111

To get to Winchester, the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex, we had to travel over 300 kilometers. Unfortunately the norsmen weren't good riders, so I couldn't use the Tatar way of fast riding and instead of traveling 150 km a day, we dragged only 20-30 km.

After twelve days we got there ... even though I had spent weeks, even months on horseback in my previous life, my present ass was not used to such pleasures ... but I was not the only one to complain. All my guards and my son walked as if attending the San Francisco Pride Parade.

King Ecbert had been notified of my arrival, and his men were waiting for us outside the city gates.

We were approached by two men, one of them was a Bishop and the other had to be a member of Ecberta's court.

- My name is Eadric and I am Ealdorman, with Bishop Edmund accompanying me. Welcome to the Kingdom of Wessex. (Ealdorman Eadric)

Although he tried to speak our language, he did it with such a strong accent that not everything could be understood well.

- We will speak your language. I am Ulf Erikson King of Norway ... (Ulf)

I pointed at Sten, who was sitting next to me on a horse.

- And this is my eldest son, Prince Sten ... you already know who I am, so you can kneel. (Ulf)

Both men looked at me not knowing what to do next... after a moment's thought, Eadric decided to agree to my "request" and knelt down, but the Bishop was not gracious to show me that respect.

- Lord, you may not know, but the Bishop is a man of God and only before God does he fall to his knees. (Ealdorman Eadric)

I translated his words to my soldier, got off my horse and approached the Bishop.

- I know who the Bishops are, I have met several of them in my life, they also refused to show me respect ... for a while ... and then they fell to their knees. (Ulf)

I put my hand on the Bishop's shoulder, my hand shone a faint golden glow ... his resistance did not help much, a moment later he was at my feet... and it made my people laugh.

Ealdorman tried to break the awkward situation.

- Lord, King Ecbert is waiting at the castle. We have prepared a welcome feast. Your people will be assigned a place where they can stay ... If I am allowed to ask, where is the Kingdom of Norway? (Ealdorman Eadric)

I looked at him and patted the hilt of my sword.

- As far as this can reach ... you already know where it is, and now lead us to the feast. (Ulf)

Winchester was a big and wealthy city, perhaps only London was bigger and richer ... it was until we plundered it. The locals showed an interest in our arrival but there was no hostility. Probably because Wessex has not yet been attacked by us... The city seemed to be a good place to live.

My people were led to the prepared barracks, and I, my son and a few commanders, went to the castle for a feast.

At the entrance to the banquet hall, our arrival was announced, and then we were led to our places ... Of course, my people rushed to eat, like wolves on a lamb. Despite the disapproval of Christians, I did not intend to change the behavior of my people ... The bishop got up from his seat and began to pray.

- Father in heaven, thank you for the food that we will eat ... (Bishop Edmund)

- Do you always pray before eating? (Ulf)

- ...Yes ... and bless this food ... (Bishop Edmund)

- And it would not be easier to change the cook to one who can cook and whose meals can be eaten without the need to pray. (Ulf)

I looked towards King Ecbert, who was watching me closely ... his son, future daughter-in-law and wife were missing at the table. If I remembered correctly Ecbert was a widower and he hadn't started sleeping with his son's wife yet ... Unfortunately, in the series he also slept with Lagertha ... I tolerated Ragnar and Rollo, but even my tolerant personality has its limits. But there will be time for everything, let him live a little longer. I didn't even notice, when a servant came up, she leaned over the table and asked ...

- Lord, can I serve you somehow? (Servant)

I looked at her ...

- Yes, don't move. (Ulf)

She turned red in her face, but she didn't move ... Of course it was probably a "sweet trap", or I'm the chosen one of the Gods ... but no matter what, looking is not a crime.

A few minutes later I let her go, I didn't come to Wessex for fun. I got up from my seat and made my way to the table where King Ecbert was sitting ... lifted the cup.

- Congratulations, I heard that your son got engaged to the daughter of the deceased King Aelle ... it's a pity that in such sad circumstances. The death of her brother was a real tragedy. It's good that someone had to look after her. (Ulf)

- Thank you on my behalf and on behalf of my son. News travels fast ... (King Ecbert)

- Fama nihil est celerius. (Ulf)

- Do you know Latin? I am surprised, I did not know that this language is spoken in your country. (King Ecbert)

- Not many know this language in my country, but I personally like to read about the times of Tiberius, Nero or Caligula in their original form. (Ulf)

The first seed was sown, knowing a man's passion makes it easier to find a way to his heart.