Hello Mr Cornwell. I have written to you once or twice before, but a long time ago now! Since then I have enjoyed many adventures with Sharpe and have recently finished reading your latest gem “The Last Kingdom”. I have to say you had me hooked from page one! I have a couple questions if you don’t mind? This book has left me with one burning desire… to have my own hand crafted sword! I have shopped around on the net but they all seem to be mass produced. I want my own personal blade just like Uhtred! Do you know of any blacksmith’s in England that offer such a service? And also, a slightly unrelated question, I wondered if you have ever been to a battle reenactment of any kind before? (I’d like to see a shield wall!) If so did it help in your endeavours of writing battle scenes? I look forward to your response and as ever to your next book. Many thanks and kind regards. Richard Akers