9 Steps
Rognvaldr takes his 9 steps. Dropping the hot bar, his hands are singed after completing his task. As he calls out in pain, Sigtryggr gives him 3 days to heal up – or it’ll become clear that the Gods have left him to die.
Uhtred rode up to see Aethelflaed, who was at least able to get dressed and take care of her obligations. Uhtred joined her, but Aethelflaed’s sudden burst of energy was only a sign of how little time she had left. ..
She visits one of the Ealdormen, paying them off with land and urging them to help protect Mercia no matter what. Uhtred is concerned about Aelfwynn taking the throne in his lover’s absence but agrees to keep Aethelflaed’s promise to help watch over her. Holding Aethelflaed’s hand, the pair head out to the wilderness and talk.
In the Yorkshire wilds, Brida continues to torture Father Pyrlig, tying him up to a tree and promising that his death will not be quick. Numerous cuts cover his body as he’s told to pray for Vibeke being brought back. ..
Pyrlig prays for Brida’s life, but she suddenly drops to her knees and begins sobbing. She points out that she’s alone. Pyrlig gently reassures her that she’s not. ..
Winchester residents begin to gossip about Edward and Eadgifu’s relationship, with some urging Aelflaed to leave her husband. Aalys encourages her to stay, but eventually the two women ride together. ..
Edward arrives to see his sister and runs into Aelfwynn. She worries about the Ealdormen scheming and Edward promises to do his best to thwart this. Uhtred returns holding Aethelflaed’s body. She has passed away and as he somberly walks with her, a slickly shot montage cuts in with scenes of Brida also mourning the loss of Vibeke. Father Pyrlig prays for her passing. ..
Meanwhile, Sigtryggr is struggling to forgive his brother for betraying them. Still, the Gods have forgiven him and as such, it seems like they’re on the way forward.
Aethelstan, who is also here, has reunited with his father. It’s an icy meeting, to say the least. Edward decides against reunions given more pressing issues are at hand. Those issues stem from Aethelflaed’s death and the sorting out of Mercia for her successor.
Aelfwynn decides to follow her mother’s wishes, but of course Aethelhelm’s appearance is not a good sign. He wants the bells rung immediately to signify the ascension of his father. Edward delays but does eventually ring them. ..
Aethelflaed is in her chambers when soldiers show up outside. Uhtred and the others see this coming and Aethelhelm is stopped.
Edward kills the corrupt Ealdormen working with Aethelhelm and decides to become King of the Angles and Saxons himself. This is something Alfred dreamed of too, which Uhtred reflects on as Aethelflaed’s body taken away. ..
The Episode Review
England’s history continues to advance forward with the attention now turning toward the Anglo-Saxon rule and what will be passed in our history. This is another good episode to showcase this with The Last Kingdom starting to really lean into the drama and influence brought forward by Edward. ..
Brida is lost and grief-stricken following the loss of her child. She is quite what will happen to her remains a mystery.
Uhtred continues to play a role in the events unfolding around him, while Aethelhelm’s scheming appears to be thwarted for now. Following Edward’s merciless killing of all of his scheming Ealdormen, it leaves things open for where this could go next. ..
England is set to make a significant change in its history, with a new leader in the form of Prime Minister Theresa May. With this new government in place, what will be left behind?
