Peter C Whitaker

The Blade's Fell Blow Peter C Whitaker

The third part of the Sorrow Song Trilogy, The Blade's Fell Blow, tells the story of the Battle of Hastings, 1066, through the eyes of the significant historical figures and the fictional Saxon warrior, Coenred. Having fought twice already Coenred had looked to retire to his estate with the beautiful Mildryth, but he is a man of honour and he cannot ignore the call to stand under the banner of King Harold of England. The Normans have invaded the south, laid waste to the land, committed outrages against the people, and look to bring the Saxons to battle in a place and time of their choosing. What the Duke of Normandy does not know is that the King of Norway had already invaded the north of England and King Harold had moved swiftly to meet the threat of the Vikings. In a matter of days, the war-weary Saxons travel the long road to London and then on to meet the Normans near the town of Hastings. Once again they will raise their spears and their shields and fight to defend their people and their land. The Duke of Normandy will discover them a hardy foe who will push him to the brink of defeat. In the north, Mildryth waits patiently for her lover to return but she also has her own battles to fight. Pursued by the murderous Wulfhere, she resolves to be rid of the man who has haunted her life for too long. Meticulously researched to bring the times and the characters to life The Blade's Fell Blow concludes a rich and evocative account of one of the most apocalyptic years in the history of England. The everyday life of the people is realised through the experiences of fictional characters, the rich texture of Anglo-Saxon culture and history explored, and the courage of men and women displayed. At Sentlach Ridge near Hastings the Saxons stood and fought to save everything they knew from a foreign invader, this is their song of sorrow about what transpired there.