Winchester
Kingdom of Wessex

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Lynette despised the smell of ale, perhaps it was because of how much she had been around it growing up but she just could not stand even the smallest waft of it so the fact that she is sat sprawled uncomfortably in the corner of an alehouse with a cup of ale before her was a perplexing sight. She did not drink it, she could not have. It just sat there on the table an arms length away from her. The nattering of conversations and slamming of ale cups resounded through the thick air, darkness had completely draped the once blue sky a black canvas now expands the azure filled with specks of stars messily cluttered throughout.

The candlelight in the room illuminated her forlorn figure as the cold emerged beyond, a chill that wrapped itself around her. A bite that chewed at her skin, her mind was too consumed on Dahlia's words as they continued their torment she could not heed to anything else, her surroundings blurred together into a haze. The truth of it, her truth, quickly unfolded, each corner presented itself as clear as the dawn when it paints the earth in the vivid colours of the morning light. Lynette did not want to believe she could ever ponder on such a thought, the peak of a mountain so sharp and cutting, yet it had drawn closer as if it were slowly awaiting to arise, to show her what she can be, what she truly is.

A sinner. Her lips trembled as she whispered it to herself. Lynette did not want the babe, the child, she knew that to be wholly true no matter how much she had wrought to rid the thought from its place in the depths of her mind it had already embedded itself into her soul. It is a sin and a grave one, the thought that had exposed itself. God would surely condemn her now. She had been nothing but purely devoted to him -day in and day out- the creases in the palm of her hands were now ingrained with the words her lips would mutter forth, each inch of her body knew worship yet she cannot but feel as if the years of it had meant nothing, that in the end she had abandoned it as quick as her mother had done so.

A hatred for her mother swells between her crevices, the gaps in her teeth, as it soaks itself into her flesh like morning dew drenching itself into the blades of grass on a misty morning. It was her, was it not? that had refused to acknowledge Lynette for the first year she was born, when her eyes had opened and the sight of her mother was bare, vacant from the surroundings. It was then that the universe had decided her fate.

She cannot be a mother, she knows nothing of such a role, a mould she is too large for or perhaps too small. She is no good, she had tried, but in actuality she wishes not to shape her child into the reflection of a hungry animal craving a mother's love that which is foreign to her, a language she does not know the origin of nor how to utter.

Lynette knew not how to inquire, what is she to say? How is she to explain herself? They will all scorn her, how dare she think such a thought? She is no woman but a rabid dog feasting on the flesh of evil with so much voracity she had become the vermin herself. Its impurity stuck between her teeth and no matter how much she could have tried to cleanse herself of it she had now become sullied with the truth, at last peeled down to her sinews and bones so she can recognise the villain she is. Without knowing what her child may become she had already decided its fate, without her husband knowing that she carries his child within her she had made firm her decision, believing it best for the unborn child but she knew, deep down, it was for her own-self, selfish and cruel.

Was it selfish of her to do this or would it be even more so if the babe had been born and she knew not of how to care for it?

Her mind caged itself on one name, Sihtric, her husband, he loved her so much, loves her but will he after this? If he knew what she considered, how much of a selfish person she truly is, will he recognise her? She had hoped so desperately it pained her, the feeling scratched at her skin, she prayed trusting that God still held her in his embrace that Sihtric never hears of this to protect him from the anguish he would endure if he were to know, she will veil this from him or he may come to hate her.

It is sickening. Perhaps she could drown herself in the waters of the lake and then emerge forth from it afresh and pure. Or mayhap she can devour poison and it could absolve her, deliver her from the sin that has managed to consume her.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖☾𖤓.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Rowena could hear the sounds of her sister shuffling about in the room, it agitated her slightly but no more so than the irritation Aelflaed felt. The candlelight draped its hues across the room, painting the furniture and walls in an amber glow which soothed Rowena, she used it as a distraction from the cluttering and scattering sounds that filled the air. Her eyes, periodically, glanced from Aelflaed to the door awaiting for the moment she left so Rowena could also take to retreating from the castle. Her days are spent hauled between these four walls either embroidering, educating or tending to womanly duties she regretted not trying harder to remain back in Wiltshire but her father made it abundantly clear to her than she would accompany them to Winchester.

