The Scorn

Military action

The inciting event which led to Aethelwulf's bloody campaign against Scyldefenn and the Mark of Willowvale.

The Marquess of Willowvale (Second only to the Sovereign of Boethum), Beorhtred, attended the celebration of the Tide of Cennedness, held at Magnanime by the Sovereign of Friesa: Aethelwulf. This was a rare occasion in which all the other Mahgon Dukes were attending in a show of unity. Beorhtred infamously declared that he had not expected the ruler of Friesa to be so sickly and small, announcing his astonishment that Aethelwulf had managed to keep his throne. This was done as a way to destabilise the united Northern realms, who operated under a Right of Conquest when it comes of Sovereignty. Suggesting that Aethelwulf was weak and defenceless spread the idea amongst the Ceorls that he was unfit for the throne due to his deficiencies and that someone should take his place. Fearing for his life and desperate to keep his position, Aethelwulf declared war on Scyldefenn and launched a five year campaign that did not end until Boethum had been ravaged and Beorhtred beheaded.