Chapter 11

Just prior to the declaration of war, two messengers depart from Thetford Castle, each carrying a similar letter to the Duchies to the north. One went to Mercia, one to Northumbria. The letters request assistance from the allies of East Anglia in its war for Bedford. Immediately upon receiving the letters, Duke Eadwin II of Mercia and Duke Mærleswegn of Northumbria send the messengers back answering the call.

Meanwhile, East Anglia has raised its nearly 4 thousand troops and is ready for battle. The army sets forth to Bedford, laying siege to its castle, where it is later joined by Mercian and Northumbrian men. By July of 1146, Bedford Castle is surrounded by over 10 thousand enemies.

In November, Eadflæd, Ralf's granddaughter, reaches 14. She shows very little skill in any area and is married, matrilineally, to a talented soldier from Hungary in the hopes that she will produce many strong de Gael offspring.

The siege of Bedford ends in January of 1147. There has yet to be a battle in the war, as the defender's armies seem keen to avoid the massive attacking armies.

The town of Hertford, also in the county of Bedford, is the next target. Within a few months, it falls as well.

The first combat takes place in Northampton, as the small army of Wessex, only about 5 hundred men, is surrounded and destroyed. The main army of Wessex, this one nearly 2 thousand men, is then chased into Wessex itself and defeated. The victorious armies lay siege to Castle Winchester of Wessex.

In May of 1148, the castle finally falls, yet the stubborn Duke of Wessex fights on.

In Norfolk, Loup and his wife have their first child, whom they name Æthelstan. Loup is a changed man since his marriage. Having stopped his filthy association with the whorehouses, he has focused on administrative duties and scholarly reading instead. This has led him to become a talented administrator and a learned man.

The Duke of Wessex finally surrenders in October of 1148. In recognition of his miraculous change and new found skill, Loup is made Earl of Bedford. The Duchy of East Anglia now stands at 5 provinces, and Duke Ralf III is now known as the most successful and renown Duke that East Anglia has ever had.

With the now immense income of East Anglia, expansion of the Keep in Thetford Castle is ordered.

Then, with victory still sweet on his tongue, death takes Duke Ralf III. He dies at the age of 56, having ruled East Anglia for 50 years, the longest of any Duke of East Anglia. The Duchy passes to his eldest son Attalus, now Duke Attalus of East Anglia.

Long live Duke Attalus!