Dunholm
Kingdom of Northumbria

The sun radiantly shined down upon the fortress. It stood imposing and grand atop a large hill, trees surrounded the walls as if to veil itself from outsiders- futile, since many eyes were locked onto it with fierce avengement seeping into their souls and a deep desire that clawed at the tips of their fingers urging them forward- it ran infinite.

The vast sky above stretched on endlessly as they rode silently. Sihtric's gaze for a mere moment longer lingered on the fortress as his heartbeat pattered on and on and on it was probably a bit too fast- he worried he may collapse any second.

Was it that he was far too excited or was it the contrary- is she different, does she still wish to see him? It had been a considerably long time since they had locked eyes or even spoken a word to each other, would she mind? He, himself, did not mind in actuality he was so consumed by the fact that he was here, really here, and that he was not just dreaming again as he had found himself doing so countless amounts of times before- no, he is here and he can finally lay his gaze upon her again, quench his thirst from the sight of her presence.

He had dreamt of her so often that he had began to slowly lose her as a whole, it had been far too long.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖☾𖤓.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Night had arched above, in the air a silver mist glided and the stars scarcely gleamed but it was enough for them to see with determined stares. The soaring trees had enveloped them- the silence was only severed from hushed whispers and the crunching of hardened leaves below their booted feet aside from that they had hoped to stay as quiet as a sinking feather. Among the shadows of the wood that encased them sounds of faint gentle memories sank deep, Sihtric's gaze wandered from one corner to another as he advanced forward.

Valaena had noticed, not that she was particularly interested- the grey eyed Dane's itching need to hasten their pace. His feet, although he walked beside her, seemed as if he was forcing them to remain steady- she found that amusing.

"Shh." Came Ragnar's voiced as he ushered everyone to stop.

Sihtric breathed in leaning forward to hear better.

"This is where we part...we will show ourselves only when we know the east door is has been opened." Ragnar informed reminding them all of the plan.

"We will attack.." He continued his gaze locked with Uhtred's "...then it is up to you to save us, we will be lambs to slaughter." Wide eyed- maybe with worry or perhaps with excitement.

"How thrilling." Valaena whispered under her breath to which Sihtric glanced at her a slow smile emerged on his lips.

"Yes exactly that my lady- I have yet to see you fight." Finan nudged her.

Valaena rolled her eyes, "If that is your wish why do you not fight me rather than watching? in that way you will get a better view." She jested.

Sihtric leaned in towards them, "He fears he will be defeated by your sword." He murmured so only Valaena could hear but Finan was near enough to catch it and he shook his head at Sihtric.

"Uh, God, may God be with him- us." Beocca had corrected Clapa as he stepped forward, his words stuttered out.

Uhtred leaned back shaking his head an amused laugh parted from his lips, "You just watch over Ragnar...hm?" He stated turning to his brother.

"Good luck, little brother." Ragnar whispered holding onto Uhtred by his shoulders, the Dane-slayer leaned into Ragnar placing his forehead onto his older brothers- a silent connection- a smile upon his lips before he pulled back.

Uhtred turned before he announced, with an eagerness clawing at him, "See you all in Dunholm."

Sihtric fisted his hands beside him as he rushed behind Valaena, Hild by his side. The darkness had made it difficult to see, nothing but outlines of shrouded trees and bushes was observed yet Sihtric knew these woods all to well- so much so he was able to catch Hild before she tripped through a rather unpleasant bush- filled with sharp scathing thorns just awaiting to be drenched in the blood of whichever unfortunate person was to fall upon its viciousness.

"Move quickly we must be in place before dawn." Uhtred demanded in a grunt, they all ran up a harsh hill.

They ran along a rather narrow path, towards the east wall as the stars above began to illuminate. Sihtric did not recognise this path his eyes squinted as he tried to get a better look, "This path is fit for goats only." He said as he pulled himself up the hill.

"You be quiet and watch where you are placing your feet." Beocca snapped his breath fast. Valaena silently laughed at his words- laughing louder when she saw him trip and fall. Uhtred turned around he tilted his head at her with a stare that told her to quieten down which she did almost instantly, zipping her lips shut- Uhtred shook his head at that, biting back a smile.

