Bretwalda, Part 2

 

Read/Watch 'em In Order #135

When we last encountered the axe Bretwalda (which means "Ruler of Briton"), it was used to save the life of King Alfred, who would one day win a great victory against the Vikings that were ravaging England.

Philip Ketchum's second Bretwalda story is "Vandal," published in the March 18, 1939 issue of Argosy. We've jumped ahead a generation, with Winton--the axe's owner--living in Norway and teaching his son Alfred to be also have the skills necessary to kick butt and take names.

It's a skill that soon comes in handy. Norway has been united under King Harold, who is a friend of England. But Harold's grip on the throne is tenuous, with many powerful jarls (who used to be the top dogs of their own territories) wanting to overthrow him.

In fact, it's not long before things get dangerous. Harold is kidnapped and Winton is back-stabbed. Alfred, who previously could barely lift Bretwalda, now finds it easy to wield. He, along with Harold's son and daughter and a few other allies, launch a rescue mission to save Harold.

But in order to do so, Alfred will have to make a decision very similar to that made by his father in "The Axe Bites Deep." He has to be willing to sacrifice himself to save Harold and, by extension, save England.

"Vandal" is an excellent story, with several great action scenes that also generates an extraordinary level of tension during the unusual boat trip that takes up much of the latter half of the story. Also, Alfred's relationship with Harold's daughter Sigrid grows quickly (necessary in a short story), but also seems natural and not at all contrived.

I'm being sparse in detail because I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. You can read it online HERE.