1 00:00:01,080 --> 00:00:03,279 I am Uhtred, son of Uhtred. 2 00:00:03,440 --> 00:00:07,639 I was born a Saxon lord, but raised by Danes as a warrior. 3 00:00:08,560 --> 00:00:11,559 I now serve Alfred, the Saxon king of Wessex 4 00:00:11,720 --> 00:00:14,959 and protect this last kingdom of England from Guthrum 5 00:00:15,120 --> 00:00:16,719 and his Viking army. 6 00:00:17,200 --> 00:00:19,439 But not all believe in the king. 7 00:00:19,600 --> 00:00:21,799 I am my father's heir. 8 00:00:22,200 --> 00:00:24,479 To some, I am seen as an enemy within. 9 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:27,359 With luck, he will fall in battle. 10 00:00:27,520 --> 00:00:29,279 It is a court without justice 11 00:00:29,440 --> 00:00:31,919 where I will always be seen a pagan, 12 00:00:32,080 --> 00:00:35,799 even through the eyes of my pious and now distant wife. 13 00:00:35,960 --> 00:00:39,839 And so to pay off the debt on my land, I plundered, as a Viking would. 14 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:44,599 And I found a pagan queen, a seer, whose gift is linked to her purity. 15 00:00:44,760 --> 00:00:46,359 She's not to hump. 16 00:00:46,520 --> 00:00:48,119 I am now called a traitor. 17 00:00:48,280 --> 00:00:51,599 I, Brother Asser, swear these oaths. 18 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:54,239 Alfred's court decided I should be executed. 19 00:00:54,400 --> 00:00:56,319 I request that he dies at my sword. 20 00:00:56,480 --> 00:00:59,039 You will fight to the death. 21 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:00,879 Destiny is all. 22 00:01:45,080 --> 00:01:48,639 Get out, you drunk bastard! 23 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:54,399 Is he here? 24 00:01:54,960 --> 00:01:57,279 With a woman who's not his wife. 25 00:01:58,080 --> 00:01:59,399 Drink it up. 26 00:02:01,360 --> 00:02:02,679 Your friend is here. 27 00:02:11,160 --> 00:02:12,479 May I sit? 28 00:02:12,640 --> 00:02:15,319 Or will I spoil the gift of a last night of freedom? 29 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:16,799 Sit. 30 00:02:27,360 --> 00:02:29,759 Do you believe I have betrayed you, arseling? 31 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:32,999 - I don't. - Make no mistake, 32 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:36,839 Odda had 20 men or more ready to swear against you. 33 00:02:38,480 --> 00:02:43,679 I am here to tell you that I am better than you right now. I will kill you. 34 00:02:45,720 --> 00:02:47,319 A warriors' death is all I can give. 35 00:02:47,480 --> 00:02:50,559 Forgive me, but I am trying to forget you are my friend. 36 00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:54,079 As long as you understand. 37 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:11,079 If you have more to say, you should say it. 38 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:18,559 Leofric! Leofric! 39 00:03:22,440 --> 00:03:24,279 This isn't a fight I want. 40 00:03:24,440 --> 00:03:27,399 I've been allowed my freedom tonight and if I could slip away, I would. 41 00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:29,519 But I cannot do that. 42 00:03:30,040 --> 00:03:31,359 Reputation is all. 43 00:03:32,560 --> 00:03:34,159 - I know it. - I have feuds to settle, 44 00:03:34,320 --> 00:03:36,159 promises to keep. I must live. 45 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:39,679 Then you must kill me. 46 00:03:39,840 --> 00:03:42,319 - And you me. - I intend to. 47 00:03:47,200 --> 00:03:51,839 I will have the advantage. The king's wife is praying for me. 48 00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:54,719 - God loves her. - Someone's got to. 49 00:03:59,360 --> 00:04:01,319 It's been good to have you as my friend. 50 00:04:03,200 --> 00:04:05,039 I'll make your death quick and painless. 51 00:04:05,200 --> 00:04:07,119 - And then hump my queen? - And your wife. 52 00:04:07,280 --> 00:04:09,239 But you will be without your balls. 53 00:04:16,040 --> 00:04:19,999 - I will see you tomorrow morning. - You will. 54 00:04:35,840 --> 00:04:37,959 What are you thinking? 55 00:04:41,280 --> 00:04:44,159 What goes on inside this head? 56 00:04:52,320 --> 00:04:55,639 I was thinking how I would like to lie with you, 57 00:04:56,520 --> 00:04:58,239 as a woman. 58 00:05:00,200 --> 00:05:01,799 You were? 59 00:05:04,600 --> 00:05:06,399 - I cannot. - Yes, you can. 60 00:05:06,560 --> 00:05:10,599 I cannot. You know I cannot, I will lose my gift. 61 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:12,279 Who cares? 62 00:05:13,840 --> 00:05:16,719 The future is fate, it won't change. 63 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:23,359 And if today I die? 64 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:27,639 I have not seen your death. 