Hello Mr Cornwell,

I have just finished The Empty Throne and found that my favourite series just gets better and better with each book. I intended to visit your book signing in York but due to surgery I could not handle the train journey (so I will have to catch you next time). Athelstan is fast becoming a favorite character, especially his conversations with Uhtred. I have a small question if you can answer it; there are two characters that have not cropped up in a while? Haesten and Brida; are they assumed dead? (I hope they are both around for Brunanburh; Brida with her influence among the Northern Danes and Haesten the snake who always wriggles free).

Thank you for your wonderful books (and do not listen to the wingers calling for Uhtred’s story to come to a close; I would gladly buy and read as many more books as you can write!!!)

Nicolaas Nicholson