King Egfrid is Dead

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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.

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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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Author Insight

King Egfrid is Dead

King Egfrid, against all advice, left to fight the Picts. Queen Ermenberg is at her sister's monastery when Bishop Cuthbert arrives. The good news is the war is over. The bad news is King Egfrid is dead. The political crisis Abbess Elfleda feared has now arrived. King Egfrid left no heir. Bishop Cuthberg said there was an heir, but who is he? And perhaps more importantly, where is he now?

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

The novice escorts me to the refectory. Bishop Cuthbert is there, leaning on his staff as if he will walk out at any moment. I kneel for his blessing.

“Shall I send for the abbess?” I ask.

“No, Your Majesty. Shall we sit?” Cuthbert looks at me with a sad expression. “God sent me a vision.”

“About the Picts?”

“The war is over.”

“And my husband, the king?” I ask, though I know the answer already.

“He is dead, Your Majesty, and the army destroyed.”
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