1
00:00:01,002 --> 00:00:03,755
<i>I am Uhtred, son of Uhtred.</i>

2
00:00:03,838 --> 00:00:09,344
<i>Edward marched his forces to Eoferwic,
where he received momentous news.</i>

3
00:00:09,427 --> 00:00:13,806
We have been both blessed and cursed.

4
00:00:13,890 --> 00:00:15,975
There can be no more bastards.

5
00:00:16,059 --> 00:00:17,769
We are to be wed.

6
00:00:17,852 --> 00:00:19,646
Let us fetch a priest.

7
00:00:21,773 --> 00:00:22,899
So soon, Father?

8
00:00:22,982 --> 00:00:25,151
So I am to be replaced also.

9
00:00:25,235 --> 00:00:28,488
<i>Aelfweard left the city
with reluctant company...</i>

10
00:00:28,571 --> 00:00:29,989
Journey to where?

11
00:00:30,073 --> 00:00:32,075
To join my grandfather.

12
00:00:32,158 --> 00:00:34,536
<i>...for Aethelhelm had traveled north</i>

13
00:00:34,619 --> 00:00:37,664
<i>and made an alliance
with King Constantin of Scotland.</i>

14
00:00:37,747 --> 00:00:40,458
You help me raise rebellion
against the king,

15
00:00:40,542 --> 00:00:44,420
we put my grandson
on the throne in Wessex,

16
00:00:44,504 --> 00:00:48,925
we would offer half the profits
from the lands of Mercia

17
00:00:49,008 --> 00:00:51,844
through a marriage bond
to the Lady Aelfwynn.

18
00:00:51,928 --> 00:00:55,223
<i>Lady Aelswith failed
in her attempt to free Aelfwynn...</i>

19
00:00:55,306 --> 00:00:57,076
<i>...from Aethelhelm's men.</i>

20
00:00:58,184 --> 00:01:00,353
Do not fight it!

21
00:01:03,940 --> 00:01:07,277
Aelfwynn! Run!

22
00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:10,196
<i>Following Sigtryggr's death,</i>

23
00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:13,825
<i>Stiorra sought revenge
against those who brought her sorrow.</i>

24
00:01:13,908 --> 00:01:15,827
Please tell me
Brida is your captive.

25
00:01:15,910 --> 00:01:16,995
I cannot.

26
00:01:17,078 --> 00:01:19,914
Then tell me she will be mine
so that I may punish her.

27
00:01:19,998 --> 00:01:24,252
<i>Knowing our fates are entwined,
I answered Brida's call.</i>

28
00:01:25,420 --> 00:01:30,550
<i>We both knew this was a fight to
the death, but our bonds were too deep.</i>

29
00:01:30,633 --> 00:01:32,427
I will not kill you.

30
00:01:32,510 --> 00:01:35,096
If there was hope before,
there can be hope again.

31
00:01:39,058 --> 00:01:41,644
- What have you done?
- Ragnar...

32
00:01:43,021 --> 00:01:44,480
<i>Destiny is all.</i>

33
00:02:24,937 --> 00:02:27,106
<i>What are you doing here?</i>

34
00:02:55,927 --> 00:02:57,595
I will see you in Valhalla.

35
00:03:01,641 --> 00:03:02,684
Stiorra.

36
00:03:10,775 --> 00:03:11,818
Stiorra!

37
00:03:13,736 --> 00:03:17,240
Stiorra! Why will you not speak with me?

38
00:03:17,323 --> 00:03:20,952
I have freed you from her curse,
there is nothing more for us to say.

39
00:03:21,035 --> 00:03:24,163
She did not curse me.
She was coming back to me.

40
00:03:24,247 --> 00:03:25,665
She could have been saved.

41
00:03:25,748 --> 00:03:28,376
Sigtryggr did not have
the chance to be saved.

42
00:03:28,459 --> 00:03:31,587
I will never understand
why you were granting it to her.

43
00:03:31,671 --> 00:03:34,298
You could have stopped her,
but you never did.

44
00:03:34,382 --> 00:03:37,093
You let this happen, many times.

45
00:03:37,176 --> 00:03:39,011
It is done. It is over now.

46
00:03:39,971 --> 00:03:43,433
Stiorra, please come with me.
We can go home.

47
00:03:44,350 --> 00:03:45,893
You have no home.

48
00:03:45,977 --> 00:03:48,312
You have nothing to offer me.

49
00:03:50,022 --> 00:03:52,233
Stiorra, you have suffered too much.

50
00:03:52,316 --> 00:03:55,987
No! Those who have hurt me
have suffered too little.

51
00:03:56,070 --> 00:03:59,991
No one has felt pain like I have endured.
Not yet.

52
00:04:00,074 --> 00:04:01,868
Your life is not over.

53
00:04:01,951 --> 00:04:04,829
Yes, you have lost,
but you will find new purpose.

54
00:04:06,497 --> 00:04:09,584
We carry our losses,
but we journey onward.

55
00:04:09,667 --> 00:04:12,503
I will journey onward, yes,
but not with you.

56
00:04:13,671 --> 00:04:15,214
We will build here.

57
00:04:15,298 --> 00:04:18,217
There is wood and fresh water and loyalty.

58
00:04:19,260 --> 00:04:20,553
Other Danes are coming.

59
00:04:20,636 --> 00:04:24,182
- We will live as Danes and die as Danes.
- You will not find peace here.

60
00:04:24,265 --> 00:04:26,225
Then I will find it
in Sigtryggr's dead embrace.

61
00:04:26,309 --> 00:04:27,911
No, do not say that.

62
00:04:27,935 --> 00:04:31,189
That path is not meant for you.
That is not what the gods want.

63
00:04:31,856 --> 00:04:33,816
I no longer believe in destiny.

64
00:04:47,830 --> 00:04:51,459
You have always spoken as though
every action is part of some plan.

65
00:04:52,126 --> 00:04:56,255
Everything you have done has been excused
because it was not your choice.

66
00:04:56,339 --> 00:04:58,800
That is not true.
I have not walked blindly.

67
00:04:58,883 --> 00:05:02,053
All your battles,
all those you have killed.

68
00:05:02,136 --> 00:05:05,014
You chose them over your family
and called it fate.

69
00:05:05,681 --> 00:05:09,227
What your destiny has brought me
is pain and grief.

70
00:05:11,103 --> 00:05:13,397
So now my choice
is to turn my back on you.

71
00:05:17,401 --> 00:05:19,445
Hyah!

72
00:06:52,580 --> 00:06:53,998
Lord Aethelhelm.

73
00:06:57,043 --> 00:06:58,252
You have visitors.

74
00:07:01,881 --> 00:07:04,425
- The Lady Aelfwynn is here?
- No.

75
00:07:04,508 --> 00:07:07,803
Then kindly tell them I will attend
when I am ready.

76
00:07:12,516 --> 00:07:14,435
I am not your lackey.

77
00:07:16,020 --> 00:07:20,483
You may be an ally of King Constantin,
but you are a guest in my fortress...

78
00:07:20,566 --> 00:07:22,068
I am ready.

79
00:07:22,151 --> 00:07:23,319
Who is here for me?

80
00:07:24,570 --> 00:07:26,238
- Your grandson.
- Aelfweard?

81
00:07:26,948 --> 00:07:28,157
Why did you not say?

82
00:07:38,834 --> 00:07:43,130
Now this... this is a mercy!

83
00:07:43,214 --> 00:07:46,175
Oh, beloved child of my child!

84
00:07:46,258 --> 00:07:48,260
At last we're reunited.

85
00:07:49,637 --> 00:07:51,180
Oh, no.

86
00:07:51,263 --> 00:07:54,016
Oh, now, whatever is the matter?

87
00:07:55,309 --> 00:07:57,061
You've been told of my mother's death?

88
00:07:59,939 --> 00:08:01,190
Of course.

89
00:08:03,025 --> 00:08:05,111
And though my heart is broken,

90
00:08:06,362 --> 00:08:11,158
having you here is some reprieve
from the unending sadness.

91
00:08:12,034 --> 00:08:13,703
My father has already remarried.

