By a happy accident, the Pope's envoy to Consecrate the Saxon great Church in Winchester turns out to be Cardinal Craklow, the once Archbishop of Warsaw. Drustina cunningly uses her Pagan circumstances and faith to persuade King Ethelred to allow her to approach the cardinal on her own behalf instead of getting the King to advocate for her. The Cardinal's ship delayed because it is dis-masted by a big wave. Drustina is fortuitously on hand with The Angry Mermaid and she get's the Cardinal out of a jam. He is delighted to meet her again after her efforts in Pola.

The Angry mermaid 80
Or

Y Morforwyn Dicllon 80.

For several seconds, Drustina sat in thoughtful silence but she sensed a mood of anger begin to grow amongst the earls. She felt she had to calm them or the bishop could well be injured or worse. She shrugged her shoulders and asked the king.

“Surely there is another holy man, one who is less bigoted, one who still recognises the good elements of the old faith.”

“It has to be a state occasion, the Mercians are attending. King Edrinor and his queen and his daughter Princess Sonala will be attending. I was going to formally ask her if she would wed me. At that level, the highest churchman in the land has to officiate. The church is to be consecrated next month and the Pope is sending his representative from Rome. We cannot have the embarrassment of him attending the consecration with a religious row brewing over conflicts between Pagans and Christians. My Earls are already growing restless.”

“What; about me being a pagan?” Drustina asked.

“No, the bishop. The earls think he is getting above his station.”

Drustina pursed her lips.

“If you don’t mind me saying so; so do I.”

“He is God’s representative, we cannot go against him. If Celyn goes to the pope’s emissary there is no knowing what may happen. I might even be excommunicated,”

“Celdyn, is that his name? it’s the first time I’ve heard it. Everybody just calls him ‘The Bishop’. So what does this thing ‘ex-communication’ mean? Here in Wessex anyway.”

“It means we will be cast out of the church and destined for the fires of hell... for all eternity.”

“Fires of hell? What about the homes of the gods? Where warriors normally go.”

“No, in the Christian faith there is Heaven and Hell. Heaven is for good people and Hell is for the bad.”

“But we all have good and bad in us, what happens when we die? Does this one god split up our souls, half to Heaven and half to Hell. If you ask me it’s rubbish.”

Ethelred glanced nervously about him.

“Please don’t say that.”

Drustina could see the man was plainly afraid; afraid of the unknown. Drustina became a little contemptuous of Ethelred’s fear of sprits and religious mumbo-jumbo. She had often known fear of the unknown for she had suffered it countless times. Hers however was a very real and natural fear of dying that came to her on the eve of every battle. She even had to overcome her own fears when encouraging her soldiers before facing the foe. On other occasions she had to stand alone and face some unknown threat. Only her hopes that if she died bravely and honourably, she would be rewarded in the afterlife, had served to help her face the unknowns.
She could only hope that the gods would welcome her both as a warrior for her male side and a mother for her female side. After all she had no way of knowing if her own gods would approve of her duality.

‘If ever there was an unknown about the afterlife,’ she concluded ‘there was no greater unknown that how the gods would treat her, warrior or mother. Now there was an unknown to conjure with!’ She concluded.

She realised that if she dwelt any further on Ethelred’s fears, she might expose her disgust at his seeming cowardice and then she would certainly offend him. To avoid such a diplomatic disaster she quickly changed the subject.

“When are the Mercians coming?”

“When you get married to Carl, after that they will stay for the consecration of the church. The Pope’s emissary is expected to make it the Cathedral Church of Wessex. He is an arch-bishop, a cardinal, a prince of the church.

“When’s he coming?”

“The second month after the Solstice.”

Drustina did some mental calculations and realised her Baby was not due until a few weeks after the arch-bishop arrived. She would be great with child but the baby could still be born in wedlock. She asked the king.

“Why can’t the arch-bishop marry us? Not all holy men are as bigoted as Celyn.”

“He might refuse; I can’t take the risk. Cardinal Craklow is an unknown entity. I can’t risk offending him.”

