Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Middle Ages End Today

The Great Hall of Thetford, East Anglia

King Guthrum of the Danelaw sat on his high seat, tearing into a leg of roasted boar. Unlike the fasting Baron in the stories of old, Guthrum believed a leader should eat enough for three men to show his vitality.

He was a traditionalist. He believed in the axe, the shield-wall, and the favor of Odin. He did not believe in reading, washing his hands to kill "invisible devils," or filling out forms.