Dear Bernard,

I’ve been home sick with a severe throat infection so got some books from my library to read, including Justin Pollard’s excellent study of Alfred the Great. As a result, I just had to re-read the Uhtred novels again while I’m recovering – just the tonic I needed.

Just one question: there’s so many great stories in history about Alfred’s descendants, including Edmund Ironside – have you been tempted to write about this much-troubled period (the reign of Aethelred Unraed?

Also, very much looking forward to reading the Pagan Land when it’s published.

All the best and may your writing arm be as strong as Uhtred’s in a shield wall!
David Sibley