0:00:02 > 0:00:04This programme contains some violent scenes.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06'I am Uhtred, son of Uhtred. Sigefrid and Eriks' army
0:00:06 > 0:00:09'raided our camp and kidnapped the Lady Aethelflaed.'
0:00:09 > 0:00:11You took my daughter into battle.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15'To learn her fate, I sent my loyal men Rypere
0:00:15 > 0:00:17'and Sihtric to Beamfleot as spies.'
0:00:17 > 0:00:20I swear that this prize will not
0:00:20 > 0:00:21be sold cheaply.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23THEY CHEER
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Wessex shall pay its share of silver and if necessary
0:00:25 > 0:00:27its share of blood!
0:00:27 > 0:00:28I will do what needs to be done.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31What is your opinion on paying a ransom for Aethelflaed?
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Not one I am prepared to say aloud.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34I may need you.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37'Alfred sent us to negotiate the ransom, but secretly
0:00:37 > 0:00:41'Aethelflaed and Erik have fallen in love.'
0:00:41 > 0:00:42Your husband is a fortunate man.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47He is not the man I would choose to be with.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50I cannot let her go.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54I will leave this place with Erik or I will not leave at all.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Will you help me?
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Please?
0:00:57 > 0:00:59'Destiny is all.'
0:01:42 > 0:01:45What binds a man to a land?
0:01:45 > 0:01:50You have a poor wretch, toiling in the fields, burning in summer,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53shivering in winter. He works all day, every day
0:01:53 > 0:01:56for nothing more than a loaf of bread and a pot to piss in.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01His children die of disease, his wife dies giving him children.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06Yet, when that land is threatened, something stirs. Why?
0:02:06 > 0:02:09It is the land that feeds him.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11More than that.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Er, the trees off the land are used for shelter and fire.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17More than that.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Is it love, Father?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Oh, for the Lord's sake, can you not remain quiet?
0:02:23 > 0:02:29But, yes, the bastard has it, it can only be love.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34It is a powerful thing. Would you not agree, Lord Uhtred?
0:02:36 > 0:02:37From wretch to warrior,
0:02:37 > 0:02:43love gives a man strength often at the cost of his mind.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52How much?
0:02:52 > 0:02:55It's not a small amount, Lord.
0:02:57 > 0:03:003,000 lbs weight of silver and 500 lbs weight of gold.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04The first of the metal is to be delivered by the next full moon,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06the remaining amount one month later.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08That is an impossible amount.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09An absurd amount.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- That is the best price?- It is, Lord.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13It is less than half their first demand, Lord.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15What it is is the entire wealth of Wessex.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19What it would buy is an army to ensure the end of Wessex and Mercia.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24Without the money... what will happen to my daughter?
0:03:27 > 0:03:31She is too valuable to simply kill, Lord, it would be humiliation.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35She will be taken to every town where Danes rule, she will be
0:03:35 > 0:03:41paraded before mocking crowds and men would pay to take their turn.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03It is not just the life and reputation of my daughter at
0:04:03 > 0:04:08stake here, it is the dignity of Wessex.
0:04:08 > 0:04:14So, many thousands of men must die, Lord, for the dignity of Wessex?
0:04:14 > 0:04:16Yes, Odda.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18A country is its history, the sum of all its stories -
0:04:18 > 0:04:20we are what our fathers made us.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Would you have me leave my descendants the shameful tale
0:04:24 > 0:04:28of how a Princess of Wessex was whored to the highest bidder?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31That is a tale that would overshadow all others.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35The battle of Ethandun would become insignificant.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38But, Lord, if we pay this ransom...
0:04:38 > 0:04:40I do not see how there will be a Wessex.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43The tale they tell will be of the king who paid for the very
0:04:43 > 0:04:45army that destroyed him!
0:04:45 > 0:04:46God would not allow that to happen.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49It's not God we are dealing with, it is the Northmen, the Danes!
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Non-believers, over whom we will triumph.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54Should a great battle come of this,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56we shall have men enough to face them.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58I expect the fyrd of Mercia to be at our side.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59It shall be there, Lord.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02The metal will be paid, in full.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05My daughter will be spared and Wessex shall avoid indignity.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07But not the slaughter.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Odda, I hear your doubts and I ask you to renew your faith.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Yes, Lord.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Aethelred, you will join Father Beocca and I before returning to Mercia.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24We must decide how best to gather the ransom.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Yes, Lord.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33This cannot be how it ends.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Lord, you have said all you can say.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37And bravely.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41There's nothing more for you to do, so I beg you - do nothing.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Lord?