65 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:36,759 Uhtred! 66 00:05:38,160 --> 00:05:39,639 Uhtred! 67 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:42,999 - The king wishes to speak to you. - About what? 68 00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:47,919 He is unsure what to wear this morning and needs your advice. With me. 69 00:06:01,560 --> 00:06:04,519 Are you going to eat all of this? 70 00:06:04,680 --> 00:06:09,599 - Or shall we save half for Edward? - Heh, heh. He is a baby. 71 00:06:09,760 --> 00:06:13,839 Is he really? I had quite forgotten. 72 00:06:15,480 --> 00:06:18,039 - Uhtred. - Lord. 73 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:19,559 Shh-shh-shh. 74 00:06:19,720 --> 00:06:22,639 - I trust you slept well? - I did not. 75 00:06:22,800 --> 00:06:24,119 My son is coughing 76 00:06:24,280 --> 00:06:27,999 and two of my best warriors will today try to kill each other. 77 00:06:33,240 --> 00:06:37,359 Today is the feast of Saint Cedd. We have decorated the Great Hall. 78 00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:40,479 - Do you know of Saint Cedd? - No, lord. 79 00:06:40,640 --> 00:06:43,319 Well, I like to think of him as a symbol. 80 00:06:43,480 --> 00:06:47,719 He worked in East Anglia and Mercia and he died in Northumbria, 81 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:49,319 your part of the country. 82 00:06:49,480 --> 00:06:53,239 - A man of all England. - Exactly, Uhtred... 83 00:06:54,440 --> 00:06:57,319 ..which is why I am loathe 84 00:06:57,480 --> 00:07:01,439 to shed Saxon blood on his day of days. 85 00:07:02,960 --> 00:07:04,519 Resume your debt, 86 00:07:05,080 --> 00:07:08,039 despatch your "queen" back to Cornwalum, 87 00:07:08,200 --> 00:07:10,879 and there need be no bloodshed. 88 00:07:11,440 --> 00:07:13,199 Those are my terms, they will not change. 89 00:07:13,360 --> 00:07:16,919 If Iseult returns to Cornwalum, she'll be killed. 90 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:21,159 I am prepared to resume the debt, to save Leofric, 91 00:07:21,320 --> 00:07:22,679 but Iseult must stay with me. 92 00:07:22,840 --> 00:07:26,239 She is plunder and must be returned, regardless of her fate. 93 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:29,199 I cannot abandon her! The queen stays with me. 94 00:07:37,440 --> 00:07:38,919 You are a fool. 95 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:44,519 You are a sinner and a heathen and I... 96 00:07:46,040 --> 00:07:48,919 I have lost my patience with you. 97 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:52,599 The fight will go ahead. 98 00:07:56,520 --> 00:07:59,519 May your soul receive its just reward. 99 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:01,319 Lord. 100 00:08:43,160 --> 00:08:44,799 Make way. Make way. 101 00:09:01,480 --> 00:09:03,959 Silence! 102 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:09,199 Your majesty, lords, ladies, 103 00:09:09,360 --> 00:09:13,199 great unwashed and stinking people of Winchester! 104 00:09:14,880 --> 00:09:18,279 We are gathered to witness justice. 105 00:09:18,960 --> 00:09:22,559 We are gathered to witness a fight to the end. That end being death, 106 00:09:22,720 --> 00:09:25,039 that end being the fires of hell. 107 00:09:26,120 --> 00:09:28,999 We are here to witness a battle between Uhtred, the Godless... 108 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:33,359 ..and Leofric of Winchester! 109 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:37,679 Take your shields. 110 00:09:44,080 --> 00:09:45,679 Warriors. 111 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:47,919 Are you prepared? 112 00:09:49,840 --> 00:09:52,399 - I am. - Yes. 113 00:09:56,240 --> 00:09:59,559 It is to the death, no matter how death occurs. 114 00:10:00,640 --> 00:10:03,119 May God choose his victor. 115 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:06,079 Swords. 116 00:10:12,520 --> 00:10:14,079 Begin! 117 00:11:08,360 --> 00:11:11,039 Brother Asser, I wish you well on your return to Cornwalum. 118 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:13,079 - You do not wish to see the outcome? - No, I do not. 119 00:11:13,240 --> 00:11:15,599 My dear, will you ask the nurses to fetch the children? 120 00:11:15,760 --> 00:11:17,719 I wish to walk with them. 121 00:11:35,640 --> 00:11:37,199 - Unh! - Unh! 122 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:04,839 Ah! 123 00:12:27,440 --> 00:12:31,239 Danes! The Danes are here, they have breached the city walls! 124 00:12:31,440 --> 00:12:33,199 Save yourselves! 