I just finished reading The Last Kingdom. Excellent! I have enjoyed the Arthur series and the Grail Quest series. Can’t wait for The Pale Horseman. My Thurston ancestors, arriving from England in 1637, descend from the Danes and likely the invasions you describe. You might enjoy this hymn, which was composed and sung during a reunion at the National Gathering of Thurstons at Newburyport, Mass., June 24 – 25, 1885.

Thurston Hymn In Scandia’s wilds an ancient vine Grew round the sanguined stones of Thor. A thousand years, O God, are thine, And we thy culturing hand adore. That vine Old England’s Isle o’erspread, Enwreathed her church and camp and throne. Above the branches fair is read, O Lord of hosts, thy name alone. The fruitful stem Columbia bears By Plymouth’s pilgrim hills and tides; The Golden Gate its clusters shares; Where’er they grow God’s light abides. The grape is crushed, the wine flows forth In patriot blood, in mission zeal, And yields afar, to sons of earth, The cup of life with Christ’s own seal. Nor yet are thy best wonders told, O Fount of endless joy and love, Celestial bliss thy words unfold, The vine, transplanted, blooms above. Kindest regards, John O. Thurston