Drustina did a double take and she also noticed Carl react momentarily before he recovered his impassive expression. She asked further.

“Where’s this Cardinal Craklow from?”

Ethelred frowned.

“I’m not sure, Polanda I think."

Drustina probed further and she struggled to appear calm as her pulse quickened with excited hope.

“Was he once Archbishop of Warsaw?” She asked.

Ethelred frowned for he did not know but he knew a man who did. Celyn! He replied to this effect.

“I don’t know where this Craklow hails from but I’ll bet Celyn does. Why do you want to know?”

Drustina shrugged but she was already considering a plan. Her thoughts raced to create a plausible reason for her wanting to know where Cardinal Craklow came from though in her mind she was already sure he was the Archbishop who had exonerated Sister Catherine and all her nuns for the enforced acts of piracy they had committed back in Danzig. If this was the same man, Drustina felt sure she was home and dry. She asked the king to find out and the king agreed. Fortunately he did not think to ask Drustina why. Nor did Celyn wonder for Ethelred simply brought it up in conversation the next day.

When Ethelred confirmed it was the same Craklow Drustina secretly hugged herself as Carl’s arms similarly squeezed her shoulders. She played her cards carefully but with confidence.

“I will demand then that Cardinal Craklow marries us.”

“You cannot do that!” Ethelred gasped.

“Why not?”

“He is a Cardinal, a prince of the holy church! He does not bother himself with pagan warriors and such like!”

“How do you know?” Drustina persisted.

Ethelred became flustered as he huffed and puffed.

“It is not your place to ask him. He is here to consecrate the new church.”

“But he’ll be staying here until the Spring. In fact I am surprised he is travelling here during the winter.”

“He was supposed to arrive three months before the Solstice but the Viking invasion caused him to delay his journey. He’s been stuck in Gaul for five months until it was safe for him to travel.”

“And who made it safe for him to continue his journey?”

Ethelred stopped dead in his thoughts as he realised the enabler stood right before him.

“Why — why you - you of course.”

“Not entirely me; Carl, Hengis, Udris and Althred ... and several of your other earls had equal parts to play.”

Ethelred nodded quickly, fearful of slighting the other earls. But he was sure of one thing and he said it.

“We would not have been ready without your planning and preparations. All my earls will vouch for that”

“So surely this Cardinal can express his gratitude by marrying us.”

“Well ... I suppose he could; but would he? You are still a pagan after all.”

“We can only ask. When does he arrive?”

“We’re expecting him next week, provided the snow doesn’t get any worse. His ship left Rouen some two days ago.”

“So there is plenty of time before or after he consecrates your new church.” Drustina persisted.

“He might be otherwise engaged. He might not have time to marry you. I was hoping he could officiate at my wedding as well. The Mercian Princess Sonala has all but agreed to wed me. That’s why we invited him to stay until the spring, while we Saxons and the Mercians finalise the wedding contracts. King Edrinor has no sons; they were killed fighting the Vikings. His daughters were kidnapped by the Vikings so he has no issue left. Sonala is his younger sister and when Edrinor dies, she inherits the Mercian crown. Consequently my marriage to Sonala is the last hope of uniting our countries by blood as well as treaty. It will remove at least one source of conflict ... that between Saxons and Mercians.”
Drustina nodded sagely.

“Surely then, it is the business of the highest officer of the church available to marry you and Sonala. I should think Cardinal Craklow would be honoured and even obliged to officiate if he’s still here when the wedding is arranged.”

“Oh yes, definitely. King Edrinor has made it clear; he would prefer us to be married by the Cardinal. The Viking attack threw all our plans into disarray. The original plan was for the Cardinal to marry us in Mercia if Sonala was prepared to accept my hand. She was simply waiting to see if I was strong enough to defeat the Vikings.”

“So once again, you are telling me that my efforts have enabled your marriage to her. And yet you are still reluctant to ask the Cardinal to marry Carl and me.”

