TWO KINGS SHALL FALL

Northumbria had two kings. Osberht had been driven from his throne. Ælla had taken his place. But when the Northmen seized York, the two rivals joined forces against a common enemy. Beneath a cold Northumbrian sky, the broken kingdom calls. Two crowns now ride together toward the shadow of the walls. The winter rain is falling as the warriors form the line. Two enemies ride side by side beneath one battle sign. Ride now, Ælla, through the rain. Ride with Osberht once again. Leave the hatred, leave the throne. Face the storm you should have known. Spears are rising through the mist. Iron waits in every fist. Northumbria marches for the gate. York will learn the hand of fate. Through the broken walls they pour. Steel and shields become the roar. For one moment victory seems near. Then another sound is all they hear. Then the Northmen turned. Two kings shall fall. Two crowns shall break. The stones of York beneath them shake. Two kings shall fall. The ravens cry. One throne remains as kings must die. Hear the iron through the street. Hear the thunder of their feet. Those who came to take the crown find the walls are closing down. Narrow streets become their grave. No retreat and none to save. Osberht falls beneath the rain. Never to command again. Ælla fights beneath the wall. Soon another king will fall. Two who fought for crown and land meet their ending where they stand. Once they fought for one cold throne. Now they face their fate alone. Neither crown nor royal name can survive the raven's claim. Two kings shall fall. Two crowns shall break. The stones of York beneath them shake. Two kings shall fall. No bells shall ring. York has seen the death of kings. Morning rises cold and grey. Two Northumbrian kings have passed away. Ravens circle over stone. Neither rival holds the throne. But beyond the northern wall, other kingdoms hear the call. York has fallen, war moves on. Another road awaits the dawn.