The had arrived- after running up the hill, they were finally before the stronghold. Sihtric knelt down beside Finan as his stare stayed locked onto the fortress. The moon shone in perfect synchrony with the fires of the land, it had began to intensify shining upon the grass- in a secret pledge of allegiance to them.

Sihtric felt his eagerness heighten, it escalated frenziedly through his veins urging him to rush forward- patience was something he had to forcefully will himself to do. He will find Lynette first, ensure her safety and then he will do what he must. Men stood on the ramparts the glare of the fire outlining them thoroughly, Sihtric recognised one- it was Arne he stood with a large cup in his hand as he laughed, the smile upon his lips angered Sihtric.

"Wait." Uhtred whispered as his gaze ran from one end to the other.

Stillness obscured around them- it had many on edge. Uhtred leaned in and then suddenly with a quick nod of his head Hild and himself ran towards the wall first- ever so quiet when they reached they had pressed themselves to the wall so firm they could appear as being apart of the brick itself. Uhtred signalled and Sihtric ran forward Beocca by his side reaching the wall Sihtric glued himself to it. Lastly beside Steapa and Aethelwold Valaena ran, she had to push the iditotic coward- Aethelwold- for he was reluctant to move.

"Go now." Finan had angrily whispered.

Valaena pressed herself against the wall beside Sihtric, Aethelwold next to her and beside him was the King's guard- Steapa. She turned to Uhtred with a glare, "I do not understand why we have brought this turd with us?" She nodded her head towards the King's nephew.

Uhtred hushed her, she rolled her eyes and Aethelwold scowled.

Catching their breaths they all stood as an extension of the fortress their lips sealed shut and their eyes wide with anticipation, nerves frantic with anxiousness for many and for others the impatience of vengeance was absolute.

"Now we await." Uhtred whispered.

As dawn approached Sihtric's mind had been frantically engaged in a mess of rushing thoughts- never being able to stay focused on one for much long before another had barrelled its way to the forefront capturing his attention. The sun steadily raised as a canopy of colours- gold, amber, yellow so bright and vivid bleeding into the blue azure.

One thought remained forever constant and it was of her- Lynette, his Lynette. After so much time had passed and so unhurriedly, no matter how much he had begged for time to be on his side- it seemed to mock him and in turn deliberately slowed its pace. Mornings would bleed into afternoons and afternoons into night and he would be trapped in his thoughts, replaying moments with her over and over again- it was a sort of comfort, he did not think himself a prisoner but more so at heaven's gate- Valhalla's gate.

Birds flapped their wings soaring high through the early morning sunrise.

The tranquil stillness of the awakening dawn was shattered when an old door creaked open, Uhtred watched as two men stepped out- women beside them as they rushed to the tiny waterfall filling wooden buckets with the icy water. Sihtric nodded towards Finan- who was kneeled in front a large bush he then, upon signal, turned to a man stood steps from him.

"Now." He whispered.

The main raised his bow- the arrow was alit with fire- to the sky, pulling back the bowstring he let it go and the arrow flew ascending higher and higher among the clouds.

It was silent for a while the breaths were caught in their throats as they awaited for anything- a sound of battle until a booming voice echoed through the piercing atmosphere. Sihtric's chest heaved with excited anticipation.

"Shield wall!" Ragnar's voice shouted, rumbles of grunts vibrated as the men aside him upheld their shields forming a large wall of protection before them.

"Warriors at the north gate!" Frantic shouts came from inside the fortress as men hurried to position.

Hild pulled out her dagger clutching it with vigorous strength, Valaena did the same with her sword- she grasped it with firm ferocity as she awaited Uhtred's cue. Aethelwold, in contrast, he was terrified sweat covered his forehead and his legs shook with terror. Valaena looked to him with a mocking glance, she then raised her sword and pretended to plunge it into herself signalling to him the worst.

