the lady of flumenterra [sihtric kjartansson: the last kingdom]

12. the pardon

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Wintanceaster, Wessex

EAWYNN and Edward were supposed to leave for their wedding tour through the kingdoms the days following the wedding. But Ælswith postponed the journey as soon as King Alfred had been confined to bed. Edward couldn't leave Winchester, not when his father was already so close to meeting his God and chaos would follow.

Uhtred's presence was a welcome change in the palace for Eawynn. After Alfred's unofficial pardon, he was free to roam the street's of Winchester, albeit the warrior hadn't decided if he would stay. And Eawynn knew that after the King's death, Uhtred's position would be compromised. That was the reason she spent most of her days in his presence, often inviting Edward to join them for a walk in the gardens, to strengthen the two's bond in case of Ælswith's opposition. The Lady wasn't happy to see her son and daughter-in-law spend time in Uhtred's company, and did all she could to occupy Eawynn: she invited her to spend time with the other ladies of the court while attending masses and prayers, doing embroidery, reading poetry and playing board games.

Between all this, Eawynn still managed to find time to oversee the buildings and renovations of almshouses, poorhouses and schools both in Wessex and Flumenterra, corresponding with Kenric, who had returned to Wolfwater to act as her right hand. Eawynn also oversaw the education of the girls of the court, one of them being Ælflæd, and that of Uhtred's children. The monks and nuns accepted her gracicous donations of scientific and historical books and scrolls to be transcripted into multiple copies, thus urging important developments in the subjects.