125 00:12:33,360 --> 00:12:35,879 The fight is finished, arseling. Come on. 126 00:12:36,080 --> 00:12:39,599 Stand to a man! They are not to pass. 127 00:12:39,760 --> 00:12:41,679 They are not to approach the palace! 128 00:12:41,840 --> 00:12:43,639 Father, they will hack the likes of us to pieces. 129 00:12:43,800 --> 00:12:45,199 The king! Where is the king? 130 00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:46,839 The king will have to make his own arrangements. 131 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:49,559 And what of me? Odda! Odda! 132 00:12:49,720 --> 00:12:51,439 Leofric, this way! 133 00:13:25,040 --> 00:13:27,319 Go, quickly. 134 00:13:33,080 --> 00:13:34,479 Hee-yah! 135 00:13:34,640 --> 00:13:36,639 There'll be nothing left in the stables but horse shit! 136 00:13:36,800 --> 00:13:38,479 Let's go this way. 137 00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:15,559 We hide here, wait for nightfall. 138 00:14:18,320 --> 00:14:19,879 Ah! 139 00:14:20,960 --> 00:14:24,879 I want the king and I want him alive, 140 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:26,799 crawling on his knees! 141 00:14:53,440 --> 00:14:55,039 Follow me out front! 142 00:15:05,640 --> 00:15:07,479 Keep away! 143 00:15:08,120 --> 00:15:09,639 Keep away! 144 00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:13,759 Stand back, I warn you. God will protect me. 145 00:15:13,920 --> 00:15:15,399 God will... Ah! 146 00:15:27,400 --> 00:15:28,759 Only Guthrum can save you. 147 00:15:29,880 --> 00:15:31,519 Guthrum is your god now. 148 00:15:32,200 --> 00:15:34,999 - Should I spare you? - Please. 149 00:15:38,160 --> 00:15:39,479 Please. 150 00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:44,839 Go in peace. 151 00:15:48,360 --> 00:15:49,679 Go. 152 00:15:52,680 --> 00:15:54,359 Find Alfred. 153 00:16:29,080 --> 00:16:32,839 You are Guthrum, great warrior. 154 00:16:33,880 --> 00:16:35,839 I am Aethelwold. 155 00:16:36,520 --> 00:16:40,239 Son of King Aethelred and rightful King of Wessex. 156 00:16:41,320 --> 00:16:43,559 Alfred stole my crown. 157 00:16:47,760 --> 00:16:49,679 This crown. 158 00:16:55,080 --> 00:16:57,039 As king... 159 00:16:57,480 --> 00:16:59,959 ..I am prepared to negotiate. 160 00:17:11,920 --> 00:17:13,639 End of negotiation. 161 00:17:16,160 --> 00:17:18,679 You smell like you've shit yourself. 162 00:17:19,480 --> 00:17:21,799 I've not been well. Unh! 163 00:17:22,560 --> 00:17:24,879 I pledge to you my allegiance. Unh! 164 00:17:51,120 --> 00:17:53,519 No! Let go of me! 165 00:17:53,760 --> 00:17:55,879 - No! Ha, ha, ha. 166 00:17:56,040 --> 00:17:59,359 No! Get off... No! 167 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:07,399 No! No! No! 168 00:18:07,560 --> 00:18:09,039 No! 169 00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:23,079 Lord, you are with me, you will not desert me. 170 00:18:24,040 --> 00:18:28,359 I feel nothing, except your love. 171 00:18:33,160 --> 00:18:34,279 Iseult. 172 00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:36,959 - Look out! - Ah! 173 00:18:38,680 --> 00:18:40,119 Unh! 174 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:52,799 They are gone, they are gone now. It is over. 175 00:18:54,520 --> 00:18:56,239 They are gone. 176 00:18:59,120 --> 00:19:01,399 We need to be gone ourselves. 177 00:19:02,240 --> 00:19:04,559 Put on a helmet. We are Danes. 178 00:19:04,720 --> 00:19:06,519 - Again? - You will not leave me. 179 00:19:06,680 --> 00:19:08,079 No, we will not. 180 00:19:09,040 --> 00:19:10,799 You are prisoners. 181 00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:32,879 Uhtred the Saxon. 182 00:19:35,560 --> 00:19:36,959 Brida. 183 00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:41,639 What's this? 184 00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:46,319 - You mean to do me harm? - I haven't decided. 185 00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:49,279 - Good to see you again, Brida. - Leofric. 186 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:53,159 How did you manage to get such a big head into such a small helmet? 187 00:19:53,960 --> 00:19:55,399 It was necessary. 188 00:20:00,680 --> 00:20:02,599 Why are you doing this? 189 00:20:05,840 --> 00:20:09,319 - Where's Ragnar? Is he here? - He's almost ready to travel north. 190 00:20:09,480 --> 00:20:12,519 - To kill Kjartan? - What do you care? 191 00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:24,359 The guards at the gates will be drunk. Your way is clear. 192 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:26,399 Brida. 193 00:20:29,520 --> 00:20:31,719 Tell Ragnar I am still his brother. 194 00:20:33,920 --> 00:20:36,359 I'll tell him you were here and that you left. 195 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:38,799 Arseling. 