âTHE GIRL OF MANY CROWNSâ by D. H. Morris â The true and inspiring story of a powerful knight and a run-away queen who unite to defy an empire.
King Charles, the first king of France, is beset by Vikings, rebel lords, and his brother, all seeking to take his kingdom. To strengthen his kingdom, King Charles marries his twelve-year-old daughter Judith to elderly, widowed Aethelwulf, King of Wessex. When Aethelwulf dies unexpectedly, Judith is pressed into marrying Aethelwulf's cruel eldest son. When her second husband also dies, twice-widowed Judith refuses to accept a third arranged marriage.
As punishment for her refusal, King Charles imprisons Judith in one of his palaces where she is visited by her brother, Louis, and his knightly companion, Count Baldwin âIron Arm.â When Baldwin helps Judith escape, they are hunted by her fatherâs men and must flee for their lives. Can Baldwin and Judith hold on to each other and their faith as they face the fury of an empire?
https://youtu.be/TXw5RSy5WAg?si=m6PVsHGxy3uwsGzT
âTHE GIRL OF MANY CROWNSâ by D. H. Morris â The true and inspiring story of a powerful knight and a run-away queen who unite to defy an empire.
King Charles, the first king of France, is beset by Vikings, rebel lords, and his brother, all seeking to take his kingdom. To strengthen his kingdom, King Charles marries his twelve-year-old daughter Judith to elderly, widowed Aethelwulf, King of Wessex. When Aethelwulf dies unexpectedly, Judith is pressed into marrying Aethelwulf's cruel eldest son. When her second husband also dies, twice-widowed Judith refuses to accept a third arranged marriage.
As punishment for her refusal, King Charles imprisons Judith in one of his palaces where she is visited by her brother, Louis, and his knightly companion, Count Baldwin âIron Arm.â When Baldwin helps Judith escape, they are hunted by her fatherâs men and must flee for their lives. Can Baldwin and Judith hold on to each other and their faith as they face the fury of an empire?
https://youtu.be/TXw5RSy5WAg?si=m6PVsHGxy3uwsGzT
CHAPTER I
MARCH 856 â Flanders, the Kingdom of Francia
Emerging from the dense forest separating his family estate from the road leading to his future, sixteen-year-old Baldwin Iron Arm ran his fingers through his ebon locks before donning his helmet. He grinned at Marius, his childhood mentor and companion on this journey before urging on his mount. Passing Brugesâthe sorry little trading settlement frequently overrun by Viking Danesâmade Baldwin glad that his widowed mother, Countess Guinhildeâs manor lay on the opposite side of a forest inhabited by wolves and bears who discouraged many who would otherwise invade their holding.
âSomeone should really do something about this nasty little bump in the road,â Baldwin remarked as they moved beyond the ruins that had once been the thriving community of Bruges.
âWould that someone be you?â Marius laughed.
âPerhaps,â Baldwin shot back. âOnce I have made my fortune in King Charlesâ service.â
âIt never hurts to dream,â Marius chuckled, pushing his horse into a canter, forcing Baldwin to catch up.
Countess Guinhildeâs final words to her son upon his departure ran through Baldwinâs mind as they made their way across Flanders. âGod has blessed you with many gifts, including great strength and intelligence. And where much is given, much is expected. Use your gifts in His honor and in faithful service to your king. Remember that goodness and loyalty are the essence of nobility,â she cautioned before kissing his cheek and sending him on his way.
Brutal March winds made Baldwin glad of the leather tunic and chain mail he wore, passed down to him through several generations of knights and warriors. Broad of shoulder and taller than most men, Baldwin had earned his moniker of âIron Armâ by the time he was fourteen as he fought side-by-side with the men of Flanders, defending their lands against the vicious Danish raiders. His reputation in battle had brought him to the notice of the king of Franciaâs seneschal, Gauzlin, and had earned him the prized letter of invitation to join the kingâs elite forces. Excitement pumped through his veins as surely as blood as he began his five-day journey to Senlis and King Charlesâ court.
Most of the Belgae, Baldwinâs people, supported King Charles over his half-brothers, Lothar I and Louis âthe German.â The three royal brothers had been at odds with each other since the death of their father, Louis the Pious, had fractured the kingdom into three parts. Kings Lothar and Louis the German did not succeed in taking Charlesâ territory. But, with the recent death of King Lothar and his sonâs ascension to his throne, Louis the German yet remained a threat to King Charlesâ kingdom.