“I don’t know if he is prepared to marry two pagans. He might be offended by my asking.”

“The only way you’ll know that is if you ask him.”

The king sighed and then slumped. It seemed he had no choice but to approach the Cardinal. He made one last stab at avoiding causing the Cardinal any offence and asked Drustina.

“Can I ask you to approach the Cardinal yourselves and make it appear as if I know nothing about it? This is a first visit by a prince of the church and both we Saxons and the Mercians want it to go smoothly. He is a total stranger to our countries and he knows nobody of any note. Even Celyn has never met him before. If you and Carl pretend to be naive newcomers to our realm, he might look kindly on your request and put it down to your simple ignorance. That way, I can make excuses if he seems offended.”

Drustina could hardly contain her secret excitement as she realised her best hopes were coming to fruition.

“Shall Carl and I meet him at Sotona? I could introduce myself as ‘The Lioness of Carthage’ and hopefully, he might have heard of me. By his very own mores, I am at least a defender of his faith; by default if not by design, simply because I have helped to halt the Viking advance south. “

Ethelred’s eyes lit up.

“Why yes! That’s an excellent idea. You’d best make all haste; if his ship left Rouen two days ago, he’ll be in Sotona in a couple more days at most.”

~~

Carl and Drustina were gone very early the next morning; before Bishop Celyn could object.
Fortunately it had not snowed for several days and the frost had been hard so there was no cloying mud. The well trodden road between Sotona and Winchester was well flattened, indeed a long length of it remained from the earlier Roman road and as they made good speed.
Drustina could not but wonder why her own ancestors and the later invading Saxons had not maintained the old, paved, Roman roads. Sadly the contrary prevailed, many of the carefully laid slabs had been purloined. They encountered numerous stretches where the road had been removed altogether and numerous larger stone buildings showed clear evidence of dressed stones that had evidently been robbed from the road.

‘Mostly churches,’ Drustina noticed.

Fortunately the frost had hardened the mud so that they did not get bogged down , but the horses had to pick their way carefully for fear of injuring their hocks and hooves on the hardened ruts and ridges.

They eventually reached Sotona but the Cardinal’s ship was nowhere to be seen. After waiting another day, everybody was getting worried so Drustina decided to take The Angry Mermaid down the Solanta and out past Ynys Wit to find Cardinal Craklow even before he arrived at Sotona. Her decision was fortuitous because she came upon the Cardinal’s ship in some distress. Apparently a freak wave had struck her hard and dismasted her. The ship was in no danger of sinking but she was almost dead in the water.
The crew had made efforts to ‘jury-rig’ a sail but they lacked sufficient canvas and yard. A very relieved Captain was pleased to greet an obviously well found and speedy ‘Mermaid’ class of ship. He was even more relieved when he recognised the famous 'Lioness' banner flying from the topmast. He eagerly hailed the newcomer the moment she came within earshot.

“Are you the Lioness herself?”

“I am.” Came the distinctly female reply. D’you want a tow or spare cordage, canvas and yard.

“My passenger is at some despair. He is late for his appointment.”

“You mean Cardinal Craklow.”

“Oh. You know of his visit then?”

“I do. I also know the man. I do not see him though.”

The Captain quickly disappeared under the after castle and in seconds a scarlet robed man dashed out waving frantically.

“Drustina! So it’s truly you. The captain saw your banner but he couldn’t be certain.”

“Yes cardinal it’s me with my fiancé Carl. You remember him of course!”

“Of course I do. Can you favour me, I’m late.”

“I’ll help your captain first. We’ll still get back to Sotona tonight.”

“Thank you, I am indebted to you!”

It did not take long for Drustina’s crew to tranship a spare yard and a sail across to the other ship and both crews quickly set about re-arranging the jury rig. After securing the spare yard-arm to the broken mast stump and then rigging some extra stays, a decent area of canvas was set and the Cardinal’s ship was soon making slow but steady progress again. A very relieved captain expressed his undying gratitude while Drustina transferred Cardinal Craklow and his flag to The Mermaid and soon they were racing northwest towards the Solanta.

