This is the fifteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he unpacks the unusual way that Alfred handles the season of reprieve from battle that follows his extraordinary victory over the Vikings at Edington.  He doesn’t spend it enjoying the lovely Wessex summer, but he rolls up his sleeves and transforms the Saxon military system. He boldly changes out the age-old Fyrd system out for a new Burh system. This arduous and challenging shift alters the course of the island of Britannia, ultimately proves the undoing of the Viking hordes, and sets the pace for a united England in upcoming generations.