Saltwic
Kingdom of Mercia

The next few hours of the expanding night blurred into a haze as Lynette laid on the bed above the duvet, her skin much too warm for some odd reason and she could not handle the layer of fur blanketing her with more heat. Her breathing slow yet sharp, the air drummed with a soundless rhythm opposing the very evident feel of Lynette's frantic heart as it pulsated against the bones of her rib cage-- loud and dominant. Her thoughts trembled in repetition, on numerous occasions she had wavered on the thought of joining Rowena and Aethelflaed but she remembered how she had asked for some time alone. Now she had began to regret that decision, it was never a good idea to be by oneself after such an ordeal but she thought she needed it.

"The healer shall pay you a visit on the morrow."

Aethelflaed's words nipped piercingly at her skin, perhaps that is why she is so cold regardless of the searing heat of the fire that flamed in the furnace, the forbidding essence of the nearing truth loomed over the night chilling the air and Lynette felt herself crumble. Maybe her doubt has a cause, one that she did not want to heed as she kept forcing herself to steer away from it, astray from an argument she had already deemed pointless. An aim sharp with the truth, a possibility too viable that Lynette did not want to consider the fact, an unburdening of the past she had been scathed with-- for Lynette it was a normality, a feeling much too etched that she had made a comfortable home for it and who would part from a home they had carved out for themselves with their own bare hands?

The night had dimmed with a scornful ache so eternally rooted Lynette could feel as if it was judging her, shaking its head and condemning her. She had then began to slightly understand the reality of her coming days as if they were hidden away, shrouded as a mechanism to veil herself but a veil can only do so much and the mind is a bitter thing fraught with fortitude-- no matter the consequences.

"Aethelflaed has the most tastiest of fruit." Rowena exclaimed as she shut the door and ventured into the room, Lynette sat up as her eyes drifted across the plate of fruit the lady held.

"I fear hunger has evaded me as does sleep, it has become the most difficult of tasks." Lynette mumbled.

Rowena sat beside her on the bed, "I had to persuade the maid to let me bring this up here, surely you would not have me walk back with the plate full."

Lynette observed the plate, deep red apples, sage coloured pears and bright orange peaches lay cluttered on the silver with a sharp knife beside them. Rowena placed the plate down before them both-- Lynette reached her hand forward to grab the knife but Rowena had rushed to grab it before she had the chance to wrap her pale hand around the hilt. Her eyes blinked upward toward Rowena and her eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"I am quite skilled at cutting fruit, one of the few things I can do without messing up." Rowena breathlessly laughed.

"Oh, I am sure it is that." Lynette sighed, "You do not have to be cautious, I will not behave recklessly. What had happened with the dress was a moment of impulsiveness, I was frustrated and not without reason." 

Rowena tilted her head, "Is this going to be our first argument?" She jested hoping it would lighten Lynette's state.

"It might be." Lynette exhaled, "Unless you pass me that knife, I need to know you do not think me to be a brazen girl that does not know how to handle an instrument of such small size."

"I know you can handle it." Said Rowena, "You would refrain me from showing you how well I can cut an apple?"

Lynette shook her head, "Proceed, but my definition of well may differ from yours."

"Does it? Then be prepared for it to change."

"I am not an easy person to impress." Lynette whispered jestingly.

Rowena teasingly scoffed, "You have a husband do you not, how hard of a rock can you be to crack?"

Lynette wheezingly gasped as she took in Rowena's words. Rowena's hand moved the knife as she angled it perfectly to slice into the apple. Moments later Lynette was biting into the fresh fruit, her stomach had then began to rumble as if it had just now let her know the hidden hunger she had suppressed.

"There was another reason I had also come up here." Muttered Rowena.

Lynette nodded her head indicating for her to go on.

"We have not known each other for long but I have come to care for you Lynette as I hope you do so for me--"

"I care for you."

"Then I wish for you not to take this as myself being insolent but rather as worried." Rowena spoke, Lynette swallowed the fruit and then leaned forward to hear her better. "Aethelflaed told me of your reasoning for being here, do not fault her for that she too cares. Lynette, are you sure?"

"Am I sure?" Lynette scoffed, "What, you think I do not have a sufficient enough reason?"

"That is not what I had meant."

"So what is it you mean?" Lynette pressed urgently, she did not need for another to doubt her for she has done that enough herself.