Carl took the helm while Drustina decided to talk to the Cardinal, Within minutes they were reliving old times and Drustina quickly sounded him out about his willingness to marry Carl and her. She was both excited and relieved when he agreed to do it. She also advised the Cardinal about the stand-off with Bishop Celyn but the Cardinal reassured her that no matter what objections the Bishop raised, he would endeavour to circumvent them. By now the Angry Mermaid had entered the more sheltered waters of the Solanta and the Angry Mermaid’s behaviour became livelier. The wavelets were shorter and steeper but the wind had increased.
As The Angry Mermaid slammed into the short steep waves, Drustina chatted at length with the Cardinal and the remainder of the voyage proved so enjoyable, that the Cardinal was in fine good humour when they finally arrived.

It was a very surprised reception committee who were dragged from their dinners after darkness had fallen to find themselves welcoming the Cardinal ashore unexpectedly from one of the most famous ships in Europe. Bishop Celyn was beside himself with frustration when he realised that somehow, the Celtic bitch and her Saxon soul-mate had stolen a march on his ambitions. He grovelled apologetically when he discovered that the Cardinal’s ship had met with an accident and expressed undying relief that the Lord God had seen fit to save him.

Cardinal Craklow smiled enigmatically as he replied.

“The Lord God did not save me Celyn; we weren’t in any danger, just dismasted. The Lioness of Carthage saved me, or rather dug me out of a jam. But for her, we’d still be plodding painfully slowly towards Ynys Wit. And finally, I must say it was a splendid piece of navigation that brought us alongside in the dark with only the shore lanterns to guide us.”

“As your grace pleases my lord.” Celyn grovelled. “Now if it pleases you, we have accommodation arranged for the night in Sotona and we depart for Winchester in the morning.”

He was about to usher the Cardinal away when Craklow turned to Drustina and Carl.

“Have you lodgings for the night Lioness? You are welcome to stay with me.”

Drustina felt it best to avoid any circumstance that might imply she had been conniving with the Cardinal so she tactfully refused the invitation.

“That’s very gracious of you Cardinal, but I have an excellent bed at my secretary’s lodgings. I’ve some paperwork to catch up on so I’ll be staying over in Sotona tomorrow and travelling up to Winchester the next day, weather permitting.”

Her refusal sent the Cardinal a sublimal message so he simply nodded without any expression that might give their relationship away.

“Very well Lioness, and once again I must thank you for your kindness and help today.”

Drustina smiled graciously and her smile successfully concealed her smirk as she watched Bishop Celyn seethe with frustration and uncertainty.

‘His scheming brain would be doing somersaults as he tried to find out what they had discussed between Ynys Wit and Sotona.’ She reflected with no small amusement.

In the morning the Cardinal’s ship arrived after having been assisted by a ship despatched by Hengis from Sotona . There was much commotion on the quay as Craklow’s baggage train was discharged and prepared for the journey to Winchester. This naturally delayed the departure for the Cardinal had decided he would travel with his baggage train. He should have left at daybreak because the sky threatened more snow but Bishop Celyn had been too grovelling and fawning to disagree with Cardinal Craklow. He should have been more forceful and explained to the Cardinal the difficulties even though the journey was but twenty miles. He failed to properly warn of the risks of getting caught in the dark whilst still on the road. If the snow fell and covered the road, they could easily get lost for want of clear landmarks if the snow clouds made it a starless, moonless night.

Consequently the Cardinal’s procession eventually left at Noon and Drustina watched from Lady Catherine’s window as the baggage train lumbered past. Catherine stood beside her and remarked.

“They haven’t left themselves much time. It will be close to dark when they get to Winchester.”

“Their choice.” Drustina shrugged, “Though you’re probably right, better to leave at day-break and be sure of the landmarks.”

“They should be okay if they have to overnight on the road.” Carl added. “There are Wagons to sleep in and they are well protected. I count over ten men at arms plus the wagon drivers and outriders.”

