Sussex 1053 ADMy mind continues to return to the day in the Yser estuary when I failed to convince Sweyn to accompany us to England.
“It"s no use, Father,” he repeated, “King Edward was clear when he sentenced me to banishment for life unless …”
“… you go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem,” I finished for him.
“To expiate my sins. There"s another consideration. If I set foot in England with you, it weakens your case and you may arouse further the King"s wrath. No, I must go to the Holy Land – and I will walk there barefoot.”
“Barefoot!” My attempts to explain the perils of the hazardous journey were unavailing. Nothing would dissuade him. And now he is dead.
Every day, Gytha comes to comfort me. She cannot bear to see her once strong husband decline. It might have been different if we two ha