0:06:14 > 0:06:15Lord?
0:06:17 > 0:06:18Dagfinn, you can go.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21All of you.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Yes, Lord.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25Do you have it?
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Is that enough?
0:06:30 > 0:06:31Yes.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35Uhtred can read?
0:06:35 > 0:06:39All of my father's ealdormen can read and write.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Although the letters Uhtred has written,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43you could count with one finger.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47I will teach you.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52What is to prevent him from doing nothing?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55We are asking him to risk everything for no reward.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Why should he come?
0:06:57 > 0:07:01It is Uhtred, he will come. I swear.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14He's with her, again?
0:07:14 > 0:07:15He is.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17He cannot keep away from her.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Let us hope he does not take her for his wife...
0:07:19 > 0:07:21HE CHUCKLES
0:07:21 > 0:07:23..or else our fortune is lost.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Is this true, huh?
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Sigefrid! Which woman is mine?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40The ugly one.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44We walked them for miles, see they are fed and watered.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Horses and slaves.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48THEY LAUGH
0:07:53 > 0:07:56You are called Sihtric?
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Yes, Lord. Good evening to you, Lord.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Uhtred says you can be trusted.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08So you will take him this letter.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17This is a great responsibility.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31They will have no peace.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32None.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37I have told them the same.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40But you will still help them?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42I must, I have no choice.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47If they escape then there will be no ransom paid. No great army.
0:08:47 > 0:08:53The men of Wessex are saved, yes, but what becomes of you?
0:08:54 > 0:08:55Of us?
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Alfred will see it as a betrayal.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59You will have broken your oath.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02We leave.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10Tomorrow I will make a sacrifice to keep you safe.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13All of us?
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Give your name to the scribe.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28The sum of your contribution will be written beside your name.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31We're helping to free the Lady Aethelflaed.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I've got nothing to give, I've got a family.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Any man or woman found to be hiding the value of their wealth
0:09:36 > 0:09:38shall be punished.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40All must pay their share.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47You have the gratitude of the King, and of God.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Name?
0:09:49 > 0:09:50Dorridge.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58Lord?
0:09:58 > 0:10:00News, Lord.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Speak.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Say to the King exactly what you said to me. Exactly.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Lord, this man is from Canterbury.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18The Northmen at Beamfleot are now crossing the river and
0:10:18 > 0:10:19raiding directly into Wessex.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22They have taken my wife and daughters, Lord.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25The youngest is just eight years.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29While we do nothing, Lord, but gather half-pennies from the poor.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Father, you will take this man away,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35feed him and give him rest at an inn.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Lord.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Odda, what is it you want?
0:10:42 > 0:10:48Lord, he is just one man, but he has lost two brothers at Ethandun,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51two daughters and a wife to the Northmen, and yet guards will
0:10:51 > 0:10:54knock at his door and demand one third of the little he has,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57all to help preserve the dignity of Wessex.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59This insolence is too much.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Then in six months' time we shall ask for his life!
0:11:03 > 0:11:08What I want, Lord, is for good sense to prevail.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11By good sense, I presume you mean the death or humiliation of my
0:11:11 > 0:11:14daughter and of the reputation of Wessex?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Or we march, Lord, and we fight.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19If we march they will kill her.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21And she will be considered a martyr, for Wessex, Lord,
0:11:21 > 0:11:23her dignity preserved!
0:11:23 > 0:11:26And you would still have the Prince, Edward, your line is intact!
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Odda, what has saved you from outright banishment is that
0:11:36 > 0:11:38you chose your King over your own son.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Lord, I chose Wessex over my son.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- A traitor!- You should at least consider doing the same!
0:11:51 > 0:11:52What am I to do with you?
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Your injury and your appetite for wine
0:12:00 > 0:12:03have robbed us both of your worth.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09You no longer serve a purpose.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Then, with your permission, Lord,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19I shall return to my estate and my wife at Devonshire.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Whilst it is still a Saxon estate.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26That would be for the best.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Should you be needed you will be sent for.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27They buy the very swords that will slay them.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Lord, good evening.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41I am a moth to the flame.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Yes, it is becoming a significant amount.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51Significant is the word, Lord, in its size and its effect.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Your father...- The King?
