Blood Brothers

The vow of blood brotherhood, usually taken on an island, involves cutting the wrists of two participants who may otherwise be enemies and swearing to protect one another’s descent and, if required, to inherit his land. This is the story of three of these vows.

Cnut, son of Sweyn, who had invaded England in 1014, had fought a two-year war with his blood brother Edmund Ironside, the eldest son of Ethelred II. The two men battled for their kingdom and the result was a draw. They agreed to divide it between them, but Ironside was treacherously murdered. In a battle to inherit the crown, Cnut cuts off the chances of losing his kingdom and marries royal widow Emma of Normandy. Though she has two sons in Normandy, she demands that any child born to Cnut and herself must inherit the crown.

On European islands where promises were sworn to be kept, the royal leaders make allies in hope that they can manipulate their destiny. Unfortunately for the leaders of Denmark, Norway and Normandy, they have no control over who will be declared King of England and the only way to change the decision is to declare battle. Murder, conflict, power and possession soars through the land before the Battle of Hastings commences – but who will reign and who will fall?

This book chronicles the power and politics that destroyed and rebuilt the kingdom of England. From 1014 to the epic battle of 1066, this tale follows the Viking, Norman and English armies as they travel to protect their land for their families and for themselves. Blood Brothers will appeal to anyone interested in history, particularly the turbulent times in Anglo-Saxon England.