The Ravens Flew Away

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Sandra Wagner-Wright

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Saxon Heroines

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

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.

bio

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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Author Insight

The Ravens Flew Away

When the battle was joined, victory belonged to King Oswy. Was it because he pledged both his daughter and land grants for 12 monasteries to God? Was it because God favored Oswy's side? Or did Woden just give up the fight and call his ravens home? Who can say for sure? Historians emphasize rain, mud and floods. They might even note that the mere belief of God's favor can cause warriors to press harder for victory. No matter. Penda is dead. Oswy is bretwalda of England. And any remaining pagans quickly convert.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

King Oswy never faltered, pushing tirelessly against the enemy. Penda’s Welsh allies pulled away, as did the traitor Ethelwald—Oswy’s nephew. God sent rain to swell the river and flood the battlefield. When Penda’s men tried to run away, they drowned.

Our forces ended Woden’s luck once and for all. He is a spent god. Penda died fighting with his sub-kings and war chiefs. The ravens feasted and flew away with full bellies, never to return.
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