Hi Bernard,
Just finished reading, and enjoyed your story greatly, as with the preceding ones.
In your historical research for the backstory I wonder why no mention of the Cuerdale Hoard? The River Ribble was the main connection between Dyflin, Mann and Jorvik.
I know you have explained your siting of Brunanburh to be on the Mersey previously, but still not convinced personally.
I read Michael Livingston’s book and its dubious place name derivations. There were Norse settlements along the whole of the North West Coast, I was born in one at Blowick, Southport..
Living in Preston, Lancs., an Angle town, I am biased towards another claim, one amongst many, but which actually possesses some evidence?!
Bruna Hill near Garstang, Alston and Elston named after Athelstan and the Cuerdale Hoard a mercenary payroll still the largest find of Nordic silver outside of Russia. All of these well within a day’s walk.
So not wanting to bore you further with the battle site arguments, please try to mention the Cuerdale Hoard somewhere, it did exist, I have handled some of the silver coins and hack silver.
Regards.
Andy.