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Ecbert ordered his people to be given a seat at his table ... I sat down and almost immediately a servant appeared, the same one who had served me before.

- Maybe we can talk about the purpose of your visit King Ulf ... (King Ecbert)

Ecbert could see I was staring at the maid.

- ... or do you prefer to put it off tomorrow? (King Ecbert)

- I do not need to see you to listen to you ... I am also wondering what orders you gave her? (Ulf)

- Why do you think I gave her any orders? (King Ecbert)

- She is beautiful, kind and is not afraid of me ... women are like waves at sea, such a wave can keep you afloat or drown you... I don't see your son and future daughter-in-law here? (Ulf)

- I heard from people who were at King Aelle's court that you throw knives well ... I preferred to be careful. We don't know each other that well yet. (King Ecbert)

- Too bad, I wanted to meet my foster daughter, Princess Judith, even though the death of Queen Ealhswith was sudden, we had a sincere affection. Probably the late Queen would like me to take care of her daughter's future. (Ulf)

- Foster daughter? Then why did she send her children to Wessex? (King Ecbert)

- Yes, the Queen loved me to death ... so of course I will treat her daughter like my own child, and why did she send them to you ... who can understand a woman in love ... but maybe we can start to be serious. Your messenger has come to Jorvik in search of an ally. Unfortunately, the price you offer is too low. (Ulf)

- All the lands north of Tamworth is not enough? (King Ecbert)

- My offer is this. All lands north of Tamworth and Princess Judith relinquish any future claim to the throne of the Kingdom of Northumbria. If she does, we'll help you attack King Offa and the Kingdom of Mercia. (Ulf)

- What about the throne of Northumbria? (King Ecbert)

- Northumbria will become part of the Kingdom of Norway. However, do not think that I come empty-handed, I managed to conquer almost all of Wales ... it will be my gift for you... I'll give you Wales. (Ulf)

- Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. (King Ecbert)

- I am not Greek ... and I treat our alliance as merchant, commodity for commodity. I give you Wales and help against Mercia, but my price is Northumbria. If you don't want, let's end our talks ... when I return to Jorvik and make an alliance with King Offa. (Ulf)

- Aren't you afraid to threaten me in my own house? There are not many of you and your soldiers will not come to your aid. (King Ecbert)

- This is not a threat, I am presenting you only my choices ... we can fight together or against each other. (Ulf)

- The Welsh people do not agree so easily to my rule. Conquering these ... will not be easy to convince them. (King Ecbert)

- That's true, unless you come as a liberator. You will free the suffering Welshmen and force us to flee ... they will say "King Ecbert the Protector" ... "King Ecbert the Great. (Ulf)

Ecbert was cautious and tried to avoid making final declarations, but that was what I expected ... at the moment, we were "united" by a passion for Latin and distrust towards each other ... but the lack of trust is already a solid foundation for an alliance. We can act together and watch each other's hands.

- You thought about everything, even compliments to arouse my vanity. (King Ecbert)

- Clara pacta claros faciunt amicos ... Now forgive me my new friend but I have to leave you. The road was long and I need to rest. We'll finish our conversation another time. (Ulf)

- I understand, I will order my people to escort you and your men to the barracks where your soldiers are stationed ... you surely do not want this servant? She is such a lovely girl. (King Ecbert)

- Since she is such a lovely girl, I have no heart to deprive you of her company. (Ulf)

A few minutes later Ealdorman Eadric appeared with two guards and escorted us to the barracks ... The streets of the city were already empty, only torches were lit in a few places ...

- How do you like this city, my son? (Ulf)

- I've never seen houses like this and such a big city, Father. (Sten)

- You may have to stay here for a while, so you may slowly get used to the place. (Ulf)

(King Ecbert POV)

Ulf is a dangerous opponent, judging by his people you might think they are savages and barbarians. However, his knowledge of Latin and the Roman Emperors ... No, Ulf Erikson is not a barbarian, but sometimes he is when it is useful ... Northumbria and Judith, what shall I do? I need the Kingdom of Northumbria to unite England, which is why Judith's claims are so important. But without Ulf and his army, I can't defeat King Offa. Is it better to settle for just part of the territory of Mercia, Essex, Sussex, Kent, East Anglia and Wales ... to gain strength and then attack the Norwegians ... But they too will gain strength ... unless I discreetly support the Scots to attack the lands belonging to Ulf.. Octavian Augustus, Mark Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus created a triumvirate ... but it was Octavian Augustus who eventually became Emperor. Defeating his two opponents took him many years, but he achieved his goal in the end. A long road is a safe road ... Yes, I still have to think about it.

- You can get dressed now and leave me alone. As always, you've done well ... King Ulf doesn't know what he's lost. (King Ecbert)

- Thank you, Lord. (Servant)

(End POV)