She missed Wiltshire and the freedom that she so happily took advantage of there, horse-riding and sneaking of to the markets with Edris. Rowena had gone years believing her father knew none of it but she soon came to realise he knew it all, every little piece of mischief she had gotten up to from her younger years to now although she isn't as troublesome as she once had been. It was a feasible thought but Rowena had concluded that her father simply did not care, he was more focused on Aelflaed and how he could shape her into something useful, his youngest daughter did not fit such a form, apparently so.

The freedom Rowena felt when she sat upon a horse, the reins clutched firmly in her grasp, it was a feeling like no other and she desired it perhaps she could leave and borrow a horse, race all the way back to Wiltshire her father would be enraged maybe even enough to denounce her for a moments time.

The door creaked open and Rowena excitedly turned but her anticipation dropped and morphed into annoyance once she realised it was not her sister who was leaving but rather a girl had entered, dressed in a solemn grey dress, her hair tied back as she held a metal pot in her grasp.

"I did not hear you knock." Rowena advanced forward.

"Sorry my lady, I did-"

"She knocked Rowena, you were much too engaged in your thoughts that you missed it." Aelflaed responded as she stepped back from the drawer she was previously scouring through.

Rowena sighed and rolled her eyes, "Are you going to leave any time soon or do I need to make space for you- your majesty?"

Aelflaed scowled, "Because of that tone, I shall stay here all night so yes I would like it if you did make space for me."

"My lady..." The girl spoke up her eyes locked on Aelflaed who turned to her with a gentle smile, "The lady Aelswith wishes for you to join with her in her nightly prayers and yourself too." Her eyes shifted to Rowena.

"I am weary, I think it best if I sleep or I shall not pray well." Rowena answered, Aelflaed glanced to her knowingly.

"I will be there momentarily, I seem to have misplaced my..." Aelflaed's words trailed off as she once again took to rushing about the room ever frantic in her movements.

The girl nodded her head and then she fixed her gaze upon Rowena, "I could ready a bath for you."

"There is no need."

Aelflaed looked to her and then to the girl. "Please send a girl to assist my sister in her nightly routine." Her stare, then, latched itself on Rowena, "If you are tired then sleep but Edris is not with us so how do you presume to braid your hair?" She teasingly smiled.

"I do not need my hair braided."

"Well of course you do, you are a lady and you must present yourself as one, it is not a worry um-" Aelflaed's head turned to the girl.

"Nelda, lady."

"Nelda here will do so for you, it is no trouble is it?"

"Not at all." Nelda rushed out as she placed the pot of warm water upon a table shoved in the far corner of the room.

"How lovely." Rowena whispered under her breath.

"I am to go pray with the Lady Aelswith, you know she will require you to join with her in her morning prayers." Aelflaed mentioned as she walked toward the door.

"I am aware and I will happily oblige, do tell her that." Rowena replied.

Aelflaed smiled before she glanced to Nelda and then she abruptly turned and departed from the room, she let the door gently shut behind her.

Rowena then peered at Nelda who went about getting a brush and a thick thread to tie her hair perfectly into a flawless braid. She sat down and her hands folded themselves together on her lap as she patiently awaited for the girl to make haste.

Nelda stepped behind her, "Please let me know, lady, if I cause you any ache." She mumbled.

"Do speak up." Rowena said.

"My apologises..." She rushed out, "Let me know if I hurt you."

"You will not though, have you never braided hair before?" Rowena turned and looked to her with her brows arched in a confronting manner.

"I have."

"So then you will not."

"Yes of course." Nelda scrambled as she raised the brush up and began to delicately run it through Rowena's brunette hair, ever so gently so as not to hurt her. Rowena gazed ahead into the mirror as she watched the girl tend to her hair with much diligence it made her smile.

