Hi Bernard,

Firstly, I just want to say that – along with everyone else here – I love your works. From Arthur, to Uhtred, to Thomas of Hookton, I’ve yet to read a book of yours I haven’t loved. So thanks for your amazing stories.

Recently, I was doing a bit of reading around the wider Arthurian legend and saw that the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentions a Saxon named Cerdic who (if he existed) later became one of the first kings of Wessex. I’m just wondering if this is the same Cerdic who is the enemy of Arthur and Derfel or if it is just coincidence?

Also, if it is intended, then am I right in saying that it means that one of your great heroes in Alfred is descended from one of your great villains in Cerdic. Perhaps there is scope to combine the two stories into one, gigantic saga, spanning all the way from Derfel, through to Uhtred and his capture of Bebbanburg. Maybe Finan could be descended from Oengus Mac Airem, and Brida descended from Nimue? Or am I just being greedy?

Either way, I love your work, and I check the website frequently for news of any upcoming works.

Many thanks for hours of entertainment,

Matt