"Women die." Rowena rushed out, "They die doing this--"

"That is why the Lady Aethelflaed has called for the most knowledgeable of healers." Lynette stressed, she should not be getting aggravated but it seems as if hearing a semblance of worry from another just pricked her the wrong way especially since she is firmly adamant on remaining in the decision she has settled with.

"Lynette you are not listening, a healer cannot prevent death."

"They try to." Lynette bristled, "You know where women also die? In childbirth and I have witnessed that so I would happily take my chances dying this way, where I have made my choice, rather than succumbing like that."

"And what then of your husband?"

That had quietened Lynette. Rowena saw the evident worry flash momentarily across her features and the empty gulp of air she had forced down her now tightening throat. Rowena pondered on what she had said in the silence that followed after-- she perhaps should have not spoken such harsh words but it is a reality Lynette needed to consider, Rowena would not lose another one of her friends to such foolish endeavours. 

Lynette wanted to reach over and, no- she will not because what Rowena had said is a harsh blinding truth that could befall Sihtric and she could not bear the thought of him living without her for he would surely go mad and she too, in death, would know madness just the same.

"I pray I have not spoken out of turn just--"

"You have." Lynette exhaled with annoyance.

"It was not my intention, you know this. I speak only with--"

The door slammed open, a distressed and determined Lady Aethelflaed hurried into the room "We must leave, now!" She demanded.

Rowena shuffled back with confusion, not an ounce of unease on her features which was quite different to Lynette who mirrored a mix of Aethelflaed's expression upon her own face. She did not need to hear more, no reasoning nor any explanation and stood up hectically almost having tripped over the skirt of her dress from all the hassle. Rowena then, too, stood up and she was now also becoming rather troubled upon seeing Aetheflaed's chaotic movements throughout the chamber.

Moments after a tall man emerged from behind the door, his eyes held a look of impatience in them "Lady I must yet again press how urgent it is for you to leave now."

"Who is that?" Rowena scowled as she pointed to Aldehelm. She got no response in turn so she narrowed her gaze onto him, upon recognising him she frowned, "Why are you telling us to leave, I happen to be quite comfortable here?" Her stare moved from the man to Aethelflaed and then back to the man who appeared to have been growing even more restless.

Aethelflaed finally turned to her, "We are in danger-- well I am which puts you both at risk with me."

"He told you, Aethelred's lap dog? I have seen him follow your husband around and I do not exactly like him so who is to say he is any better?" Hurled Rowena.

Aldehelm stepped forward, "Your dislike of me is without reason, Lady, simply seeing me beside my lord does not make me a bad person and in any case, I speak the truth."

"I believe him." Lynette spoke up.

Rowena turned to her with her eyebrows raised, unimpressed.

"It is because of Aethelflaed." Lynette added on.

"In danger of what?" Rowena was still skeptical, but most of that was because she did not wish to go outside not after what had occurred only a few hours prior the memory still inconvertibly vivid in her mind.

"There is no time for prolonged explanations Lady, trust me this once and you will not regret it." Aldehelm imperatively stated.

Lynette grabbed Rowena's wrist and dragged her with her toward the door where the Lady Aethelflaed was exiting the room, Aldehelm followed behind them all. The lady of Wiltshire with much hesitance allowed for Lynette to drag her along, her heart thundered against her chest. Lynette felt the same as Rowena, her skin erupted in flames of worry and anxiousness yet she remained stoic on the outside a façade she had mastered over the years. The healer's arrival on the morrow now just a distant whisper as they all rushed to make haste and leave the estate with the fear of danger propelling them forward. 

.𖥔 ݁ ˖☾𖤓.𖥔 ݁ ˖

The snow fell in curves of silver, as the light of the fading sun filtered through the multitude of clouds that swarmed the cyan sky. They had escaped from Winchester, Sihtric can still remember the hours ago that Uhtred had rushed them all out demanding for them to move quickly. His lips slightly trembled from the cold yet his mind was calm, stable and fixed on one thought-- now that they had left Winchester his worry for Lynette had become twofold, if she were to return and he is not there, he had the mind to leave for Mercia but the matter at hand here is much too delicate that he could not. For a brief second the idea did cross his mind, to send Everard but Uhtred would not allow it-- he needed the French man in his sight, for he did not trust him. Sihtric recalled the argument that had occurred before they had made it this far into the forest.

An argument that Dahlia halted.

"You think I am a fool, the king sent you did he not?" Uhtred glared at Everard.