92
00:08:14,578 --> 00:08:16,163
The new queen is with child.

93
00:08:16,914 --> 00:08:19,917
Ah. It will likely be a boy.

94
00:08:20,001 --> 00:08:21,502
Your father's seed is strong,

95
00:08:21,585 --> 00:08:24,714
and should he view you
as a threat to the succession,

96
00:08:24,797 --> 00:08:26,882
then your life will be in danger.

97
00:08:26,966 --> 00:08:29,719
My worst fears come to pass.

98
00:08:30,678 --> 00:08:32,555
I... I do not think he would harm me.

99
00:08:32,638 --> 00:08:35,933
The king can be most... unforgiving.

100
00:08:36,851 --> 00:08:39,520
Indeed, in my darkest hours,

101
00:08:39,603 --> 00:08:43,441
I imagine your mother's death
was on his command.

102
00:08:43,524 --> 00:08:45,443
No, it was the Danes.

103
00:08:46,402 --> 00:08:51,032
He may not have loved her as we did,
but... but that he would not do.

104
00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:56,704
Of course. I am sure you are right.

105
00:08:57,747 --> 00:09:01,917
But everything we do hence
is to honor her hopes for you.

106
00:09:02,001 --> 00:09:03,377
Are we united?

107
00:09:03,461 --> 00:09:06,839
Always. With a whole heart.

108
00:09:15,306 --> 00:09:16,766
And Father Benedict.

109
00:09:19,018 --> 00:09:20,603
Welcome to Bebbanburg!

110
00:09:21,979 --> 00:09:24,565
My everlasting thanks
for bringing the boy.

111
00:09:27,735 --> 00:09:30,738
All debt to me is paid.

112
00:09:35,367 --> 00:09:36,410
Twice over.

113
00:09:43,542 --> 00:09:47,254
Now come,
tonight we celebrate your arrival.

114
00:09:52,593 --> 00:09:54,970
Drink well, feast well, all.

115
00:09:56,305 --> 00:09:59,433
Great energy will be required
for the times ahead.

116
00:10:00,142 --> 00:10:01,185
Eat!

117
00:10:10,194 --> 00:10:11,779
How are we to proceed?

118
00:10:11,862 --> 00:10:13,531
Well, first...

119
00:10:20,121 --> 00:10:21,163
...a wedding.

120
00:10:22,998 --> 00:10:27,753
King Constantin of Scotland travels here
to be married...

121
00:10:29,171 --> 00:10:30,548
to Lady Aelfwynn.

122
00:10:31,465 --> 00:10:33,884
My cousin is here? May I see her?

123
00:10:33,968 --> 00:10:37,179
She has not yet arrived,
despite your grandfather's promises...

124
00:10:37,263 --> 00:10:40,349
She will be here.
She's simply taking her time.

125
00:10:40,432 --> 00:10:43,769
Like all women, she rides slowly.

126
00:10:43,853 --> 00:10:47,773
She wishes to marry this King Constantin?
I would not want her to be forced.

127
00:10:47,857 --> 00:10:51,694
She will understand
that it is for the best, my boy.

128
00:10:51,777 --> 00:10:54,738
It seals your alliance
with the Scottish king

129
00:10:54,822 --> 00:10:57,616
and gives him reason
to support our rebellion.

130
00:10:57,700 --> 00:10:59,869
It will provoke your father to war.

131
00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:04,081
A war? I thought you said
we could do this without bloodshed...

132
00:11:04,165 --> 00:11:06,041
Not war.

133
00:11:07,793 --> 00:11:11,130
Confrontation, which we will win.

134
00:11:11,213 --> 00:11:15,801
Some blood may be spilled,
some villages burned, but...

135
00:11:23,309 --> 00:11:26,687
we will present the king
with our superior strength

136
00:11:26,770 --> 00:11:29,481
and he will concede defeat.

137
00:11:29,565 --> 00:11:35,279
And in return for that concession,
you will be declared the next king.

138
00:11:35,362 --> 00:11:36,947
Then it will be an end.

139
00:11:37,865 --> 00:11:39,825
Or your father will be killed.

140
00:11:43,412 --> 00:11:47,833
Grandfather, reassure me
to kill my father is not part of the plan.

141
00:11:47,917 --> 00:11:50,044
I am a man of peace.

142
00:11:51,170 --> 00:11:54,256
All I do is for the good of the Saxons.

143
00:11:55,132 --> 00:11:58,219
Edward, he's grown tyrannical.

144
00:11:58,844 --> 00:12:02,514
Tell that to the Danes of Rumcofa
killed on your order.

145
00:12:03,724 --> 00:12:08,896
Each one complicit
in the murder of my daughter!

146
00:12:10,105 --> 00:12:13,067
Do not doubt me on this, Benedict.

147
00:12:13,692 --> 00:12:20,692
I have proved many times
that I am righteous in word and deed.

148
00:12:20,908 --> 00:12:24,495
Then I would hate for you
to meet that which you dread.

149
00:12:31,252 --> 00:12:33,587
I should like to pray, alone.

150
00:12:35,422 --> 00:12:37,258
I have verses I must study.

151
00:12:37,341 --> 00:12:39,051
Perhaps there are

152
00:12:39,134 --> 00:12:45,057
some wise words
in the book about the sort of man I am.

153
00:12:45,140 --> 00:12:49,144
Perhaps you do not know me as you think.

154
00:13:18,257 --> 00:13:21,093
Lord King,
word has returned from the south.

155
00:13:21,176 --> 00:13:24,263
Aelfweard is not in Winchester,
nor anywhere in Wessex.

156
00:13:27,933 --> 00:13:29,768
Do you think he went to Aethelhelm?

157
00:13:30,602 --> 00:13:31,812
It would seem likely.

158
00:13:32,688 --> 00:13:34,023
Though we know not where.

159
00:13:35,190 --> 00:13:36,525
The ingratitude.

160
00:13:37,234 --> 00:13:40,279
The dishonor of it.
How could the boy be so foolish?

161
00:13:41,572 --> 00:13:45,534
He is still in grief for his mother
and our marriage was quite hasty.

162
00:13:53,208 --> 00:13:58,172
- Do not attempt to dilute my anger.
- He is a boy, as my child will be a boy.

163
00:13:58,255 --> 00:14:00,674
No mother wants
to see a man reject his son.

164
00:14:00,758 --> 00:14:02,384
As ever, you speak with reason.

165
00:14:03,510 --> 00:14:05,346
I am wounded by his betrayal.

166
00:14:05,429 --> 00:14:07,848
As you should be.
It is a grievous offense.

167
00:14:07,931 --> 00:14:12,978
I thought I had more mastery of things,
but now I find myself reacting yet again

168
00:14:13,062 --> 00:14:16,315
to Aethelhelm's provocation,
unable to gain the momentum.

169
00:14:17,358 --> 00:14:19,360
Dragging myself on horseback to chase him.

170
00:14:19,443 --> 00:14:21,779
The momentum brought you Eoferwic.

171
00:14:21,862 --> 00:14:25,908
And your boldness against Sigtryggr
won you a kingdom that eluded your father.

172
00:14:25,991 --> 00:14:28,243
At whose arrangements? Aethelhelm's.

173
00:14:29,203 --> 00:14:33,290
- That is a cruel irony, yes, but it...
- I fear it is more than that.

174
00:14:35,292 --> 00:14:37,836
What does this mean?

175
00:14:40,089 --> 00:14:43,384
All of it, why... why does it occur?

176
00:14:44,718 --> 00:14:48,097
In unreasonable haste,
I win Mercia and Eoferwic.

177
00:14:49,098 --> 00:14:51,892
Two conquests that evaded kings
greater than I...

178
00:14:51,975 --> 00:14:53,644
- You deserve your success.
- Do I?

179
00:14:54,812 --> 00:14:56,313
Perhaps God tests me.

180
00:14:57,773 --> 00:15:00,526
Or perhaps the devil tempts me
to overplay my hand.

181
00:15:00,609 --> 00:15:03,862
This humiliation,

182
00:15:04,655 --> 00:15:10,119
this betrayal by my son...