Uhtred looked to them with savage determination as he called, "To the end." He then turned dagger in hand and a wild glare in his eyes he jumped into the pit, plunging the dagger into the back of a man. Shouts erupted- terrified and surprised alike as the rest of them followed. Sihtric jumped landing on his feet as he stood tall, brushing himself off he glanced around- with one thought carrying him, find Lynette first.

Valaena glanced to Aethelwold he was unmoving she rolled her eyes, grabbed his arm and then threw him forward, "With some luck he may get injured." She whispered under her breath.

Finan smirked, he tilted his head and raised his brows "Should I go first or would-" He did not get a chance to finish his question for Valaena had already taken a leap when she landed she turned to look at him, she stepped to the side and then he jumped in landing beside her- sword in hand.

Blood seeped the grass of the pit, Valaena stepped over one of the men with a disgusted expression on her features- her lips curled in repugnance, "I would have thought you to be accustomed to this sight." Finan whispered as he leaned into her side, she glanced at him as they walked hushed through the walls of the fortress.

"Why, because I am a Dane?" She jested.

"Always thinking the worst of me." Finan tsked before he walked forward.

Valaena and Finan had reached the rest of the group, outside shouts of battle roared, smoke swamped the air- ridding it off its fresh essence and clashes of swords resonated deafeningly. Sihtric's impatience had almost become him entirely- he could not, anymore, await by their side- not when the fortress had become overwhelmed with untamed horror, he knew Lynette despised this- she hated it.

"When we attack Steapa-"

Steapa cut him off with a nod of his head, "I know Lord... to the gate."

The Dane-slayer nodded his head, he unsheathed his sword and stood tall- he took one last glance behind him and then towards Hild and Beocca reassuring them with a soft smile. He clenched his jaw and stepped out of their hiding spot, he growled in determination plunging his sword aggressively into the first man he saw.

Sihtric followed after- his stare distraught as it wandered each curve that was beheld to him, he turned when a man approached him, he stepped back causing the man to trip over his clumsy feet Sihtric took this chance to sink his sword into the back of him. The man released a gasp filled with pain allowing himself to drop to the ground as crimson blood outlined the body.

Anguish gripped echoes hurtled through the air as Sihtric rushed forward parting ways with the group. He had been wholly immersed in finding the brunette girl, he did not care for anything else and he could not allow himself him to be- never.

Leaving behind the cacophonous sounds of bloodshed Sihtric entered inside a building, towards where he hoped she would be- her tiny room- his footsteps were quick, he soon found himself to be running through the corridors- desperation propelling him forward at a rapid pace. His grip on the sword ever stable. Turning the corner his stare wandered down a long path- it was so silent, the lack of sound uneased him. Nevertheless he progressed forward ensuring to keep his footsteps as faint as he could, he glanced from right to left and then left to right- until he had made it to the end, he looked left and entered the room, tilting his head to look inside first he found a silhouette stood by what used to be the place Lynette would go to find solace, the air in there roamed so serene and peaceful- Lynette would pray here even though Sihtric did not understand much he had great respect for this place because she did.

And now it was empty.

Sihtric recognised the man from his stance he advanced forward -silent- with his unbroken stare locked onto the silhouette. He placed the cool metal of his sword onto the exposed skin of the man, his neck, taking him by surprise the man stood firm before he relaxed.

"Where is she?" Sihtric seethed out.

Arne turned around and Sihtric just pressed his sword to the Dane's throat.

He scowled "You fucking traitor."

"Where. is. she?" Sihtric inquired once again- enunciating the words slowly as he pushed the sword just a little more closer to Arne's skin.

"I do not know who you speak of." Arne relaxed back.

Sihtric glared, "Do not be a fool- you know who."

"Oh." He smirked, "The beautiful Lynette...she is not here."

"Stop lying." Sihtric stepped forward, he was itching with the need to plunge the sword into Arne's neck- his nerves demanded him to do so, "...and tell me the truth, I have a sword to your neck."

Arne clenched his jaw, "I am not lying- she is not here and has not been for a while."

"I swear if you have done something to her, I will gut you." Sihtric fumed as he threatened the nasty man before him. Arne was trembling, Sihtric knew this- he was trying too hard to hide it that it had become noticeably obvious.