"You are good at this, Nelda, I do not know why you worried so much?" Rowena disclosed.

"I thank you, my lady."

"Once you have done with the braid you can leave, I do not require anything else."

"But your sister, the-"

"But nothing, you work too hard go and rest." Rowena whispered.

And so when Nelda had completed the braid she tied it off and then left the room just as quick as Rowena had demanded her to do. Outside the moon decked the night sky, pouring its slivery gleam onto every surface exposed. The shine scattered its way through the window and into Rowena's chambers as she grabbed her cloak, she glanced into the mirror as she tied it securely around herself making sure she is hidden well from any specks of illumination.

She left the candlelight flickering in the room and then turned the knob of her chamber peeking just her head out she glanced from right to left and then left to right a few times. Her eyes scouring her surroundings with an impatience so heavy in them, she needed out just for a while, just for a breath of open air. The door shut quietly behind her and she, with her head tilted toward the ground, walked forward. Determination propelled her forward, excitement evident in each step she took.

The atmosphere was quiet in the castle, shadows danced from the fire and leaves swayed to the ground in the courtyard from the night-tide winds, rapid and numbing. Rowena could feel the winds oscillate upon the uncovered skin of her hands she glanced down to them as tried to hide them by extending the sleeves of her cloak. Suddenly a hand grabbed one of her hands and pulled her behind a pillar in the courtyard, she was just mere seconds away from the exit.

Rowena, with fury of annoyance ignited in her veins, harshly pulled her hand out from their grasp and pushed down the hood of her cloak, her stare fell upon blonde hair and an amused smile.

"You are brash to have grabbed a lady like that." She snapped, "Especially at such a time in the night."

"And enlighten me, what this said lady is doing leaving at such a time in the night?" Everard fired back.

Rowena scoffed, her stare fixed itself upon a bush of flowers in the middle of the courtyard, "It is amusing to me that you think I will answer you." Rowena glared back to him, "I will go wherever I please at whatever time I wish."

"And you must, I am not saying that you cannot." Everard shrugged his shoulders, "But it is not wise to traverse around the streets when all the worst of the men are about."

"So like yourself?"

"No." Everard scowled, "And it is of my concern that if I do happen to let you go and something awful were to happen and it is soon revealed that it was I that did nothing to stop you, well what do you think will befall me?"

"I do not care."

"You are pleasant, are you not?" He sighed.

"I am, many people tell me so." Rowena cheekily smiled.

"They lie."

Rowena rolled her eyes, "Now if you must." She shoved him but he moved not an inch, "Your job is not to be a brick wall, move out of my way." She snapped.

"I like that." Everard tilted his head as if he was pondering on a thought, "A brick wall, I think the job calls for me."

"I think so too, now go stand elsewhere."

"Where is it you wish to go anyway?" Everard exhaled.

"That is none of your concern."

"I had just explained seconds ago why it is." He looked to her confused.

"Just pretend you never saw me, it is as easy as that."

"I cannot, I am a good Christian man this will weigh on my conscience."

"Oh of course it will." She sarcastically responded.

Everard simply smiled in return.

"Come with me then but if you as much breathe too loud I will make you wish you never came along." She threatened as her gaze narrowed.

"I am getting threated?" He looked astonished.

"Precisely." Rowena then turned around, she pulled the hood of her cloak back over her head and then walked toward the exit the sound of Everard's booted feet a little few steps behind her.

The streets as Everard had said was teeming with men, many lingered in groups outside of taverns, inns and alehouses. Rowena's skin was illuminated with the hues of orange and yellow, she had let down the hood of her cloak so the wind would whirl through the strands of her hair, she had also managed to undo the braid but no matter the night is cool and she only longs to feel its breeze. The blonde French man walked beside her now, his stare locked straight ahead but ever so often he would, from his periphery, gaze at her.

Unknowingly to Everard she had began to walk toward an alehouse, he had soon realised and shook his head, "Probably not the best idea."

"I cannot recall where I had asked for your opinion." She sighed before she stepped aside and walked inside. Everard tilted his head back, released a prolonged exhale of air and then rushed in after her.

