Last Tales of Mercia 10: Osbern the Son

By Jayden Woods

The keep of the Norman castle is finally finished. But when Osbern cannot convince the Saxon Edric to attend the celebration, his own resentment surfaces. Set in the Dark Ages of Engla-lond, the "Last Tales of Mercia" are ten short stories featuring real historical figures and characters from the "Sons of Mercia" series. Though strongly connected to the series, they can be read independently.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jayden Woods
• Release date: Sep 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476011141

Jayden Woods

Jayden Woods is the author's pen name. Jayden is a graduate of the University of Southern California's Writing for Screen and Television program. She lived and worked in Los Angeles for five years before leaving Hollywood to pursue her passion of writing prose and novels. Her published works include the various Tales of Mercia and the related "Sons of Mercia" trilogy, beginning with "Eadric the Grasper."

Book preview

Last Tales of Mercia 10:

Osbern the Son

Jayden Woods

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Jayden Woods

Edited by Malcolm Pierce

Cover design based on the Bayeux Tapestry

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The ten Last Tales of Mercia are stand-alone short stories featuring real historical figures and characters from the Sons of Mercia series. You may read them independently as quick glimpses into an ancient world, or as an introduction to the world of the novel, Edric the Wild. For more news and updates on the Sons of Mercia series, visit www.jaydenwoods.com.

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SHROPSHIRE

1058 A.D.

The stone keep of Richard’s castle was finished, and Richard planned a great feast in honor of its construction.

Osbern could not remember ever feeling as excited about anything as he felt about the upcoming feast. At last, he would be able to invite people to his home and allow them to enjoy the comforts of the castle. Everyone would witness his father’s achievement and celebrate its glory alongside him. Perhaps they would finally appreciate the greatness of his Norman heritage and realize that it deserved respect. Even the Saxon slaves could bask in their accomplishment and find respite now that they’d finished their work.

And yet as he rode through the town of Shrewsbury, he had a great deal of trouble getting other people excited.

Free food for all of you! he cried until his voice became hoarse. Come to Richard’s castle on Sun’s day after church to celebrate its completion. Who will be there?

The people of the streets responded with silence. Most did not even look at him. The few that did had frowns on their faces and looked away quickly.

This should have been a thriving market day, full of baskets of fish, bowls of vegetables, the flash of coins, and