0:13:57 > 0:13:58He would have done the same.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Pay such a ransom for his offspring, Lord? I doubt it.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06I was a great disappointment to him...
0:14:06 > 0:14:07which I regret.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12But if you were not such a disappointment, Aethelwold,
0:14:12 > 0:14:13I may have had you killed.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16For the good of Wessex.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Never doubt it, every decision I make is for my country.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24Yes, Lord.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28I understand completely.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53Lord Odda.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57You will set tongues wagging, drinking with the peasants.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Let them wag if it please them.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04You asked me some days ago if I agree with the payment of
0:15:04 > 0:15:05a ransom.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10I do not.
0:15:13 > 0:15:19If I had an army to call upon, a fyrd to raise, I would prove it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24But I have not.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40I appear to have joined you, Lord.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53He's been there for part of the day and all of the night.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56He's a good man and I worry that it will damage his reputation, Lord.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58If he can stand, it can only enhance his reputation.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02Lord. May we join you?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Is he here still or has he already left?
0:16:08 > 0:16:09Aethelwold?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Erm, no, he's long gone, Lord.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Perhaps you've drank enough, Lord?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21It is entirely possible.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Though the ale they brew here is weak upon the orders of Alfred.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26You're joking, Lord.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29What, that's true?
0:16:29 > 0:16:31It is, yes.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36It is so a man can work the next day,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39and swords remain in scabbards.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44But they must not.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Somebody needs a bed.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58And you will stay with him?
0:16:58 > 0:16:59And do what?
0:16:59 > 0:17:02If he needs to piss or spew up, you'll fetch him a bucket.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05I have a plan, though it is likely I will die.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09What is this plan, Lord, tell me?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I will raise the Devonshire fyrd.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20Against the King's wishes, Lord? That is not something he would forgive.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Lord?!
0:17:28 > 0:17:29He will go nowhere.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33And you will go nowhere and you will say nothing about what you
0:17:33 > 0:17:34- have just heard.- Yes, Lord.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36You mean, "No, Lord".
0:17:38 > 0:17:39- I...- Do as I say.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26SNORING
0:18:32 > 0:18:35So, what does it say?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Erik has enough oathmen to crew a ship.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Three nights before the first of the metal is to be delivered,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43we make our way down river to Beamfleot.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45We kill the men that stand guard over the ships.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Erik and Aethelflaed sail away. And Wessex is saved.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- How many guards? - Eight or ten, on the shore.
0:18:52 > 0:18:53- That is all?- Yes.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54It's as simple as that?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Erik is in command, his men guard Aethelflaed,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59his ship is ready and waiting.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02It begins, it's simple. What happens is fate.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Well, why go by river and not horseback?
0:19:04 > 0:19:07If we go with the tide it'll be faster, and to escape
0:19:07 > 0:19:09we row across river.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10They will follow you.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15They will follow Aethelflaed. She's the silver.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34Father Pyrlig?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Lord. You came from nowhere, like the devil himself.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39You're leaving us?
0:19:39 > 0:19:44I am. I've invited myself to Devonshire with the Lord Odda.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Looking forward to cooling my feet in the blue waters of the sea.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49You're spying for Alfred.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Of course I'm spying for Alfred, I despise the sea.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Should Odda decide to do anything rash,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00you will tell him to hold fast?
0:20:00 > 0:20:02And why should he listen to me?
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Do you have a reason you would like to share?
0:20:07 > 0:20:08He is behind you.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Lord? Did you sleep well?
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Uhtred, I did, soundly.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Though I'm not sure how I found my bed.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23You were a little worse for ale, Lord, but no bother.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25I'm glad to hear it.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27You spoke of a plan.
0:20:30 > 0:20:31I did?
0:20:31 > 0:20:32Mm-hm.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Am I to be reminded?
0:20:35 > 0:20:37The men of Devonshire.
0:20:38 > 0:20:39They should remain in the fields.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43I must have been very drunk.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46It can be the only explanation, Lord.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47Yes.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48You swear?
0:20:48 > 0:20:53On my life. I have no memory of it whatsoever.
0:20:54 > 0:21:00Lord, I dare say this to you as your friend - do nothing.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05If I do not see you again, Uhtred of Bebbanburg,
0:21:05 > 0:21:11I wish you good luck, wherever fate may take you.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12Thank you, Lord.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Should we pray, Lord? Together?
