Sandra Wagner-Wright - Saxon Heroines: A Northumbrian Novel

Copyright 2021 by Wagner-Wright Enterprises.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the authors imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to institutions or locales is completely coincidental.

Saxon Heroines: A Northumbrian Novel/Sandra Wagner-Wright.1st Edition

ISBN 978-1-7354132-0-4 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-0-9963845-9-9 (eBook)

Blessed are the peacemakers:

For they shall be called

the Children of God.

Matthew 5:9

Contents

PART 1: ETHELBERGA

Anno Domini 624 Anno Domini 633

Anno Domini 642 Anno Domini 664

Anno Domini 670 Anno Domini 706

In Order of Appearance

Part 1: Ethelberga

Hildeburg, Princess of Northumbria (Later, Abbess of Streoneshalh)

Hereswid, Princess of Northumbria, Hildeburgs sister

Breguswid, Mother of Hildeburg and Hereswid

Edwin, King of Northumbria

Ethelberga of Kent, Queen of Northumbria (Later, Abbess of Lyminge)

Bishop Paulinus (Later, Archbishop of York, Archbishop of Rochester)

Enfleda, Princess of Northumbria (Later, Queen of Northumbria)

Coifi, High Priest of Woden

Penda, King of Mercia

Part 2: Enfleda

Hildeburg, Princess of Northumbria (Later, Abbess of Streoneshalh)

Ethelberga, Abbess of Lyminge

Enfleda, Princess of Northumbria (Later, Queen of Northumbria)

Oswy, King of Northumbria

Alhfrith, Prince of Northumbria (Later, sub-king of Deira)

Aidan, Abbot of Lindisfarne

Egfrid, Prince of Northumbria (Later, King of Northumbria)

Wilfrid, Student (Later, Bishop of York)

Elfleda, Princess of Northumbria (Later, Abbess of Streoneshalh)

Ermenburg, Prince Egfrids Companion (Later, Queen of Northumbria)

Etheldreda of East Anglia, Prince Egfrids Consort (Later, Queen of Northumbria, Abbess of Ely)

Cadmon, First English Poet

Colman, Abbot of Lindisfarne

Part 3: Elfleda

Hildeburg, Abbess of Streoneshalh

Elfleda, Princess of Northumbria (Later, Abbess of Streoneshalh)

Egfrid, King of Northumbria

Wilfrid, Bishop of York

Enfleda, Dowager Queen of Northumbria, Co-Abbess of Streoneshalh

Etheldreda, Queen of Northumbria (Later, Abbess of Ely)

Ebbe, Abbess of Coldingham

Ermenburg, Queen of Northumbria

Cuthbert, Abbot of Lindisfarne (Later, Bishop of Lindisfarne)

Wilfrid, Bishop of York

Trumwine, Bishop of Albercorn

Aldfrid, King of Northumbria

Chapter 1

Hildeburg, Princess of Northumbria

July

Im not supposed to be here, but I cant tear myself away. Im mesmerized, watching the red deer graze with her fawn close beside her. The smaller creature balances on spindly legs and tries to nurse. The hind ignores it and continues tearing into the grass. Tiny insects buzz near my eyes and land on my neck, but I dont slap them. The doe lifts her head. Bits of grass cling to her mouth. Does she smell me? I hold my breath. Dont run away . After a moment, the hind returns to her meal. I cant hold my breath anymore. My exhale makes a small whooshing sound, but the doe doesnt notice.

I shouldnt be here. Im supposed to be in the Queens Hall helping my mother. I roll onto my back and squint at the sun until clouds move in front of it.

Someone calls me. The voice gets louder as it nears my hiding place. The doe lifts her head again, whirls, and leaps into the brush, her fawn trying to keep up.

Hill -day ! the voice shrieks.

I push myself up, brush off my clothes, and turn around. I see that its one of the shepherd boys. Hes tall for his age, with light, matted hair. His voice hasnt cracked yet.

If youre going to call for me, you should say my name properly. Its Hildeburg , as you well know.

I wouldnt have to say it at all if you didnt run off so often. Your sisters looking for you.

I jump up and tweak the boys cap. He straightens it, exasperated. Ive enough to do without running after you, he whines. What were you doing?

I glance back at the open grass. Watching.

Arent you a bit old for that?

I pout. What would you know about it? All you do is take the sheep out. I stamp my foot. The lad gives me a quizzical look and starts walking. You cant walk ahead of me, I stammer. Im a princess .

Then stop acting like a dairymaid. I must see to my dogs. I have to go back to the pasture tomorrow, and my lead dog has a limp.

If youre so busy, why did you come for me?

Hereswid sent me.

I smile. The boy is afraid of my sister. When I catch up to him, he hands me a sprig of rosemarythe aromatic herb of remembrance and death.

Despite the bright sunshine, the Queens Hall is dim. Smoke swirls around the cauldron, lingering over the central fire before wending its way out through the roof. I spot Hereswid; she is fingering her amber beads in the far corner.

Wheres Mother?

My sister raises her head. More to the point, where were you ? Lying in the grass again?

What makes you say that?

Its all over your sleeves. You could at least brush it off before you come in.

I look down at the bits of soil and grass still clustered at my elbows and wrists. I brushed my tunic but forgot my sleeves.

Did you want me for something?

Hereswid shakes her head in disgust. I have important news. Our uncle, the king, has given us a great honor.

How can he give us honor when he has none? I wince as the words fly out of my mouth. When will I learn to hold my tongue?

Hereswid looks toward the doorway. Keep your voice down, she hisses. How can you say such a thing? He brought us out of exile and made us part of his court.

I shrug. Only because Queen Cwenburg reminded him. Now that shes dead, Im surprised he thinks of us at all.

Youll get us both in trouble for saying such things. The kings new wife arrives in a few days. Now isnt the time to moan over the past.

Ill never forget Queen Cwenburg. She clothed us, fed us at her table, and made us members of her court. Now shes dead, and everyone acts like she never existed. Cwenburg gave King Edwin two strong sons. Surely he could wait before marrying again. Arent there raids for him to lead?

My sisters lips move as if separate from her face. You mustnt do, say, or even think anything disloyal to our uncle, she says. Especially now, when he honors our father by giving us both a role in the Kings Hall.