Everard slowly blinked overthinking his answer, "No Lord, he did not send me."

Uhtred clenched his jaw from the frustration, the stresses of the hour piling up and his health seemed to teeter on a weak line "To spy, to watch perhaps to even--"

"No Lord, I came for no other reason but that of my own because I want to join you."

Uhtred raised his sword and pressed it at Everard's chest, the sharp end barely skimmed his flesh as Everard stood tall forcing himself to remain emotionless but there was a palpable inferno of nervousness awakening in his nerves as he bit his tongue.

"I trust you as much as I trust my uncle, which is not much." He seethed.

"Drop the sword." The familiar womanly voice arose from behind the Dane-slayer. Dahlia stepped out as she fixed her stare on Uhtred, awaiting for him to heed her words.

The sword remained rooted in its position, targeted still at the blonde man and Everard queasily glanced toward Dahlia who stepped forward "You do not have to trust him Uhtred, but you trust Lynette." She spoke.

Uhtred turned his stare to her, "Lynette is not here."

"Not now she is not, but she will be and I do not think she will be happy to hear that her friend had met his bloody end at your sword." Said Dahlia as she reached forward and placed the palm of her right hand on his sword, she gently pushed it down and away from Everard.

The Dane-slayer glanced back at Everard, his stare remained there for a moment sending a chill through Everard's body as he understood the unspoken words-- he is watching him.

Now Everard sat upon a horse riding alongside Dahlia who had her stare locked ahead of her. The air freezing around them, encircling them in a never-ending winter. The daylight had began to vanish as night draped the sky in a dark shadow. They had all, not soon after, decided to make camp and lay rest for the night. Heat from the fire that had been lit escaped into the air, the flames crackled and sputtered and the light a bright orange swathed over their ice-touched skin.

Sihtric's fatigue begged him for respite, he wished to lay down and allow himself the solace of dreams-- he knew he would see her in them, that is if he were to be successful in quietening the restless and disordered subtleties of his mind. The universe had a way of keeping them apart it seemed, as if it relished in seeing them worry for the other but the Dane knew that his wife is a woman of much strength and that he too would do absolutely anything to have her back in his arms.

"Why is she not food for the rats by now?" Finan whispered.

Sihtric glanced to him as Everard shook back the fur that covered his shoulders.

Uhtred glanced toward the seer to find that she had her gaze already on him, she is observing him, taunting him almost-- "Because she has a gift." Uhtred answered as he stood up his face contorted in a look of pain, "Because she had taken hold of my path."

"If we kill her, the curse will live on." Sihtric stated as he looked to Finan and then his stare directed itself to Uhtred, "It is the curse that must be killed." He informed as Uhtred sighed out and walked from the group.

Everard leaned into Sihtric's side, "You cannot be serious, all this? A curse?"

Sihtric looked to him, displeased, "You do not have to believe it."

"It is not that I do not believe, I just have never seen a curse."

Valaena smirked, "Oh they are very real, do not piss of a witch and you will be fine."

Dahlia had hoped Uhtred would find a way to quickly rid of the seer, to free himself from the curse she has inflicted upon him. No good will come the longer she is to be around them all, she sat to the other side of her nephew her eyes momentarily glanced to the seer before she looked back to the fire that burned ahead.

"How does one piss of a witch?" Everard inquired.

"Well that is subjective, the witch decides." Replied Valaena as she rested her head on Finan's fur clothed shoulder.

"So it can be anything?"

"Exactly."

"Fucking great." Everard whispered under his breath with dismay and worry.

"She is the worm and Uhtred is the apple." Sihtric muttered.

Dahlia exhaled a breath of warm air as she stood up, she followed after Uhtred seeing as he uncomfortably grasped onto the tree, his lips released pants of anguished grunts as he tried to steady himself.

"You must stop aimlessly wandering." She said as she grabbed his other arm.

Uhtred glanced to her, his face still held that tense and uneased expression as he forced his lips into a straight line. "This is what she wants, for her it is only a moments time before you succumb to her."

"I will not." Uhtred grunted out.

"Well that is the hope." She mumbled, "Like Sihtric said, the curse needs to be killed and preferably quickly before it eats away at the strength you have left."

"Any wise suggestions as to how." Snapped Uhtred.

"We must get to Dunholm first and hope to find a seer more powerful than Skade." Dahlia answered.

