Episode 8 The Last Kingdom

This programme contains some violent scenes and some scenes of a sexual nature

'I am Uhtred, son of Uhtred.

'I was born a Saxon lord, but raised as a Dane

'until the eve of my sister's wedding,

'when my family were murdered.

'I am a warrior,

'but when the Danes attacked Alfred's stronghold of Winchester,

'all a man could do was run.

'Some faster than others,

'including my enemy, Young Odda.

'And so, Guthrum took Winchester.

'Aethelwold pledged his allegiance to the Danes,

'though Guthrum still feared Alfred's God.

'I could only hope my now-distant wife and child would be safe.

'We had no choice but to hide and pray for a miracle.

'Iseult, my virgin queen, saved the King's son -

'but at a cost only she could see.

'She gave Alfred strength.

'With the King alive and well, there is hope for Wessex.

'Destiny is all.'

Agreed, we have fired a good number of ships...

-A fleet.

-A fleet.

But in the meantime, we have left hundreds of Danes stranded in Wessex

with no means of leaving...

Wulfhere, I do not believe their intention was to ever leave.

And in a few months, there will be more ships, more men.

-Now is the time to fight.

-Fight with what?

We are without an army, and the Danes will number thousands.

The men are out there, Wulfhere - and they are waiting.

-What they need is the call.

-Indeed, but...

Lord...

..what if I suggest we escort you to Frankia?

That will not happen. I will not hide -

not here, nor in Frankia.

-But my lord...

-I have prayed daily for guidance.

The only way I see to save Wessex is with what we have begun -

one, defining battle.

We shall be leaving the marshes.

Courage and faith.

-Amen.

-Amen.

Amen.

It will not be recorded that King Alfred was a weak, frail man

in mind, body and soul,

unfit to be called king.

-Nothing of what you say is true.

-But it would become true.

Never.

You, my love, will remain here.

If I fail, you must go to Frankia.

-Not without you.

-You must save and protect our children.

For me...

..there can be no other country but England.

No other wife but Aelswith.

Father Beocca.

Father...

..I am not saying I know everything,

but the King must continue to trust me.

The arrival of Asser may change him.

The arrival of Brother Asser has given him strength.

The Brother is not a warrior. Now is a time for warriors.

And though I never thought I would say it, we need Odda the Younger.

He commands the biggest fyrd. He is the beginning of our army.

That is where we are headed.

Uhtred, I will do everything I can to help.

I will be at your side.

I will be a flea in Alfred's ear.

Thank you.

Your father would be a proud man...

..as am I.

I shall ready my men, and by tomorrow, have horses waiting.

Uhtred...

You believe the Danes can be defeated?

I will see you across the water, Ealdorman Wulfhere.

You will.

Aethelcod, Aethelcod, my friend,

the man who would be King of Wessex.

Thank you, thank you, for coming to see me.

-It is Aethelwold...

-Yes, please. Sit down. Sit down.

So... I want you to tell me

everything you know about Alfred.

I have told you, lord - he thinks with his dick.

He can barely keep his breeches on.

Hear the question, boy.

Not everybody enjoys a fool.

Alfred...

Though he may be afflicted by pain,

he is as strong a man as you will find.

He is also as clever a man as you will find.

I was ready to have him as my advisor, until he stole my crown.

His strength, lord, I believe, comes from his faith...

LAUGHTER

..from God.

Do you believe in this God?

I believe in myself.

Why did Alfred steal the crown?

For silver, or to be a stronger King to the people?

No! Erm...

Yes, in part.

Which is it?

Unfairly, I was not seen as a man to follow, by some.

I was not a man to fight Danes, it was said -

and which is true, because I know the Danes will win.

Whereas, Alfred... Alfred believes that he can win.

-Even now?

-Yes!

He is wrong, of course, but...

but his faith that God will not desert him

will make him believe that he will win.

BLADE UNSHEATHES

Then you have to kill him.

I must kill him?

Who else...than King Aethelcod

can walk into Alfred's camp...

