Dear Mr Cornwell, I have just finished reading ‘Sword Song’ and can only describe myself as – in the vernacular – ‘gobsmacked’. There was one moment… that I had to put the book down for a moment, heart beating fast and with tears starting to my eyes. Indeed, Wyrd bith ful araed. There is a school of thought that there are just a few stories in the world, but each of them has power. We play them out, time and time again: only the details differ. I can only say that you have tapped into an archetypal artery and that your detailing is worthy of the best saga tellers. In this latest book, you also add greater depth to the character of Uhtred and the passage …was masterly, as are his thoughts concerning the joylessness of the new religion of the White Christ. At 53 and as a father of two, I am perhaps too old now to dream of entering Valhalla, but I have been a warrior and there was once a time when I would have sought such a transformation.. I am very keen to hear of Uhtred’s subsequent adventures and of how (in old age) he deals with the prospect of a straw death. You weave ripping yarns and you also give food for thought on timeless questions. For that I salute you, Mr Cornwell. May Bragi always be with you and may a good portion of Odhroerir’s contents ever fall your way. And may the holy joy of Frodi-Frey descend on you and yours this Yuletide season. Best wishes from a Heathen, Chris Smith