~~~House Burgh, Ulster, Ireland. March 3, 1026~~~

Alfric knelt in the church, his hands clasped in his early morning prayers. Praying not only for his father's soul who had only joined Him in heaven a week ago but also for the victory which He had so kindly granted them but two days before. Alfric's prayers however were cut short by a messenger running into the Church.

"Lord, an Englishman is at the gates. He has traveled from his motherland to meet with you."

"An Englishman? For what purpose would they seek a meeting with the Earl of Ulster? Is England troubled?"

"My Lord, I apologize, he does not say why he wishes to speak with you."

"Very well, it matters not. Open the gates, I shall meet them in the throne room at once."

The messenger ran off immediately, it would be rude to keep their guests waiting. Alfric took his leave of the church, he would need to change out of his night clothes to meet the English. As his servants helped him change Alfric could not help but wonder for what reason the English would meet with an Irish Earl so early in the morning and without prior arrangements.

"Could the alliance have..."

Alfric dared not consider the thought. He would meet the Englishman momentarily and they would sort this all out. Perhaps he had simply been passing by and wanted to pay respects.