Bane of Bernicia

by Matthew Harffy Book 11 in the The Bernicia Chronicles series.

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Returning from Rome, Beobrand uncovers evidence that Pictish and Mercian enemies may be coordinating against Bernicia. King Oswiu, however, is pursuing peace through a marriage alliance with Penda's family and blames Beobrand for endangering the truce. When Oswiu's young son is taken as a hostage, Queen Eanflæd orders Beobrand to join a covert rescue, placing him between royal policy, family loyalty and the hostility of several kingdoms.

Oswiu’s marriage diplomacy reflects the need to contain Mercian pressure without committing immediately to another major war. Beobrand’s distrust of Penda may be justified, but acting on it can undermine the king’s attempt to buy time.

The kidnapping changes that calculation by placing the royal family directly at risk. A covert rescue allows Oswiu to preserve the appearance of negotiation while Eanflæd pursues a more dangerous solution. Beobrand must therefore serve a kingdom whose rulers themselves disagree about how peace and survival can be reconciled.