Princess Etheldreda's Vow

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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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Princess Etheldreda's Vow

Etheldreda is a princess from East Anglia. She & Prince Egfrid are being married. Not only is Etheldreda reluctant, she will refuse to consummate the marriage. Egfrid doesn't know yet, but Etheldreda has pledged herself to God and will not break her vow. The marriage is good for East Anglia and Northumbria, but not for the individuals most directly involved. King Oswy gave his daughter to God without her consent. Is it any wonder he and his new ally are not concerned with Etheldreda's vow, though to be fair, King Oswy is also unaware of the situation.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

It’s a grand affair, this marriage. The King’s Hall heaves with chiefs and their ladies. We sit at a table above them, so everyone can see the Bretwalda. King Oswy is in the center with his heir, Alhfrith, to his right. Alhfrith’s wife, Cyneburg, sits next to him, filling his cup. Queen Enfleda sits to her husband’s left, then my husband, Egfrid, next to her—and I next to my new husband.

I look at Egfrid through the corner of my eye. He’s a comely lad. I hear he sent away his common wife. I pour wine into his cup and lower my eyes as scops begin their songs of the king’s past deeds. The chiefs pay homage to the royal family with their toasts. Egfrid enthusiastically drinks up.

Eventually, after we consume honey cakes, Queen Enfleda rises and leads the ladies out of the hall.
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