Chapter 1: Bernard Mideltun, Humble Beginnings



Burgflaed is a very young woman who is incredibly ambitious. She grew up in court and is in the know when it comes to money.

She has worked diligently for many years and from seeing corruption in court, become a just woman who can be very cold and cruel if pushed. ​



And just like that, Bernard was Marshal of Mercia ​



Bernard has already become a powerful Earl of Mercia! Bernard has already become a powerful Earl of Mercia!



Earl Bernard needs to relax!



Not only a claim on Gloucester but a claim on the Petty Kingdom of Hwicce! What would King Offa think?​ Not only a claim on Gloucester but a claim on the Petty Kingdom of Hwicce! What would King Offa think?​

[HR][/HR]During the feast, Bernard was instructed that he must find a wife quickly to ensure that his new House would continue long after he had departed this world. A Courtier from Warwick danced nearby, a young lady in her prime. She was a beautiful woman with icy blue eyes and had shimmering chestnut locks. She seemed so confident in herself and approached properly when The King and Warwick requested her. She introduced herself ever-so politely to Bernard as Burgflaed. She was a mere lowborn that had slowly made a name for herself in Warwick's court as the Handmaid of a baron. Her eyes pierced Bernard, she seemed to take an eye to the strength of Bernard, a man of great stature, despite his ever growing beer belly.For the rest of the evening, Bernard spent hours with Burgflaed and quickly discovered that he was deeply in love with this woman and marriage was imminent. Warwick read Bernard like a book and quickly arranged a marriage between the two. Within a week, Burgflaed and Bernard were wed. Bernard realised that he would be scowled at by other Earls and nobility for marrying such lowborn scum and requested nothing of them.[HR][/HR][HR][/HR]Weeks past as Bernard settled into his new role as Earl, he quickly received further news from King Offa, requesting of him to become marshal of Mercia. Bernard was at first, very reluctant. He had just become Earl! He thought it would be life of luxury, more drinking and indulging in the satisfactions of married life! He then quickly reminded himself that without Offa's opinion, Bernard would be almost certainly imprisoned or with his head on a spike.[HR][/HR][HR][/HR]King Offa quickly put Bernard to work. By February, Bernard was in Leceister, training troops ready for what seemed an imminent war. Bernard was strangely diligent with his work in Leicester, increasing King Offa's personal rosters greatly. His work didn't go unnoticed and within a month, it became apparent that Bernard was one of King Offa's favourites. On the 4th of March that year, King Offa granted the County of Northampton in recognition of his great service and nobility of spirit. But was that really the case? Or was King Offa buttering up Bernard for something more sinister? Whatever Bernard thought, it probably didn't matter.[HR][/HR][HR][/HR]Later during the year, Bernard held his first summer fair. He had learned from Burgflaed that he could borrow large sums of money from Jewish Merchants! He quickly used the money. As marshal, he thought it was rather inappropriate that Reading was not the height of military technology and began construction of a Militia Training Ground. The fair was a joyous event, the Bishop of Abingdon won the archery contest and the peasants were thrilled. For the first time, Bernard felt that he truly was an Earl, a well respected man. That was until the Mayor of Hertford put on a puppet show, denoting Earl Bernard in a negative fashion.After a month had passed, Bernard rapidly became ill. It wasn't until late September that his strong physique won out and he felt better. The winter was quiet this year. During May of the next, it became apparent to Bernard that a keep must be constructed in Oxford and so, construction began. Bernards reign was relatively quiet, contempt and peaceful in 770 and many commented on Bernard's trust increasing. He became so trusting that when approached by a so-called famous writer in September, he took opportunity of allow the writer to scribe the begins of the Mideltun family chronicle!Years passed and Bernard wasn't getting any younger. His attempts to born a son were in vain and he seeked conquest! King Offa was incredibly fond of Bernard and the two grew very close to one another. With confirmation from King Offa, Bernard began fabricating claims on land to the west, Gloucester.During this time, Burgflaed successfully persuaded Bernard to go on pilgrimage, discover the world while he still could. She exclaimed to him on many occasions that she was more than capable to act as designated regent while he was gone. And so, he did. Over the next few months Bernard travelled to West Francia, exploring the heights of the alps and making his way through the valleys of Lombardy. One night in November, the inn Bernard was wetting his lips in caught fire! The confidence in drunk Bernard was far too great and he dove straight into tackling the fire. Nothing of note happened and Bernard came out unscathed only to find himself in a flood. He realised that during this escapades that helping others was beneficial for himself and aided a farmer onto his make shift raft. From then on, Bernard was a charitable man.After months of travelling, Bernard finally reached Rome. He was rather pleased with his selfless acts while on his pilgrimage and indulged in some light drinking before visiting the holy sites.Upon return to Oxford, Bernard showed off his new charitable traits by running yet another summer fair. Unfortunately it was too much for him and organisation was a real difficulty.[HR][/HR][HR][/HR]Bernard thought it was time to hold yet another grand feast, inviting all the vassals to Reading Castle. As the meals were prepared, Bernard's councillor, Mayor of Maccus of Hertford burst through the doors with good news![HR][/HR][HR][/HR]It was there and then that Earl Bernard raised his goblet to the rest of his men. Next year, they would go to war against Hwicce and return back glorious.