0:21:38 > 0:21:43Am I being selfish, in wanting to spare Aethelflaed?
0:21:44 > 0:21:50Lord, you were her father before you were a king.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55But your reasons stand - she is Wessex.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00She's the blood, the heart and the spirit of Wessex.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04She cannot be humiliated.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Dagfinn!
0:22:34 > 0:22:35Dagfinn!
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Where is she?
0:22:37 > 0:22:38Lord? I...
0:22:38 > 0:22:39WHERE IS SHE?
0:22:51 > 0:22:56Now it is clear. Each man has a right to see her.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00And every man will guard her with his life!
0:23:04 > 0:23:08She is our wealth. She belongs to us all!
0:23:08 > 0:23:10CHEERING
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Dear God!
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Who might they be?
0:23:28 > 0:23:31They are the Devonshire fyrd, Father Pyrlig.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38You are here as Alfred's spy. You will go no further.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40You will get down from your horse and you will walk back to
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Winchester with your news.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45And what news is that, Lord? What do you mean?
0:23:45 > 0:23:49You will tell the King that Odda is marching against the enemies of Wessex.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51He can either march to halt me or march to join me,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53it does not matter which.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Once the Northmen at Beamfleot see an army, battle will follow.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Please, Lord. Think about what you are doing, you are making traitors of your men!
0:24:01 > 0:24:05The men you see are here to die for their King, not betray him.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08They know nothing of Alfred's weakness.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11But Uhtred, Lord! Did he not ask you to do nothing?
0:24:11 > 0:24:14You will get down from your horse and you will return to Winchester.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16And if I refuse?
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Now, Father Pyrlig.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Lord, I beg you, think again.
0:25:03 > 0:25:04Thank you.
0:25:07 > 0:25:08What's your name?
0:25:33 > 0:25:35I asked for ten, Dagfinn!
0:25:36 > 0:25:39How are we supposed to scrub down a ship with three men?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42The men refuse to leave the hall, Lord.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Refuse?
0:25:45 > 0:25:47They say they are protecting their wealth,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50under the orders of Sigefrid.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51Who said this? Name them.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01Your brother has called for more guards, Lord, until the metal comes.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03Erik!
0:26:05 > 0:26:07You have been sleeping at the river.
0:26:09 > 0:26:10Why?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12You have made a fool of me.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18You have humped her enough.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21You have fed and washed her enough.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Do not allow the men to see what I know for certain -
0:26:25 > 0:26:27you have grown too fond of her.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31It is not her arse you want, it is herself.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32It will pass.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35You have shamed me.
0:26:38 > 0:26:39What I have done...
0:26:40 > 0:26:42..is protect you.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Erik, my brother, what is happening around us is your plan.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50And it is a fine plan -
0:26:50 > 0:26:52to give up Lunden and take the Princess to ransom her
0:26:52 > 0:26:56for ships full of gold and silver, on which we will build an army
0:26:56 > 0:27:01that no man will want to face and every man will want to join.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06This will be our land.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09All of it.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I will not allow us to fail.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- Haesten! A guard every ten paces. - Yes, Lord.
0:27:22 > 0:27:27Forgive me, Lord, it's not that the men do not want to serve you.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It is that they do not know where your loyalties lie.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49HORSE WHINNIES
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Oh, Sweet Jesus, I cannot run. Please let them be Saxon.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58Father Pyrlig.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02Lord! Thank the Heavens, a friendly face.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Are you lost, Father?
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Not lost but abandoned, Lord.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I'm returning to Winchester with an important message for Alfred.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12We're going to see Alfred. Climb onto the cart.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14You can help guard Mercia's ransom.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17God bless you, Lord, saviour of my blistered feet.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Lord?
0:28:36 > 0:28:37Osferth?
0:28:47 > 0:28:48Can I say to you that I'm afraid?
0:28:51 > 0:28:53I wear a sword but barely know how to use it.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59I pray that when battle comes, I will not fail you.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Osferth, at times we're all afraid.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Courage is finding the will to overcome your fear, nothing more.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Perhaps we'll find you an axe. It requires less skill than a sword.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13But you must find the courage.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Yes, Lord.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Thank you, Lord.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43Father Pyrlig?