“Cold though.” Drustina finished as she turned away from the window to resume the paperwork.

She and Carl continued going through the accounts and lists with Lady Catherine until the light faded and they felt hungry. As they looked out into the deepening gloom the first flakes of snow began to fall. Lady Catherine warned them.

“It looks as though it’s setting in for the night, we’d best eat now. I know where there’s an excellent eating establishment just a few doors down the street. We’d better eat and then return here before the snow gets worse.” Lady Catherine advised.

Thus warned, they hastened to the inn and dined quickly to return even as the snow was up to their shins.

“Hope the cardinal made it.” Lady Catherine remarked.

“It’ll be a miserable night for them if he hasn’t.” Carl added.

Drustina shrugged unconcernedly.

“It’s only a score of miles to Winchester, a night out won’t harm them. Besides, the Bishop Celyn’s coach will keep them dry and snug; well, the two holy men at least. Can’t speak for the comfort of the others. Bed time I think.

For a moment Carl stood undecided as Catherine and Drustina removed their top clothes and joined each other under the woollen blankets. Drustina grinned and patted her side of the bed.

“Are you going to stand there all night?”

“But my ladies! I mean, Lady Catherine, it would be unseemly.”

The ex mother superior snorted derisively.

“Nonsense man. It’s this bed or freeze. Just make sure you stay on the Lionesses’ side.”

Carl shrugged and promptly accepted the invitation. Better a warm bed with two women than a cold night on a hard floor, even though there was a fire in the hearth. As he eventually crawled under the blankets he remembered and chuckled.

“I hope you’re not sleeping with your bloody sword and dagger. I want to wake up still intact with my bits.”

“Shut up and cwtch me you big oaf, I’m only sleeping with you two. Besides, nothing can happen with this big, awkward bump in my belly.” Drustina giggled as she turned over with some difficulty to present her bum to Carl’s spoon whilst she faced Lady Catherine.

Thus was a warm snug night shared by the three of them ... plus ‘the bump’.

~~oo000oo~~

Gazette of Characters etc.

