0:00:02 > 0:00:05This programme contains some violent scenes and some scenes of a sexual nature.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09'I was born an Ealdorman of England - true heir to the Northumbrian lands of Bebbanburg.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12'I was 12 years old when I first went to war. I saw my father killed.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15'Stolen by the invaders, along with a Saxon girl, Brida,
0:00:15 > 0:00:19'I became first a slave, and then a son to Earl Ragnar.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22'Fate had made me a Dane.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27'It made Young Ragnar my brother and Brida my lover.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31'And then, fate brought betrayal.'
0:00:31 > 0:00:32Fire!
0:00:33 > 0:00:37'Lies were thrown to the wind, saying I had killed Ragnar.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40'So, taking his hidden wealth, we fled south...
0:00:43 > 0:00:46'..to Wessex, to Beocca
0:00:46 > 0:00:48'and to the King's brother, Alfred.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52'Seen by Danes as a Saxon and by Saxons as a Dane,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55'my word could not be trusted.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58'But I am Uhtred, son of Uhtred,
0:00:58 > 0:00:59'and destiny is all.'
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Stand clear! It is the King!
0:01:42 > 0:01:45I have to speak, lord. The axe cut deep.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Even a king couldn't survive that wound...
0:01:47 > 0:01:49We shall pray and we shall see.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17Apologies, lord.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21This was the best I could do without first speaking to Alfred.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25I've brought you food and ale and more importantly, good news.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Alfred is dead?
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The opposite - he is alive and he is victorious.
0:02:31 > 0:02:32We defeated the Danes.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Why is this good news?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Alfred acted upon your advice. You share in his glory.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Glory?!
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Then why is he caged and left to shit in the corner?
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- You call that glory?- Can she not hold her tongue for just one moment?
0:02:48 > 0:02:51No, she cannot and she will not!
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Keep your food, I don't want it!
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- Only Alfred...- I won't eat or drink until I'm set free!
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Only Alfred can order your release! I will speak with him!
0:02:59 > 0:03:02You should spend this time, girl, to contemplate your improvement.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06I will use this time to curse you.
0:03:06 > 0:03:07Then do it!
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Alfred refused my sword.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14I won't be offering it again unless he begs.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Lord, sometimes I wonder whether your pig-headedness
0:03:16 > 0:03:19is not simple stupidity.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22He will send for you when he has scraped the mud and blood from his mail.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25We will give thanks to Odin for our deliverance.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Do that!
0:03:27 > 0:03:29We are Danes!
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Show respect!
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Do it again, and I will cut you cock to throat.
0:03:49 > 0:03:50You're a hero of Wessex.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Congratulations.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55We're alive.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- SHE KNOCKS - What is it?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I couldn't wait to see you.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I was told you were safe, but I needed proof.
0:04:11 > 0:04:12Here it is.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- Leave us. My wife will help me. - My lord.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22My privilege.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Ensure it is repaired - and well.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32I'd be a lost fool without you.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Ha! Fingers and thumbs...
0:04:47 > 0:04:49KNOCKS AT DOOR
0:04:49 > 0:04:50Who knocks?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52My lord...
0:04:52 > 0:04:54My lady.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55Forgive me.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58I was hoping for a moment to discuss the Ealdorman, Uhtred.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Father, forgive me, but my Lord is in need of rest.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05He is. You are, um...
0:05:07 > 0:05:08Forgive me.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19MOANS FROM INSIDE
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Aethelwold. Were you on the hill? I didn't see you.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I was kept safe, with the priests.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40There will be other battles - many.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44And on and on it will go, I'm sure, till we're all dead.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- You saying we should surrender? - Never.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Never...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53..but I'm not against compromise.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57As much as I love my God, I'm in no hurry to reach heaven.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I fear no number of kneeling clergymen will change
0:06:00 > 0:06:02what a heathen's axe has already decreed.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Our prayers should be with the King's successor, whoever that may be.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10The crown is mine - my birthright.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14You disagree?