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Aethelred and Aldhelm I was expecting.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47It is Odda, Lord.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Prior to leaving Winchester, he sent a man, some man,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52with word to raise the fighting men of Devonshire.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54He has now met them on the road, Lord.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56With the intention of doing what?
0:29:56 > 0:29:59He is marching against Beamfleot.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00Yes, Lord, he is.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18Damn him.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22I say damn him.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Lord, are we to stop him?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30We have no other choice but to stop him!
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- We must stop him. - Lord, may I ask, where is Uhtred?
0:30:32 > 0:30:34He was not beside Odda, if that is your meaning.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37And it cannot have been Uhtred who carried the message to Devonshire.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Aethelred, you have how many men with you?
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Over 50, Lord. Household guard. I can send for many more.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43You will do that. Rest your men and horses,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46but you will join me and my own guard before first light.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47If we are to halt Odda,
0:30:47 > 0:30:51we must march day and night and we must pray.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- AETHELFLAED:- Dear Lord God in Heaven...
0:30:56 > 0:31:00..grant me the strength to survive this ordeal.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06Give me the courage to overcome these hardships...
0:31:08 > 0:31:11..and instil within me faith.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Faith in those I love.
0:31:18 > 0:31:19For they will not abandon me.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24Lord, I beg of you.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27Amen.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28Amen.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34You!
0:31:34 > 0:31:35With me!
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Now!
0:32:04 > 0:32:0520 guards!
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Sihtric, you said it would be no more than eight or ten.
0:32:08 > 0:32:09He cannot count.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12No, Lord, it has never been more than ten men.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Rypere's group will strike first from the water.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16They look to the river, and then...
0:32:17 > 0:32:19..we kill them.
0:32:19 > 0:32:20But, Lord, we are just 11.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22- Rypere!- Two each.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24We attack as soon as it's dark.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Brother. May I speak?
0:32:42 > 0:32:44I've something to say!
0:32:46 > 0:32:48I have something to say to each of you.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54You will be disappointed to know that this woman here...
0:32:54 > 0:32:56is now mine.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58No man is to touch her.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59Not with his hands,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01and most certainly not with his cock!
0:33:04 > 0:33:06She belongs to me!
0:33:10 > 0:33:11You weakened me, brother.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16It should have been me who took the Princess and put her in a cage.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Yes, you're right.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25I did not think.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28You never think.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29No!
0:33:29 > 0:33:32Because I have you to think for me.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44It is three nights before the first of the silver will arrive.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45We must be ready.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Tomorrow there will be no more ale, no more games,
0:33:49 > 0:33:51no more fighting over women!
0:33:53 > 0:33:55But that is tomorrow.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Tonight...
0:33:57 > 0:34:01we drink as if there were no tomorrow!
0:34:01 > 0:34:04THEY CHEER
0:34:08 > 0:34:09Lady!
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Have faith. It is tonight.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49Men, calm yourselves!
0:34:53 > 0:34:54Get the shields!
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Rypere!
0:35:42 > 0:35:44MAN SPLUTTERS
0:35:49 > 0:35:51You! That's enough!
0:35:51 > 0:35:53He's not your kill.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01That is not how you wet your sword.
0:36:02 > 0:36:03Find your courage!
0:36:04 > 0:36:08Or find your cross and go back to the monastery as Alfred would wish.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28We shall rest for a short time only.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Take rest. Stay alert. I want watchmen front and rear.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Feed the horses and yourselves.
0:36:38 > 0:36:39Odda is out there. He is near.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42As is Aethelflaed, Lord.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45We are here for Odda.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Erik should have been here by now.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56Something's wrong.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Why increase the number of guards? For what reason?
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Do we care? They are dead.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07We go to the fortress.
0:37:07 > 0:37:08We do?
0:37:08 > 0:37:10We came to free Aethelflaed.
0:37:10 > 0:37:11We came to kill the guards.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Bastard, you will say nothing!
0:37:14 > 0:37:16The guards will soon be discovered missing,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18and when they are, it's over.
0:37:18 > 0:37:19We cannot wait.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21But, Lord, we've lost half our men.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24And there are hundreds of them,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26both inside and outside the fortress.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Then a few more men will not be noticed.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33We go to the fortress.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Uhtred. She said that you would come.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14I dared not believe her, but you are here.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Tell me what has changed.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18In truth?