The smell of ale spills into the air as Rowena's eyes roam the inside, the air is stiff and the chatter loud and incessant. Her chest felt heavy as the thick breeze weighs down upon her chest, sinking into her skin she blinked and then looked to Everard "Would you be the gentlemen you claim yourself to be and go get me a cup?"

He narrowed his stare before demanding her to not move she of course did not listen and ventured further into the alehouse.

Her curious gaze wandered from table to table, from the windows to the shelves. Rowena was not allowed to go to an alehouse, one of the only rules her father had bestowed upon her. He had left to go back to Wiltshire, he will undoubtedly be returning but she knew not when and so tonight was a night as good as any she had decided she would go, no harm would be done for Aethelhelm would know nothing of it.

"A girl as pretty as yourself should not be sat alone..." Rowena heard the words, she turned her head and saw a girl sat alone in the corner her expression sombre but she could see the flash of exasperation begin to rise onto the surface, her lips curled into ones filled with disgust yet she ignored the pesky old man.

He leaned into her, "I mean you no harm, girl, come on humour an old man."

Rowena scoffed as she approached them, "If you leave this establishment and walk in any direction, you will be sure to find a pleasure house somewhere. Go get your fill of amusement there."

The man, heavy bearded, turned and his wicked gaze latched itself onto Rowena who stood before the table, "You have a mouth on you girl, it does not suit you." He snapped.

"I think it suits me perfectly." Rowena snidely smiled back, "The pleasure house? Go on- I am sure there is an unfortunate lady there who is more than...willing to humour you." Her voice trailed off. Rowena knows she should stop talking, any more of her chatter and she will most certainly land herself in trouble but the mere sight of this decrepit wretched man infuriated her, "Need I continue?"

The girl sat in the corner looked to Rowena, her stare held amusement in it as if she was holding back a laugh. The man stood up, he towered over Rowena but that did nothing to intimidate her. He would not raise his hand upon a woman in the middle of a bustling alehouse, she will make sure he looses his hand if he does so.

Before the old man could open his mouth Everard had returned with two cups of ale, he glanced to the man whose features were contorted in a look of pure rage and embarrassment and then to Rowena who did not acknowledge Everard, "Is there a problem here?"

"Yes he was just bothering-"

"No, all is well I shall take my leave." He grunted out before he left.

Rowena took a seat before the girl, Lynette, as she mumbled under her breath "Coward." Everard took a seat beside Rowena and then he looked ahead, he smiled "What are you doing here?" He then glanced behind and Rowena's words filtered through his mind, "Was that man bothering you?"

Lynette exhaled, "It had been handled." She then looked to Rowena, "Thank you lady-"

"Rowena, just address me as Rowena." She smiled, "And no need to thank me, men like that infuriate me. Where he obtained such audacity I will never know."

"Well I must thank you Rowena."

"You can thank me by telling me your name." Rowena wrapped her hand around the cup of ale as she lifted it up to her lips.

"Lynette, just Lynette."

"Are you of Winchester, of Wessex?" Rowena inquired.

"No, I just reside here."

"Where are you from?"

"Bebbanburg."

"Lynette of Bebbanburg." Rowena uttered, "It sounds nice as if it were meant to be. I am of Wiltshire."

"Rowena of Wiltshire." Lynette repeated. Her eyes observed the girl sat across from her and she felt her cheeks heat up slightly. Perhaps it was the fact that Rowena is unearthly beautiful. Her green eyes gleamed with each flicker of light that shone upon them and her hair cascaded down her back in light waves, appearing so soft and empyrean. The gentle shine of her skin created an astral shadow which Lynette could not help but admire.

"Sihtric had left with Uhtred this late evening, did he not?" Everard asked.

Lynette looked to him, "He had, yes."

"There will be battle soon, I am sure of this." The blonde whispered.

"Let us not think upon such matters, I wish to drink ale and converse with my new friend." Rowena glanced to Lynette, "You may leave Everard if you wish to talk of such things as battle."