0:06:14 > 0:06:16The argument against will be that you are young, lord.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- I am my father's heir! - Yes, you are your father's heir,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21but your father was also bonded to Alfred.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25A son comes before a brother.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Then perhaps you should speak to the King directly.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37It is my thinking, lord,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41that if on his deathbed, your father were to name you as his successor,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45the Witan would find it difficult to go against him.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49I believe your father would only be too happy to whisper in your ear,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51whether he was conscious or not.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Your counsel will not be forgotten, Young Odda.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Thank you, lord.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Guthrum, you went into battle without me.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Why was that?
0:07:16 > 0:07:18That was not the intention.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21Is that so?
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Then why did it happen?
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Let's talk inside. - We will talk here.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32They marched sooner than we expected
0:07:32 > 0:07:34and they positioned themselves well on the hill.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- It will not happen again. - No, it will not happen again,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40because you have lost half your men.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42We killed their king, Aethelred.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Did you see him fall? - Yeah, I saw him fall.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50He took an axe. He's dead.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- We were not beaten.- Mmm. You want to become King of Wessex -
0:07:53 > 0:07:57I will allow that, but where is my payment - my silver? My grain?
0:07:57 > 0:07:59It was promised, but now it has gone.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01It's still there.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02Danes do not lose.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I have not lost.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07You have given them hope, Guthrum. That is worse.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Without the King, there is no hope.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20If they've defeated the Danes, which I won't believe,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22why aren't they feasting?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25The priest doesn't lie, despite him being a priest.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Why are they so different?
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- So miserable?- God's wish(!)
0:08:37 > 0:08:38I won't become a Saxon woman.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41I won't wash, work the fields till I drop and cook...
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- It won't come to that. - That won't be my life.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44Alfred can help us.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- We'll use him... - KEYS JINGLE
0:08:47 > 0:08:50..for shelter, and then for wealth.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54He has used you.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56And now, he owes me.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07PIG SNORTS
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Good morning.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29My thanks for last night.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Open the door, I wish to see my father.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Open the door, or I'll have your balls for sling-shot.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Aethelwold.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I am here to pray for my father, the King, to be at his side.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01The King is dead.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Why was I not called? I should have been at his side.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- You could not be found. - I was sleeping in my chamber.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20WHISPERED PRAYERS
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Before he passed, the King named me as heir to the throne.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49That's what he told me.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51It's the truth.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54His last wish...
0:10:55 > 0:10:56..his last command.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00You would all do well to repeat this.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09I'll inform the Witan of your claim...
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- You should.- ..although each person here and more
0:11:13 > 0:11:17heard your father bequeath his crown to Alfred.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19He must have been delirious.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22On which occasion?
0:11:24 > 0:11:27I am the son of the King.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Do your duty.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43My lord.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Ah, Uhtred.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Please accept my apology for the delay in your release.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I had other matters to attend.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Ale, father?
0:11:52 > 0:11:55A little - and for our guests.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56It seems you spoke the truth.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I did.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03Though I realise our victory is temporary, I am indebted.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Wessex is indebted.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Is my apology enough? - It is not, lord.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10What Uhtred means is that it is not necessary.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14I wish to be seen as an Ealdorman - because I am an Ealdorman.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15In Northumbria. This is Wessex.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18This is England. "One Kingdom", is what you said.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20You are without lands, completely.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Then, that's what I want, that's what I deserve - land.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29I brought you here solely to convey my thanks,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31but we shall talk further at some point.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Now, I have other, more important matters to attend.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- I gave you victory, lord. What's more important than that? - The King is dead.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Since when?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42I have not long left him.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48My first act as king will be to offer the Danes a peace.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51They will think you spineless...
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Lord.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Then I must convince them otherwise.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Girl, bring some fruit to my chamber -
0:12:58 > 0:13:00some chopped apples and milk.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Rest, wash, eat well. You have earned it.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09What are you saying?
0:13:09 > 0:13:11You do not speak to a future king in that manner.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14He is not my lord and won't be my king.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Hear me clearly, Uhtred. Alfred is the man to follow.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20He is your way back to Bebbanburg, as lord and master.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Uhtred's path is Uhtred's business - not that of a priest.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Forgive me, lord.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30I must leave, to pray for strength
0:13:30 > 0:13:33and to expunge these unholy thoughts that fill my mind.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42You want land in Wessex?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It's my way back to Bebbanburg.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Any silver you find under Alfred will be taken by the Danes,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52along with your life. They can't be beaten.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Why are you doing this? - I've said - wealth.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Excuse me, my lord, I am on an errand to my Lord Alfred.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14The milk is for Alfred?