196 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:48,719 Brida has changed. 197 00:20:52,120 --> 00:20:54,399 She was always angry. 198 00:20:55,920 --> 00:20:58,079 Now she is nasty. 199 00:20:59,200 --> 00:21:02,119 Either she has changed or I have changed. 200 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:07,919 She once loved you. 201 00:21:09,080 --> 00:21:10,719 Not anymore. 202 00:21:11,360 --> 00:21:12,999 Even I could see that much. 203 00:21:28,760 --> 00:21:30,959 I hate the forest. 204 00:21:42,200 --> 00:21:43,799 Where is your wife? 205 00:21:46,280 --> 00:21:48,719 I know you are married to the lady Mildrith. 206 00:21:54,560 --> 00:21:57,159 She will have sought refuge... 207 00:21:58,720 --> 00:22:00,039 ..with the church. 208 00:22:03,200 --> 00:22:05,359 She used to come to the nunnery. 209 00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:08,839 I would pray with her. 210 00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,319 I watched her as she changed. 211 00:22:17,440 --> 00:22:19,199 Why does a woman become a nun? 212 00:22:22,320 --> 00:22:24,799 Because of her love for God. 213 00:22:26,760 --> 00:22:28,479 God will never abandon her. 214 00:22:28,640 --> 00:22:31,639 You were being humped against your will. 215 00:22:33,480 --> 00:22:35,279 Where was God? 216 00:22:38,360 --> 00:22:39,879 He sent you. 217 00:22:47,320 --> 00:22:51,439 - Is the king likely to have been killed? - The king is not our concern. 218 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:53,839 If the king is dead, then Wessex is dead. 219 00:23:03,840 --> 00:23:06,959 - Where are you going? - I need darkness. 220 00:23:07,880 --> 00:23:09,919 She needs darkness for what? 221 00:23:11,480 --> 00:23:13,199 To see. 222 00:23:23,440 --> 00:23:25,279 Leofric, where are we? 223 00:23:26,200 --> 00:23:29,639 We are at the marshlands of the Severn. The swamplands. 224 00:23:30,440 --> 00:23:32,799 I have never seen lands like this before. 225 00:23:39,360 --> 00:23:42,439 Hurry. They've seen us. The boat won't wait. 226 00:23:42,600 --> 00:23:45,799 - Priests. - Come quickly, we need to leave. 227 00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:51,239 - In fear. - God preserve us. 228 00:23:51,400 --> 00:23:52,759 Time to fight, arseling. 229 00:24:00,760 --> 00:24:02,439 Unh! 230 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:09,119 Ah! 231 00:24:15,280 --> 00:24:16,839 Uhtred! 232 00:24:27,400 --> 00:24:29,559 Arseling! 233 00:24:30,520 --> 00:24:32,559 I have your sword. 234 00:24:45,680 --> 00:24:47,799 We'll get you! 235 00:24:49,600 --> 00:24:53,679 I hope you're carrying silver, priest. We've saved your life. 236 00:24:53,840 --> 00:24:57,159 I am saved by ghosts, it seems. 237 00:24:57,920 --> 00:24:59,719 Lord. 238 00:25:00,640 --> 00:25:03,519 - Thank God you are unhurt. - I was blessed. 239 00:25:03,680 --> 00:25:07,919 - And your family? - Are safe, they are in the boat ahead. 240 00:25:08,080 --> 00:25:11,959 Hoping to find sanctuary in these marshlands. 241 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:17,159 At the palace, lord, they came from nowhere. 242 00:25:18,440 --> 00:25:20,119 - They did. - They came 243 00:25:20,280 --> 00:25:21,839 because they were allowed to. 244 00:25:22,400 --> 00:25:25,279 Where were your watchers? Your spies? 245 00:25:25,720 --> 00:25:27,399 On their knees, no doubt. 246 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:29,239 You should show respect. 247 00:25:29,400 --> 00:25:31,759 Wessex allows its warriors to kill each other 248 00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:33,919 and spends too much time on its knees. 249 00:25:34,080 --> 00:25:36,119 Too much money on its churches. 250 00:25:36,280 --> 00:25:39,599 If Guthrum were Christian and not Pagan, there would be no war. 251 00:25:39,760 --> 00:25:42,959 - But he's not. - You do well to remember I am king. 252 00:25:43,120 --> 00:25:46,959 - King of what? Look around you. - He is our king. 253 00:25:47,120 --> 00:25:50,519 Like every kingdom before it, Wessex has fallen. 254 00:25:50,680 --> 00:25:53,919 He's Alfred, a man. 255 00:25:54,080 --> 00:25:55,679 King of nothing. 256 00:27:01,320 --> 00:27:05,119 Lord God, allow your blessed oils to penetrate 257 00:27:05,280 --> 00:27:09,479 and take away any and all fever and sickness. 258 00:27:09,640 --> 00:27:13,399 Restore health and strength to the child 259 00:27:13,560 --> 00:27:15,959 and to his ever watchful parents. 260 00:27:16,120 --> 00:27:18,079 - Amen. - Amen. 261 00:27:18,240 --> 00:27:20,199 Amen. 262 00:27:20,960 --> 00:27:23,159 Shh-shh-shh. 263 00:27:47,840 --> 00:27:50,959 Lord, I have prepared a tonic. For the pain. 264 00:27:52,880 --> 00:27:54,839 For the pain you suffer here. 265 00:27:56,120 --> 00:27:58,199 You pass blood? From your arse? 266 00:28:05,400 --> 00:28:09,079 It is nothing more than what grows from the earth, lord, drink it. 267 00:28:20,080 --> 00:28:23,359 - It is good? - Oh, not at all. 268 00:28:26,240 --> 00:28:28,999 - Thank you. - There will be more tomorrow. 