Summary

Part III is titled The Murder and dated 1001-1003 CE. Chapter 25 takes place in January 1001. Ragna has a son named Osbert and is the throes of childbirth as this chapter opens. Wynstan is at Gytha's house. They discuss the possibility that Ragna and this new baby will die. They can control Garulf and want him to be Wilf's only heir. Wynstan feels Osbert would be of little consequence without Ragna's protection. Wynstan is not comfortable with his mother, and he actually fears her. Wynstan says they should pray that Ragna and the baby will die as the only way to ensure they “hold onto everything we've won” (522). A servant announces Ragna has a healthy son. A few minutes later, the servant announces Ragna has another son, also healthy. Ragna names them Hubert and Colinan. Gytha feels Wilf's love for Ragna is the real...