0:14:14 > 0:14:15It is.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23Not a word.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Go on.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Master Aethelwold, the man-child,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45who would have himself be king.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Out of respect for the late king,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Alfred wishes no harm to be done to a hair of your ugly head -
0:14:51 > 0:14:54but he will not put up with your insolence and lies.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Your own son is party to my so-called insolence.- Quiet!
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Don't you involve others in your conspiracies.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06My head is not ugly.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12You're to be sent to Hampton, to a monastery, to be educated.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14It will be a very long process.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16I am the King's son!
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Wessex cannot afford division.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Nor can it afford the ramblings of an idiot child, noble or otherwise.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25See to it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28May I make him docile, lord?
0:15:28 > 0:15:29I wish you would.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31No, no, no, no!
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- KNOCKS AT DOOR - Come!
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Lord, you wished to see me.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43I did, I did.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49You will take a message to Guthrum, to the Danes.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51You will invite them to negotiate -
0:15:51 > 0:15:53within days, but at their own convenience.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57If it is a messenger you require, lord,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59there are plenty within the palace grounds...
0:15:59 > 0:16:02It is not a messenger I require, it is a representative.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05You will speak for me, Odda. You will speak as me.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Nothing can be written for the Danes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12My letters would be meaningless,
0:16:12 > 0:16:16therefore the words spoken must be my words...
0:16:17 > 0:16:19..and I entrust them to you.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Then I shall gladly be your representative, lord.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26Thank you.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Do I offend you? Watching you?
0:16:36 > 0:16:38No, my lord...never.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42I will defend you with my life.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47You stand as everything that is precious.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49You are Wessex, England -
0:16:49 > 0:16:52always to be cherished, never to be violated,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55only to be loved - vigorously.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- KNOCKS AT DOOR - Who is it?!
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- My lord.- My conscience.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06My lord, would you care to join me in prayer, perhaps,
0:17:06 > 0:17:08for the passing of the King?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I will, Father. I give you my thanks.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Forgive me, my lord, the milk has soured.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23I am tired of milk and apples.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25I need meat.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- But you are a martyr, my lord, to meat.- My lord needs feeding!
0:17:29 > 0:17:32My lord is not a saint and never shall be!
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I have survived battle. I need meat!
0:17:36 > 0:17:39We shall pray together, my lord, for strength.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Why does it have to be a sin?
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Already, it is a burden.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58It seems never to be about what I would wish to do.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00It is about what I must do.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Ask God to give me the strength to wear the crown as well as you.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Father Beocca?
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- A moment.- Yes, lord?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Uhtred may well have a use.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28I'm pleased that is what you think, lord.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31This Brida, she is what to him?
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- I would say a hindrance, lord. - A wife?- No, lord. No, never.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- She is restless.- She is the devil on his shoulder, I fear.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39But he is fond of her.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Yes, that is his way.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46We shall see.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47- Thank you.- My lord.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I carry a message from King Alfred.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Who is King Alfred?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27He is Alfred, King of Wessex.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30He invites the Earl Guthrum to negotiate a peace.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32You are Guthrum?
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Get down from your horse, boy.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Get down from your horse and look at me.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45You are a beauty.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Tell this king... What was his name?
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Alfred.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Tell King Alfred that Guthrum accepts his invitation,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01and I will watch for him and I shall ride out and meet him.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03I will pass on your message, lord.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10This horse belongs to me, now.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Uthred, Alfred is keen to find a use for you,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20but Brida is... She's not a help.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Perhaps, you could just keep her away from him...
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- Alfred knows I can be of use, and I've proven it...- Uhtred...
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- Now, he must prove he can be of use to me.- He will be king.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31And you can serve him. I'm here to serve myself.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Alfred means nothing to me
0:20:33 > 0:20:35but a path to take back what's rightfully mine -
0:20:35 > 0:20:38my land, my wealth, and my title.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41He will have a use for me, but I'll have a use for him.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Do not think him naive. He will see right through you.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47He will see what I allow him to see.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Uhtred, right now you are a warrior, not a thinker...
0:20:54 > 0:20:56..though in time, this will come.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59You are much like your father, and he was both.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02You are Alfred's priest now, Beocca.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14You looking for company, girl?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17I prefer the company of the gods to stupid men.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Another time, then?
0:21:25 > 0:21:27CART MOVES AWAY
0:22:47 > 0:22:50FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Good morning, Uhtred. - Good morning, lord.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- That's a fine coat of mail.- It is.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10And it is yours - the battle dress of a Saxon warrior. A gift.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13In return for what? There's always a price.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Which you have paid in full - our victory at the hill.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Young Odda, have you offered your apologies to Uhtred?
0:23:23 > 0:23:26My sincere apologies. You spoke the truth.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29A small bow, perhaps?
0:23:36 > 0:23:37You may leave us now.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48A good king relies upon good advice, Uhtred.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51For example, my nephew, Aethelwold, the King's son -
0:23:51 > 0:23:54he is young, but sees himself as the rightful heir.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56How am I to deal with him?
0:24:00 > 0:24:05You should kill him, lord - as my own uncle, Aelfric, would kill me.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- Not to kill him shows weakness. - You are being insolent.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11I will allow it. It is the pagan in him speaking.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14You think like a Dane, Uhtred.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16If I kill Aethelwold, I am admitting
0:24:16 > 0:24:18he has legitimate claim to the throne - which he does not.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20That is how I think.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26But to have a specimen of the heathen mind in council will be useful.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29What do they fear most - the Danes?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32They're warriors, they live to fight.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35But when they lose, as at the hill - what then?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38In battle, they'd rather retreat than lose too many men.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41So, if they fear anything at all, it's losing men.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43They love to fight, but hate to lose?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Hardly a revelation.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- Odda appears not to value your council.- I do not.- I care not.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53I have been thinking on your request - to be recognised as an Ealdorman.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- ..Which is a nonsense. - I am an Ealdorman.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Without even a goat to your name, never mind the land to graze it?
0:24:58 > 0:25:00I am an Ealdorman by birth, lord.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Would you perhaps, consider becoming an Ealdorman by marriage?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06I know of a marriage that would bring you land and title.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- I have no need of a wife, lord. - A woman helps you grow.- Grow old?
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Grow roots - and that is what you are missing.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Marriage would show your commitment to Wessex.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18I have shown commitment.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21You've said yourself, I gave you victory at the hill.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24You helped, Uhtred, but the victory was won by the men of Wessex.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Whom you now refuse to join, through this marriage.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Land and silver is what all men desire, and I'm no different.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34But believe me, lord, I have no need of a wife.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- My sword is yours.- At a price?
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Everything that I have has been taken from me.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44I need title, I need to make my wealth...
0:25:44 > 0:25:48Are you are offering me your sword, or are you selling me your sword?
0:25:49 > 0:25:53To become an Ealdorman, you must possess land. That is the law.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58However, stand at my side during the negotiations ahead,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01help me read my enemy,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03and in return,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05we shall talk further of wealth and reward.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24UHTRED LAUGHS
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Well, what did you see?
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- What did they show you? - What I saw is my business.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36I feel unwell...
0:26:42 > 0:26:43Here.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46Water.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Where we find ourselves is fate.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09The work of the three spinners.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11They sit deep in this earth beneath us
0:27:11 > 0:27:13and they've brought us here.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16We should go...
0:27:18 > 0:27:20..to Cornwalum...
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Wales, Ireland...
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Anywhere.- Why?
0:27:25 > 0:27:26Escape?
0:27:30 > 0:27:31Safety?
0:27:34 > 0:27:36I saw Ragnar's ship.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- The past?- No, Wind Viper.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42Young Ragnar?
0:27:42 > 0:27:44I was there on the ship. I saw it.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47I want to leave here.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Come with me.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Come with me.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57I've given a promise, to Alfred...
0:27:58 > 0:28:01..to attend the negotiations, to advise.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Brida, there's no place else for us to go.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11We cannot stay here.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15It's a beginning.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Leave me.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26We cannot wander the country and do nothing.
0:28:26 > 0:28:27How can you trust him?
0:28:27 > 0:28:30How do you know he won't simply turn you over to Guthrum,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32to pass on to Ubba? You know nothing about him!
0:28:32 > 0:28:35I trust Father Beocca, and Beocca is his priest.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36I said, leave me!
0:28:43 > 0:28:45You were not on the ship with me!
0:28:47 > 0:28:49Go to Alfred, and I will watch him betray you!
0:29:09 > 0:29:12So, what do we know of this Alfred?
0:29:12 > 0:29:15That he's sickly, he's weak.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16He wants to negotiate.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19That isn't a warrior.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22But he beat you, Guthrum.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31So, what does it say?
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Negotiation.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Silver.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52We will take his silver...
0:29:54 > 0:29:56..and his land.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- And if he refuses? - He will never refuse.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02He wants to live and he wants to be called king.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Our God in his heaven.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37We ask you to find favour with your devoted servant, Alfred.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42Bless him with courage, strength and wisdom.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Never leave his side.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- Amen.- ALL:- Amen.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Allow him pure and holy thoughts...
0:31:52 > 0:31:57..and the power to carry out your work on this earth, as our king.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01Allow this anointing of Alfred to enable your will.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05You are God's King, Alfred of Wessex.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Vivat Rex Alfredus!
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- ALL CHANT:- Vivat Rex Alfredus!
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Vivat Rex Alfredus!
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Vivat Rex Alfredus!
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Vivat Rex Alfredus!
0:32:37 > 0:32:39BRIDE MOANS AND PANTS
0:32:46 > 0:32:49I can't imagine a time without you.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It is Guthrum?
0:33:22 > 0:33:23Yes.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26You can see a bone in his hair -
0:33:26 > 0:33:28it's his mother's rib.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30How endearing.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33And the others?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36It's Ubba... The big man.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38The Chieftain Ubba is with them?
0:33:38 > 0:33:40You said he was in the North.
0:33:40 > 0:33:41And now, he's here.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45This is good.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- So, you are Alfred, the King of Wessex?- I am.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- You are Earl Guthrum?- Yes.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15If you want peace, you have to pay.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19And you are the Earl Ubba? Welcome.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Speak.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25In exchange for an agreed amount of grain, livestock and silver,
0:34:25 > 0:34:29I propose that you and your ships return to Lundene and remain there.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32I further propose that you confine yourselves to East Anglia,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Mercia and Northumbria.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Wessex is Saxon and, as such, out of bounds to all Danes.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40We'll not be leaving Wessex.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- We only just arrived. - Then you will starve.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47You have little food,
0:34:47 > 0:34:49no shelter and a weakened army.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53If you believe us weakened, why seek peace?
0:34:53 > 0:34:55It is the Christian in me.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57The will of my God.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Oh, I will hear no talk of gods. - God. There is only one.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06You will talk of grain, horses, silver and land.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08I will not talk of land.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10What do they write?
0:35:10 > 0:35:12They write what we speak.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Every word?- Yes, every word.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19Then may I say, "Arse, tits, hump and turd"?
0:35:19 > 0:35:22They record history. We are here, creating history.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24People will read of this very meeting.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27I'm waiting to hear the terms of your surrender.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29You will be paid for your return to Lundene.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33There are no more terms and there will be no surrender.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37Guthrum here will not leave Readingum.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Then I say again, he will starve.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42We will raid, we will kill.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45And you will lose yet more men.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Is that your wish, Earl Guthrum -
0:35:47 > 0:35:49to lose men?
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Your surviving warriors may look to find a new lord.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Did you call a meeting to insult me?
0:35:55 > 0:35:57I offer peace and I offer facts.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03His head, and you can have your peace.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04Him...
0:36:11 > 0:36:14..Uhtred Ragnarson.
0:36:16 > 0:36:17A traitor!
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Nothing to say?
0:36:25 > 0:36:28I'll speak to Young Ragnar.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30No other Dane has my respect.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33His head, for peace.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37You want Uhtred here, for peace? No silver, no grain, no horses?
0:36:39 > 0:36:42We want silver and the traitor's head.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45These are the terms. And you, Alfred...
0:36:46 > 0:36:48You may remain king,
0:36:48 > 0:36:52but we will occupy all of the Saxon forts.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56If you wish to occupy the fortresses, then do it, take them.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01How many have you taken to date?
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- Father, how many have they taken, to date?- None, lord.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11We can take all the fortresses at any time!
0:37:11 > 0:37:13We have taken the whole of England...
0:37:16 > 0:37:19..and we can do the same with Wessex!
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Let me be clear.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I am prepared to return to the sword. We outnumber you.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26We are many and we are dangerous,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29but I would prefer to establish a peace -
0:37:29 > 0:37:31and Uhtred here shall keep his head.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33But I will pay you well to leave Wessex.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38That is what people will read -
0:37:38 > 0:37:40that Alfred sought peace.
0:37:40 > 0:37:46Alfred paid Lords Ubba and Guthrum in silver, in exchange for peace.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48It is I who is seeking an end to the fighting.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52That is what will be written.
0:38:14 > 0:38:15Uhtred.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24I would never have given you up to Ubba.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26But the thought did cross your mind, lord.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Not once.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34The fact is, I would like you to swear an oath, on holy relics -
0:38:34 > 0:38:36a year's service -
0:38:36 > 0:38:39during which time, you will help my warriors understand
0:38:39 > 0:38:42that the heathens are but men.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48And in return, and in time, you shall have your own reward -
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
0:38:53 > 0:38:54One year.
0:39:32 > 0:39:33Boy!
0:39:43 > 0:39:44For the King.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58They have been halted, but nothing more.
0:40:00 > 0:40:01They are not defeated.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Our task now is both simple and impossible.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07We determine what they will do next.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- They will do what Danes always do - attack.- How? Where? When? How many?
0:40:10 > 0:40:13We're supposed to be celebrating a peace.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14Do we have to talk of fighting?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17We do, my dear, because the peace will not last.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20It'll take them at least a year,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22before they can gather a second great army.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- Do we have your word? - Son!
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Is there any meat here? Should she even be here?
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Brida is my guest.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32You should have taken up the King's offer of a wife - a lady.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36What happens next, I believe, is that they will come by land and sea.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39They will split our army in two, possibly more.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Now, Uhtred may be correct, this may not occur for a year or more,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46but what is clear is that we need ships.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51We are bordered by water, yet we have so few ships.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53You'll not get me on a ship.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55I'll volunteer my son.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58To save our shores, we have to look beyond them.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02And to serve God, his word must travel.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Amen. Praise him.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Uhtred, The beasts on the prows of Danes' ships -
0:41:07 > 0:41:11they are a representation of their gods?
0:41:11 > 0:41:13No, lord. They're just beasts.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15They can be lifted from their posts,
0:41:15 > 0:41:17so not to frighten the spirits of the land.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- Spirits of the land(!) - I would like to know why
0:41:20 > 0:41:23some of them make their own teeth into points.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- They do that? - Some, lady.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27God save us.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29To show that they aren't afraid.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31If they can inflict such pain on themselves,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33think what they might do to a Saxon.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36We will understand them more by the day, I'm sure.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40Uhtred of the Danes has promised me a year of his service.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- Is that so?- It is.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46It will be his responsibility
0:41:46 > 0:41:49to show our warriors how the Danes approach battle -
0:41:49 > 0:41:52the construction of their shield wall and the like.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Lord, if I may?
0:41:54 > 0:41:57The arseling here is barely a man,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00and you expect him to teach me how to fight?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Leofric, I expect him to teach you nothing.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Whip him with staves in practice, by all means.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08Thank you, lord.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11But our lesser men...
0:42:12 > 0:42:15If they can know what a Dane knows,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18fear can be expelled with knowledge...
0:42:19 > 0:42:21..regardless how sharp their teeth.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37You didn't eat tonight.
0:42:37 > 0:42:38I'd only throw it up.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43A year? UHTRED SIGHS
0:42:44 > 0:42:47It starts with a year, and becomes a life-time.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50And he offered you a wife?
0:42:50 > 0:42:51I have no need of a wife.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- Instead, you swore an oath to kill Danes.- You know my reasons.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59We've been living in a palace.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04What happens if you find yourself facing Young Ragnar...in battle?
0:43:09 > 0:43:10We fight.
0:43:39 > 0:43:40Where is she?
0:43:40 > 0:43:44- I haven't heard her all morning. - She'll not be far.
0:43:44 > 0:43:45Well, we're about to leave.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47I can see!
0:43:48 > 0:43:50I'll follow.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04BRIDA MUMBLES AND MOANS
0:44:25 > 0:44:26Brida!
0:44:36 > 0:44:37Brida!
0:44:50 > 0:44:51Brida!
0:44:59 > 0:45:00Brida?
0:45:11 > 0:45:13Almost a child...
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- You knew?- Hm?
0:45:20 > 0:45:21That you were carrying?
0:45:28 > 0:45:30No.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33You didn't see it in your dreams, when you drank the mushroom ale.
0:45:41 > 0:45:42I'll bury it.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48We'll bury it. It's a sign of a passing.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59- Stand together!- Shields front!
0:45:59 > 0:46:01Shields up!
0:46:01 > 0:46:02Shields together!
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- Look them in the eye! - Closer together! Unbreakable!
0:46:05 > 0:46:08- Are we ready? - CHEERING
0:46:08 > 0:46:11- I said, are we ready? - CHEERING
0:46:13 > 0:46:15Kill the bastards!
0:46:15 > 0:46:17Stand together!
0:46:23 > 0:46:25Shields together!
0:46:25 > 0:46:27We hammer them with our shields!
0:46:27 > 0:46:29They're our defence and our weapon!
0:46:29 > 0:46:32We knock them off their feet! We're a wall!
0:46:32 > 0:46:35THEY GRUNT
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Charge!
0:46:52 > 0:46:56Before the two walls meet, the first three rows of men act together,
0:46:56 > 0:46:58to create a tall shield wall.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02First row crouches lower, protecting the lower body and legs.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06The second row reaches forward, protecting the upper body.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10The third row leans in, protecting the head.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12Four rows of men. Shields up.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16Shields together!
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Shield wall!
0:47:24 > 0:47:26I like it, arseling, I do.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- Now, kill the bastard! - CHEERING
0:47:51 > 0:47:53The wealth isn't mine.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57It belongs to Lord Ragnar, the Fearless.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00You will do well to leave me alone.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02Are you Brida?
0:48:02 > 0:48:04Who asks?
0:48:09 > 0:48:11- Brida.- What of her?
0:48:13 > 0:48:17I'm no seer, but I'd say she's unhappy.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22She prefers the company of Danes to Saxons.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24Nothing wrong in that.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27She's been with the wrong Saxons.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29The Danes have a hunger for life.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31Don't we all?
0:48:31 > 0:48:32Alfred...
0:48:34 > 0:48:36..he's serious.
0:48:37 > 0:48:38A pious bastard.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43Dislike him by all means, but never underestimate him.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46He is ruthless...
0:48:46 > 0:48:49and the man thinks,
0:48:49 > 0:48:51which is more than you or I could do.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Leofric the warrior.
0:48:54 > 0:48:55May I sit with you?
0:48:55 > 0:48:58No, you may not. Do the monks know you're missing?
0:49:01 > 0:49:04Uhtred, this is Aethelwold, another arseling.
0:49:05 > 0:49:06Nephew of the King.
0:49:06 > 0:49:11No, I am not the nephew of the King, I AM the king.
0:49:13 > 0:49:14But Alfred likes to pretend,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17and every bastard appears to be happy with the lie!
0:49:17 > 0:49:18AETHELWOLD CHUCKLES
0:49:20 > 0:49:22- What are we talking about?- Alfred.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25He will not allow me to fight! Have I told you that?
0:49:25 > 0:49:29- Many times.- Well, it's true. He will not allow me to fight.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33I would like you, warrior Leofric, to teach me how to fight,
0:49:33 > 0:49:37- and I shall teach you how to.... - Go on.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40You will not forget to pay for this.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43- Have I ever?- Once or twice.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57Alfred was caught humping a nun once.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59UHTRED CHOKES, COUGHS
0:49:59 > 0:50:02What I ought to do is slit his gizzard...
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Say that to anyone but me, boy, and you'll be hanged.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07You are hurting royalty!
0:50:11 > 0:50:14You are lucky Alfred hasn't had you killed.
0:50:14 > 0:50:15God will not allow him.
0:50:17 > 0:50:18I like God.
0:50:47 > 0:50:49The silver...
0:50:50 > 0:50:51Yes.
0:50:51 > 0:50:52Why?
0:50:55 > 0:50:56Are you leaving me?
0:50:56 > 0:50:58Are you drunk?
0:50:59 > 0:51:01Maybe a little.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03We'll give the silver to Young Ragnar.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Tomorrow... Dusk.
0:51:11 > 0:51:12He's here.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18We can tell him the truth and we can join Ragnar and his men.
0:51:26 > 0:51:30I need men bound to me by God, by duty, by the land,
0:51:30 > 0:51:31by Wessex itself.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36I would again like to put to Uhtred the prospect of marriage.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39- To my goddaughter? - To Mildrith, yes.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42Well, it would certainly bind him to the land
0:51:42 > 0:51:44and indirectly to the church, to God.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47- It would test him.- It would.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50You would be in favour, still?
0:51:50 > 0:51:53Of course. Anything for Wessex.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10Uhtred Ragnarson is a good man to be.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14Look at me.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16You owe Alfred nothing.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19To him, your word means nothing. You're a pagan.
0:52:19 > 0:52:20Please?
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Uhtred Ragnarson can never become Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39Never.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
0:52:50 > 0:52:51Did you kill my father?
0:52:52 > 0:52:54Do you need to ask?
0:52:54 > 0:52:57Did you kill my family?
0:52:57 > 0:52:58He didn't!
0:52:58 > 0:53:00I am speaking with Uhtred!
0:53:03 > 0:53:06I won't ask a second time.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15If you believe that I would kill our father,
0:53:15 > 0:53:18our mother and our family...
0:53:22 > 0:53:24..take your revenge.
0:53:32 > 0:53:33I knew it.
0:53:35 > 0:53:36I knew it.
0:53:38 > 0:53:39I had to be sure, I knew it!
0:53:46 > 0:53:47It was Kjartan.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Kjartan attacked and set the fire.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53If we could have saved them, we would have.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56I knew it. I didn't believe a word I was hearing.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00We have Ragnar's wealth. We kept it for you.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05Brida! A fully grown woman, now!
0:54:12 > 0:54:16I've seen this moment in my dreams so many times!
0:54:19 > 0:54:23So, Kjartan's story is that the English rose against our father,
0:54:23 > 0:54:24encouraged by you.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29He claims to have revenged himself for the killers.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33Did you ever believe him?
0:54:35 > 0:54:36Never.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40But he is Lord Kjartan now.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42He has three times the men, and the ear of Ubba.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51When I kill him, it will need to be planned.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54When WE kill him.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58- It will be dangerous. - It must be done.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Ragnar, we're with you.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04Then you will sail with me?
0:55:07 > 0:55:08I will.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12I have sworn to Alfred.
0:55:13 > 0:55:14It means nothing.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20Well, if you have sworn...
0:55:23 > 0:55:25- ..then you must keep your word. - BRIDA SIGHS
0:55:35 > 0:55:38I need this revenge like I need water.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42When the time is right, I swear I will be with you.
0:55:44 > 0:55:45I know.
0:55:54 > 0:55:59I can't believe I'm about to let you go, lose you...
0:56:03 > 0:56:05You have been half my life...
0:56:08 > 0:56:10..all of my madness.
0:56:21 > 0:56:22Be happy.
0:56:51 > 0:56:52I take it she has gone, then?
0:56:56 > 0:56:59I'm guessing that's it's Alfred that kept you here?
0:57:00 > 0:57:02I sold myself...
0:57:03 > 0:57:05..for a mail coat and helmet.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09That's what we do. We sell ourselves.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17This year, what you've given to Alfred -
0:57:17 > 0:57:19it's not about a mail coat.
0:57:20 > 0:57:21It's about you.
0:57:22 > 0:57:24The bastard thinks. Didn't I say?
0:57:29 > 0:57:32He wants more than a year's service.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35He wants you to help take back England.
0:57:35 > 0:57:37All of England.
0:57:39 > 0:57:43Of course, when the year's up, you could go back to the Danes.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46That would at least give me the chance to kill you.
0:57:49 > 0:57:50But what would you be?
0:57:52 > 0:57:54Who would you be?