269 00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:42,479 He will become lost, I guarantee it. 270 00:28:57,280 --> 00:29:00,199 Were you worried that I would lose my way? 271 00:29:00,560 --> 00:29:03,159 One path looks like another. 272 00:29:03,320 --> 00:29:06,959 - You have explored? - A little. 273 00:29:08,760 --> 00:29:12,239 What do you notice about this place? 274 00:29:13,600 --> 00:29:15,359 It is wet. 275 00:29:15,800 --> 00:29:17,239 There are no horizons. 276 00:29:18,320 --> 00:29:21,199 No sense of something beyond. 277 00:29:22,520 --> 00:29:26,399 My priests have visited here once or twice, to preach. 278 00:29:26,560 --> 00:29:29,439 The people are oblivious to God. 279 00:29:34,520 --> 00:29:36,279 You look tired. 280 00:29:37,160 --> 00:29:39,439 Sleep has been a rarity, yes. 281 00:29:42,400 --> 00:29:45,399 My wife would like us to take a ship to Frankia. 282 00:29:45,560 --> 00:29:49,959 - To become another king in exile? - So you admit I am still a king? 283 00:29:52,400 --> 00:29:54,559 We dare not travel. 284 00:29:55,680 --> 00:29:58,679 My son would never survive it. 285 00:30:06,320 --> 00:30:08,759 You should send out word that you are alive, 286 00:30:08,920 --> 00:30:11,599 asking men to join you, to follow you. 287 00:30:11,760 --> 00:30:13,959 And then what? Fight? 288 00:30:14,400 --> 00:30:17,079 - Is that what you would do? - It's what a king would do. 289 00:30:19,320 --> 00:30:22,039 I have given it thought, of course I have, 290 00:30:22,520 --> 00:30:24,599 and this much I know: 291 00:30:25,360 --> 00:30:29,759 If I am to fight, it would have to be a single battle and soon. 292 00:30:29,920 --> 00:30:32,239 Before yet more Danes arrive, 293 00:30:32,760 --> 00:30:34,359 before Wessex crumbles, 294 00:30:34,520 --> 00:30:37,559 skirmish by skirmish, raid by raid, piece by piece. 295 00:30:37,720 --> 00:30:41,439 Therefore the first task would be 296 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:46,119 to somehow convince the Danes to hold 297 00:30:46,280 --> 00:30:49,239 one great and deciding moment. 298 00:30:51,360 --> 00:30:54,439 - A single defining battle. - Yes. 299 00:30:55,440 --> 00:30:57,279 Who should I send? 300 00:30:57,440 --> 00:31:00,159 Out into the country with the news I am here. 301 00:31:00,320 --> 00:31:02,959 It would be your priests, all of them, each in a separate direction. 302 00:31:03,120 --> 00:31:04,799 Their prayers are needed here. 303 00:31:07,560 --> 00:31:10,879 Your son grows weaker despite their prayers. 304 00:31:12,200 --> 00:31:14,199 For that I am sorry. 305 00:31:26,880 --> 00:31:29,639 Every breath is an effort for him. 306 00:31:30,680 --> 00:31:33,399 I don't know whether to make him warm or keep him cool. 307 00:31:35,040 --> 00:31:37,559 - Shh. - We will... 308 00:31:37,960 --> 00:31:41,279 We will remain here until he is well. 309 00:31:48,400 --> 00:31:51,239 Shh. Shh. 310 00:31:52,040 --> 00:31:53,359 Father. 311 00:31:53,880 --> 00:31:55,239 Aw. 312 00:31:56,280 --> 00:31:57,799 Shh. 313 00:32:12,440 --> 00:32:14,679 Will the child die? 314 00:32:17,760 --> 00:32:19,079 Can you save him? 315 00:32:23,160 --> 00:32:24,479 There is a way... 316 00:32:26,560 --> 00:32:28,919 ..though it is not a good way. 317 00:32:30,840 --> 00:32:34,279 If it is the only way, then you must. 318 00:32:47,840 --> 00:32:50,159 You are feeling a little better, lord? 319 00:32:51,280 --> 00:32:52,839 I am. 320 00:32:57,160 --> 00:32:59,519 Iseult is a healer. 321 00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:03,839 She could help your son. 322 00:33:07,880 --> 00:33:09,199 Thank you. 323 00:33:16,880 --> 00:33:21,719 If you help, then you better succeed. If the child dies, you will be blamed. 324 00:33:21,880 --> 00:33:25,239 - We cannot do nothing. - That is not what I am saying. 325 00:33:25,400 --> 00:33:29,999 Iseult is a pagan and a woman. She will be blamed, 326 00:33:30,160 --> 00:33:32,479 regardless of her meaning well. 327 00:33:41,680 --> 00:33:44,199 If it is true that Alfred is in the swampland, 328 00:33:44,360 --> 00:33:46,839 how long do we wait for him to come out? 329 00:33:47,000 --> 00:33:49,959 If he is hiding in the swampland, we would be fools to go searching. 330 00:33:50,120 --> 00:33:52,359 Have you ever seen anything like this? 331 00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:56,159 - Monasteries keep words like this. - No, no. Not like this. 332 00:33:56,320 --> 00:33:58,239 What does it all mean? 333 00:33:58,680 --> 00:34:03,759 - What does all this speak of? - I cannot say I care. 334 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:07,239 Whatever Alfred found out about his enemies, he would write. 