Dear Mr. Cornwell,
Hope this finds you well and in good health, in these disturbing times!
I just finished reading the first 8 installments of the Saxon Stories in record time, and I have to say this is the most gripping and entertaining historical fiction series I’ve ever laid hands on. My deepest respect and sincere congratulations on this exceptional work.
I have one question though which does not stop bugging me, and it concerns the fate of Ragnar Ragnarson. When (in The Burning Land) Uhtred left the Danes in Dunholm to ride to the rescue of Aethelflaed, Ragnar was still planning to attack Wessex by ship together with Cnut and Sigurd. However, as Uhtred continues his quest and becomes the sword of the Saxons once more, Ragnar is no longer mentioned, and only Cnut and Sigurd’s failed efforts to capture Wessex are briefly discussed. Ragnar is only recurring after his death due to sickness. What was the reason for you to more or less remove him from the tale, without providing any more details on his later years?
Hope this question does not come across as unjustifiably critical, I’m more curious than anything else, what your motivation was.
I cannot wait to continue reading this exceptional series!
All the best, and good luck for 2021!
Reinhard Wagner