"It does not matter to me anymore I will die regardless." Arne huffed out.

"So then tell me."

"She is dead." Arne sighed- Sihtric tightened his hold on the hilt of the sword and then pushed it further into Arne's neck causing the man to squirm in discomfort "...alright alright- she might as well be, she was sold." He rushed out.

"You're a fucking liar." Sihtric raged, his stare wild and feral.

"No no- when you didn't come back he sold her." Arne shook his head, "She's probably wishing she was dead." He whispered under his deceitful breath.

Sihtric glanced down for a moment, his lips slightly parted and he breathed in fast and stressed. This has to be lie. Arne has always taken amusement in mocking Sihtric, in making his life hell and tormenting him- this is just another one of those moments, it has to be.

Arne scoffed- immensely amused- he tsked, "Don't look so surprised you twat-you must have known what would have happened when you did not return."

Sihtric looked up with his jaw clenched, Arne's voice was irritating him.

"You joined Uhtred, you are a fucking traitor." He scowled.

"A traitor, to who?" Sihtric exhaled angrily, "My allegiance was never to my father and never will be."

"He gave you a home!" Arne snapped, "...food and water when he could have thrown you out bastard." He taunted the name.

"I would advise you to shut your mouth." Sihtric demanded.

"It does not matter- you forgot her Sihtric and she knew that, she had come to hate you." Arne continued to taunt Sihtric- unaware to the gnawing need Sihtric had been consumed by to release his frustration, his hold on the hilt of his sword tightened further until his knuckles glared white from the sheer aggravation. "I had wanted her- you know, she was..." He thought for a moment, watching as Sihtric's stare turned deadly, "...pure, would you not agree?" 

Sihtric ignored his question and shook his head, "I did not forget her."

"You did." Arne breathed out, "But we certainly did not." He smirked.

That was all it took.

Sihtric pushed the sword forward, it pierced through Arne's flesh as the Dane widened his eyes he gasped as blood rushed out coating the sword in scarlet deep red- it poured from his mouth as he gurgled on it with terror abundant in his eyes. His hands flew to his neck as he tried to stop the blood from pouring unrelentingly. Sihtric pulled the sword back and watched with an expressionless stare as Arne hysterically tried to do anything- anything at all- to stop the inevitable.

"I did say I was going to kill you one day." Sihtric whispered as Arne fell to the ground, Sihtric looked down over his body "...you should have believed me."

He turned and left, his chest heavy with desperation- she has to be here within these walls, somewhere.

He had searched the whole fortress- he was sure of it- his head pounded and his frustrations grew. His body was overcome with a weight so heavy and a storm of worry so violent it raged within him ever fierce in its destructive path. He refused to believe that she was not here even though the proof of her disappearance was right there- vivid and deathly- before his eyes. He pushed it afar- no, he just needs to look again, he needs to look harder- I must.

He walked outside once more coming to an abrupt stop when his eyes landed upon a gruesome sight before him, his father- no Kjartan the cruel laid dead on the ground bloodied and beaten to a pulp, he was completely unrecognisable. Sihtric felt relieved, he felt his chest for a split second alleviate and relax, he was no longer alive- he was gone, Kjartan is dead.

The vicious man can no longer harm him with his taunts nor with his actions and never with his presence- he was dead.

With a blink Sihtric turned and entered back inside, his fists clenched and his eyes squinted in stress. Valaena caught sight of this and before she followed him she patted Ragnar's back and then hurried after Sihtric.

Sihtric had found a room void of noise and people, his mind was loud enough the sounds of men outside was just tearing at him- he needed silence. His hand ran through his hair as he paced in the room- back and then forth, back and then forth, back and then forth.

If only he had returned quicker- if he only he were stronger then she would still be here and he would not feel so defeated. He hated it.

"I do not believe you are this disheartened over the death of your father." Valaena said as she entered inside.

Sihtric stopped his pacing, his head lifted up from the ground and his stare landed on Valaena, she smiled as she shut the door and approached Sihtric, "Tears?" She whispered, "These surely cannot be for the likes of that monster."