Everard shook his head.

"Who is Sihtric?" Rowena took a sip after she asked her question.

"My husband." Lynette answered, she missed him already and immensely so. Her previous thoughts and worries lost into a cloud of vapour for a moments time she let it slip into a void that she is with child.

"Husband? You are married." Rowena rushed out, "Actually I am not quite sure why I am surprised, you are much too beautiful to not be married."

Lynette laughed lightly, "And yourself, are you wed?"

"Oh heavens no, I do not want to be either not for a while at least." Rowena hurried out, as if Lynette's question had torn at the most tender part of her.

The night continued for a while as Rowena and Lynette chattered back and forth, Everard sat beside them quiet he would drop in a thought here and there but for the most part he remained listening. Rowena stood up, "I will be back in a minute and then we can leave."

"I am coming with you, I would be a fool to let you go alone." Everard sighed.

Lynette stood up shaking her head slightly in amusement as she watched the two bicker back and forth until Rowena had finally agreed to let Everard accompany her. She had decided to wait outside, the air was tamer now not as cold and neither as fast and the atmosphere was still, a slight murmur of natures whisper roaming about. In this quiet Lynette had remembered, she recalled the truth of her reason for being at the alehouse her hand shook beside her and she dared not glance at her stomach, a fear that is strange Lynette knew it but she just could not.

Soon after Rowena and Everard had emerged from the alehouse and they had began to walk to the castle, so that Rowena could sneak back in before Everard took Lynette home. Rowena was overwhelmed with fatigue and her almost five cups of ale also dominated much of her drained state.

Once Rowena had been dropped off to the castle. Everard and Lynette walked the serene and hollowed streets of Winchester.

Lynette turned to Everard, "Can I ask a favour from you?" She whispered.

He looked to her with a frown, "Of course you can, did something happen? Was it that old man? I will find him." He rushed out in a mix of worry and vexation.

"No, no it is not that." She shook her head, "I need you to deliver a letter for me."

"A letter?"

"Yes, please it is for the Lady Aethelflaed and it is of dire importance." Lynette stressed, her hands formed into fists at the side of her figure.

"And you do not wish to tell me?" He breathed out.

"I cannot, I am sorry."

"No, I understand Lynette. The letter will be delivered just give it to me." He took her hand in his and rubbed her knuckles in a soothing manner. Lynette forced back her tears she had tried but one had unbound itself from the cage and rolled down her cheek.

She coughed in embarrassment, "This is so humiliating do not speak of this to anyone or I will-"

"It is not, Lynette." He whispered, he let go of her hand and stepped back to allow her some space which secretively Lynette was so grateful for.

"I miss him, that is it, nothing more." Lynette rushed out avoiding eye contact as she wiped away her tears.

"I thought as much but, never tell him I said this, he is a great warrior and he has you now, he will return to you unharmed." Everard gently spoke.

Lynette looked back at him as she breathlessly laughed, "Will you two ever get along?"

"We do." Everard jestingly nudged her.

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Aweltun
Kingdom of Wessex

The smoke twisted in the air, a mix of grey and ashen black, the remnants of fire put forth the night before as Sihtric's eyes roamed his surroundings. He glanced toward Valaena who held her sword unsheathed before her with a firm grip on the hilt. Tension in the air was unsettling as it lingered about, traversing the breeze and touching upon the skin of passers by. They were crouched down, knees bent as their heads peered above charred wood. A man led them forward, their lips sealed in silence. The flow of chatter floated through the parched air.

"Do not walk so close to me, you will step on my foot." Valaena whispered as she pushed Sihtric aside, the raven-haired Dane just exasperatedly sighed.

They had come to a stop as they leaned forward and glanced outward, indistinct chatter of men filtered around them, "She is in there Lord, inside the church." The man informed them, he turned back to Uhtred, "Am I still needed?"

Uhtred glanced to him, he pulled out the piece of wood that was previously between his lips "Go find your family." He ordered and the man wasted not a second as he rushed off.