At midday, Baldwin and Marius gleaned bits of news and gossip from a group of knights resting by the side of the road.
âFrancia is quiet for now, but that will not last,â the captain of the group assured Baldwin. âBetween Brittany, Louis the German, the Danes, and the rebel lords of Aquitaine, you will see plenty of action before long.â
âHow goes the conflict in Brittany?â Marius wondered.
âThe war is over, but the Bretons are terrible negotiators,â the leader shook his head as he prepared to resume his journey. âAlthough they defeated the king at Jengland, they did not insist on complete independence from Francia. In the capitulation treaty that King Charles signed with ErispoĂ«, leader of the Bretons, Brittany will be largely autonomous. And, I might add, a thorn in the kingâs side.â
âThen, we are at peace,â Baldwin concluded.
âOnly for now,â the captain nodded his farewell as the knights mounted their horses. âThis kingdom has too many ambitious leaders for peace to last.â
Baldwin and Marius pushed ahead, finding accommodations before nightfall in a poorly kept inn. They knew they might have to share their room, tiny as it was, with other guests, but Baldwin and Marius were glad of rest for their horses, shelter for themselves, and hot stew to warm their bellies.
Two other travelers joined them late in the evening. Only floor space remained, Baldwin and Marius having claimed the lone, dusty straw mattress. However, as soon as the new guests curled upâeach in his own corner of the roomâthey began to snore. The cacophony of snort, gasp and wheeze and the sour smell of unwashed bodies, made Baldwin lie awake longer than usual. All part of the adventure, he reminded himself wryly as he eventually nodded off.Â
Reaching the forest of Cuisia on the fifth day, a light fog and drizzle made the going miserable. âWeâve but a few miles to Senlis,â Baldwin called to Marius. âI say we push on rather than seek shelter. In fact, I am sure that I can reach the town before you can, old man.â
âHah! Old man, is it now?â Marius smiled broadly, gave Baldwin a playful cuff, and spurred his horse forward to take the lead.
The last vestiges of daylight were fading fast when they eagerly approached the wall surrounding the village of Senlis. Baldwin was impressed by the wallâs sizeâmore than three times his own impressive height. The missive he bore from the kingâs seneschal gave them ready entrance and the watchmen directed them to the palace surrounded by its own impressive wall. A guard admitted them to the torch-lit palace grounds and bade them dismount and wait while he summoned Gauzlin, King Charlesâ seneschal.
The position of seneschal, Baldwin knew, was one of distinction and importance in the royal court. King Charlesâ first seneschal, Adalard, had set a high standard for all who would come after him. He had not only managed the recruiting, housing, assigning, and compensating of those who served in the royal household, but he had also arranged the marriage of King Charles to Adalardâs own niece, Ermentrude of OrlĂ©ans. After five years Adalard had moved on to serve King Charlesâ brother, King Lothar I. However, his legacy was a system that ensured King Charles had a steady stream of young noblemen ready to serve in whatever capacity the court required.
Gauzlin, the current seneschal, appeared to be around thirty years old and carried himself with easy confidence. He approached, eying a restless Baldwin shrewdly.
âAh, Baldwin Iron Arm. I have heard much of you. King Charles needs knights with your skill. And this is your man?â he inquired, looking at Marius. At Baldwinâs nod, Gauzlin continued. âYou are both hungry and tired after such a journey, and your horses need attention. Let us see to them first.âÂ
They followed Gauzlin to the massive stables, which easily held some two hundred horses. Gauzlin introduced them to Martin, the hefty, grey-bearded Marshal of the Stables. At Martinâs command, several grooms took charge of their mounts and helped them remove and carry their packs. Across from the stables were several long barracks. In one of the buildings Gauzlin found two unclaimed beds for them and room to stow their saddle packs.
âWhere are the other knights, sir?â Baldwin ventured as they left the empty barracks.
Gauzlin smiled. âWe encourage our married officers to invite the younger knights into their homes for food and conversation in the evenings. You will not want for company when Marius leaves, I assure you.â Â
Gauzlin led them through a side door in the palace to the kitchen, where they enjoyed a hearty supper of venison, cabbage, cheese, and bread. As Baldwin and Marius ate, Gauzlin filled them in on what to expect.