335 00:34:07,680 --> 00:34:12,239 Yeah. It's magic. Yeah, it is. 336 00:34:12,400 --> 00:34:15,079 - You are laughing. - It's a weak kind of magic. 337 00:34:15,240 --> 00:34:20,359 No, you are wrong. This is words without sound. 338 00:34:20,520 --> 00:34:22,439 This is voices without people. 339 00:34:22,600 --> 00:34:25,639 I'm going to learn how to use this magic. 340 00:34:25,800 --> 00:34:29,039 If we took Alfred, he could teach you. 341 00:34:29,800 --> 00:34:34,359 Only a fool would march an army into a swampland. 342 00:34:34,520 --> 00:34:36,559 Are you that fool? 343 00:34:42,920 --> 00:34:46,319 Are you that fool, Ragnar? 344 00:34:46,480 --> 00:34:48,279 No, I am not. 345 00:34:49,840 --> 00:34:51,599 Then we wait. 346 00:35:07,280 --> 00:35:09,359 We need to be closer. 347 00:35:37,040 --> 00:35:38,559 Uhtred. 348 00:35:39,200 --> 00:35:41,359 The water is rising. 349 00:35:50,640 --> 00:35:55,479 - Lord, you had one task. - Oh, no. I am sorry. 350 00:35:55,840 --> 00:35:59,159 I've never cooked before, and never again, I fear. 351 00:35:59,920 --> 00:36:02,759 - Are they burned? - They are done well, lord, 352 00:36:02,920 --> 00:36:05,439 a challenge for your teeth and stomach. 353 00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:09,319 I've seen a fleet on the Severn. 354 00:36:10,200 --> 00:36:11,919 They carry Skorpa's colours. 355 00:36:12,080 --> 00:36:15,159 - How many ships? - Twenty or more. 356 00:36:16,680 --> 00:36:19,399 That's over 1000 men. 357 00:36:19,560 --> 00:36:22,599 - Guthrum will have the same. - More. 358 00:36:22,760 --> 00:36:25,919 - God save us. - We can save ourselves. 359 00:36:26,680 --> 00:36:28,199 We must believe it. 360 00:36:35,400 --> 00:36:37,399 Will the lady be joining us, lord? 361 00:36:39,120 --> 00:36:40,799 No. She will not. 362 00:36:40,960 --> 00:36:44,519 She is angry with me still, for sending away the priests. 363 00:36:45,000 --> 00:36:48,039 Sending out the priests was the right thing, lord. 364 00:36:48,520 --> 00:36:50,999 Let us pray you are correct. 365 00:36:51,760 --> 00:36:53,679 If you will excuse me. 366 00:36:57,480 --> 00:37:01,319 If the child dies, it will take the fight from Alfred's bones... 367 00:37:02,320 --> 00:37:04,679 ..and we will never save ourselves. 368 00:37:19,880 --> 00:37:21,199 Aelswith. 369 00:37:22,800 --> 00:37:25,439 You must end this silence. 370 00:37:27,160 --> 00:37:28,599 The priests will fetch men. 371 00:37:28,760 --> 00:37:33,439 Without men, safe passage to the south and Frankia will be impossible. 372 00:37:35,000 --> 00:37:38,879 At best, our children would be taken as slaves. 373 00:37:47,880 --> 00:37:49,959 You are eating meat. 374 00:37:50,240 --> 00:37:51,559 Why? 375 00:37:51,720 --> 00:37:53,759 These last few days, the pains have abated. 376 00:37:53,920 --> 00:37:58,679 Meat does not agree. I could not cope with further sickness. 377 00:38:04,360 --> 00:38:06,919 In the mind of Brother Asser, she is a witch 378 00:38:07,720 --> 00:38:10,199 and yet you gladly drink her potions. 379 00:38:10,360 --> 00:38:12,439 - It is a tonic. - I can read you. 380 00:38:12,600 --> 00:38:15,879 You wish to put our child in the hands of the devil. 381 00:38:16,040 --> 00:38:18,279 Our prayers are not being answered. 382 00:38:18,440 --> 00:38:22,119 Is it any wonder we find ourselves living in a muddy puddle? 383 00:38:46,080 --> 00:38:48,679 Father, please. Come and sit by the fire. 384 00:38:48,840 --> 00:38:51,279 I bring word. From the king. 385 00:38:59,680 --> 00:39:01,079 He lives? 386 00:39:02,240 --> 00:39:04,679 Wessex lives and breathes, Wulfhere. 387 00:39:04,880 --> 00:39:06,519 Thank God. 388 00:39:24,320 --> 00:39:25,959 Oh, my goodness. 389 00:39:26,720 --> 00:39:29,519 She has the nerve to approach. 390 00:39:29,680 --> 00:39:31,079 She has helped me. 391 00:39:34,680 --> 00:39:36,279 Thank you. 392 00:39:38,120 --> 00:39:42,439 I for one do not wish to hear your voice. 393 00:39:42,600 --> 00:39:44,559 Do not speak a word. 394 00:39:48,640 --> 00:39:51,439 Is there something you wish to say, Iseult? 395 00:39:54,920 --> 00:39:58,639 If you wish, lord, I will try to help your child. 396 00:39:59,440 --> 00:40:02,439 - We do not wish. - Tonight is a good night. 397 00:40:02,600 --> 00:40:05,199 We do not wish. 398 00:40:05,360 --> 00:40:09,359 - Tomorrow it will be too late. - What kind of talk is that? 399 00:40:09,520 --> 00:40:12,959 What kind of talk is "too late"? 400 00:40:13,280 --> 00:40:15,239 Are you saying that my child will die? 401 00:40:15,400 --> 00:40:18,279 - Aelswith. Aelswith, please. - Get her away from me. 402 00:40:18,440 --> 00:40:21,199 Get her away from me! Get out of my sight! 