alternatehistory.com

The Journals of Somerild Rite.
Translated from the old English by Edwin Sulis
As available from the Global Free Media Foundation


Third Sunday After Pentecost.


I spent much of the last few days travelling from gathering to gathering, seeking an intact altar where I might mark the Sabbath. Travel has been slow as I have been avoiding Norsemen or perhaps even Kentish folk who might sell me out for a coin or two. The Vikings seem to number in their thousands but I think they have perhaps all come ashore now. This combined with the fact it has now been five days since and they show no sign of returning to their ships. Its almost certain they have come to conquer Britain. Across the area wherever they have encountered Altars whether enclosed in a church or out in the open they have desecrated them and taken anything valuable from them.


Last night I stayed with a family at a farm that overlooked the channel between here and the Isle of Sceapige. Truly I am grateful for the charity people see towards pennants(1) I’ve dared not go near Cantebury but i’ve seen smoke rising from it. I’m told that the Kentish King, Eanmund, has been killed and replaced with his young son Baldred, a child of Six.


As the day was drawing to a close, while crossing the countryside I found an altar in the woods where two streams met. It was some distance from any roads and somewhat neglected. Still it was place enough and I prayed. For my people, for my country who though far to the north would perhaps yet feel the wrath of these norse men and for myself, not for my soul but for my body so I might have the strength to fight them back.

(1) See earlier post, people who want to atone for sins by travelling abroad to preach