Goddess Eostre

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Sandra Wagner-Wright

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Saxon Heroines

Literature & Fiction

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Synopsis
Seventh century England is a hodgepodge of warring Anglo-Saxon states filled with shifting alliances and treacherous grabs for royal power. Kings rise and fall, depending on Woden's Luck. Northumbria, the damp kingdom north of the River Humber, is a state riven with rivalries and kings determined to expand at any cost. Women have no obvious role in a warrior society, but by using their wits, four women—two queens and two abbesses—make monumental changes. One woman marries a pagan king and successfully converts him to Christianity before he dies in battle. One becomes the most powerful abbess in Northumbria and holds the Great Synod at Whitby Abbey, which brings the kingdom back to the Roman Church. Another becomes queen and keeps political alliances strong despite different religious denominations. The fourth woman ushers in a new age by negotiating with kings and churchmen to establish one united church in the Northumbrian kingdom. Based on true events and people, this is the story of Northumbria through the eyes of the most important women of their time.

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Author Biography

Sandra writes historical fiction. Her latest book, "Ambition, Arrogance & Pride" focuses on 18th century Salem MA. Sandra also blogs about history, travel, and other topics that catch her attention. For more information about Sandra, visit her website https://www.sandrawagnerwright.com

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Goddess Eostre

Felled by an assassin's dagger, King Edwin is carried to a chamber while his hall erupts in chaos. Paulinus, charged with making Edwin a Christian, watches Woden's priest Coifi treat Edwin's wound. If Coifi hadn't been there, Edwin may have died from blood loss. Paulinus has no idea how to treat wounds. But though gravely wounded, Edwin puts on a brave show of strength. He must rally the warriors before they consider his weakness. The king is conscious with his healer and his men. Everyone, except Paulinus, praises Goddess Eostre for the king's miraculous recovery.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

The priests hold torches around the bed as Coifi uses tweezers to pluck threads from the wound. He encourages more blood to flow, stanches it, and smears the wound with a concoction of honey and salt. Then he sews the edges of the wound together.

I can’t see how far the dagger penetrated, but I know if the thane hadn’t taken the blow, the king would be dead.

Coifi begins wrapping the wound in fresh cloth. Then he gives the king a drink. When I ask, I’m told it combines carline thistle, meadow sweet, and agrimony boiled in ale and fermented with yeast. King Edwin makes a face, sees me, and shouts, “Praise to Goddess Eostre for her protection!”

“To Goddess Eostre,” the men repeat enthusiastically.
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