Sihtric held his axe on his shoulder. Uhtred glanced behind his and then nudged his head to Osferth, the monk shook his head weary of stepping forth. "Do not make the young boy go, I shall." Valaena stressed as she observed the troubled expression on Osferth's face, she felt bothered by the desicion.

"He will be fine, Val." Finan whispered in her ear as Sihtric pushed Osferth forward, he tumbled but regained his composure quickly. He looked to Sihtric with a scowl before he turned and walked forward toward the group of men sat in-front of the church. Once Osferth had left Uhtred had ordered for them all to take their positions. Finan squeezed Valaena's hand as she took to hiding, Sihtric tapped his axe against Finan's sword before he took to his standing, all watching Osferth from their marks.

He continued to walk, his stare drifted taking in the dead corpses around. The skin was a tinge of blue, the lips purple and the flesh had already began to rot. Deep wounds in their stomachs, red crimson blood soaked the clothes as they lay sprawled on the ground. Osferth gulped yet he kept advancing ahead.

He took in a deep breathe. Sihtric jumped over a fence and Valaena followed after him. Finan on the other side with Uhtred as they all latched their eyes to Osferth. The men before the church laughed, amused by the sight of Osferth.

"Who are you? What do you want?" One of them chuckled.

"I would like you all to surrender." Osferth demanded, with a tone of voice strong enough. He mustered it up from the depths of his throat "Or I will smite you."

Valaena furrowed her brows and looked to Sihtric she then mouthed "Smite?" to which Sihtric shrugged his shoulders indicating he does not know.

One of the men stood up and stepped away from the small fire that was burning, his hand reached for his sword as he looked to the other men surrounding him, "What did he say?" He then glanced to Osferth "Smite, what is smite?"

"It is a word, isn't it?" Osferth taunted, "A word from the Holy Book, it means slay or kill. I will kill you."

The men all glanced at each other laughing as they did so.

"Smite." Osferth mumbled.

Valaena smirked as she glanced across to Finan. Uhtred, too, found amusement in this as he bit back a laugh.

"You will smite all of us?"

"Yes, most." Osferth answered, "Some of you might run away, hopefully."

The men narrowed their gazes on him as they advanced forward.

Osferth fumbled, "I've got....I've got a sword, very sharp sword." He, also, reached for his sword latched to his side. "But I'd prefer it if you would surrender."

"Kill him!" One of them demanded.

"Now!" Uhtred shouted so loud the echo of his voice belted through the air. Valaena and Sihtric emerged from behind a burnt home, his axe in his hand, her sword in hers. Uhtred and Finan sprang forth from the other side of this burnt home as they rushed toward the group of Danes.

Sihtric swung his axe hitting its sharp edge into the chests of men as blood sprouted forth, droplets of it would splatted onto his skin and clothing yet he gave it no mind as he continued the attack. Valaena pierced her sword into the neck of a Dane that tried to rid her of her arm, she would not allow it. Her arm pushed the sword so deep into his neck it came out the other end, she pulled it back and kicked the man to the ground. Sihtric tilted his head to her, impressed as he turned and took of a Dane's head. The sounds of grunts and swords clashing consumed the air, overflowing, the reverberations hitting on trees and bouncing of another.

Finan pulled back his sword and shoved it into the eye of another Dane. Valaena sighed in relief for it was the same one that had almost got her. The fighting went on and Osferth stood to the side as his terror filled eyes watched ahead, he felt a familiar sickening feeling coat the insides of his stomach and he gulped.

Soon enough all of the men were dead and Valaena had slouched into Finan's arms, a tired hug, to thank him and to just feel him against herself for a moment before they all rushed toward the entrance of the church. Finan went first as he peered through a window.

Valaena looked to Osferth, "Smite?"

"It is a good word, I will smite you, it sounds better does it not?" Osferth rambled.

"It does Osferth, I shall use it henceforth." She messed up his hair before she walked forward.

"Haesten says she is of the devil." Uhtred breathed out.

