Varangian

Chapter 3

As with any work such as this, huge thanks must be given to all those who encouraged and helped me in my efforts to bring Hardrada"s story to the page. Without the tireless support of Miika and all those at Next Chapter, I doubt this novel would ever have seen light again. To Jayne, my original, knowledgeable and witty editor, who helped polish every word and to Janice who encouraged me to carry on when I thought the whole world was against me. I am forever grateful to everyone who has helped in giving me the opportunity to place Harald before each and every lovely reader so that they may know something of the last and greatest of all Vikings.

This book is not history, but many of the incidents within the pages did happen. For those who wish to investigate further the life of Harald Sigurdson, I can recommend the work of John Marsden, and his biography of Hardrada, "The Warrior"s Way", an accessible and immensely readable account. It makes clear the sometimes rambling and confusing sagas, upon which I based this story, and guides the reader to a broader appreciation of just how great Hardrada really was.