—————

Uhtred's condition had gotten worse, the morning past had become solemn as his body now lay weak and frail unable to even sit upon a horse he was transported on a cart. Night had come and gone and within that his health deteriorated further and further, his fever gained height and he had began to whisper to himself. Dahlia tried to reduce the fever but all her efforts were in vain, he lessened into a sickly state as the hours went on.

When Osferth had offered him the broth he had made, Uhtred paid him no mind that the young monk just returned back to the group where Everard had taken to helping himself to another bowl of the warm soup.

"Still no response?" Dahlia asked him.

"No Lady, he truly seems out of it."

Dahlia swallowed down and then abruptly shouts came from the tent Uhtred lay under, "You are dead!" Uhtred coughed out, his chest heaved sorely the pain bitterly etched on his lungs.

Finan rushed over with Sihtric, "Lord! Lord, you must eat and you must drink." He demanded. He grabbed Uhtred, "You are not thinking right." He whispered.

"Brida." Uhtred wheezed out.

"She will be at Dunholm."

"Finan, look!" Sihtric rushed out.

"I am here." The Irishman turned in the direction from where the voice of a woman echoed among the cold, there she stood before Uhtred's tent with her stare latched onto him.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖☾𖤓.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Dunholm
Kingdom of Northumbria

Dunholm was much the same, the courtyard bustling with people tending to whatever the needs of that day were to be, the sounds of metal against metal harshly clanged as the swordsmiths worked to strengthen the steel and armour. Sihtric sat inside the hall that his father and his men had once occupied, Uhtred had finally awoken from his slumber and now he was deep into a plate of food stuffing his mouth with pieces of bread. The sound of faint chatter spanned the corners of the room, as Sihtric took notice of how his aunt ignored all else, her hand clasped around a cup of ale as she sipped on the substance with discomfort written unmistakably on her features, she had tried to mask it but the way her brows would furrow and her lips curved spoke of the reality of how she truly felt.

Dahlia sat as she sipped on the ale, her eyes would ever so occasionally extend across the familiar room which had now become a fragment of the past she had once known. Her thoughts were a mess, a clatter of autumnal coloured leaves as they fall from their branches to spatter the ground, she felt a rush of emotion but none was more apparent than guilt-- it rotted underneath her skin as she roamed the contents of the room silently like night does the morning light. Her brother had perished inside these walls, it was not him she mourns but what could have been if he were a better person, a possibility which has now been forever buried alongside him.

As for Sihtric, she could have done more-- noticed him or even protected him as family does and that is something she hopes she can account for now. The memories lingered as faint whispers of tarnished days lost to the years gone by, the faces blurred and burned away. Echoes of forgotten orders now covered with new regularities in place of what she had formerly known.

The memory of Lynette was colourful and so realistic as if she were stood before him. Sihtric could almost envision her perfectly-- the flow of her long hair as it fell in idyllic replicas like waves of the ocean and her body clad in a dress that hugs her flawlessly but nothing was more captivating than her eyes, a blue so vivid and alluring one could never truly forget the precise tint of it. She would spend most of her days in this hall, Sihtric would also be in here-- as would his father, he would have her doing the most stupidest of tasks just to mock her that is something he could never forget. Tending to his clothes, stitching the rips or simply just serving him-- Kjartan knew it infuritated his son hence why he did that, he revelled in bothering Sihtric.

"I feared I would die an old man's death under furs." Said Uhtred as he chewed on his food.

An unknown man's voice called out in response, "So, the great Dane-slayer was afraid?" As a ginger haired tall silhouette entered the hall, Dahlia and Sihtric looked to him with furrowed brows.

"You are who?" Uhtred inquired.

"He is no one important, Uhtred." Brida replied as she glared at the ginger-haired man who simply smirked back at her.

He walked around the table so that he was now stood across from Uhtred, the wooden table acting as a barrier between them "I am Cnut."

"You are a what?" Finan questioned biting back a laugh, Valaena nudged him as she shook her head in his direction.

"His name is Cnut." Ragnar corrected, "He is my cousin, on my mother's side." The Dane informed them.

"I am a Dane, Lord Uhtred." Cnut voiced with enthusiasm as he continued to stare at Uhtred, "So are you going to kill me too?" He jabbed, the derisive smirk he tried so hard to mask emerged clear on his thin lips.

