course, I don’t expect you to love me in return.’

  ‘You sound quite forlorn, Aldytha. I would have thought you’d be happy.’

  ‘Oh, I am. I’m the happiest bride there’s ever been.’

  Waltham and Edyth flashed though Harold’s mind.

  ‘Are you the happiest groom?’

  ‘You know I am.’

  ‘Then why don’t you say it?’

  ‘I’m the happiest groom there’s ever been,’ but Harold was not at all sure which wedding had made him so.

  Aldytha thought she detected a note of sadness in his voice.

  ‘Really?’

  He was beginning to resent this pestering of hers. She was beautiful, it was true, and such good company. But he wished she would stop fishing for compliments.

  ‘Really, Aldytha.’

  She smiled and kissed him, stroking his face as she did so. As they broke off once again, she told him she loved him.

  ‘And I you,’ he replied.

  *

  Edwin and Morcar were thrilled. Harold had their sister but they had him. In the fullness of time they would have a nephew with a strong claim to the throne. By that time, Harold would be well past his prime, if not dead; they, on the other hand, would be at the height of their powers. What golden future lay ahead of them? In the meantime their sister and the King looked delighted with each other. For his part, Harold looked the happy groom. But there is always someone ready to spoil a party and with this in mind, Harold and the two northern earls discussed what strategy to employ if an invasion were to be mounted against England in the coming year. It soon became obvious that Edwin and Morcar’s concerns lay in Northumbria, where Tostig might land to reclaim his earldom. If he carried out his threats, he might well do so while William was attacking the South.