THE WIND FROM HASTINGS

England and Wales on the eve of 1066 are no place for a highborn young Saxon girl looking for self-realization; she is bound to be sold in marriage as a hostage, pawn, or security pledge for a military alliance. Such is the fate of Aldith of Mercia, though her first marriage, to Prince Griffith of Wales, turns out to he a love match because the man has cool. But when Griffith is beheaded by Harold Godwine's army, to the victor belongs the spoils, namely Aldith. Godwine wants the throne, and this marriage would certainly help. Once he is crowned and they are married, he lets Aldith keep her children, and she, giving in, is soon pregnant and softening toward King Harold--despite her continuing love for Griffith and some severe mother-in-law problems. Her feelings change just in time for her to see Harold cut down at the Battle of Hastings--whereupon she decides to bring her sons up to be unambitious pacifists and goes marching off towards Wales in the sunset. A bit of Consciousness III in period drag--flat and unconvincing.