You’ll never guess where our latest time travel adventure took us – to the court of the fearsome Viking king Harald Hardrada in 1066! As in, the same Harald who tried to conquer England later that year. We aimed for right before the famous Battle of Stamford Bridge where he fought our English king Harold Godwinson. But we arrived a bit earlier, when an unexpected visitor showed up at Hardrada’s camp…
As we stepped out into a smoky, dimly lit hall, we were surrounded by big, burly Vikings eyeing us warily. Men with long hair and beards were feasting on roast meat, gulping ale, and telling rowdy stories. The unmistakable scent of sweat and smoke hung heavy in the air.
“Uhh, did we make it to the right place and time?” Grace whispered, looking rather grand in her Viking maiden’s ensemble.
harald Hardrada makes a pact with Tostig
Just then, loud voices echoed from the entrance as someone new arrived. We saw a man in dark robes being escorted in by Viking guards. He strode up to the head table where a hulking, crown-wearing figure sat surveying the raucous scene with a scowl.
“The King’s brother,” I muttered as the newcomer knelt before the Viking king.
“Lord Hardrada, I am Tostig Godwinson, brother of the English King Harold,” the man announced loudly. “I have been betrayed and exiled unjustly. I come seeking your support to reclaim my rightful title and lands!”
A murmur went through the Vikings at this bold request. Hardrada studied Tostig appraisingly before responding in a booming voice.
“And what do you offer sturdy Hardrada in return for such a prize?”
Tostig didn’t miss a beat. “If you help me defeat my brother and take the throne of England, I will pay you tribute and support your reign as King of both realms!”
“Oh, my goodness, he’s convincing the Vikings to invade England!” Grace gasped in shock.
Hardrada seemed tempted, stabbing his dagger into the table as he considered. “A tantalizing proposal to unite our kingdoms. Or a traitor’s trick to gain power over me? You would need to provide valuable concessions and men to prove your worth.”
Tostig quickly promised gold, ships, and soldiers – whatever it took to secure Hardrada’s forces. After further negotiation, the two men struck a deal, shaking hands amid cheers from the Viking horde. England was about to face the wrath of one of the greatest Viking armies ever assembled!
“I can’t believe we just witnessed the alliance that nearly brought down King Harold in 1066!” I said to Grace as the celebration raged around us. “No wonder they call that year the Game of Thrones of English history!”
Who knows what other wild encounters await on our next jump through the space-time vortex? Things are definitely getting…historical!