A Strange Twist Of Fate
Uhtred mourns Brida’s death. He promises to see her in Valhalla before following Stiorra. She’s unhappy with Uhtred’s loyalty to Brida and trying to save her, especially given Sigtryggr wasn’t given the same treatment. Stiorra believes he’s turned away from his family. So naturally she decides to do the same, leaving with the Danes most loyal to her.
Father Benedict visits Bebbanburg and tells the people of the need for them to fight against Edward. Aethelhelm believes that Edward will buckle under seeing Aethelhelm’s army and Father Benedict speaks up though when Aethelhelm mentions killing Edward and how he’s tyrannical, pointing out the slaughter of Danes he was responsible for.
With word of Alfweard’s whereabouts reaching Edward, Benedict rides out to warn of what’s coming. With Alfwynn captured by Aethelhelm, Aelswith demands that Edward take action. However, the King opts for a more cautious approach, not wanting to rush into battle. The thing is, Aethlehelm has grand plans, which include Alfwynn marrying Constantin. She promises to throw herself out the window when she hears his plan… but Aethelhelm welcomes it. Scoffing, he claims it would be one less thing for him to deal with.
Uhtred reflects on his experiences in the land of the Britons and what has happened since he last visited. Uhtred wants to return home, but he is worried about what may have happened since he last left. He believes that this could be his final chance to find a place to call home and he is hesitant to leave without assurances from the others that there is another way. Finan urges Uhtred not to go back home, but he persists.
Benedict returns to town and accepts any punishments coming his way. He warns Uhtred of what Aethelhelm has planned, going on to reveal that he’s actually held up in Bebbanburg. This obvious piques the interest of Uhtred when he finds out. Pyrlig sees this as a strange twist of fate but Uhtred sees it as the Gods taunting him.
Uhtred suggests that Bebbanburg take back Pyrlig and that the Christian God walks by his side. Uhtred smiles, claiming that the “Gods” are not by his side but thanks the priest for his kind words nonetheless.
Uhtred takes this idea to Edward, suggesting they fortify Bebbanburg. Edward realizes this is a big threat and decides to come up with a more peaceful solution to prevent war. In exchange for Constantin marrying Aelfwynn and isolating Aethelm away from them, he suggests splitting the region of Northumbria in two, creating a fortified area around the Scottish border. This would also mean Bebbanburg would be lost. Uhtred calls him out for martyrdom and believes Edward is doing this because he’s afraid. Aldhelm refuses to sacrifice Aelfwynn like Edwards wants to either – and he stands with the Mercian army… and Uhtred. Everyone else in the council have the same mindset, even his own son Aethelstan. ..
We’re left with one big question – will Edward engage in war or not?
The Episode Review
In the latest episode of The Last Kingdom, we follow the battle between Constantin and Aethelhelm, as the former tries to take down the latter in order to protect his people. It’s an interesting conflict that’s likely to have a significant impact on the final two episodes of the series.
With Brida dead and that side of the conflict resolved, this chapter essentially serves as a proverbial deep breath before plunging further into the fate of England. With two episodes left, there’s plenty to play for, with the show left hanging on a precarious knife edge.
