Hi Bernard, I am currently carrying out a third year English dissertation on four books about King Alfred, one of them being the Pale Horseman. I was hoping that you would be able to shed some light on a couple of themes I am working on. Where as the other authors have given Alfred a chivalric manner, would you say that your Alfred is more Realpolitik? Secondly, would you say that Alfred chooses to use religion when he wants, and ignores paganism if it suits him (when his son gets healed by Iseult). I am sorry if this is too long and a bit random but any help you could give would be great. Kind Regards Robert