âAs to employment,â Gauzlin addressed Baldwin, âI cannot say more without conferring with King Charles. Most young noblemen begin in military service and train with the hope of becoming officers. With a name like âIron Arm,â you might expect to be used in such a capacity.âÂ
Gauzlin laughed when Baldwin blushed at the mention of his nickname. âYour reputation has preceded you, my young friend. The court always needs skilled fighters. But I have two other traits I am also seeking. How patient are you, Baldwin, and what of your loyalty?â Gauzlinâs gaze was piercing,
âMy mother taught me, sir, that loyalty is the very essence of nobility. But, as for patience, it is a trait I am still pursuing,â he answered carefully.
âMe too!â Gauzlin admitted ruefully. âWe may have a special assignment for you if you are as loyal as you say and if you are willing to pursue patience as well. I will speak with the king tomorrow. I hope to have a specific assignment for you by the afternoon.âÂ
Gauzlin rose to his feet as Baldwin and Marius finished eating. âReturn to the barracks and rest tonight. If you need anything, ask the other knights. Some of them should have returned by now. Rest well, Baldwin Iron Arm.â Gauzlin left them to find their own way.
The barracks gradually filled with young knights ranging from Neustria and Aquitaine on the west to Septimania in the South, from Burgundy in the east, and from Flanders in the north. Each region in Francia was represented. The knights welcomed Baldwin to their ranks and offered good advice. But, when he had finally quenched his oil lamp and sleep embraced the others, Baldwinâs mind remained unsettled. What special assignment is Gauzlin considering for me?
Rising before dawn, Baldwin and Marius followed the other knights to chapel, afterward breaking their fast with bread and cheese. When the knights went to their various assignments, Baldwin and Marius turned to the stables. Martin led them to find their horses, which had been well cared for.
âFeel free to explore the palace grounds,â Martin encouraged them. âYou will probably not hear anything from Gauzlin until after the kingâs morning council.â
The palace grounds were quite extensive and included several other barracks, an armory, as well as a chapel, a monastery, and kennels. Baldwin and Marius visited with the royal hunters, returning with their lively hounds after bagging a large buck and several rabbits. Gauzlin approached as they started back toward their barracks.
âI trust you are being well provided for, young Baldwin.â Gauzlin clapped Baldwin on the shoulder.
âWe are, sir,â Baldwin assured him.
âGood! I am to bring you to the throne room. King Charles would like to speak with you personally. Marius, can you find your way back to the barracks?â Gauzlin questioned.
At Mariusâs nod, Gauzlin led Baldwin through the main palace doors into the impressive reception area and up a grand marble staircase. They passed guards as they moved along a corridor deeper within the palace.
Baldwin admired the beautifully colored mosaic floor tiles arranged in intricate patterns. Sculptures and exotic objects of art adorned niches while rich and colorful tapestries graced the walls. He ran his fingers appreciatively over the elaborately carved, gold-accented handrail on the sweeping staircase leading up to the throne room. King Charles, like his grandfather, Emperor Charles the Great, was clearly a connoisseur of fine things.
Gauzlin gave valuable instruction as they walked. âThe king is consulting with John Scotus, an Irish scholar and adviser to the king. They are discussing the upcoming summer assembly. Every summer, nobles from all over the kingdom gather to discuss current laws and vote on any changes proposed by the king.â
Gauzlin paused before a double door with a posted guard. âWe will enter when admitted by the keeper of the door and wait at the back of the room until we are summoned forward. This is no time for cowardice, young Baldwin. Do not speak unless the king speaks directly to you. But if he asks you a question, speak boldly and clearly. Speak your mind and speak truth. It is what the king expects and what he admires.â They presented themselves to the keeper of the door for admittance.
The throne room was long and spacious, with a large table off to one side. Mirroring the detailed carving of the throne itself, the ceiling was arched with intricate wood inlay. Behind the throne, the wall displayed Franciaâs royal bannerâblue, with gold embroidery and fringe. From Baldwinâs vantage, King Charles appeared to be in his late thirties, tall and slender. His brown hair and beard had a reddish tint, and he wore a pale blue tunic with purple leggings denoting his status as king.
