Eadric The Grasper Sons Of Mercia Vol 1

History looks back on Eadric Streona as one of the most villainous men of his time. The BBC History Magazine elected him as the worst Englishman of the 11th century, and many also blame him for the victory of the Vikings over England. Streona means "the grasper," and such was Eadric's character: he clutched for power and money wherever he could. But what most historians fail to consider is that Eadric Streona's primary goal was peace and stability for England. Without contradicting the known facts, "Eadric the Grasper" presents another conception of this historical figure: he is suave, charming, intelligent, and values peace above all things. If he must put a Viking king on the throne to gain a pleasurable life for himself and his true love, so be it. Meanwhile, a ruthless vigilante called "the Golden Cross" will do anything necessary to keep the Vikings from the throne. Eadric must pit his wits and sword against the crafty masked figure, but doing so traps him in a dark web of lies and deception. When at last he uncovers the rebel's identity, his entire world will fall apart, and he must face a terrible choice. Can the selfish Eadric Streona sacrifice his own welfare for the sake of another's? Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Georgette Heyer, Ken Follet ("Pillars of the Earth"), and Baroness Orczy ("The Scarlet Pimpernel") will especially enjoy the style of this swashbuckling historical fiction.

Godric is the bastard son of Eadric Streona, spurned by Eadric's wife and promised nothing by society. At a young age his life is steeped with murder, loss, and betrayal. Godric seems destined for a life of exile and insignificance, but he swears to avenge his father's death, no matter what the cost. Living under the roof of Thorkell the Tall, he learns to become a Jomsviking. The life of a warrior brings him comfort, but his hunger for vengeance remains. He finds a new identity for himself and successfully reenters the royal court where he initiates his plans of assassination. As success grows closer, however, he finds himself hurting the people he loves more than the man that he hates. He watches himself become his own worst enemy and can only hope to change his ways before he tears his own world apart.

The mischievous red-head named Edric leads a pleasant life in Shropshire, hunting in the woods and dancing in the taverns, until his Norman neighbor Osbern falsely accuses him of murder. Edric takes his first stance against the growing power of the Normans-a stance he soon holds for all of Saxon Engla-lond. Osbern FitzRichard, who moved to Engla-lond at a very young age, yearns with all of his heart for the Anglo-Saxons to love Normandy as much as he does. Unfortunately, Osbern also suffers from strange visions and pestering voices that lead him down dark and destructive paths. His closest knight, Geoffrey, uses his lord's holy prophecies to justify his own evil deeds, which consist of capturing and torturing innocent victims who are never then seen or heard from again. Edric's struggles against Osbern echo through all of Engla-lond when William the Bastard takes the throne. Edric Silvaticus becomes a true hero to his people who is wed to a "fairy" wife by night and roams the woods to watch over his people by day. He inspires all Saxons to come together and fight against their Norman oppressors. This Robin Hood-esque story features characters from "Godric the Kingslayer" and villains cruel enough to be in a Grimm fairy tale. Edric fights these evils with true valor, but he must eventually decide whether preserving his people's spirits is worth the loss of their lives, and whether there is truth to be found in the seemingly-crazed ramblings of his own worst enemy.

Northman, eldest son of Ealdorman Leofwine, fostered, at the King's insistence, by Eadric of Mercia, finds himself caught between loyalty to his father and his foster father. Fighting for his own sense of self, whilst Viking raiders vie for the English King's land, he must chose his own path, and hold true to his own belief's amongst murky Court politics and bitter pitched battles. Leofwine, Ealdorman of the Hwicce, must accept his King's wishes with regards to his eldest son, even though he finds them abhorrent. Simultaneously he must continue to act in the best interests of his King as the English people face their direst threat yet, the raiding of Thorkell the Tall, the King of Denmark's own Commander, trusted friend and foster-father of his son, Cnut. And when events become even more dire, will father and son act as one, or will they be torn apart by the machinations of the man who plots to undermine every action the King takes, Ealdorman Eadric?

A mother defies an ealdorman for the sake of her son. A boy becomes king at eleven years of age through the scandalous death of his brother. A young girl takes desperate measures to manipulate the king's court. An eccentric noble gives a young swineherd a priceless gift in the form of education. An orphaned woman joins the Viking prince to pursue her revenge. These are only the first five stories of the ten Lost Tales of Mercia. They introduce the characters who will fight, love, and betray each other until the rightful king takes the throne of Engla-lond. These stories serve as a complement to the novel, "Eadric the Grasper." Though available online as individual ebooks, this is the full compilation of the ten tales in printed format.

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"A History of England" by Charles Oman is a monumental work that provides readers with a comprehensive and insightful journey through the annals of English history. Oman's narrative skillfully navigates the historical tapestry of England, from its early origins to significant events and eras. This book is an indispensable resource for those seeking a deep understanding of the nation's past, offering a richly detailed account that captivates and educates.