"You talk like an infant." Uhtred exhaled, he looked back down to his bowl of broth. But Cnut was determined, he wanted to rile the grand Dane-slayer it appeared so, "How many have you already dispatched to Valhalla?" He fired out. "Is it twelve? twenty? forty?"

"Cnut you will shut your mouth now. Show my brother some respect." Ragnar demanded interrupting him.

"Or I may have to kill one more." Uhtred threatened back, his tone calm yet his words conclusive-- he will do it, there was to be no doubt about that. The hall erupted in laughter from Uhtred's response to Cnut's teasing, Cnut too laughed.

"He's back!" Ragnar shouted among the excitement. "Get up." He ordered Uhtred, "Up! on your feet." He repeated as he also stood up. Uhtred glanced around before he used all the remaining strength he had gotten and stood up, resting the palm of his hand on the table to steady himself.

Amidst all this Dahlia had began to notice the stares of men, and some women, latch themselves onto her-- whispers as if they were talking about her, spreading deceitful lies or perhaps even truths she wished to distance herself from. Sihtric noticed her growing discomfort and stood up, slowly making his way toward her.

"He is back where he belongs." Ragnar pointed at Uhtred with a smile surfacing on his lips as he walked to him, "Where he has always belonged."

Sihtric leaned down, "We should leave the hall." He whispered to Dahlia and she wasted not even a minute more as she stood up and followed him out the room. Ragnar's voice faded into the background as the stirring wind outside picked up its pace the shorter the day grew. Outside it was no different, there was more people meaning more curious and jeering eyes locked onto her. Of course they knew who she was, the sister to the man that killed the father of their Lord-- their previous Lord, Ragnar the fearless, they knew and they hated Kjartan for it and by association they hated her too.

Sihtric and Dahlia had made their way over to where Everard and Osferth were sat, the wind swirled around them and Dahlia basked in the refreshment the chill brought upon her heated skin.

"How is Lord Uhtred?" Osferth asked.

"He is well." Sihtric replied.

As night blanketed the sky, the air became alive with raw energy, the cheers of men echoed through the mist and the screams of amusement only intensified with each sip of ale. Sihtric stood beside Finan as the Irishman took large gulps of his drink, basking in the ease that this evening has brought upon them-- there was never many moments such as these, especially now. Dahlia had taken to sitting in the back away from all the noise and merriment as her thoughts churned and turned in her.

"....frog licking!" Ragnar wildly exclaimed.

Osferth furrowed his brows in a form of amused confusion as he breathed out under his breath, "Frog-licking?"

"Rome worshipping, ugly, frog-licking Saxons!"

The crowd erupted in eager cheers, hands fisted and pumped into the air as men shoved each other with impatient thrusts. Finan pushed Sihtric as they walked forward, lips parted as deafening shouts blended into the air around them, "That is who we are!" He hollered, he tipped the jug of ale downward as Sihtric quickly leaned back allowing for the ale to travel down his throat, the nutty and bitter taste abruptly overwhelmed him as he shook his head when he stood back up.

"Ease up a little." Finan whispered to him.

Sihtric wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, a small smile played upon his lips.

"But we do not lick frogs!" Osferth added in, Everard wrapped his arm around the monk's shoulders dragging him into his side.

"Whose to say some have not?" He jested.

Osferth glanced to him with beguiled bewilderment.

Finan leaned over, "Next game of the night, we shall see how many licks Everard here can give to a frog."

"You will get no defiance from me but I will need someone to go up against, no-if we are to make it a competition." He quipped teasingly as he glanced to Sihtric who narrowed his stare at him.

"Do not speak anymore or I will cut out your tongue." Sihtric uttered.

"It seems as if both husband and wife have it out for me, first my hair is getting threatened and now my tongue." Said Everard as he pulled Osferth to stand slightly in-front of him, Sihtric hid his smirk behind his cup of ale which another Dane had shoved into his hand only seconds ago.

"Now you may take the rope!" Ragnar announced as men rushed to grab the rope, Saxons on one side and the Danes on the other, Finan squeezed Valaena's shoulders before he made his way toward the rope shouting enthusiastically.

The game began with the grunts of men as they tugged and pulled, shouts of encouragement rang in the air. It went on like this for a while until the man stood upon the rampart began to call for his Lord, ringing the bell harshly as he repeated his name over and over.

"We're playing games can you not see!" Ragnar shouted back.

"Ragnar it is the watchman."

