The Abbey going must have been a sign - MTW has excommunication - Viking campaign must have acts of God!! I went for 3 Mercian provinces at once, in 2 they ran away, the other they stayed and fought. Foolishly, I miss judged the balance of forces, autocalced as I was keen to get to get on - and lost. Next year the Vikings invade Cantware again - another mistake, I had 2 boats in Dofras Sund, I should have put 1 in Seaxe sea - this time they brought their friends - 2 units of beserks, 1 of huscarles and 1 full strength Viking Carl. Despite my archers and Fyrd doing their bit, they were overrun. Also the Welsh - no doubt attracted by various illuminated manuscripts of sheep in provocative poses - invade Defnas.
Over the next couple of years I adjust things around - I have a break - Cantware has a loyalist revoult so I pick up a couple of units for nothing and clear up the remaining Vikings - who were trapped by my navy covering both sea areas now. I also get lucky with an assasin - I had been producing them in Defnas, so there were a few about - he kills the Welsh King which makes him a 3 star overnight. H e is now strolling round the SW peninsula killing all in sight. So things look a bit better - I have invaded and taken Guent - then my king dies - natural causes I hasten to add. No problems with an hier - but I have had a warning about general's loyalty, so I will have to attend to that - any suggestions?