403 00:40:21,360 --> 00:40:23,639 - Stop. - Get her out of my sight! 404 00:40:23,800 --> 00:40:25,119 She is offering help. 405 00:40:25,280 --> 00:40:27,159 My priests told me that you are a witch 406 00:40:27,320 --> 00:40:28,599 - and they are correct! - She is no witch! 407 00:40:28,760 --> 00:40:32,119 - Aelswith, please, no more. - No, please, no! 408 00:40:32,280 --> 00:40:35,239 You are upsetting yourself and you are upsetting the children. 409 00:40:41,800 --> 00:40:43,839 Please. No, no, no. No. 410 00:40:44,000 --> 00:40:45,519 Please. 411 00:40:51,840 --> 00:40:53,279 Go. Go. Please. 412 00:40:54,120 --> 00:40:56,879 Iseult, you must prepare. 413 00:41:01,320 --> 00:41:03,199 Lord. 414 00:41:03,600 --> 00:41:05,839 It can only be tonight. 415 00:41:08,360 --> 00:41:10,279 She will be ready. 416 00:41:13,840 --> 00:41:15,679 Shh-shh-shh. 417 00:41:35,640 --> 00:41:38,559 The child will pass from one chamber... 418 00:41:39,640 --> 00:41:41,199 ..to the other. 419 00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:44,359 From near death to life. 420 00:41:51,480 --> 00:41:52,799 What is it? 421 00:41:54,600 --> 00:41:56,879 If this child is to live, 422 00:41:57,520 --> 00:42:00,159 then another, somewhere, must die. 423 00:42:03,280 --> 00:42:05,439 I will be taking a life, 424 00:42:06,120 --> 00:42:08,519 a stranger, an innocent. 425 00:42:09,240 --> 00:42:10,959 Iseult... 426 00:42:14,240 --> 00:42:16,159 ..this must be done. 427 00:42:34,600 --> 00:42:36,159 Lady Aelswith? 428 00:42:37,760 --> 00:42:39,479 Leave me. 429 00:42:42,800 --> 00:42:44,519 I cannot. 430 00:42:44,960 --> 00:42:47,679 - Leave me. - Lady... 431 00:42:49,520 --> 00:42:51,599 You need comfort. 432 00:43:03,320 --> 00:43:05,759 When a child suffers... 433 00:43:07,880 --> 00:43:09,959 ..the mother suffers. 434 00:43:11,880 --> 00:43:13,599 I know this. 435 00:43:14,960 --> 00:43:17,319 I know the pain you feel. 436 00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:21,359 It's almost unbearable. 437 00:43:22,760 --> 00:43:24,359 Even for a queen. 438 00:43:26,560 --> 00:43:29,359 I will stay only for as long as you need me, 439 00:43:29,520 --> 00:43:32,679 for a moment or a year. 440 00:43:36,800 --> 00:43:39,359 He is dying. 441 00:43:49,200 --> 00:43:51,559 She is a pagan. 442 00:43:52,680 --> 00:43:55,999 And yet she has helped the king. 443 00:43:57,520 --> 00:44:02,159 I am to trust a stranger with my child. 444 00:44:11,920 --> 00:44:15,199 There is good in Iseult. 445 00:44:33,600 --> 00:44:35,479 I don't know what is worse, 446 00:44:36,400 --> 00:44:37,799 when he cries or when he is still. 447 00:44:37,960 --> 00:44:40,879 When he is still, I feel the need to prod him awake. 448 00:44:43,160 --> 00:44:46,679 - It is retribution. God is punishing me. - For what? 449 00:44:46,840 --> 00:44:48,999 For Aethelwold for taking his crown. 450 00:44:49,160 --> 00:44:52,399 Aethelwold is a fool, he could never be king. 451 00:44:52,640 --> 00:44:54,119 Your God is testing you. 452 00:44:57,040 --> 00:44:59,279 Lord, give Edward to Iseult. 453 00:45:01,560 --> 00:45:03,519 If God will not cure Edward, 454 00:45:03,680 --> 00:45:08,719 what makes you think that he would allow a pagan to succeed? 455 00:45:25,120 --> 00:45:28,999 Who is to say that God is not working through us all? 456 00:45:29,960 --> 00:45:31,799 Did he not make the pagans too? 457 00:45:34,080 --> 00:45:39,839 Beocca would tell me that God's ways are known only to himself. 458 00:45:42,480 --> 00:45:45,079 You have been brought to the marshes for a reason. 459 00:45:46,040 --> 00:45:48,999 You have this one chance to save your son, 460 00:45:49,160 --> 00:45:51,759 and you will have one chance to save your kingdom. 461 00:45:51,920 --> 00:45:54,719 The two are bound together. 462 00:45:56,320 --> 00:45:58,719 Edward is your heir. 463 00:46:00,160 --> 00:46:04,559 If he lives, I would say it is a sign... 464 00:46:06,240 --> 00:46:07,599 ..Wessex will live. 465 00:46:09,960 --> 00:46:11,359 Shh. 466 00:46:18,160 --> 00:46:21,159 There is barely a heartbeat. 467 00:46:23,200 --> 00:46:26,399 Let me give the child to Iseult. 468 00:46:47,280 --> 00:46:50,359 May God have mercy on each of us. 469 00:47:12,760 --> 00:47:15,079 Where is he taking him? 470 00:47:15,680 --> 00:47:17,879 Am I allowed to know? 471 00:47:18,920 --> 00:47:20,719 To Iseult. 472 00:47:22,600 --> 00:47:24,719 God is watching. 473 00:48:07,560 --> 00:48:09,159 Lord? 474 00:48:12,320 --> 00:48:13,839 Lord? 475 00:48:15,080 --> 00:48:16,719 Good morning, lord. 476 00:48:16,880 --> 00:48:19,839 We received your message and came as quickly as we could. 