Ragnar blinked in momentary silence before he demanded for the gates of the fortress to be opened, he then turned to Uhtred "My watchmen do not return for no reason." as he walked off, the Dane-slayer followed after his brother.

A Dane upon a horse rushed through the now opened gates, he wasted not a minute as he jumped off and rushed toward them breathlessly he spoke in frantic exhales "Men and horses Lord, Warriors."

"How many?"

"Forty or fifty, I do not recognise them."

"Spears and arrows to the walls until we know who they are and what they want!" Ragnar ordered, "Hold your aims."

Sihtric glanced toward Dahlia who had now stood up, he noticed the dagger in her hand and he then gave her a nod before he looked to the Irishman, "Finan!" He called as threw him his axe before he grabbed a sword and followed after them.

The men waited on the rampart staring out at the darkness before them, the torches of fire flickered swathing them in fleeting touches of heat, the mist in the air dusted the bare branches of the trees as in the distance a group of people on horses emerged through the thickness.

Uhtred leaned forward, "I recognise one of the. Two of them, It is Haesten and Bloodhair." He informed, "Neither are fond of me."

"For what reason, I wonder." Cnut smirked as he turned to Uhtred.

"You will be quiet now Cnut." Valaena glared.

The ginger-haired Dane only raised his brows toward her before he looked back out at the nearing flock of Danes.

"Earl Ragnar, I am Haesten." He shouted.

"We know who you are. The question is, what do you want?"

"Shelter, food, ale, warmth and negotiation perhaps." He answered back.

Ragnar leaned over resting his forearms and elbows on the rampart as he raised his brows, "Negotiation, are we at war?"

Haesten chuckled, "It is what we do, Lord. Discussion would be a better word."

"You are a long way from Beamfleot, Haesten." Uhtred stated.

"Uhtred? Believe me it could well be a pleasure to see you here." He slightly mocked, "So it is true, you are no longer Alfred's oath-man."

"It is true."

The conversation continued like this, back and forth, until finally Ragnar allowed for the gates to be opened once more and the men to enter they were told to leave their weapons-- swords, spears and axes in hand with anything else of danger at the entrance. Among the men rode a man that Uhtred had not expected and it was none other than the King's own nephew, Aethelwold.

—————

Though the morning brought a warmer sun, its rays rested gently upon the cold green of the grass thawing away the thin invisible ice, tensions grew to heights unknown as talk of battle surged. What started off as small whispers had now taken the shape of grand desires as the men imagined hoards of treasure and plunder, their greed having never known a limit. During the earlier hours of the dawn Thyra and Beocca had arrived to Dunholm, Ragnar was ecstatic to see his sister so lively and happy. The priest had informed the Lord he had come only to carry out the King's order of formally banishing Uhtred from Wessex.

Sihtric now sat in the courtyard as Uhtred cleaned the metal of his sword, he had heard the discussion of invading Wessex many Danes still saw it as the jewel of all the lands-- there was to be unlimited glory to whoever was to conquer it and that, only, increased their hunger tenfold Sihtric could see the very evident thirst in their eyes begging to be quenched in the form of silver and lots of it.

"Finan!" Beocca called out.

"Father Beocca, it is good to see you."

Beocca turned to the monk, "Osferth." He smiled before he glanced toward Sihtric, "Dane boy, looks like a rat."

The abrupt sound of choking resonated from across where Sihtric was sat as Everard tried to clear out his now narrowed throat, a laugh of amusement tore through as he placed his hand over his mouth to hide it but Sihtric had already caught that and he only sighed.

"I am Sihtric."

Father Beocca walked over to now stand behind Uhtred, "Some privacy."

"Sit yourself down father." Finan nudged Sihtric, "We all need to piss." As he motioned for them all to get up and follow after.

As they walked away Sihtric glanced toward Everard, "Mention it and--"

"I know, I know, you will cut out my tongue." He jestingly smirked.

Finan slapped Everard's back, resting his hand on his shoulder, "You learn quick perhaps try that with your fighting now."

Everard scowled as he shrugged off his hand from his shoulder, "I can fight well enough."

Moments later, once they had noticed Beocca leave Uhtred, they had all returned back to the table this time Valaena with them-- she had been with Dahlia most of the morning. Sihtric sat down beside Osferth as they all looked to the Dane-slayer who sat at the end of the small table, undoubtedly he was troubled the crease on his forehead was etched deep and the scowl upon his lips ran lengthy.