"Then it might be an idea to bar the door and burn the place down, why not?" Finan suggested as he leaned against the wall trying to catch his breath.

"To Bloodhair, she will be priceless." Uhtred informed.

"She is a seer, just do not let her get into your head." Valaena mentioned.

Uhtred glanced behind him before he reached forward and opened the door, it made an irritating creaking sound as it did which did not sit well with Sihtric. He did not like seers, and this one in particular from what he has heard is nothing less of pure heinousness. The raven-haired Dane walked in behind Finan and his gaze fell upon blood, scarlet coloured blood, smeared all over the floor and wall of the church. His stare then wafted upward and a man was hanging from the wall brutally as another lay before him cut open, his guts sprawled on the floor in a vile mess.

"What depravity is this?" Valaena muttered under her breath as her widened stare meandered the room, it is dark and cold in the air. The smell of burnt flesh clung to each corner and it sickened her.

There she was at the end of the room stood up leaning against a table. The light which filtered in through the window behind her over-casted her in a faint delicate gleam opposite of her demeanour and actions, the dead bodies that lay before her mutilated and deformed beyond recognition. Sihtric narrowed his gaze onto her, a heart, bloodied and marred was firmly clasped in her hand, her fingernails dug into the flesh.

"You are Skade?" Uhtred asked, she offered no answer and Uhtred stepped forth. The man beside Skade unsheathed his sword but Uhtred was quick to respond to it, "You!" He snapped, "You will do nothing except go to your Lord, you will tell him that Uhtred of Bebbanburg has his witch."

"I knew it was you." She finally spoke up.

"There will be a ransom to pay." Uhtred concluded.

"No" Skade abruptly corrected him, "You will go to my Lord and you will tell him that from this moment forth-" She took a step forward holding up the heart which is clasped in her grasp, "Uhtred of Bebbanburg is cursed." She continued to take slow steps each time she raised up her hand and squeezed the heart, "The witch holds his heart in her hands and she will squeeze it..." She squeezed the heart with much might, blood trailed down her skin, "..and break it." And then she threw the heart to the ground.

Finan glanced to Sihtric and then to Valaena. The blonde Dane just glared ahead at Skade with her jaw clenched in irritation, she is worming her way through. Finan grabbed his cross and Osferth did the same, clear distress laced their features at the witch's hex upon their Lord. Sihtric, just like Valaena, glared ahead at Skade.

"Go." She demanded the other Dane in the room and he rushed off without question.

Her stare latched itself onto Uhtred as she stepped froward, slow as a sly smirked emerged upon her lips "It is you who are now my prisoner, Uhtred." She revealed.

"Seize her." Uhtred demanded but his tone was not how he would usually sound, no, it was quiet and slight shaky. Valaena looked to him worried.

"I said seize her Sihtric!" He frantically glanced to them "Now, bind her hands." Uhtred shouted out much more pressingly, fear interwoven in his cadence.

Sihtric rushed forward Finan followed him, "I have aligned myself with the three spinners of fate and taken ahold of your life." She continued seething, calm yet a storm impended underneath, Sihtric began to bind her hands firmly and tightly with a rope, "You belong to me."

Valaena watched with furrowed brows, she would be lying if she said she was not troubled by this for she was and exceedingly so, her nerves fraught with anxious concern.

"And her mouth." Uhtred snapped.

Before Sihtric could do so she rushed out, "Your path is the path I choose for you, Uhtred Ragnarson and your spirit is mine to torment." Finan hurried forth and shoved a black cloth in her moth, wrapping it around her and shutting her mouth preventing her from uttering another word.

Sihtric quickly stepped back he cannot help but feel a flood of worry rush over him. A curse, and that which is from the hands of such a malicious witch he feared immensely and he felt extremely unsettled.

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A/N: A chapter!!!!! I already love Rowena and Lynette's friendship. Also please try and understand why Lynette is thinking what she is, do not hate her she is just overwhelmed and frightened.

I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter!!

Do not forget to comment and vote, thank you for reading 🫶