King Charlesâ demeanor was thoughtful but confident as he deliberated with his silver-haired counselor. Whether sitting or pacing restlessly about the room, it was evident that the king was in command. When the discussion concerning the next assembly ended, King Charles beckoned Gauzlin and Baldwin forward. The aged scholar, John Scotus, examined Baldwin with eager curiosity. Determined not to reveal his nervousness, Baldwin followed Gauzlinâs lead, bowing deeply until the king addressed them.
âSo, this is the âIron Arm?ââ King Charles stood and approached Baldwin. âYou are accomplished in all forms of battle?â
âYes, Sire. I have experience in fighting the Viking raiders.â Baldwin spoke with what he hoped was the right amount of boldness.
âHave you learned to read?â the king wished to know.
âSire, my mother saw to it that I was well instructed in reading, arithmetic, military tactics, history, manners, and music.â
âExcellent. I wish all in my kingdom were as well educated. Perhaps, someday, we will be able to spend more time on learning and less on war.â The king exchanged a meaningful glance with John Scotus.
 âAnd your mother, how does she fare?â King Charles inquired.
âShe fares well, my King,â was Baldwinâs reply.
âHas she kinsmen to look out for her interests?âÂ
âYes, Sire.âÂ
âThen, I hope you will stay and serve our court for some long time, Baldwin Iron Arm,â the king continued, seemingly pleased. âWill you pledge loyalty to me, Baldwin?âÂ
âI will gladly, Sire,â Baldwin answered confidently, placing his closed fist over his heart.
âFor that, I thank you, young knight. I have seven children, and the queen is even now great with child. Will you also pledge to defend my family?â
âI pledge to defend them with my life, Sire.â The conviction in Baldwinâs voice rang true.
âMany dangers threaten our kingdom, demanding all our cunning and resources to keep them at bay. I need someone with your talents to help my son Louis prepare to someday lead an army in battleâand survive. Louis will shortly be crowned king of Neustria. I will appoint administrators for him over Neustria until he is prepared to assume control. In the interim, he will need to become a leader of men, on and off the battlefield.âÂ
The king paused as if considering and then spoke with decisiveness. âI desire you to play a role in my sonâs development. I offer you the position of companion, defender, and arms instructor of Prince Louis. Will you pledge to faithfully train Prince Louis in the very arts of battle you have mastered and defend him with your life, if necessary?â
Baldwin was momentarily stunned into silence. This was neither what he had expected nor wished for when he had set out on his journey. He had been trained to fight, and he was eager to prove himself in battle against his kingâs many foes. What did he know of teaching a child prince? But this was the employment he was being offered. Baldwin was wise enough to know that this assignment was not only a great responsibility but also a great honor. He could do nothing but accept it.
âSire,â he promised with all sincerity. âI will devote all that I am to achieve the result you desire.â
âWell spoken, Baldwin Iron Arm,â the king looked pleased. âGauzlin, give Baldwin every resource necessary to accomplish his assignment. Dress him as a member of the royal household. If he is to be the future kingâs companion, he must look the part. Oh, and find him quarters within the palace, readily available to Prince Louis.âÂ
The king moved toward his throne and then turned back, âServe me well, young Baldwin Iron Arm, and you may become a count in your own right, as your father was before you.â
Gauzlin appeared pleased as they left the palace and began walking back toward the barracks. âYou acquitted yourself well, young Baldwin,â he grinned. âKing Charles likes you. What are your feelings after meeting the king?â
Baldwin considered his jumble of emotions. âWhy would the king entrust me, a raw recruit, with such a weighty matter? He has more-experienced knights able to instruct Prince Louis. I had hoped to learn from them, myself.â
âAh, but your youth and inexperience will prove an asset, I believe, with Prince Louis.â Gauzlin insisted.
âHow so?â
âPrince Louis is not like his father, bold and fearless. He is much more like his grandfather, Emperor Louis the Piousâa gentle soul who did not relish contest or combat. Prince Louisâ previous arms instructor only made the prince more hesitant in demeanor and made his halting speech much worse. As King of Neustria, Prince Louis must inspire confidence in his nobles. If they see him as a weak king, they may ultimately rebel.âÂ
Gauzlin stopped walking and lowered his voice when he caught sight of Marius slowly making his way toward them.Â
âLast fall, Prince Louisâ younger brotherâyoung Prince Charlesâbecame king of Aquitaine at the age of only seven. Young Charles lives in Aquitaine under the direction of two administrators who oversee the affairs of that province. This year, the king has set a summer coronation date for Prince Louis, which may be difficult for him.â
âYou say he has a problem speaking?â Baldwin probed.
