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𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫
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⎯⎯ 𝗂𝗇 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝖼𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗌𝗄 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝗎𝗂𝖽𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾

"Aelwyd, do you understand our role now?" he asked, pausing for a moment outside the hut. His hands were interlocked behind his back. His curiosity showed in his eyes, eager to see what Aelwyd had picked up since their arrival. The whole appearance of her father standing like that exuded stoicism.

The purpose was to understand the people she was born to govern. Alfred did just that as a child in Athelney, something her father repeated to his children out of habit. In the small amount of time Aelwyd spent here in Coccham, Uhtred made it clear not to rule through violence or anger but through humility and respect. She was determined to learn from Uhtred, so she listened to his advice and tried to lead with kindness. Aelwyd believed that was why so many men respected and followed him into battle.

"To rule with humility and respect." Aelwyd answered "That is our way," he continued. "To serve, not to be served. To listen and be considerate of all people." He paused, turning to look at the hut. "Even the invaders who don't abide by our laws?" Aelwyd questioned quick-wittedly.

"We must strive to achieve a perfect Christian England, where our laws and traditions are respected. That is our purpose." Alfred answered and Aelwyd assumed that one of the ways to achieve this was through prayer. Perhaps this would be one of the times that God would answer her prayers now that she was no longer asking for help in matters that her mother would consider selfish.

Her attention was focused solely on the steps and the material gathered in her fist. She failed to notice the pair of brown eyes that looked like polished amber in the sun rays and the way that they followed her into the chapel. Or how he felt drawn to her, like there was something pulling them together and telling him that this was only the start of something.

The church interior wassomewhat rough, with a few small statues representing different Christian saints. Aelwyd was sure that her father had some opinions on which saints were chosen. However, it was far more significant to Alfred that this church existed and that he had another Earl who respected the laws and traitions he set out.

"Lord." Hild exclaimed as she stood from her seat. "I was just thinking about you in my prayers, is what I mean." Hild's voice was soft and kind, and she appeared slightly surprised. "Your Highness it's lovely to see you as well. "She added as Aelwyd stood by her father's side. "Thank you, Hild." Aelwyd replied warmly excited to see the warrior nun again.

"Please continue, do not let us disturb your peace." Alfred spoke and Hild looked at them nervously, as she was about to overstep a barrier between royalty and people who weren't. "Would you care to sit with me, in peace, Lord?" Hild asked cautiously afraid of rejection. Aelwyd looked up at her father, waiting for his answer and was happy as he nodded in agreement with Hild's request. Aelwyd nodded, happy to be in her presence for a longer time. "We would, Hild."

There was an uneasy silence between the three of them as they waited for someone to speak up and break the silence."May I ask have you found your lasting peace?" Alfred asked doing just that with his question. It was her turn to be the tutor and for him to be the pupil. "I am near, Lord. I feel more content here with God than with my sword" answered Hild, her eyes not meeting Alfred's as she searched within herself for the right answer. "Courage without the sword is the more difficult path." He glanced at Aelwyd as he spoke. "It must, in time be the only path" He added.

Their soles moved silently across the wooden floor as they walked around to wooden pews standing directly next to Hild. The only sounds that could be heared came from the guards discussing something silently outside and the sound of farm animals somewhere in the distance. Here beside her father and Hild, Aelwyd relished the peace and quiet. She asked for guidance to become the ruler her people deserved and expected her to be as well for her family's safety.

But somewhere in the depths of her mind, Aelwyd felt it nawing away at her, a thought that often plagued her. In the silence, it became stronger and stronger and she wondered whether she was capable of it. In truth Aelwyd was scared that she could not live up to the expectations of the witan or her mother and father.