A Wise King

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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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Author Insight

A Wise King

Abbess Elfleda watches King Aldfrid's chest rise and fall as he sleeps. She cannot fathom why he decided to forgive Wilfrid–why he told her she must do the same. He opens his eyes. She asks who will be his heir–his son Osred is too young to hold the throne. But Wilfrid with his land and wealth isn't. Wilfrid can hold the throne until Osred is of age. Wilfrid can keep Northumbria from falling into chaos. The irony of the situation isn't lost on Elfleda. Her bitterest enemy is now the means to hold her father's legacy together.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

The king drifts into sleep. Servants replenish the torches and bank the fire.

When he wakes, Aldfrid allows me to feed him some porridge. I wipe his chin and ask if he will name an heir.

“My son is too young to hold the kingdom. Perhaps I’ll name Bishop Wilfrid as Osred’s guardian. Who better than the man who wants to control Northumbria?”

For a moment, I think the king’s mind wanders, but then I see his plan. If Wilfrid’s holdings are restored, he’ll be strong enough to protect Osred’s claim to the throne.

“You are a wise king, Aldfrid.”

He smiles. “Wait here a little while, and I’ll be a dead one.”
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