Tame Weorth, spring 734 AD
Whether or not Æthelbald believed in the portentous nature of sky formations, how was he to explain away the malign effect of the moon appearing as if covered in blood? Not long after this disturbing spectacle alarmed the populace of Tame Weorth, the news arrived of the death of Archbishop Tatwine. The two events, the king failed to separate in his mind, also because having his own nominee as Archbishop of Cantwaraburh had proved an astute move. Now, after little more than three years in office, came his death.
Bishop Aldwine hurried from Licidfelth in response to his king"s urgent summons.
“Sire,” began the prelate of notable character, “if the rumours of the seduction of nuns and flouting of concubines are true, you have incurred the awesome wrath of God!”