0:38:19 > 0:38:20It is hopeless.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26I have no crew for my ship, but the first task is not how
0:38:26 > 0:38:30we escape Beamfleot, it is how we free Aethelflaed.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33She hangs where every man can see her.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37Lord, I enjoy a fight as much as the next idiot, but this is beyond us.
0:38:37 > 0:38:38She's inside the hall?
0:38:38 > 0:38:42Inside the hall, inside a cage. Surrounded by men.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Warriors.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Then we must first get rid of the men.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47We do it now.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Fire! Fire! FIRE!
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Outside now! Quickly!
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Put the fire out before it spreads!
0:39:07 > 0:39:10SCREAMING AND SHOUTING
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Find something to carry water!
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Six men, stay with the Princess!
0:39:30 > 0:39:31Lock the doors!
0:39:31 > 0:39:32Uhtred!
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Clapa, Sihtric, the cage!
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Come on!
0:39:45 > 0:39:47This is one bastard lock to break!
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Get it done before we burn!
0:39:52 > 0:39:54It's all cleared, the hall of men, Lord.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Now, how do we clear the yard?
0:40:04 > 0:40:06They will follow the silver.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Up to the ramparts!
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Go! Go!
0:40:13 > 0:40:14Where did this begin?
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Lady, quickly, run for the rear gate.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21Do not stop!
0:40:23 > 0:40:25The Princess! Stop her!
0:40:25 > 0:40:27After her!
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Get to your horses! Go!
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Where is he? Erik! Where is he?
0:40:43 > 0:40:44Lord, I do not know.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46I have not seen him outside of the hall!
0:41:17 > 0:41:18No!
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Erik!
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Erik!
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Do not do this. Do not dare to do this!
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Brother, please let me have this one chance.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42I cannot let her go.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45She's our fortune! She's our reputation!
0:41:45 > 0:41:48If it's reputation you want, you can begin with killing me.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Uhtred, no!
0:41:50 > 0:41:54If you want your fortune, you must kill me!
0:41:56 > 0:41:57No!
0:42:01 > 0:42:02- No!- Argh!
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Clapa, the cage!
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Uhtred, get her out of here!
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Erik, no!
0:42:57 > 0:42:58No...
0:42:58 > 0:43:01We need to go. Aethelflaed!
0:43:01 > 0:43:02No!
0:43:20 > 0:43:21You...
0:43:23 > 0:43:24You did this.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34You've killed us both.
0:44:18 > 0:44:19Quickly!
0:44:47 > 0:44:49Clapa, with us!
0:44:53 > 0:44:54Clapa!
0:44:55 > 0:44:56Clapa!
0:45:02 > 0:45:03We go!
0:45:26 > 0:45:28She's escaping with Uhtred!
0:45:31 > 0:45:33I want them dead!
0:45:33 > 0:45:35Everyone after them!
0:45:35 > 0:45:37Go!
0:45:42 > 0:45:46Lord, I'm grateful to see you, as are my men.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49I've told each one of them we are here on the orders of Alfred.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57Lord, as you appear to have marched an army to their door,
0:45:57 > 0:46:00I doubt the Northmen will believe you are not here to fight.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05Why, Odda?
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Why?
0:46:09 > 0:46:10For Wessex, Lord.
0:46:11 > 0:46:12Only for Wessex.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19Lord, the sky!
0:46:20 > 0:46:21It must be Beamfleot.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25It is an army, Lord!
0:46:25 > 0:46:27It's Odda. It's Odda's army!
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- Stand ready!- Stand ready!
0:46:34 > 0:46:37Good God, I think it is Uhtred.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40It is her, it is Aethelflaed. They have her.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49Lord, we are being pursued by Sigefrid.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52The Danes are low in number and disorganised.
0:46:52 > 0:46:53My advice is that we kill them all.
0:46:53 > 0:46:55Steapa, put a guard around my daughter. Keep her safe.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- Father, I want to fight them! - You will do as I say!
0:47:08 > 0:47:09Erik is dead, Lord.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Sigefrid will have no mind to negotiate nor wait.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14He wants Saxon blood.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16We have to fight!
0:47:17 > 0:47:20Shield wall, Lord - only you can give the order.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26Lord, we only have a fraction of their number.
0:47:28 > 0:47:29We cannot win.
0:47:32 > 0:47:33I am ready.
0:47:37 > 0:47:38Lord?
0:47:41 > 0:47:42To die.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49It will be today.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57Who is with me?