Mabina.... Ch 1 The youngest daughter and Twin to
Drustan.... Ch1 Her twin brother.
Grandpa Erin.... Ch1 The twin’s grandfather.
Giana.... Ch1 The twin’s grandmother.
Caderyn.... Ch1 The twin’s father.
Herenoie.... Ch1` The twin’s wise and beautiful mother.
Morgaran.... Ch1 The Twins oldest brother.
Aiofe.... Ch1 The twin’s oldest sister. Famous for her beauty.
Tara.... Ch1 The twin’s second oldest sister. Famous for her grace.
Feidlim.... Ch1 Twins aunt (Caderyns’ beautiful sister.)
Mogantu.... Ch1 Twins uncle (Married to Feidlim.) Chief of the Gangani tribe.
Brun.... Ch1 Twins 2nd cousin and the Acaman clans’ blacksmith.
Feorin.... Ch1 Twins second brother. Also training to be a blacksmith.
Rhun.... Ch 2 Feidlims’ son and Feorins’ favourite 1st Cousin. (Both red-heads.)
Arina.... Ch 4. Child of a Demetae fisherman, (rescued by the three siblings.)
Penderol.... Ch 6 Dumnonii Minor chief.
Udris.... Ch 6. Young Dumnonii warrior. Ch 6
Dryslwyn.... Ch 7 High chief of the whole Celtic nation. Dwells in Brithony. Ch 7
Bronlwyn.... Ch 7 Dryslwyn’s wife (and queen.)
Magab.... Ch 8 The moor who taught numbers.
Eric.... Ch 9 Saxon galley slave rescued from Corsair pirates.
Carl.... Ch 9 Another Saxon galley slave rescued by Drustan.
Torvel.... Ch 9 Celtic galley slave rescued from the same captured corsair ship
Arton.... Ch 7 Turdetani Chieftain Holder of Gibral Rock.
Carinia.... Ch7 Arton’s wife.
Isobel... . Ch 7 Arton’s adopted daughter.
Appotel.... Ch 9 King of the Turdetani Tribe. (Southern Iberia.)
Bramana.... Ch 9 Queen. (Wife of Appotel)
Pilus.... Ch 10 King of the Capetani.
Shaleen.... Ch 10 Pilus’s queen and sister to Bramana.
Pedoro.... Ch 10 Lord Marshal of the Southern border region.
Lady Shulaar.... Ch 10 Lord Pedoro’s wife.
Taan.... Ch 11 The scullery maid.
Isaar.... Ch 11 Pedoro’s oldest son.
Ferdie.... Ch 11 Pedoro’s 2nd son
Sular.... Ch 11 Pedoro’s 3rd son
Gontala.... Ch 11 Pedoro’s youngest son.
Shenoa.... Ch 11 Pedoro’s only daughter.
Portega.... Ch 14 Tyrant King to the west.
Portua.... Ch 14 Portega’s grandson.
Jubail.... Ch 15 An old Fisherman.
Mutas.... Ch 16 Magab’s younger brother and usurper.
Walezia.... Ch 18 King of Malta.
Alviar.... Ch 21 Megalomaniacal bishop of Carthage. (Hates Drustina.)
Ethelia.... Ch 21 Female healer who treats Drustina during her pregnancy.
Seripatese.... Ch 21 Drustina’s faithful horse.
Astos & Amitor.... Ch 26 Minor royalty who govern Alexandria. King and Twin Queen.
Meronee.... Ch 28 Nubian Queen of Nobatia The northern Kingdom of the Nubians.
Horam.... Ch 30 The Egyptian master Boat builder.
Muraa.... Ch 31 King Astos’s male partner.
Tuk.... Ch 35 Makurian general.
Fantu.... Ch 35 Makurian Captain.
Irene.... Ch 41 Emperor Leon’s only child.
Leon.... Ch 41 Byzantine Emperor.
Zano.... Ch 41 Byzantine general who defeats the Bulgars with Drustina’s help.
Oraxyis Ch 42 Supreme commander of the Bulgar forces.
Urthos.... Ch 46 The Gaul elected captain of the 4th ship. Ex Barbary galley slave.
Horus... . Ch 46 Horam the boat-builder’s son.
Sister Catherine.... Ch 47 Leader of the pirate nuns.
Bishop Craklow Ch 47 Archbishop of Warsaw.
Guthrun.... Ch 49 Jarl of Bornholm.
Etheline.... Ch 49 Guthruns’ wife the countess of Bornholm.
Capenda.... Ch 49 Taras’ mare.
Athun.... Ch 52 Gay king of Dark Age Denmark.
Queen Elthorn.... Ch 52 King Athuns’ Consort.
Iselda... . Ch 53 Athun and Brendigan’s, younger (middle) sister.
Heingist or Hengis..... Ch 50 Drustina’s loyal Danish pilot who becomes her 1st Mate
Brendigan..... Ch 53 Athun’s older sister and consort queen of Svenland.
Bjorn.... . Ch 52 The captain of the Palace Guard. King Athun’s gay partner.
Morgan and Amethyst.....Ch 52 Drustina’s twin children.
Dalcimon..... Queen of West Friesia.
Andrar..... Prince of West Friesia (Dalcimon’s son.)
Jupus..... Carl’s stallion.
Heliox..... Drustina’s second mate and deputy navigator (Ex Belgiie fisherman)
Gisela..... Viking princess captured after the Battle of Godwin Sands.
“Althred..... Young Saxon Naval commander who allies his fleet with Drustina
Symone.... Young teenaged rape victim who join’s Drustina’s band.
Edburg.... The Angry mermaid’s cook.
Harald Cold Blood.... Ch 69 The Viking King, father of Gisela
Edrinor.... Ch 80 The Mercian King.
Princess Sonala.... Ch 80 Edrinor’s daughter
Celyn.... Ch 80 Saxon Bishop of Winchester.