183
00:15:16,458 --> 00:15:20,087
...it is a moment that challenges my pride,
and I must think clearly.

184
00:15:28,011 --> 00:15:29,346
Aelfweard is lost to me.

185
00:15:30,681 --> 00:15:33,475
Were we to find him,
this I would struggle to forgive.

186
00:15:33,559 --> 00:15:36,270
To flee the palace and ally with a man

187
00:15:36,353 --> 00:15:38,772
who has done so much wrong
to me and to Wessex,

188
00:15:38,856 --> 00:15:40,524
I do not think I can forgive it.

189
00:15:47,531 --> 00:15:49,324
We have another son in your belly.

190
00:15:55,205 --> 00:15:58,709
Perhaps I should accept
Aelfweard is forfeit

191
00:15:58,792 --> 00:16:01,837
and allow him to range
like a fugitive with Aethelhelm.

192
00:16:13,724 --> 00:16:15,559
That will mean he is always a threat.

193
00:16:15,642 --> 00:16:18,770
Better a threat away from Winchester
than within the palace.

194
00:16:18,854 --> 00:16:21,773
Well, it would take great strength
to ignore such an offense.

195
00:16:21,857 --> 00:16:26,069
I know and I struggle with it,
but my heart tells me

196
00:16:26,153 --> 00:16:29,948
to not once again take the bait
Aethelhelm has cast upon the waters.

197
00:16:34,495 --> 00:16:38,707
I ignore provocation,
fortify enough to rebuff them,

198
00:16:38,790 --> 00:16:41,877
but do not chase them down
and walk into a trap.

199
00:16:42,503 --> 00:16:46,173
Am I foolish? Is that the devil's course?

200
00:16:50,010 --> 00:16:51,053
Well, I...

201
00:16:53,013 --> 00:16:55,807
I would never try to guess
the mind of the devil.

202
00:16:57,809 --> 00:17:02,564
Just as I would never suggest
you forfeit your son for my child.

203
00:17:03,815 --> 00:17:05,817
But as one who counsels you,

204
00:17:05,901 --> 00:17:09,780
I would say it is a wise strategy
to settle for these gains.

205
00:17:11,365 --> 00:17:14,159
You control three of the four kingdoms.

206
00:17:15,452 --> 00:17:18,622
In time, our son can fight for the last.

207
00:17:19,915 --> 00:17:23,835
There is no dishonor in this path
if you choose it with a clean heart.

208
00:17:23,919 --> 00:17:27,130
- If I do not play, Aethelhelm cannot win.
- Mm.

209
00:17:29,049 --> 00:17:31,051
He then dances to my song.

210
00:17:32,553 --> 00:17:33,595
And I prevail.

211
00:17:38,141 --> 00:17:40,477
After the fight is over...

212
00:17:42,312 --> 00:17:44,439
when we agree a truce,

213
00:17:46,108 --> 00:17:48,026
we build a new palace...

214
00:17:50,696 --> 00:17:51,947
in Lundene.

215
00:17:53,574 --> 00:17:57,536
It stands between Mercia and Wessex.
It's well-placed for trade.

216
00:17:57,619 --> 00:18:00,455
It should be at the heart
of your new kingdom.

217
00:18:02,541 --> 00:18:04,626
This is all very ambitious, Grandfather.

218
00:18:05,586 --> 00:18:07,629
I only hope I'm worthy
of your faith in me.

219
00:18:07,713 --> 00:18:11,466
It is not mere faith! It is your blood!

220
00:18:13,010 --> 00:18:15,053
With the right advice,

221
00:18:15,637 --> 00:18:21,435
your people will sing of you
as Aelfweard the Great!

222
00:18:21,518 --> 00:18:27,524
Your reign will hold in the same esteem
as Charlemagne!

223
00:18:30,068 --> 00:18:35,073
And we will raise a minster
to your dear mother.

224
00:18:36,241 --> 00:18:42,372
Under your rule, never again
will a heathen harm any of our people.

225
00:18:44,124 --> 00:18:47,753
Never will a boy lose his mother
as you did.

226
00:18:52,883 --> 00:18:56,637
- Is he drunk?
- He has not been on the ale.

227
00:18:56,720 --> 00:19:02,434
I think perhaps he really believes
he can unseat the Saxon king.

228
00:19:03,977 --> 00:19:07,230
Maybe it's time to kiss his arse?

229
00:19:07,314 --> 00:19:10,442
I am a man of low principles.

230
00:19:10,525 --> 00:19:14,237
- I prefer to call you pragmatic, Lord.
- Mm.

231
00:19:16,782 --> 00:19:20,535
Yet even I would not stoop
to seek the favor of that...

232
00:19:20,619 --> 00:19:22,371
...Wessex turd.

233
00:19:30,337 --> 00:19:34,049
I am not certain that our host
welcomes your ambition.

234
00:19:36,510 --> 00:19:41,723
Then he will learn what happens
when you cross men like us.

235
00:19:46,228 --> 00:19:47,604
You! Boy!

236
00:19:47,688 --> 00:19:51,483
- Fetch me ale! Fetch ale for your king.
- Ye... Yes, Lord.

237
00:20:01,576 --> 00:20:04,621
Watch his back hoof. He's tired.

238
00:20:06,123 --> 00:20:07,791
I have abused his good nature.

239
00:20:14,423 --> 00:20:15,465
Uhtred.

240
00:20:19,302 --> 00:20:20,929
She failed to kill me.

241
00:20:23,515 --> 00:20:25,809
What a joy
to see you well, Pyrlig.

242
00:20:29,146 --> 00:20:32,691
- Did you find her?
- Yes, I found her.

243
00:20:33,358 --> 00:20:34,776
Where is she now?

244
00:20:35,694 --> 00:20:37,112
She's with the gods.

245
00:20:37,195 --> 00:20:38,989
- You decided to kill her?
- No.

246
00:20:39,072 --> 00:20:42,743
You were right. But, uh...

247
00:20:46,872 --> 00:20:47,914
I will tell you all.

248
00:20:48,874 --> 00:20:53,336
For now, I want you to go to your sister.
She has secluded herself in the forest.

249
00:20:53,420 --> 00:20:58,800
I want you to find her, speak with her
and make her come to Rumcofa.

250
00:20:59,926 --> 00:21:01,553
Why has she gone to the forest?

251
00:21:01,636 --> 00:21:04,681
She believes there's no place for her,
but she's wrong.

252
00:21:04,765 --> 00:21:06,808
She has suffered much, Uhtred.

253
00:21:06,892 --> 00:21:09,644
Perhaps it is wiser to let her be
rather than to command her.

254
00:21:09,728 --> 00:21:12,063
No, I shall not abandon her again.

255
00:21:12,147 --> 00:21:14,858
I will prove there is a place
for her in Rumcofa.

256
00:21:16,193 --> 00:21:18,361
And that I can be a true father.

257
00:21:18,445 --> 00:21:23,825
Father, the sentiment is truly noble,
but Stiorra has been a queen.

258
00:21:24,826 --> 00:21:27,204
She cannot live
in Rumcofa as a trader's wife.

259
00:21:27,871 --> 00:21:31,541
Besides, too much has happened there
for it to be a place of sanctuary.

260
00:21:32,959 --> 00:21:35,587
Nevertheless, it is all we have.

261
00:21:42,093 --> 00:21:43,136
Lord!

262
00:21:45,305 --> 00:21:48,558
- Ah. You're alive.
- I am.

263
00:21:49,184 --> 00:21:50,393
And Brida?

264
00:21:51,311 --> 00:21:52,854
No.

265
00:21:54,189 --> 00:21:58,276
I know you did what you could.
At least it's over now, hmm?

266
00:22:00,737 --> 00:22:04,366
We know you will have chosen
the right path, Uhtred.

267
00:22:04,449 --> 00:22:07,369
You should take some time, rest yourself.

268
00:22:08,078 --> 00:22:09,120
Indeed.

269
00:22:10,038 --> 00:22:15,335
I was thinking it is time we go back
to the peace of Rumcofa.

270
00:22:16,545 --> 00:22:18,922
I promised I'd return you
to your families.

271
00:22:19,005 --> 00:22:21,508
The danger's over now.
We can stop running for Wessex,

272
00:22:21,591 --> 00:22:24,052
make some coin from the toll
on the trade river.

273
00:22:25,220 --> 00:22:28,723
Fight the raiders,
go back to how things were.

274
00:22:31,268 --> 00:22:33,645
Lord, no.

275
00:22:33,728 --> 00:22:36,189
Our families have fled to Wessex, Lord.

276
00:22:36,273 --> 00:22:38,483
They have settled.
They are waiting for us.

277
00:22:38,567 --> 00:22:42,946
Our lives in Rumcofa are destroyed.
Let the dead rest in peace, eh?

278
00:22:43,864 --> 00:22:49,202
But it can be a home,
a real home for us, for our families.

279
00:22:50,829 --> 00:22:52,914
- Aethelstan, you loved it there.
- I did.

280
00:22:54,916 --> 00:22:57,516
- I do wish to be alongside you...
- And I want you there.

281
00:22:57,586 --> 00:22:59,462
I also wish to serve my father.

282
00:23:02,215 --> 00:23:04,676
- He needs loyalty. And I... I need...
- I understand.

283
00:23:04,759 --> 00:23:06,678
You will come visit us, I'm sure.

284
00:23:07,554 --> 00:23:08,638
Lord,

285
00:23:09,764 --> 00:23:13,852
Uhtred, we are brothers for life,
thick and thin.

286
00:23:13,935 --> 00:23:16,229
We'll ride with you to death.
You know that.

287
00:23:16,313 --> 00:23:20,150
But this is not the right choice, Lord.
Our time in Rumcofa has passed.

288
00:23:20,233 --> 00:23:23,653
There... There are too many things there
to remind us of what we have lost.

289
00:23:23,737 --> 00:23:25,238
But we cannot roam forever.

290
00:23:26,239 --> 00:23:29,784
We cannot leave our children
without a place to find comfort.

291
00:23:29,868 --> 00:23:31,578
Uhtred, come on!

292
00:23:31,661 --> 00:23:34,331
I've lost Stiorra
until I can offer her hope.

293
00:23:36,416 --> 00:23:37,584
I need you to agree.

294
00:23:43,173 --> 00:23:45,550
If you command Rumcofa, we'll follow you.

295
00:23:46,551 --> 00:23:50,013
But I ask, is there another path?

296
00:23:59,981 --> 00:24:01,441
Open the front gate!

297
00:24:10,533 --> 00:24:15,956
A lesson for you. Act with confidence,
Providence smiles.

298
00:24:21,294 --> 00:24:23,129
Lady Aelfwynn.

299
00:24:25,173 --> 00:24:27,342
Will you come down from your horse?

300
00:24:28,176 --> 00:24:31,221
- Do I have any choice in the matter?
- Do not be afraid.

301
00:24:31,304 --> 00:24:34,516
I do not intend violence,
merely to bring peace.

302
00:24:41,690 --> 00:24:43,483
Where's Bresal?

303
00:24:43,566 --> 00:24:45,902
There was a fight.
He did not survive.

304
00:24:45,986 --> 00:24:48,989
I'm sorry, Lord.
I know he was a good friend to you.

305
00:24:52,826 --> 00:24:56,204
The men I truly count as friends
do not die so easily.

306
00:25:14,014 --> 00:25:15,974
<i>Lord King!</i>

307
00:25:23,648 --> 00:25:26,401
One moment.

308
00:25:37,412 --> 00:25:39,873
- Lord King, Lady Aelswith is here.
- Yes.

309
00:25:41,624 --> 00:25:44,002
My King, whatever's the matter?

310
00:25:44,085 --> 00:25:46,796
Prepare for a new attack.

311
00:25:48,548 --> 00:25:51,384
- The Danes? Or Aethelhelm?
- Neither.

312
00:25:52,260 --> 00:25:53,887
Shorter and more vicious.

313
00:25:55,972 --> 00:25:58,308
Oh, my dearest son.

314
00:25:58,391 --> 00:26:02,062
Mother, what happened to your plan
to spirit Aelfwynn away from Mercia?

315
00:26:02,145 --> 00:26:06,900
It went awry, and so I bring grave news.

316
00:26:06,983 --> 00:26:09,944
- Aelfwynn was captured on the road.
- By who?

317
00:26:10,028 --> 00:26:15,158
We are not certain, but one,
at least, did not survive my wrath.

318
00:26:15,241 --> 00:26:16,951
We believe them to be hired men.

319
00:26:17,035 --> 00:26:19,913
We suspect an association
with Lord Aethelhelm.

320
00:26:29,839 --> 00:26:34,010
Rouse Lord Aldhelm. Tell him
I come imminently to discuss the matter.

321
00:26:34,094 --> 00:26:37,722
Send a command to search for her now!

322
00:26:37,806 --> 00:26:39,182
What is there to discuss?

323
00:26:40,141 --> 00:26:43,019
She is your blood and she is in danger.

324
00:26:43,770 --> 00:26:47,190
And that is to say nothing
of her value to your enemies.

325
00:26:49,317 --> 00:26:51,528
Edward, why do you hesitate?

326
00:26:51,611 --> 00:26:53,696
I'm not hesitating!

327
00:26:53,780 --> 00:26:56,574
I am simply not rushing blindly
into action.

328
00:26:56,658 --> 00:26:59,077
- Edward, why...
- Please do not argue with me, Mother.

329
00:26:59,160 --> 00:27:02,997
- She is Aethelflaed's child!
- I am aware of her bloodline.

330
00:27:03,081 --> 00:27:05,125
But I am also aware of Lord Aethelhelm.

331
00:27:06,126 --> 00:27:10,088
I will not react with haste to
this provocation, nor chase him blindly.

332
00:27:10,171 --> 00:27:11,631
We do not even know where he is,

333
00:27:11,714 --> 00:27:15,927
so allow me to follow what I know
to be the right path.

334
00:27:25,103 --> 00:27:27,605
Oh, you have not had the chance
to meet properly.

335
00:27:29,065 --> 00:27:31,693
- Mother, this is your new...
- I will not acknowledge

336
00:27:31,776 --> 00:27:33,903
whichever harlot you've decided to bed!

337
00:27:33,987 --> 00:27:36,197
I was going to say this is your new queen.

338
00:27:38,032 --> 00:27:39,826
Eadgifu and I are wed.

339
00:27:39,909 --> 00:27:41,327
She is with child.

340
00:27:49,878 --> 00:27:51,004
Well,

341
00:27:51,838 --> 00:27:55,091
a... a baby will be a blessing.

342
00:27:55,175 --> 00:27:56,217
Thank you.

343
00:27:59,971 --> 00:28:02,390
I... I did not mean to call you, um...

344
00:28:03,725 --> 00:28:07,228
I would kneel,
but my bones are stiff from...

345
00:28:07,312 --> 00:28:10,064
No, I quite understand.
You are no longer young in years...

346
00:28:10,148 --> 00:28:13,359
...from slaughtering a man
with my bare hands.

347
00:28:15,820 --> 00:28:17,780
A slight exaggeration.

348
00:28:18,990 --> 00:28:21,534
I drove a knife through his neck.

349
00:28:23,161 --> 00:28:24,954
I was not wearing gloves.

350
00:28:33,254 --> 00:28:36,716
It has been an eventful time.

351
00:28:37,967 --> 00:28:40,720
Mm. Then you have surely earned
a good rest.

352
00:28:42,889 --> 00:28:46,017
I will ensure you are given
the grandest chamber in Eoferwic.

353
00:28:46,100 --> 00:28:47,936
The king and I can sleep elsewhere.

354
00:28:51,689 --> 00:28:53,775
It is my honor to honor you.

355
00:28:54,442 --> 00:28:57,987
I hope, in time,
you deem me worthy of your son.

356
00:29:06,496 --> 00:29:09,624
What has changed within my son, I wonder,

357
00:29:10,291 --> 00:29:13,586
that he has no appetite
to fight for his niece

358
00:29:13,670 --> 00:29:15,755
and against Lord Aethelhelm, no less?

359
00:29:16,881 --> 00:29:18,925
His new bride, perhaps?

360
00:29:19,008 --> 00:29:22,345
No, I do not think
the king's so easily distracted.

361
00:29:22,428 --> 00:29:26,516
Then he maneuvers in ways
I simply cannot understand.

362
00:29:29,310 --> 00:29:32,605
Lady Aelswith,
there is another possibility.

363
00:29:33,439 --> 00:29:37,151
You have silver.
You could easily buy the men to find her.

364
00:29:37,235 --> 00:29:40,655
Silver? For the honor
of saving the blood of Alfred?

365
00:29:40,738 --> 00:29:43,950
- I merely suggest...
- Men should be paying me

366
00:29:44,033 --> 00:29:46,661
for the privilege of fighting in her name.

367
00:29:50,707 --> 00:29:54,127
As ever, the Lord provides.

368
00:29:58,298 --> 00:30:00,300
I have a job for you.

369
00:30:13,354 --> 00:30:15,815
Lord Uhtred, it is Eadith.

370
00:30:15,898 --> 00:30:16,941
Yes?

371
00:30:21,946 --> 00:30:23,781
I thought you had left for Frankia.

372
00:30:24,490 --> 00:30:27,201
The gods had other ideas.

373
00:30:27,285 --> 00:30:29,704
It has been quite the journey.

374
00:30:29,787 --> 00:30:31,622
It is a relief to see you.

375
00:30:31,706 --> 00:30:34,667
Mm, do not be too hasty.
I bring only trouble.

376
00:30:37,712 --> 00:30:39,672
I have spoken with your men.

377
00:30:39,756 --> 00:30:41,799
They say you are returning to Rumcofa.

378
00:30:42,759 --> 00:30:43,801
I am.

379
00:30:44,802 --> 00:30:47,013
You are welcome to join us
should you wish.

380
00:30:47,972 --> 00:30:49,015
That is kind.

381
00:30:50,767 --> 00:30:52,310
Are you set on this path?

382
00:30:53,061 --> 00:30:54,103
Yes.

383
00:30:57,106 --> 00:30:59,025
I know the men have suffered there,

384
00:31:00,234 --> 00:31:04,113
but I have to take Stiorra away
from Eoferwic and the lands she has lost.

385
00:31:07,533 --> 00:31:08,868
A darkness has found her.

386
00:31:10,870 --> 00:31:12,205
What has happened to her?

387
00:31:17,877 --> 00:31:19,253
I did not stop it.

388
00:31:25,635 --> 00:31:27,053
I did not protect her.

389
00:31:29,847 --> 00:31:31,724
Well, perhaps I could talk with her.

390
00:31:33,518 --> 00:31:35,061
Find a way to cure her heart.

391
00:31:37,438 --> 00:31:39,607
I'm afraid it's already too late.

392
00:31:41,609 --> 00:31:44,278
For many years I was not there
when she needed me.

393
00:31:44,362 --> 00:31:47,448
I gave my life to Wessex and the Saxons.

394
00:31:48,157 --> 00:31:49,784
This feeling I know.

395
00:31:52,787 --> 00:31:54,205
My children have suffered.

396
00:31:54,997 --> 00:31:59,168
I never gave them a chance to live
as a family after they lost their mother.

397
00:31:59,836 --> 00:32:04,132
I thought that to be absent was to protect
them from the dangers I faced, but...

398
00:32:07,427 --> 00:32:11,055
I was not a father, not as they deserved.

399
00:32:17,061 --> 00:32:20,481
Stiorra is being swallowed by a dread.

400
00:32:21,482 --> 00:32:24,861
I've seen it before. In Brida.
I've seen what it can do.

401
00:32:26,737 --> 00:32:30,741
She needs a place to heal,
to become herself again.

402
00:32:32,535 --> 00:32:34,078
And that place is Rumcofa?

403
00:32:35,163 --> 00:32:39,000
I do not know, but it is all I have got.

404
00:32:41,335 --> 00:32:43,004
Why do you ask me of this?

405
00:32:46,716 --> 00:32:48,551
Aelfwynn has been taken by Aethelhelm.

406
00:32:50,344 --> 00:32:55,391
The king is reluctant to act,
so Lady Aelswith and I were wondering

407
00:32:55,475 --> 00:32:59,562
- if perhaps you might gather your men...
- No, Eadith, I cannot.

408
00:32:59,645 --> 00:33:02,899
She is Lady Aethelflaed's daughter.
You swore to protect her.

409
00:33:02,982 --> 00:33:06,068
I cannot give myself to others
when my daughter needs me!

410
00:33:13,659 --> 00:33:15,912
Lady Aelswith has silver.

411
00:33:15,995 --> 00:33:18,748
I've tried to persuade her to buy men,
but she will not. She's...

412
00:33:18,831 --> 00:33:20,833
The king should look to his duty.

413
00:33:20,917 --> 00:33:22,543
Not me, not you, the king.

414
00:33:23,336 --> 00:33:24,921
The king is deaf to it.

415
00:33:28,049 --> 00:33:31,385
I'm sorry.
I have to take care of my daughter.

416
00:33:37,475 --> 00:33:39,018
So, what shall I do?

417
00:33:46,484 --> 00:33:50,738
Uhtred,
whatever you need for this pursuit,

418
00:33:50,821 --> 00:33:52,156
Mercia will supply.

419
00:33:54,325 --> 00:33:56,118
I will not be leaving to seek Aelfwynn.

420
00:33:57,870 --> 00:34:00,164
But you must. Edward has refused.

421
00:34:00,790 --> 00:34:03,209
And yet I cannot help Mercia with this.

422
00:34:03,876 --> 00:34:06,212
In time, the king will come to his senses.

423
00:34:07,755 --> 00:34:10,049
- Trust that I have my reasons.
- Of course.

424
00:34:10,132 --> 00:34:12,718
But, please,
speak with the king on this matter.

425
00:34:12,802 --> 00:34:16,097
He will not heed me on it.
Despite himself, he listens to you.

426
00:34:17,098 --> 00:34:19,392
- Lord Aldhelm!
- Not today.

427
00:34:20,184 --> 00:34:22,645
Will you ask for me
to speak with the king?

428
00:34:22,728 --> 00:34:26,566
- I will summon you when the time is right.
- My business is urgent.

429
00:34:26,649 --> 00:34:29,193
- Lord Aethelhelm is fomenting rebellion.
- We know this.

430
00:34:30,778 --> 00:34:31,946
He will be stopped.

431
00:34:32,029 --> 00:34:33,197
I'm not so certain.

432
00:34:34,240 --> 00:34:36,576
He has the Scottish army on his side.

433
00:34:37,410 --> 00:34:39,829
He has made an alliance with Constantin

434
00:34:39,912 --> 00:34:42,415
and has offered him
the hand of Lady Aelfwynn.

435
00:34:43,749 --> 00:34:48,045
Of course. She is to be used in a bargain.

436
00:34:48,129 --> 00:34:49,964
How do you know this?

437
00:34:50,047 --> 00:34:52,341
I have heard Aethelhelm
speak of it himself.

438
00:34:55,678 --> 00:34:59,223
I escorted Lord Aelfweard
to find his grandfather.

439
00:35:02,435 --> 00:35:05,104
- Then you are an enemy of the king.
- I know.

440
00:35:05,187 --> 00:35:07,481
And I will accept
what punishments may come.

441
00:35:09,734 --> 00:35:12,445
But the threat from Aethelhelm
seemed too great to ignore.

442
00:35:13,446 --> 00:35:16,282
He is set on war with the king
and the Scots follow him.

443
00:35:16,365 --> 00:35:22,288
And when Christian realms
turn on each other, I fear all is lost.

444
00:35:22,371 --> 00:35:26,500
You should leave here. Protect yourself.
I will report your message.

445
00:35:31,505 --> 00:35:34,383
Lord Aethelhelm, where will we find him?

446
00:35:34,467 --> 00:35:38,137
In a fortress north of here,
name of Bebbanburg.

447
00:35:39,013 --> 00:35:40,806
He is the guest of Lord Wihtgar.

448
00:35:59,909 --> 00:36:01,827
I trust you slept well.

449
00:36:02,495 --> 00:36:03,996
I did not sleep at all.

450
00:36:04,705 --> 00:36:10,378
The howling of the wind can unsettle
those softened to such things.

451
00:36:10,461 --> 00:36:14,298
Please, eat. You will find the food
is not what you are used to.

452
00:36:16,634 --> 00:36:18,219
It is the food of my lands.

453
00:36:18,302 --> 00:36:20,596
And what a bounty your lands provide.

454
00:36:24,517 --> 00:36:26,018
Why have you brought me here?

455
00:36:26,102 --> 00:36:30,147
For your protection, child, from the king.

456
00:36:30,231 --> 00:36:33,150
He would never harm me. I am his blood.

457
00:36:33,234 --> 00:36:36,153
He has remarried.
The new queen is with child.

458
00:36:36,237 --> 00:36:38,823
He is creating a new bloodline.

459
00:36:40,616 --> 00:36:43,661
History has proven, time and again,

460
00:36:43,744 --> 00:36:47,748
a new regime wants rid
of remnants of the old.

461
00:36:49,250 --> 00:36:52,962
We are kin. I do not need this protection.

462
00:36:53,045 --> 00:36:56,257
The king has denied you
the throne your mother left you,

463
00:36:56,340 --> 00:36:59,593
murdered the ealdormen to seat himself.

464
00:36:59,677 --> 00:37:02,847
His disregard for you is apparent.

465
00:37:02,930 --> 00:37:06,809
If you were not here, you would surely
already be dead by his hand.

466
00:37:08,102 --> 00:37:12,064
And to secure your protection,
as your mother would have wished,

467
00:37:13,774 --> 00:37:15,234
we have found you a husband.

468
00:37:16,861 --> 00:37:20,823
I am already betrothed
to Cynlaef of Rumcofa.

469
00:37:20,906 --> 00:37:25,035
A boy from Rumcofa?

470
00:37:25,619 --> 00:37:28,789
Hardly a match
for a granddaughter of Alfred.

471
00:37:28,873 --> 00:37:31,375
No, you will marry a king.

472
00:37:33,085 --> 00:37:34,336
Not him!

473
00:37:35,212 --> 00:37:38,382
Too much kinship is bad for a bloodline.

474
00:37:39,842 --> 00:37:44,013
It creates weak men,
and weak men make for weaker kings.

475
00:37:48,684 --> 00:37:52,480
I speak of Constantin of Scotland.

476
00:37:52,563 --> 00:37:56,233
An alliance with him
will leave Saxon lands safe.

477
00:37:56,317 --> 00:37:59,403
I do not wish to be traded like cattle.

478
00:37:59,487 --> 00:38:02,364
I do not see any other purpose for you.

479
00:38:04,742 --> 00:38:06,035
You are not a queen.

480
00:38:07,578 --> 00:38:09,205
You are not a warrior.

481
00:38:09,288 --> 00:38:13,042
You are, by your own admission,
barely a lady.

482
00:38:14,543 --> 00:38:18,547
It is a good marriage.
You should be grateful.

483
00:38:20,132 --> 00:38:22,760
Please, cousin. If you have

484
00:38:22,843 --> 00:38:27,139
- any remaining loyalty to your family...
- It is not I who has been disloyal.

485
00:38:28,057 --> 00:38:30,518
It's my family
who has been disloyal to me.

486
00:38:37,233 --> 00:38:41,278
I will throw myself from the walls
sooner than marry this man.

487
00:38:41,362 --> 00:38:42,613
Then do it!

488
00:38:42,696 --> 00:38:47,701
It will just be one less thing
for me to be concerned with.

489
00:38:51,372 --> 00:38:55,501
I thought so.
Do not make promises you cannot keep.

490
00:39:26,448 --> 00:39:29,159
What is it that you want of me?

491
00:39:29,243 --> 00:39:31,203
Talking to yourself, Uhtred?

492
00:39:32,162 --> 00:39:33,497
Or is this you at prayer?

493
00:39:35,249 --> 00:39:36,542
I think I'm cursed.

494
00:39:37,293 --> 00:39:39,086
Then consider me the curse-slayer.

495
00:39:41,672 --> 00:39:45,050
Call me a foolish old priest,
but I sense you are troubled.

496
00:39:45,134 --> 00:39:48,178
Aethelhelm has joined
with the Scots to take Northumbria.

497
00:39:48,262 --> 00:39:51,223
And he's launching his rebellion
from Bebbanburg.

498
00:39:55,519 --> 00:39:59,398
Now, that is a strange twist of fate.

499
00:40:02,234 --> 00:40:04,028
It's not strange at all.

500
00:40:06,530 --> 00:40:11,201
My gods are doing it to taunt me,
to tempt me from my duty to my family.

501
00:40:11,285 --> 00:40:12,536
Why would they do that?

502
00:40:12,620 --> 00:40:15,372
- What've you done?
- Well, that I never understand.

503
00:40:15,456 --> 00:40:18,000
- Mm.
- All I know is that for most of my life,

504
00:40:18,083 --> 00:40:21,545
I've given my sword to Wessex
and it drew me away from my family.

505
00:40:23,088 --> 00:40:25,466
Stiorra thinks it was my choice, but...

506
00:40:26,634 --> 00:40:28,052
...I'm not so sure.

507
00:40:30,846 --> 00:40:34,892
Sometimes, I think that my fate
is to wander and to never arrive.

508
00:40:34,975 --> 00:40:37,561
You've served the House of Wessex
with much honor.

509
00:40:38,687 --> 00:40:40,940
I've worked hard
for Alfred's ambition, yes.

510
00:40:42,066 --> 00:40:43,984
But my own kin suffered for it.

511
00:40:44,068 --> 00:40:45,861
Well, it brought you Aethelflaed.

512
00:40:46,779 --> 00:40:48,113
And then she was taken.

513
00:40:49,031 --> 00:40:50,366
- The gods are cruel.
- Mm.

514
00:40:51,116 --> 00:40:52,451
And now they offer this?

515
00:40:53,827 --> 00:40:58,999
All life is a test, true.
But my god does not want you to fail.

516
00:41:01,210 --> 00:41:03,045
Perhaps there is design in this

517
00:41:03,128 --> 00:41:05,839
that is benevolent.

518
00:41:05,923 --> 00:41:10,511
Then perhaps you are not meant to choose
between your fate and Alfred's ambition,

519
00:41:10,594 --> 00:41:12,513
between your children and his.

520
00:41:12,596 --> 00:41:15,057
Perhaps you are meant to serve both.

521
00:41:15,140 --> 00:41:16,684
I cannot serve two masters.

522
00:41:17,726 --> 00:41:19,812
But what if there's only one master?

523
00:41:20,479 --> 00:41:23,816
One god, one destiny, many branches.

524
00:41:23,899 --> 00:41:25,109
Yes, yes.

525
00:41:25,192 --> 00:41:27,820
- One tree.
- That is where our beliefs differ.

526
00:41:27,903 --> 00:41:29,989
And this is where I will insist.

527
00:41:31,073 --> 00:41:32,116
Think about it.

528
00:41:33,033 --> 00:41:36,870
You retake Bebbanburg and ensure
Northumbria does not fall to the Scots.

529
00:41:36,954 --> 00:41:40,082
In that act,
you find a home for your bloodline.

530
00:41:43,419 --> 00:41:48,549
You're saying that it is my destiny
to make England for Edward?

531
00:41:51,760 --> 00:41:55,639
That all this wait
for Bebbanburg served a purpose?

532
00:41:55,723 --> 00:41:57,182
Maybe.

533
00:41:59,184 --> 00:42:00,769
Your god has a sense of humor.

534
00:42:00,853 --> 00:42:03,814
It seems he does.

535
00:42:05,399 --> 00:42:08,318
And do you want to accept this calling?

536
00:42:08,402 --> 00:42:13,991
Yes, I want to accept, but is it a path
of destiny or... or of arrogance?

537
00:42:14,074 --> 00:42:16,618
Am I being tempted for a fall?

538
00:42:16,702 --> 00:42:22,499
Perhaps the threads my gods have woven,
perhaps they make a net to snare me?

539
00:42:22,583 --> 00:42:26,920
And when I failed the first time,
that was the sign that I ignored.

540
00:42:27,713 --> 00:42:29,381
When Father Beocca was taken...

541
00:42:29,465 --> 00:42:32,092
It was a sign that Beocca
believed in your mission.

542
00:42:33,052 --> 00:42:36,722
- But perhaps you were not ready.
- I felt as ready then as I feel now.

543
00:42:36,805 --> 00:42:39,183
- What if I fail again?
- But what if you don't?

544
00:42:41,435 --> 00:42:44,855
What if you do? If you died
in the doing of it, what would happen?

545
00:42:46,440 --> 00:42:50,360
All reputation lost, all bloodline left
to roam without protection.

546
00:42:52,237 --> 00:42:54,198
The shame would be heavy in Valhalla.

547
00:42:55,199 --> 00:42:56,950
But there is no shame in heaven.

548
00:42:57,576 --> 00:42:58,911
That is the beauty of it.

549
00:42:59,870 --> 00:43:04,124
So my advice would be
believe my god is on your side.

550
00:43:04,208 --> 00:43:06,001
And that you do not walk alone.

551
00:43:09,254 --> 00:43:10,964
- There is no God.
- Mm.

552
00:43:11,632 --> 00:43:12,883
Only the gods.

553
00:43:18,514 --> 00:43:20,057
Thank you for your kindness.

554
00:43:22,184 --> 00:43:23,352
You could be right.

555
00:43:25,145 --> 00:43:26,647
Maybe they are on my side.

556
00:43:32,444 --> 00:43:34,863
Have you heard from
Lord Aethelhelm?

557
00:43:34,947 --> 00:43:37,199
Has he taken possession
of the Mercian girl?

558
00:43:39,034 --> 00:43:40,494
Last night, I hear.

559
00:43:42,079 --> 00:43:46,458
I'm impressed. I thought perhaps
he'd overplayed his hand.

560
00:43:47,668 --> 00:43:51,380
I still think it is unwise
to trust a man who betrays his king.

561
00:43:53,298 --> 00:43:54,341
True.

562
00:43:55,801 --> 00:44:00,472
But what he offers is sound, so we move
our soldiers closer to the border.

563
00:44:03,725 --> 00:44:06,979
It may take a while.
There have been floods in Cumbraland.

564
00:44:07,062 --> 00:44:09,731
Then we do not alert Edward
to our presence

565
00:44:09,815 --> 00:44:12,442
until all our numbers are gathered.

566
00:44:13,068 --> 00:44:16,530
When we are as one,
we shall face him down.

567
00:44:18,407 --> 00:44:20,242
What if he will not be cowed?

568
00:44:20,325 --> 00:44:23,537
Then he will face a battle he shall lose.

569
00:44:24,163 --> 00:44:28,667
And in the face of defeat,
he will make us a better offer.

570
00:44:28,750 --> 00:44:30,460
What, us being the Scots?

571
00:44:31,378 --> 00:44:35,132
Or us being the alliance
with Lord Aethelhelm?

572
00:44:35,215 --> 00:44:37,384
I will stand by my word.

573
00:44:38,927 --> 00:44:41,138
For as long as is necessary.

574
00:44:47,186 --> 00:44:49,521
We will be ready
to move out by the morning.

575
00:44:49,605 --> 00:44:52,024
- Lord King.
- I have been informed of Benedict's news.

576
00:44:52,107 --> 00:44:55,736
But not of my plan, which will return
Aelfwynn and deliver Aethelhelm.

577
00:44:55,819 --> 00:44:58,906
And as I already told my mother,
this situation requires restraint.

578
00:44:58,989 --> 00:45:01,074
- We are returning to Wessex.
- Listen to me.

579
00:45:02,910 --> 00:45:04,161
I know how to end this.

580
00:45:05,037 --> 00:45:07,497
There is no ending to this
that is satisfactory.

581
00:45:08,081 --> 00:45:11,793
Aethelhelm will be expecting me to lead
an army into battle. It is surely a trap.

582
00:45:11,877 --> 00:45:14,004
I know, but we have the advantage.

583
00:45:14,087 --> 00:45:16,089
Father Benedict told us of their plan.

584
00:45:16,173 --> 00:45:18,926
We have a moment to strike
whilst they're unprepared.

585
00:45:19,009 --> 00:45:22,971
- It would be foolish not to use it.
- I can assure you I am not foolish.

586
00:45:23,055 --> 00:45:25,515
Only unwilling to behave
as my enemies dictate.

587
00:45:26,183 --> 00:45:29,311
So we divide those enemies.
We leave immediately.

588
00:45:29,394 --> 00:45:32,314
We cut off Constantin
before he even reaches Bebbanburg.

589
00:45:32,397 --> 00:45:34,942
If I can intercept him
and stop the incursion, then...

590
00:45:35,025 --> 00:45:37,527
Aethelhelm would be without allies
at Bebbanburg.

591
00:45:37,611 --> 00:45:39,947
He may control the household guard,
but they'd be no match

592
00:45:40,030 --> 00:45:43,116
for the Mercian army. It would not
be easy to breach the fortress.

593
00:45:43,200 --> 00:45:45,786
But it is possible
if we're our full number.

594
00:45:45,869 --> 00:45:48,914
I lead the men of Wessex, and we push
the Scots back over the border.

595
00:45:48,997 --> 00:45:51,875
Meanwhile, Aethelhelm will be forced
to surrender and Aelfwynn returned.

596
00:45:51,959 --> 00:45:55,921
But what will stop Constantin from making
another incursion in years to come?

597
00:45:56,505 --> 00:45:59,925
You fortify the lands north of Bebbanburg
and I hold them for you.

598
00:46:06,682 --> 00:46:09,893
Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg,
just as you always wanted.

599
00:46:09,977 --> 00:46:11,520
And you hold it alone?

600
00:46:11,603 --> 00:46:12,771
Not alone.

601
00:46:13,981 --> 00:46:16,984
I take it you're not heading
to Rumcofa after all, Lord.

602
00:46:17,734 --> 00:46:21,154
We heard from Lady Aelswith that there may
be something you might need our help with.

603
00:46:21,238 --> 00:46:26,368
You have found the men I sought to return
Aelfwynn when you refused, I see?

604
00:46:26,451 --> 00:46:28,704
Yes, thank you very much for this.

605
00:46:30,163 --> 00:46:33,125
So, then, when you are dead,
who holds the north after you?

606
00:46:34,668 --> 00:46:37,337
Your seedless son,
or a child of Stiorra the Dane?

607
00:46:38,171 --> 00:46:39,673
I cannot speak for my daughter.

608
00:46:39,756 --> 00:46:40,799
No, you cannot.

609
00:46:42,551 --> 00:46:45,012
Uhtred's plan has much to commend it,

610
00:46:45,095 --> 00:46:47,222
but still this is not
the correct course of action.

611
00:46:47,306 --> 00:46:50,142
You're going to allow the marriage
to take place? Edward!

612
00:46:50,225 --> 00:46:54,021
I'm going to make Constantin an offer
in exchange for Aethelhelm's head.

613
00:46:54,646 --> 00:46:56,732
He is the greater threat to our kingdom.

614
00:46:58,567 --> 00:47:02,070
Northumbria is a land much disputed
between us and the Scots.

615
00:47:02,154 --> 00:47:06,533
Until a settlement is made, there will be
no peace and those that will suffer

616
00:47:06,616 --> 00:47:09,536
are not those in this room,
but farmers, fishermen, families.

617
00:47:09,619 --> 00:47:13,165
I am a king for all Saxons,
not king to one man.

618
00:47:13,248 --> 00:47:16,126
And though I owe that man a debt,
I cannot put that debt

619
00:47:16,209 --> 00:47:18,962
nor that man's ambition
above the lives of my people.

