Mierce, the English Midlands, 8th Century A.D.<br /><br />&AElig;thelbald, King of Mierce, is a man of ambition. Having created much-needed stability within his domain, he now aspires to take the surrounding kingdoms to expand and fortify his own. Stealthy and cunning, &AElig;thelbald manipulates other men of power to achieve his goals.<br /><br />The quest for power is not King &AElig;thelbald&#39;s only passion in life. Despite not wishing to marry, he has an unabating lust for women and takes advantage of his position to &#39;raid&#39; nunneries to satisfy his desires. But &AElig;thelbald also wishes to be seen as a fair and merciful king, and many poor, common folk benefit from his generous deeds and favourable resolutions.<br /><br />As &AElig;thelbald&#39;s reign grows and strengthens, so too does the authority of the church, whose leverage over monarchical matters becomes increasingly overbearing. The church does not approve of King &AElig;thelbald&#39;s exploits with innocent women and seeks to bring him into line with the threat of eternal damnation.<br /><br />The sequel to Saints and Sinners, Mixed Blessings chronicles the life of an English king in the days where the boundaries of kingdoms and social propriety were undergoing rapid change.