477 00:48:21,360 --> 00:48:25,159 - Father Beocca? Is that you? - Yes, lord. 478 00:48:26,840 --> 00:48:30,039 - You are here? - I am, lord. 479 00:48:35,520 --> 00:48:40,119 - You have brought men. Wulfhere. - Lord. 480 00:48:42,920 --> 00:48:47,279 - Well, how warming it is to see you all. - It's good to see you again, lord. 481 00:48:47,440 --> 00:48:49,359 And many more are nearby. 482 00:48:49,520 --> 00:48:53,119 Guards, men, even the brother, Asser, is here. 483 00:48:53,280 --> 00:48:57,239 We have all been saying prayers for your health and safety. 484 00:48:58,680 --> 00:49:02,159 - Praying? Yes. - And for Edward, of course. 485 00:49:02,320 --> 00:49:04,639 Every priest in the land has been instructed 486 00:49:04,800 --> 00:49:06,599 to hold service for his recovery. 487 00:49:09,120 --> 00:49:11,599 For Edward, I am blessed. 488 00:49:12,720 --> 00:49:15,119 How is the boy, lord? 489 00:49:17,240 --> 00:49:18,559 Edward. 490 00:49:21,520 --> 00:49:23,159 Lord? 491 00:49:24,320 --> 00:49:25,999 What is it, lord? 492 00:49:30,800 --> 00:49:33,559 Oh, please, God, please, God, no. 493 00:49:34,360 --> 00:49:36,639 Say he has not been taken from me. 494 00:49:36,800 --> 00:49:39,879 No, lord, this is not his grave. 495 00:49:46,800 --> 00:49:49,359 - He is well, lord. - What? 496 00:49:49,520 --> 00:49:52,959 - And he is healed. - Healed? 497 00:49:53,840 --> 00:49:56,279 Lord, what is this? 498 00:49:58,560 --> 00:50:02,519 - It's good news, Father. Rejoice. - He is well. 499 00:50:06,480 --> 00:50:07,879 Oh. 500 00:50:10,120 --> 00:50:13,079 He is well. It is true. He's... 501 00:50:14,040 --> 00:50:16,359 He is well. He is cool. 502 00:50:16,520 --> 00:50:18,919 He is well, Beocca. 503 00:50:20,240 --> 00:50:23,959 I can feel his heart beating strongly. 504 00:50:24,120 --> 00:50:27,719 - God has not forsaken you, lord. - Fetch Aelswith, fetch his mother! 505 00:50:27,880 --> 00:50:30,759 The prayers of the whole of Wessex have been answered. 506 00:50:30,920 --> 00:50:32,999 - Indeed. - Every mass, lord, 507 00:50:33,160 --> 00:50:36,759 every mass said by 100 priests or more has been heard. 508 00:50:36,920 --> 00:50:42,159 - Look at him. Look at him, he is well. - God is good. Praise him! 509 00:50:47,720 --> 00:50:51,199 Yes, praise him, Father Beocca. 510 00:51:00,080 --> 00:51:03,639 You did well. Why the tears? 511 00:51:08,440 --> 00:51:11,359 They are for the stranger's child. 512 00:52:11,000 --> 00:52:13,839 - You are wet, arseling. - I am. 513 00:52:14,000 --> 00:52:17,199 Wet, tired, but I have a plan. 514 00:52:17,560 --> 00:52:21,839 Lord, the ships are guarded by no more than 60 men. 515 00:52:22,000 --> 00:52:25,239 The rest of the army will be inland looking for food. 516 00:52:25,400 --> 00:52:27,599 We kill the men, we burn the ships. 517 00:52:27,760 --> 00:52:29,759 You really believe Skorpa will then go to Guthrum? 518 00:52:29,920 --> 00:52:33,519 I do. One army, one battle. It's the only way, lord. 519 00:52:36,040 --> 00:52:39,999 It begins here, in these waters. 520 00:52:44,000 --> 00:52:46,679 You were brought here for this reason, lord. 521 00:53:15,200 --> 00:53:19,199 They need to give chase and they need to believe they can reach us. 522 00:53:20,040 --> 00:53:23,399 We stand our ground until the very last moment. 523 00:53:23,840 --> 00:53:29,439 Then we stay on the safe path and let the land half kill them before we attack. 524 00:53:30,680 --> 00:53:32,719 And if they do reach us? 525 00:53:38,480 --> 00:53:39,959 Ready? 526 00:53:56,160 --> 00:53:59,959 Remember, don't kill them, just make them mad. 527 00:54:15,200 --> 00:54:17,039 Another. 528 00:54:25,920 --> 00:54:27,919 Are you wishing to die? 529 00:54:28,920 --> 00:54:30,919 Another. 530 00:54:40,560 --> 00:54:42,999 Who are you, you piece of shit? 531 00:54:43,160 --> 00:54:46,959 - You want me to spill your guts? - Here I am, I am waiting. 532 00:54:48,000 --> 00:54:51,959 - We'll send each of you to corpse hall! - Hit the big bastard! 533 00:55:00,240 --> 00:55:03,879 Come and fight. Are you afraid? 534 00:55:09,520 --> 00:55:11,119 We stand our ground. 535 00:55:16,040 --> 00:55:17,439 We stand our ground. 536 00:55:21,160 --> 00:55:23,279 Run. Run! Run! Run! 537 00:56:33,360 --> 00:56:35,359 Now! 538 00:57:00,760 --> 00:57:03,079 Now for the ships. 539 00:57:09,120 --> 00:57:11,399 A new horizon, lord. 540 00:57:12,320 --> 00:57:14,439 A beacon of hope. 541 00:57:19,120 --> 00:57:21,599 God has tested you, lord. 542 00:57:21,760 --> 00:57:25,439 He has put you into the fire, as a smith would his steel. 543 00:57:25,600 --> 00:57:28,679 And like the steel, you have emerged stronger. 544 00:57:31,320 --> 00:57:34,519 - Praise him. - Praise him, lord. 545 00:57:35,280 --> 00:57:36,919 You are right, Beocca. 546 00:57:37,800 --> 00:57:43,519 God works in the strangest of ways, known only to himself.