His hand flew to his face as he felt a wet substance coat his finger, he pulled back and his stare landed upon salty water covering the skin of his right hand- he breathed out awkwardly and turned away wiping at his face to rid it of any trace of tears, vestige of his constrained pain.

Stillness echoed in the cooled room Sihtric glanced back fumblingly and Valaena tilted her head, "Who?" She hushed.

Sihtric did not answer.

"None of the dead men here are deserving of your tears so who is it?" She softly asked.

Sihtric yet again did not respond.

"If you wish for me to leave, I will." Valaena reassured.

Sihtric gulped, "I was not crying." He avoided her stare.

"No, of course not- it had rained outside, I'm sure." She jested in a hope to ease the evident tension.

Sihtric bit his lip, he still did not look at Valaena- he was worried she would see him so vulnerable, he hated that "I seem to have-" he began before he abruptly halted, he shook his head "I think I have forgotten her face, I cannot see her anymore."

Valaena furrowed her brows, "I do not understand."

"I mean I do see her- I see pieces of her, her eyes- they are so blue and her lips, her hair especially, her hair is so beautiful." He rushed out, "But I fear her memory -together- is eluding me." He whispered in a murmur.

Valaena was perplexed, entirely confused but what she did know is that he cherishes this woman, this person -thoroughly- so much so it was tormenting him.

"Is this why you were so determined?" Valaena said, "...to be here."

Sihtric exhaled, "Well she isn't fucking here so..." A fog of distress obscured him, he felt as if he was trapped- she could be anywhere and he knew not a thing.

"The world is vast- yes, but I believe you have a desire to find her which is much more profound." Valaena stated quietly, "And should you need it- I will help you."

Sihtric's shoulders slouched and his eyes drooped with fatigue, he looked to the blonde haired Dane "Why would you do that?" He snapped.

Valaena tilted her head with raised brows she pinched his upper arm, "One do not speak to me with that tone I am older than you- and two, this girl sounds like she means a lot to you and I happen to be quite useful." She answered.

Sihtric looked away, he ran his hands over his face to rid of any lingering exhaustion and then he stood up, "We should find the others." He muttered before he took off towards the door.

Valaena stood up "Would you tell me her name?" She inquired.

Sihtric abruptly stopped, his hand clutched the doorhandle and he breathed in deeply, he turned to look at Valaena, "Lynette." he whispered glancing at her once and then he opened the door and walked out.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖☾𖤓.𖥔 ݁ ˖

They had left Northumbria as Uhtred had demanded so. At present they were down south of the land, Sigefrid was entirely consumed by his need and hunger for vengence each time his eyes would fall upon his severed hand- he would imagine the head of Uhtred on his spike.

Weeks had passed since that terrible day yet Sigefrid just imbued himself further and further into rage- so abysmal it was sure to destroy all from its tenebrosity.

Lynette was like a shadow she clung to Dahlia like her very own silhouette- the brunette girl had formed a beloved connection with the auburn haired Dane- a kindred spirit in a sense, to her Dahlia understood her and cared, she knew what to say and when to or not to and that soothed Lynette immensely.

Her heart still -in an obstinate manner- refused to disburden itself from the memory of that day. The rain absorbed and heart wrenching day which Lynette had forced herself-begged her heart to relent, give up- yet, in despite of her pleading her heart just clung on stronger. As if it is blindly seeking an answer- a way out, some form of consolation she so desperately desired, had she finally willed herself- with much misery- to think it is over? I must go on- Should I?

Lynette did not want to spend her days now with an incompleteness dragging on with her- unwanted and intruding- she is ridden with a forlornness she did not wish for, even so it had coveted her and now it must stay. And she is to now find some form of happiness -tainted- amidst her despair as if it were to be so easy to do such a thing- not when he still found a way to plague her. That dreadful night had someway and through some form always found its way at the centre of her thoughts- a flickering memory she urged to stray far from in a plea to rid her sorrow.

Everywhere she looked- everything seemed to remind her of him, reminding her of the mark he had left on her life- his magnitude it resonated waves of his shadows.