..and be welcomed as a friend?

Wulfhere and his men.

Stay... Stay away!

I have skills!

Put that piece of tin away, boy.

Oh, thank Christ, you're English.

I thought you were one of them, what with the hair.

Where is the Ealdorman Wulfhere?

Gone, lord.

I am Halig.

-I take care of the horses.

-Gone where?

Now I'm thinking on it, lord, he did not say.

-I thought you would know.

-Wulfhere - where is he?

He has gone, lord.

Lord.

-He has gone where?

-He didn't say.

He has left you horses, lord.

-We keep moving.

-Without Wulfhere?

Our plan doesn't change. We make our way to Odda's estate.

We cannot use the Roman roads.

We can make our way to my farmstead

and from there, across covered ground to Odda's.

-That is the safest path, Leofric?

-It is, lord.

Let's return to the others.

There is pain here for you, my love.

Do you know them?

Tenants.

CHICKENS SQUAWK

No.

No, no...

UHTRED SOBS

UHTRED WEEPS

We shall bury the dead

and pray for their souls.

When you are ready...

..I would like to say a prayer for Uhtred, son of Uhtred.

I must search for Mildrith.

She may be dead and unburied.

Uhtred, no, no...

She has buried your son with care

and she has left this place.

It was no longer home for her, anymore.

Believe me.

Your tears on the earth will show him that you loved him.

Lord, may I ask what you are writing?

The first of many letters.

Each will say the same.

The men of Wessex and beyond shall gather at Egbert's Stone

and together, we will fight.

When you send out your messengers, lord,

might I suggest you hand them the letters personally -

perhaps place a hand on their shoulder.

It will embolden them, I'm sure.

Thank you, Beocca.

I will do that.

You know I did this to you, when I saved the King's son.

You did not.

I knew an innocent would die.

I am tired of being like this.

I have seen too much.

I know too much.

I want to see no more.

Mildrith?

Mildrith?

Mildrith!

Lord, you should be resting. We should all be resting.

I am tired of resting.

I spend too many days doing nothing.

-Then at least sit, before you become unsteady.

-Where is my wife?

She is resting, lord.

And my son?

-He is away, lord.

-Still?

Important business demands time.

It is not a betrayal...

No, it is not, lord.

Look what I have done to you, child.

-I am content enough, lord.

-Look what God has done to you.

You deserve so much more than the clothes of a nun.

I have purpose, lord.

My child is with God and I am close to God.

There is joy in my days, at times.

Do not fear the Danes.

You will be protected.

My son will ensure that.

You are Earl Skorpa?

You are here to surrender and not waste my time.

I am here to negotiate.

Surrender and you will live.

Talk too much and I will kill you.

Of all the Ealdormen of Wessex,

I am the man who can assemble the greatest fyrd -

the greatest army.

I now have to make a choice -

whether to side with Guthrum, or with Skorpa.

One Dane looks much like the other to me.

I am occupying your land.

Why should I not simply crush you?

Accept my invitation.

Eat with myself and with my father -

and I will tell you all about my land, the range of my influence.

I am sure an agreement can be reached.

Neither of us need lose any men. Neither of us need be weakened.

-Eat?

-..And drink - at my hall.

I assure you, this is no trap.

I will arrive at your hall after the new moon.

I shall expect you.

Then we have peace - at least for a time?

Oh, we do.

You have lost much...

..fathers, mothers...

..a son...

..lovers.

I have you.

I have a brother.

Ragnar.

Yes.

Your sister, Thyra...

Yes?

She is alive.

No, she is dead...

..in the fire.

Uhtred, she lives -

and is being held in the north.

It is the truth.

Skorpa told me.

I thought at first, it could be a lie to torment you.

Hearing it from me would have made it true.

But now, I know that it is true.

She lives.

You have seen it?

Yes. I have seen her.

But I will see her no more. The gift is fading.

When this battle is done, Uhtred, your path leads north.

It will be time to face your past.

And you will be with me?

Always.

Lord...

if God's help is required,

how could he look favourably upon Uhtred - a non-believer?

God is good.

Yes, lord, but in following the heathen,

what does that say about our beliefs?

Death could be waiting over the very next hill,

and it will be Uhtred who stands in its way.

I have no doubt - a Dane will always protect his plunder.

The King is of value.

He is here to protect the King - something neither you nor I can do.

He is a man without a soul.

Then I will be his soul, lord. I will pray for him.

I will ride beside him, always - and into battle.

I will be his conduit to God.

And if you fall in battle?

With the help of your prayers, Brother,

I shall become invincible, I'm sure.

Brother Asser.

I should like you to be the first of my messengers.

Morning.

Sleep well?

He means, did you hump well?

-I know what he means.

-Sleep well, lady?

If I may speak to you all.

Though we are yet to complete the first segment of our journey to Odda's estate,

it is important we begin the second.

Word of our army's gathering point must be despatched

to the further reaches of our land.

Brother Asser here will be my first messenger.

Halig.

Yes, lord.

You will also be my voice.

I will, lord.

And me, lord.

Hild?

Lord, she is a woman.

I am as good a horseman as anyone here.

If it means more Danes will die, then I will do it.

Yes, Hild...

..you will.

Your horses belong to whom?

The Lord Odda.

-You will let us pass.

-Are you selling or buying?

Selling - to the Danes.

There is a peace.

-Did you not know?

-That Odda has made a peace?

No, I did not.

Odda is loyal.

We shall see for ourselves what is true.

Lord, you should remain out of sight,

until we can be sure of your safety.

Odda is not a danger.

But who sits with Odda?

-I will not hide.

-Lord, please, hear the advice.

You are a symbol of Wessex,

you are the standard around which our army will gather.

You cannot be put at risk.

Very well.

I must see this with my own eyes.

-Lord, that is not advisable.

-I have made up my mind!

If there is treachery, it is something I must witness.

-Then I will go with you.

-I do not require a nursemaid!

-I am a priest.

-And I, a King!

You will wait here with Iseult.

I am aware of the care I need to take.

Nuns should not be so pretty,

nor have lips that demand to be kissed.

I see that you agree.

-When is it you are leaving?

-When I am rested, lord.

Lord...

What is it? Have the Danes arrived?

Leofric - he is outside.

Then bring him inside. He is our man.

He is with Uhtred.

Bring them both to me.

CROWD MURMURS

Leofric, Uhtred. My prayers have been answered!

God is good!

Lords.

It is good to see you both safe and well.

Leofric. You are home.

Where in God's name have you been?

Hiding, lord - and killing Danes.

Hopefully not on my land?

We have been sent by the King.

-We bring orders from the King.

-What King is that?

-King Alfred?

Who else, lord?

Wessex, it seems, is full of kings.

There is Guthrum, who is King of East Anglia -

who now sits in Winchester.

There is Aethelwold here,

who will tell anyone who cares to listen that he is King...

Where will it end?

-I have Alfred's written order.

-It means nothing.

-You are to raise the fyrd.

-It is over for Alfred!

Alfred gave up on Wessex.

He decided to save himself!

No man has been more loyal to Alfred than my father and I,

but he has failed us.

Danes surround us and he is hiding.

Alfred is King of the eels, slippery and elusive.

I see it's true.

You have sided with the Danes.

What has Skorpa promised you?

Are you to be King Odda?

-Leofric, are you are still my man?

-Am I right?

I asked you a question, Leofric.

I am still your man, lord.

Then you will finish the business you have with this Dane and kill him.

You have my order. Kill him.

-Lord, I cannot do that.

-I stand here as Alfred's messenger.

I will not tell you again, Leofric.

Should any man try to kill me, then that man is a traitor to the King.

Leofric, you will kill him! Alfred is no longer my king!

I will not do it, lord!

-My son...

-Father, you will not interfere.

May your mother forgive me...

..and may you be forgiven for your treason.

Lord, forgive him.

Let him die a noble.

Forgive him.

I ask you this as your servant.

Odda...

..you will do as I command.

You will raise the Somerset fyrd.

Lord, forgive my son, please!

I will not forgive what I have seen.

You will raise the fyrd.

Yes, lord.

I will need 20 horsemen...

..to take word to ALL men who are able to carry sword, hook or spear.

The word is that Alfred is King...

CHEERING

..and will fight alongside the swords of Wessex to his dying breath!

Come on!

Come on!

Come on!

May we speak?

About our son?

You know?

Then there is nothing left to say.

I am sorry that his death was something

that you had to face alone.

I was not alone.

Being without a husband does not mean that I am alone.

Then I am sorry for the life that I've given you.

I have found peace. I hope you can do the same.

Was there sickness?

-I would like to understand.

-Children are frail.

You will have other sons, I'm sure, with your queen.

Is she here?

Yes.

I would like you to leave me alone.

Never speak to me again.

We have nothing that binds us - nothing.

Avoid me - please.

Uhtred Ragnarsson.

Should I be pleased to see you?

Skorpa of the White Horse.

I am expected, by the Lord Odda...

The Lord Odda is in the ground, buried as a traitor.

So, what now?

Do I speak with you?

Does the truce stand?

For today, it stands.

Tomorrow, we will kill you.

You will kill me?

With what?

I have almost 1,000 men to call upon...

Your ships have been burned, Skorpa - by Alfred.

He is gathering a great Saxon army.

I am aware my ships are gone...

..and I will have my revenge.

You should return to Guthrum and prepare to die.

Did your queen tell you that your sister is being humped in the arse

each and every night by One-eyed Sven?

Did your mother tell you that she should have kept her legs closed?

I will look for you first across the battlefield!

I will be there - and I will not be difficult to find.

He will go to Guthrum?

I believe he will, lord.

Then the battle is one step nearer.

Beocca, you should wash out your mouth.

Yes, lord, I will -

with ale.

How many men?

400. No more.

And this is the great Saxon army?

Their numbers will grow.

We need to march.

There needs to be a story of a slaughter.

Only days ago, Ragnar was asking if the war was over.

Skorpa is right, there must be a slaughter.

We must take the fight to Alfred - and his God.

And you are ready to kill your brother?

If it comes to that, yes.

Then we shall face one great army with another.

Once the armies are assembled, I shall speak to them, as one.

Each man should know...

..this war is not only about land.

Should the heathens win,

then Christ is defeated.

When you speak to the men, lord,

you cannot make it a sermon.

Then what do you suggest I say?

Tell them that you will die for them, that is good.

Tell them we will make the Danes pay in blood -

and that they will be rewarded in plunder.

I am to talk of revenge and greed?

They are men, lord, not angels.

We shall stop for a moment.

Hold...

We hold!

Lord?

It is Egbert's Stone.

Within these next few yards, we will know if we have an army...

..of angels, or otherwise.

I will go alone.

If no-one is there, what then?

I see.

Not a single one.

Not a single man has answered my call.

Then we wait.

We must wait, lord.

A fine knife.

A Dane's knife.

This thing?

Yes, I took it from a Dane -

a Dane I killed.

Where?

-Winchester.

-This is before you grovelled on your arse to Guthrum?

Before I presented myself to him, yes.

I was not, however, treated in a kingly manner -

and decided to escape.

A king under the Danes is no king.

Uhtred, I do like you, but I rather tire of your preaching.

Have you ever thought of becoming a priest?

Ever since I was a boy.

That's a lie - I've baptised him twice,

and he's still not a Christian.

For luck.

Then I will need a lock from you.

Where's Alfred?

Watching.

Waiting for his army.

I think I shall go and sit with him a while.

You are fond of him now?

For luck.

Lord...

I thought you would like company.

What do you see?

What do you hear?

-I hear nothing, lord...

-No, no...

There is a change in the shadows - in the air.

They are out there.

I see nothing but grass, lord...

-..and beyond the grass, trees...

-There! There!

It's men!

And more men, there.

They have answered the call.

They have answered the call.

The swords of England, they're coming...

It is the swords of Wessex!

Swords of England!

Today is a day for warriors.

A day to kill your enemies.

A day we make the pagans wish they had never heard of Wessex!

Today, we fight for Wessex!

CHEERING

And not only for Wessex.

We have men here from Northumbria...

..from Mercia, from East Anglia...

And why are the pagans here?

They want your wives for their pleasure.

They want your children as their slaves.

They want your homes as their own!

But they do not know us!

CHEERING

They do not know our swords.

They do not know our axes, our spears...

They do not know our courage!

And today...

we kill them! CHEERING

We shall make the ground red with their blood!

We shall strip them of what they have plundered,

we shall make them cry out for mercy

and there will be none!

No mercy!

-CHANTING:

-No mercy! No mercy! No mercy!

CHANTING CONTINUES

Should I fall, you and Hild are to take my horse

-and ride clear of here.

-You will not fall. I forbid it...

Everything I have is packed in my bags - it's yours.

You will not fail.

I fight for you.

Kill them all!

CHANTING: No mercy! No mercy!

Then "no mercy" it must be.

Should you meet Uhtred in battle, there can be no doubt.

No mercy.

None.

We should not be holding back, lord.

We should attack with every man.

I will decide how we fight. You will follow my orders.

Yes, lord.

No mercy...

Form our lines!

Form our lines!

Shields up!

Advance!

Come on!

Forward...

Hold the line, we work as one.

We do not break.

Shields, lock.

Hold the line.

-Halt!

-Halt!

Wulfhere, I will have your guts, you traitorous bastard!

This is our land!

SAXONS CHEER

DANES CHEER

First in line, as you wished.

DANES ROAR

Here they come!

Hold.

Hold!

Keep the wall tight.

Have that, Wulfhere, you bastard!

Leofric!

Onto your feet!

-Leofric!

-Leave him. Leave him.

Close the gaps. Keep the wall tight.

-Three, two, one...

-SAXONS GRUNT

No mercy....

No more ground shall be lost.

Follow me!

God have mercy.

We fall back as one.

We ease! We ease!

Hold! We hold here! We go no further!

Edge backwards with me, at my level.

Uhtred Ragnarsson!

-Do you hear me?

-I hear you, Skorpa.

Do you wish to surrender?

I have a gift for you..

..your queen!

No mercy!

DANES ROAR

You will be struck down with my spear!

UHTRED ROARS

And you will spend eternity in the fires of hell!

Uhtred!

SKORPA GRUNTS

SAXONS CHEER

Take the horse.

SKORPA SCREAMS

Lord, what are your orders?

Lord?

Did you see that?

It came as the priest said.

What, lord?

Their God is with them.

What are your orders?

No mercy!

No mercy!

His grave is to be marked like that of an ealdorman.

I shall see to it.

Uhtred...

..Iseult is whole.

She has been wrapped and made ready for burial.

I want her to have a pyre.

Then she shall have it.

Uhtred...

..for all that you have done,

for all that you have shown me...

..thank you.

You have given everything.

You are the man I always hoped you would become.

'In the year 878, at Ethandun,

'King Alfred defeated Guthrum of the Danes

'and drove them from Wessex.'

I am indebted,

Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

Wessex is indebted.

There can be no negotiation, lord...

..only surrender.

That is your advice?

It is.

I hear you.

Lord.

'Peace was secured with hostages,

'including my friend Brida...

'..and my brother, Young Ragnar.

'Peace was further secured by Earl Guthrum's baptism

'and acceptance of the Christian God.'

Do you renounce the devil and all his work?

I do.

Let this water cleanse you

and make you worthy of God's blessing.

Guthrum, you are now a child of God.

ALL: Amen.

'As for Uhtred the Godless...

'..my journey continues.

'My path leads north -

'to blood feuds, to revenge...

'..and to Bebbanburg.

'Destiny is all.'