Sondwic, Kent, 997 AD
Sondwic, Kent, 997 ADFolcwin stared aghast from the distressed weather-beaten face of the fisherman to the uneasy countenance of Thegn Helmfrid. He reached for his horn and blew three shrill notes as there was not a moment to lose. Men came running and, with succinct commands, Folcwin sent them scampering for their weapons. Respecting his order, he collected his sword and newly acquired battleaxe. First aboard the longship, he bellowed further orders as soon as the crew jumped into the belly of the vessel.
“Man the oars! Cast off!”
Before long, to his relief, the craft was hurtling out of the shingle-protected shelter of the natural harbour and into the English Channel. Having overseen the setting of the sail, content to watch it billow and shake as it captured the
