Chapter 26

Chapter 26 - 1265 to 1274: The End of Scotland

The new Empire of Britannia spans over nearly all of Britain. In the north, Scotland stands alone against the formidable force against its southern border. It seems just a matter of time before the young Empire swallows this last unconquered foe.

As the Council of Britain is formed, 5 Councillors are named: Duke Uhtræd of Wessex, Duke Cadwal of Hwicce, Duke Fychan of Gwynedd, Duke Rægenweald of Kent, and Prince Ælfweard of Meath. This last appointment, of the Emperor's son, is seen as pure nepotism among the vassals, for Ælfweard is a very disliked man throughout the realm. Other than his extreme depression, which many claim is unfounded, he occasionally experiences violent episodes, speaking as though possessed by evil spirits. This prince is no fit heir to the Empire, and Æthelstan, who appointed him in the hopes of a change in his attitude, may have to look elsewhere for a successor.

In September of 1266, Empress Wulfgifu of Britannia dies at the age of 50. Æthelstan, despite his age of 55, sets out to find a new wife. A wife is found quickly from Aquitaine, a beautiful young princess named Aurengarde.

Despite the age difference of more than 40 years, the two fall in love, and, in 1268, Aurengarde is pregnant.

In 1269, Aurengarde gives birth to a girl, whom they name Tcwoman.

Ælfweard's situation grows worse in the Summer of 1269, as it comes out that he is a raging homosexual, even though he has already had 5 children. Æthelstan, now panicking, sees no way out. The depressed, possessed, fat, homosexual Ælfweard seems poised to become the next Emperor of Britannia.

1270 brings with it the news that Aurengarde is again pregnant. By November she gives birth to another girl. This time they name her The M.

Knowing that his life is almost over, Æthelstan IV arranges a pilgrimage to Rome. He sets out from Kent in December of 1271. He brings with him a few of his trusted courtiers.

He arrives in February of 1272. There, he meets and converses with many different men. News passes by this way and that. He learns that Galicia has recently fallen to the heretical Fatimid Sultanate, putting yet another chunk of Iberia in Muslim control.

He also learns that most of Sicily has been reclaimed for Christianity. The reappearance of the Kingdom of Sicily, although it is now led by an Orthodox King, has helped retake the lands.

Far to the east, the Mongol Empire, which stretches from eastern Europe to central Asia, has connected Europe with Asia more than they have been for many centuries, and it brings news of empires to the East. The formerly Hindu Mongols have since converted back to Tengri.

Æthelstan arrives back in March, telling great tales of his adventures and of what he has heard.

Inspired by his travels, the Emperor makes one last bold move. He usurps the title King of Scotland, declaring that, as he controls most of the Scottish counties, he is the true King of the north.

As the Kingdom of Scotland collapses, the remaining vassals split into independent duchies. The very tip of Scotland is controlled by the Duke of Morray, as is half of northern Ireland, while the rest of northern Ireland is controlled by the Duke of Ulster. The former King of Scotland, no merely the Duke of Albany, is forced to bow to his new Emperor. Although he is now a vassal of Britannia, he has no love to his new liege, vowing revenge.

On the 9th of April, 1274, Emperor Æthelstan IV, the first Emperor of Britannia, dies at the age of 63, unable to fulfill his promise. Thus starts the rule of Emperor Ælfweard 'the Wicked', the most despicable de Gael.

How can this new Emperor withstand the anger of his new vassals? Can he finish his father's job of uniting the islands?