âThe prince can speak,â Gauzlin assured him. âBut he does so with a nervous stammer, especially when he is in his fatherâs presence. That is why I counseled you to speak boldly to the king. The kingâs council hopes if Prince Louis has a companion closer to his own ageâone who embodies the qualities the king wishes his son to developâthe prince will become bolder himself. Prince Louis must be ready to take on his role as provincial king of Neustria andâat King Charlesâ deathâhigh King of Francia.â
âHow old is Prince Louis? Has he friends?â Baldwin wondered.
âPrince Louis will achieve his tenth year this November. His closest companion is his older sister, by two years, Princess Judith.â After some hesitation, Gauzlin continued. âThis fall, when Princess Judith achieves her twelfth year, her hand will likely be given in marriage to establish an important alliance with another kingdom. King Charles arranged Prince Louisâ own betrothal to the Breton leader ErispoĂ«âs daughter just last month in Le Mans. Princess Judith will be next.âÂ
âThey are both rather young for betrothal,â Baldwin remarked.
Gauzlin smiled ruefully. âThat is the way with royal children. The kingâs sons, who are closest in line for the throne, are betrothed when they are very young for political advantage, and they are expected to marry the person chosen for them when they attain their majority at the age of fifteen. Those who are not designated to rule are destined for the church, like Prince Louisâ younger brothers, Prince Carlomann and Prince Lothar. Both were sent to abbeys when only four years of age. They have already been tonsured and are being raised by the monks to become abbots. The kingâs daughters are either married off for political advantage as soon as the law allows at age twelve, or they will be sent to a convent to live life as an abbess. With young Charles now in Aquitaine, Princess Judith is Prince Louisâ only friend. The loss of her will devastate him. Hence, your role is not only to teach the prince but to befriend him. It should not be too difficult. He truly is a good and kind child.â
âOh, and Baldwin,â he added pointedly as Marius joined them. âI am counting on you to be successful in this assignment. I am the one who recommended you to the king.â
Baldwin âIron Armâ of Flanders is on his way to Senlis to enter the service of Charles âthe Baldâ, king of the western Franks. Seneschal Gauzlin has a special assignment for him.
Baldwin becomes arms master to Prince Louis, whom the king will place as ruler of Neustria. In the process he catches the eye of Princess Judith, and he feasts at the kingâs table. He makes the acquaintance of the scholar John Scotus.
Major worries of the rulers at the time were the Pestilence and the Danes, and marriage alliances of their princes and princesses were another. Judith marries King Aethelwulf of Wessex. She teaches Prince Alfred to read. The Franks teach the Wessex men the tradition of kingsâ cakes, and the English teach them wassailing.
Aethelwulf and his son Alfred arrive, returned from their pilgrimage to Rome, and hear the news that Alfredâs older brother Aethelbald has usurped the throne of Wessex, and his brother Louis the German threatens Charlesâ reign. We see the constant shifting of land borders as warring brothers fight over their patrimony, and incursions of Vikings further disrupt the unity.
After two unhappy marriages, to king Aethelwulf, then his son Aethelbald, Judith, age 17, chooses for herself, Count Baldwin, relinquishing her crowns, and they plot a daring elopement. Louis and Charles also make their own choice of bride.
There is more dirty laundry in the royal family. Lothar, king of Lotharingia, seeks a divorce from his queen Theutberga, accusing her of incest with her brother, a trick to be used again in the future by Henry VIII.
There is not really any one protagonist. We begin with Count Baldwin, then the story is carried by other POV charactersâJudith, Archbishop Hincmar, the sons of Charles the Baldâonly returning to Baldwin halfway through.
The writing style is straightforward. The major events and personages seem to be roughly in keeping with history, and the discussions between the king and his advisors about politics seem authentic. We see famous names from historyâCharles the Bald, Judith of Flanders, Aethelwulf of Wessexâbecome real people.
Baldwin Iron Arm was my 33rd great-grandfather.