History looks back on Eadric Streona as one of the most villainous men of his time. The BBC History Magazine elected him as the worst Englishman of the 11th century, and many also blame him for the victory of the Vikings over England. Streona means "the grasper," and such was Eadric's character: he clutched for power and money wherever he could. But what most historians fail to consider is that Eadric Streona's primary goal was peace and stability for England. Without contradicting the known facts, "Eadric the Grasper" presents another conception of this historical figure: he is suave,...

A mother defies an ealdorman for the sake of her son. A boy becomes king at eleven years of age through the scandalous death of his brother. A young girl takes desperate measures to manipulate the king's court. An eccentric noble gives a young swineherd a priceless gift in the form of education. An orphaned woman joins the Viking prince to pursue her revenge. These are only the first five stories of the ten Lost Tales of Mercia. They introduce the characters who will fight, love, and betray each other until the rightful king takes the throne of Engla-lond. These stories serve as a complement...

Godric is the bastard son of Eadric Streona, spurned by Eadric's wife and promised nothing by society. At a young age his life is steeped with murder, loss, and betrayal. Godric seems destined for a life of exile and insignificance, but he swears to avenge his father's death, no matter what the cost. Living under the roof of Thorkell the Tall, he learns to become a Jomsviking. The life of a warrior brings him comfort, but his hunger for vengeance remains. He finds a new identity for himself and successfully reenters the royal court where he initiates his plans of assassination. As success...