The Challenges of a King by K. M. Ashman

Author:K. M. Ashman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2021-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

The following morning Godwin knelt at the fire, stacking logs into the flames. Despite the weather getting better, the night had been particularly cold, and he needed some extra warmth, not least to pull him from his sombre mood.

‘Has he gone?’ asked a voice. Godwin looked over his shoulder to see Harold standing in the doorway.

‘Aye, he has,’ said Godwin, getting to his feet. ‘He sailed last night.’ He turned to face Harold. ‘I thought you would have been there to see him go. Where were you last night?’

‘I stayed in a tavern in the village,’ said Harold, walking over to stand at the fire. ‘If I had come here, you would have two murdering sons to worry about.’

‘I know you are upset, Harold,’ said Godwin, ‘as am I, but never forget that he is your brother.’

‘Is he?’ asked Harold. ‘Because he seemed to denounce you at every opportunity. How could you be so loyal to someone who claims to have been fathered by another.’

‘Sweyn is your brother,’ said Godwin, ‘despite what he says. Your mother has sworn to me that she never lay with Cnut, or any other man for that matter, and that is good enough for me.’

‘I believe her,’ said Harold, ‘yet he seems so convinced otherwise it tricks his mind into ideas of grandeur. If he truly believes such a thing, then it is only a small step to believing he has a claim to the throne himself, and that way lies only bloodshed.’

‘Aye,’ said Godwin. ‘But now he has gone, it is time to move on. How long are you staying?’

‘My mind has been filled with thoughts of Sweyn for far too long,’ said Harold, ‘and my own estates suffer because of it. I am riding back this very day and have just come to say goodbye.’

‘I understand,’ said Godwin. He paused for a moment, judging how his next words might be received. ‘These are difficult times, Harold, but do not judge your brother too harshly. He is a troubled young man and needs our support, now more than ever.’

‘He is not a troubled young man, Father,’ said Harold, ‘he is a rapist and a murderer, and the sooner you accept that fact, the better.’

Godwin stared at Harold for a moment before reaching out and clapping his son on the shoulder. ‘I understand your frustration, Harold,’ he said, ‘and I swear I will give the situation much thought.’

‘Stay safe, Father,’ said Harold. ‘I will see you again in a few months.’

He turned to leave the hall, and an hour or so later, after saying his goodbyes to Gytha and the rest of the family, Harold left Bosham to return to East Anglia.

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