0:47:57 > 0:47:59THEY CHEER
0:47:59 > 0:48:01Who is ready for glory...
0:48:02 > 0:48:04..or Valhalla?
0:48:04 > 0:48:06HE YELLS
0:48:13 > 0:48:15- Shield wall!- Shield wall!
0:48:15 > 0:48:16Shield wall!
0:48:18 > 0:48:20Faster!
0:48:20 > 0:48:22Move! Move!
0:48:23 > 0:48:25Forwards!
0:48:41 > 0:48:43Faster!
0:48:49 > 0:48:51Shield! Shield!
0:49:03 > 0:49:06FAINT SOUNDS OF BATTLE
0:49:12 > 0:49:14Fill the breach!
0:49:21 > 0:49:23Build the wall!
0:49:23 > 0:49:25HE GROANS
0:49:46 > 0:49:47Princess!
0:49:51 > 0:49:54I see you, Princess, and I will kill you!
0:49:56 > 0:49:59I will have your head and your tits!
0:50:01 > 0:50:02Sigefrid!
0:50:07 > 0:50:09Sigefrid!
0:50:20 > 0:50:21Princess!
0:50:23 > 0:50:25Princess!
0:50:31 > 0:50:34Sigefrid!
0:50:34 > 0:50:36I'm here!
0:50:36 > 0:50:37Face me!
0:52:21 > 0:52:22Leave us.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36Uhtred, there are no words.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39Say nothing.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41You answered my call at the risk of everything.
0:52:43 > 0:52:44I only wish he did survive, Lady.
0:52:48 > 0:52:49Erik is still with me.
0:52:55 > 0:52:56And perhaps within me.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03And if over the coming months,
0:53:03 > 0:53:06my husband should think what you are thinking,
0:53:06 > 0:53:09it would be a great comfort, Uhtred,
0:53:09 > 0:53:13to know that I could call upon you again,
0:53:13 > 0:53:15should I ever need to.
0:53:16 > 0:53:17Of course.
0:53:19 > 0:53:20Do you swear?
0:53:22 > 0:53:24You are the man I trust most, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
0:53:30 > 0:53:31I swear.
0:53:37 > 0:53:38I swear, Lady.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Then I shall dare to kiss you.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07It seems you have made a habit of rescuing Wessex.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18Odda claims that you believed you were acting upon my orders, Uhtred.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23What will happen to him?
0:54:26 > 0:54:27There will be a trial.
0:54:28 > 0:54:29And then you will kill him.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35Treachery could not be ignored.
0:54:38 > 0:54:39He's a good man.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44He is my friend...
0:54:47 > 0:54:48..and a traitor.
0:54:53 > 0:54:54May I go, Lord?
0:54:57 > 0:54:58You are free to go.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02As my oathman.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46I would have liked to have seen my land of Devonshire once more.
0:55:51 > 0:55:52How did it look?
0:56:00 > 0:56:01Devonshire was beautiful, Lord.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10God be with you.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04KNIFE SLICES
0:57:04 > 0:57:06HE PANTS
0:57:09 > 0:57:11UHTRED: What binds a man to his land?
0:57:12 > 0:57:16What power within allows him to give his life to preserve
0:57:16 > 0:57:19his land and the lives of the families who work it?
0:57:22 > 0:57:23It can only be love.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30It will not be written that the Lord Odda saved Wessex...
0:57:31 > 0:57:34..but that is the story I will tell -
0:57:34 > 0:57:37that he gave his life to save the lives of many...
0:57:39 > 0:57:43..and ensured King Alfred of Wessex became more powerful than ever.
0:57:46 > 0:57:48Sigefrid had been defeated...
0:57:50 > 0:57:53..but Alfred knew as well as I that the Danes were sure to return.
0:57:56 > 0:57:59Shackled by oaths to both Wessex and Mercia,
0:57:59 > 0:58:03it seems fate has made my sword Saxon,
0:58:03 > 0:58:06even though in my heart I remain a Dane.
0:58:09 > 0:58:10I, Uhtred, son of Uhtred,
0:58:10 > 0:58:14shall be the warrior to bind kingdom to kingdom,
0:58:14 > 0:58:18honour-bound to forge Alfred's dream of an England.
0:58:20 > 0:58:24But one day, my sword will belong to Bebbanburg.
0:58:26 > 0:58:28Destiny is all.