620
00:47:22,132 --> 00:47:24,718
Constantin's reputation
is that of a man who seeks

621
00:47:24,801 --> 00:47:27,429
to protect Scotland at all costs,
above all else.

622
00:47:28,263 --> 00:47:31,350
So, I will come to an agreement with him.

623
00:47:32,976 --> 00:47:36,396
In exchange for marrying Aelfwynn
and isolating Lord Aethelhelm,

624
00:47:37,022 --> 00:47:38,899
we will divide Northumbria in two,

625
00:47:38,982 --> 00:47:42,069
to create an area of fortification
around the Scottish border.

626
00:47:42,152 --> 00:47:44,029
You would split Northumbria!

627
00:47:45,405 --> 00:47:48,408
These are lands my forebears died for.
Saxon lands!

628
00:47:48,492 --> 00:47:50,786
Now, finally, you're a Saxon?

629
00:47:50,869 --> 00:47:52,621
The people there speak your language.

630
00:47:52,704 --> 00:47:55,457
They were once two kingdoms.
It has been thus before.

631
00:47:56,583 --> 00:47:59,294
The lands around Bebbanburg
fall to the Scots

632
00:47:59,378 --> 00:48:01,254
and Aethelhelm is disposed of.

633
00:48:01,338 --> 00:48:05,550
- With Aelfwynn sacrificed alongside him?
- Not a palatable choice, but sensible.

634
00:48:05,634 --> 00:48:07,135
If Northumbria is divided,

635
00:48:07,219 --> 00:48:10,639
you forfeit any chance to create
the kingdom your father hoped for.

636
00:48:10,722 --> 00:48:12,808
Yes, but in return, I will bring peace

637
00:48:12,891 --> 00:48:16,186
to a land larger and more unified
than he ever achieved.

638
00:48:17,479 --> 00:48:20,899
I have ended the tyranny
of bloody succession the people endured.

639
00:48:20,982 --> 00:48:23,693
Now they thrive
under the protection of a man

640
00:48:23,777 --> 00:48:25,904
who does not take their deaths lightly.

641
00:48:25,987 --> 00:48:29,574
- Lord King, your choice has no honor.
- No honor?

642
00:48:30,200 --> 00:48:34,746
To forego my chance to unify all
of these lands for the sake of my people?

643
00:48:35,539 --> 00:48:40,460
To put aside my father's dream, the dream
of my family, to ensure that we prosper?

644
00:48:40,544 --> 00:48:42,462
That is not honor. That is martyrdom.

645
00:48:42,546 --> 00:48:46,133
If the people wish to reward me
in their prayers, that is their will.

646
00:48:47,259 --> 00:48:50,637
My father's ambition failed them
in the end. I do not have his failings.

647
00:48:50,720 --> 00:48:55,058
- It was not ambition. It was vision.
- Visions are nothing more than dreams.

648
00:48:55,142 --> 00:48:56,685
Only a fool would chase them.

649
00:48:57,811 --> 00:48:59,771
I think that you are afraid.

650
00:49:01,022 --> 00:49:02,774
Of war, of death.

651
00:49:03,608 --> 00:49:04,651
You're afraid.

652
00:49:09,197 --> 00:49:10,699
Only a fool would not be.

653
00:49:12,868 --> 00:49:15,370
And I am not a fool.

654
00:49:19,166 --> 00:49:20,208
No.

655
00:49:22,794 --> 00:49:24,588
Lord King, this is callous,

656
00:49:24,671 --> 00:49:27,757
to Aelfwynn and to all those
in Northumbria who are Saxon.

657
00:49:27,841 --> 00:49:30,010
Mercia owes both a debt of loyalty.

658
00:49:30,093 --> 00:49:32,512
Mercia is best served
when the south is secure.

659
00:49:32,596 --> 00:49:35,015
Not at the expense of the north.

660
00:49:35,098 --> 00:49:38,602
Aethelflaed would listen to Uhtred now.

661
00:49:39,394 --> 00:49:40,729
As must we.

662
00:49:40,812 --> 00:49:44,649
And I gave your sister my word
that I would keep Aelfwynn safe.

663
00:49:46,818 --> 00:49:48,904
I will not sacrifice her as you do now!

664
00:49:51,823 --> 00:49:53,617
And nor will the Mercian army.

665
00:50:05,587 --> 00:50:08,673
- I stand with Uhtred.
- Well, there we have it.

666
00:50:09,799 --> 00:50:12,052
Not only Lord Aethelhelm
who seeks to rebel.

667
00:50:12,135 --> 00:50:14,137
With respect, Lord King...

668
00:50:18,016 --> 00:50:20,936
it is not only Lord Aldhelm
who believes you to be wrong.

669
00:50:23,063 --> 00:50:26,107
There are good people in Northumbria.
They are your people.

670
00:50:26,816 --> 00:50:28,360
You owe them your protection.

671
00:50:31,238 --> 00:50:32,906
We stand with Uhtred.

672
00:50:35,200 --> 00:50:38,411
It is not
that you are wrong, my son.

673
00:50:38,495 --> 00:50:42,082
It is that you are simply mistaken
on this occasion.

674
00:50:43,917 --> 00:50:46,461
Whilst your arguments are considered,

675
00:50:47,254 --> 00:50:51,424
I would urge you to follow
the counsel of Lord Uhtred.

676
00:50:52,384 --> 00:50:57,138
Your father trusted his judgment,
as should you.

677
00:51:29,796 --> 00:51:32,215
Aethelstan, my boy, what do you say?

678
00:51:35,594 --> 00:51:39,180
Should we take a fight to the Scots,
risking decades of conflict,

679
00:51:39,264 --> 00:51:45,145
or seek a solution that profits both sides
yet denies Uhtred his ancestral home?

680
00:51:45,228 --> 00:51:48,607
- You do not have to answer, Aethelstan.
- And yet he should.

681
00:51:50,567 --> 00:51:52,902
Since Aelfweard
has shown himself disloyal,

682
00:51:53,695 --> 00:51:56,448
Aethelstan could be the king
to face the Scots.

683
00:52:00,243 --> 00:52:02,662
What do you say, Aethelstan?

684
00:52:17,052 --> 00:52:19,512
Our faith teaches us to speak the truth.

685
00:52:22,182 --> 00:52:23,850
It teaches us to seek peace.

686
00:52:26,144 --> 00:52:27,979
And that all Christians must unite.

687
00:52:38,740 --> 00:52:40,492
To abandon those in your kingdom...

688
00:52:42,702 --> 00:52:44,079
divide their lands...

689
00:52:46,039 --> 00:52:47,165
that is not unity.

690
00:52:54,422 --> 00:52:56,132
I will follow Lord Uhtred.

691
00:53:04,099 --> 00:53:08,228
Not sure things are going your way,
Lord King.

692
00:53:08,311 --> 00:53:11,398
As I told you, Uhtred,
you do not walk alone.

693
00:53:15,235 --> 00:53:17,278
We gather an army...

694
00:53:17,362 --> 00:53:19,698
Whoa, whoa, whoa!

695
00:53:23,451 --> 00:53:25,495
I will brook no more defiance.

696
00:53:29,541 --> 00:53:32,502
I am a just king,
but think on those who I have crushed.

697
00:53:32,585 --> 00:53:35,338
Think on the ealdormen.
Think of Sigtryggr.

698
00:53:42,554 --> 00:53:44,681
The gates will be closed to all.

699
00:53:44,764 --> 00:53:47,308
No one will leave on penalty of execution.

700
00:53:52,105 --> 00:53:55,817
Then the Mercian guard will be ordered
to ram the gate down.

701
00:53:55,900 --> 00:53:58,945
You can try to fight us, Lord King,
but we will fight back.

702
00:53:59,571 --> 00:54:02,282
You delay and we lose the advantage.

703
00:54:03,074 --> 00:54:05,869
So, you can join our mission
or you can flounder here.

704
00:54:06,453 --> 00:54:08,246
But we will be gone by sunrise.

705
00:54:10,415 --> 00:54:11,458
Choose!