Lynette was occupied with stitching a dress that Dahlia had accidently torn- the auburn haired lady looked to her with a nod but the smile on her lips trembled and before Lynette could speak up she had shoved the tent curtains open and walked out.

It was a foreign feeling one she wished would vanish just as quick as it had emerged, Dahlia clung to her chest as she stood to the side of the tent away from prying eyes. It was her fault- she wanted to know information on her brothers wellbeing and instead she was bombarded with something she never sought to hear. Her gaze had slipped far away- as if she was folded in between herself.

Kjartan is dead.

The words echoed on and on and on.

Dahlia had promised to loathe her brother for what he did, for how he threw her aside and tore her trust to pieces yet when those words had filtered into her conscious and she had realised- the dread she was overcome with was fathomless- she had taken to the ground as memories of their childhood roamed freely in her mind. Reminding her of the past days of their youth- when he was not this monster he had become and her heart broke for that boy, her grief was for that boy and her anger was destructive for that boy.

And she marched with fire igniting her veins towards the brothers tent.

"You fucking bastard." She seethed entering inside her gaze fell upon Sigefrid, he looked to her with a smile and raised brows.

"What a welcome sight- how are you, wife?" He leaned back, comfortably.

Dahlia walked up to his chair and pulled him forward so he was sitting up in it rather than his previous position of ease, "What has you so angered, woman?" He snapped.

Dahlia scoffed, "Woman?" She glared- "I know."

"I need more, I do not know what you speak of." Sigefrid rolled his eyes.

"My brother you turd." She exhaled, "You never had any intention of helping him did you?"

Sigefrid nodded his head as he once again took to seating himself restfully atop the chair, "You are an intelligent woman- no I did not, I don't give one single fuck about his safety."

Dahlia stepped back turning her head from his wicked stare as she breathed in to calm herself, "So then why?" She looked to him, "Why wed me?"

"I hated your brother not you." He laughed, "I liked you- like you and when he proposed the idea of our alliance of course I agreed, I would be a fool not to." He revealed.

"A pity." Dahlia seethed, "For I harbour no such feelings for you."

Sigefrid clenched his jaw upon hearing her remark, he leaned forward "I don't need you to, I have you do I not?" He jeered.

Dahlia stepped back, one step and then another and once more she turned her back to Sigefrid she breathed in and out, in and out as she tried to come to terms with what had occurred. Shuffles of movement were heard behind her and she rapidly turned around to see Sigefrid stood before her, towering over her.

"You were told to kill him." She whispered- a scowl upon her features, "Uhtred- and now he and his brother have taken mine."

Sigefrid exhaled frustratedly, "He will die now." He raised his hand up showing Dahlia what Uhtred had done, the auburn haired woman could not care- she was glad of it.

"What do I care for his death now?" Dahlia scoffed.

"Do you not wish to avenge your husband?" Sigefrid looked to her as he laughed in amusement- Dahlia sneered, "Like you said I am intelligent- I would have never willingly taken you as my husband."

Sigefrid scowled his hand grasped her face and he leaned into her- his sickly breath fanning her face and she gulped down the contents of her stomach that wished to escape, "I have had enough of your taunting- I admit it was amusing at first but now you are disrespecting me wife, do so again and I will not be so gentle." His fingers dug into the flesh of her cheeks before he let go and stepped back.

Dahlia kept her expression stoic save the flashes of animosity that glared passed her irises- she did not say a word and just stepped out of his tent and made her way back towards hers- the one she shares with Lynette. Dahlia did not wish to speak with the girl- not now when she was seething in an amalgamate of wrath and agony.

Her brother is gone- it tremendously pained her, the memory of the boy that would pick flowers for her so she can make a flower crown for herself- but the man now that was taken was someone she had naturally grown to despise for he had become malicious.

Her hand had risen and she wiped away the stray tears that had covered her cheeks, she is able to care for herself and she will.

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A/N: Chapter twelve!! So Kjartan and Sven are finally dead- I squealed with happiness. Sihtric is feeling defeated, Lynette cannot seem to forget Sihtric and Dahlia is planning Sigefrid's death as we speak!!

Don't forget to comment and vote, thank you for reading 🫶

DAHLIA: