A King's Comrade: A Story of Old Hereford

A vivid picture of early medieval England unfolds along a windswept shoreline, where the tide rolls in under a heavy summer sky and the distant dunes whisper of ancient battles. Against this backdrop the first Danes set foot on English soil, their arrival recorded in the Anglo‑Saxon Chronicle, while the kingdom of Mercia watches with wary eyes. The tale is anchored in the real tragedy of King Ethelbert, whose martyrdom in 792 AD still haunts the stones of Hereford Cathedral.

Enter Wilfrid, a steadfast comrade and emissary whose loyalty drives him into the tangled politics of Offa’s court. Charged with honoring a promise to the fallen king, he embarks on a solemn search for Ethelbert’s remains, navigating the schemes of Queen Quendritha and the dubious Marshal Gymbert. Along the way, his encounters with figures like the exiled Ecgbert and the mysterious Prince Jefan weave personal honor with the larger currents of history.

The narrative blends meticulous historical detail with the timeless drama of friendship, duty, and intrigue. Listeners will feel the chill of the sea, the weight of ancient stone, and the urgency of a quest that could reshape a kingdom, all told in a measured, engaging voice that brings the 8th‑century world to life.