Tame Weorth, 740–741 AD
The keeping of his word and sharing of the gold plundered from Eoforwic with his brother did not weigh on Æthelbald. As usual, he did not allow any opportunity to pass him by. Aware that Heardberht viewed him with the reverential eyes of a younger sibling, he profited from this moment of generosity by broaching a new possibility.
Blue-grey eyes similar to his own stared back with earnest reassurance, “Whatever it is you wish, my king, just command.”
“It is a dangerous mission, but who else can I trust to see it through?”
“I thrive on danger,” Heardberht puffed out his chest. “Am I to sit around and become an old maid?”
Æthelbald laughed.
“Hard to imagine you in a skirt and bodice! Still, I think I will change my mind. I cannot risk losing the last of my family