"Say nothing." Uhtred exhaled.

"I won't so much as fart in your direction, Lord." Finan said, "I'll simply say to Sihtric here that this great army we're supposedly gathering can never hold."

Sihtric slightly nodded his head, "Agreed."

"And I'll mention to Osferth here that I did not come north only to turn and march south."

"Nor me, Finan." Osferth coincided with the Irishman.

"Lord, I will follow you wherever you go, but I have a wife in Wessex." Sihtric uttered, "Who also happens to be your cousin." He whispered, "And men like Haesten and Bloodhair are no better than Kjartan."

Finan leaned closer toward Uhtred, "If the north is your home, your birth-right, then why are we not looking toward Bebbanburg?-- Now that is a fight we can believe in."

Uhtred sighed as he glanced away, tension and conflict palpable through the stress plainly written upon his features.

"Uhtred, I am begging you as your friend, do not do this." Finan urgently pressed, "We should leave this place."

"And abandon my brother?" Uhtred resolutely questioned, "How can I do that?"

"You must."

The smell of ale and alcohol was thick in the air, coating much of the hall as men sat to drink and eat, to relish in the exhilaration and anticipation of a battle soon to come. The room was dimly lit, a few torches of fire scattered about on the wall throughout the hall the shadows casted shifted from corner to corner and over the faces of men sat conversing. Uhtred's gaze caught sight of Aethewold sat happily beside the Danes, with a smug expression upon his slimy lips this angered him, he narrowed his stare and walked right toward the table.

"Uhtred." Aethelwold slightly gulped, hoping for his voice to come across as strong instead it wavered-- sounding weak and weary.

"What did you say to Aethelred?" Getting straight to the point Uhtred glared at Aethelwold.

He blinked as if he had been caught in the middle of a conspiracy, caught lying and cheating-- "What? What do you mean?"

Uhtred mockingly smirked, there was absolute resentment and bitterness, "You went to Aethelred, what did you speak of?"

Sihtric sat with Finan on his left and Dahlia on his right as they all watched what was occurring with curiosity.

Aethelwold hesitated as if he was deciding to lie or to speak the truth, weighing the outcome of both scenarios, "I spoke of opportunity."

"To do what?" Snapped Uhtred with impatience.

"To declare himself King of Mercia, to enrage Alfred, to cause division and to help our cause." He seemed almost proud about this as if he had done them all a big favour-- but Uhtred knew this was a lie.

"To kill his wife?" Uhtred angrily corrected Aethelwold.

Sihtric blinked. Wasn't Lynette with the Lady Aethelflaed? He thought. Dahlia looked to him, she shook her head telling him silently to just remain calm for a moment, to listen.

Uhtred stood up, his shadow loomed over Aethelwold and he in retaliation moved back trying to force as much space between himself and the Dane-slayer-- who in this moment appeared to be vexed so much so Aethelwold could be breathing his last few breaths now. "Do not sleep tonight." Aethelwold gulped, "You may not wake. Do not sleep any night."

As Uhtred turned to leave Aethelwold stood up and abruptly shouted out, "Yes Uhtred! I may have suggested to Aethelred that he should kill his wife, but why ever not? She is Alfred's daughter, it would cause further chaos- what does it matter?" He antagonised Uhtred, this was clear-- he wanted to make him angry, he hoped he would be.

"It matters." Uhtred grunted out as he turned to glare back at Aethelwold.

"Why? She is the enemy, or is the real purpose of Father Beocca's journey north to ask you to go and save her?" He suggested as an amused smile of ridicule emerged on his mouth, "After all, it is what you do best. Rescue princesses."

Uhtred clenched his jaw and made his way, quickly and with anger, back toward Aethelwold as he looked to his brother, "Ragnar I ask you to make the square, I will not have this turd making my business his own."

"Then ignore him."

"I will not." He seethed, "I will fight him right now and kill him."

"Why? Because the turd has found the truth?" Aethelwold smirked.

Cnut stood up, "Uhtred we are supposed to be one army, my friend."

"I predict the Lord Uhtred is about to desert this army." Aethelwold announced, "Aethelflaed has called, and her hound shall go running--"

Before he could finish his sentence Uhtred had raised his hand and smacked him across his cheek sending Aethelwold a few steps back as he clutched his cheek from the sharp pain. Sihtric had not registered what had just occurred for his mind had been, since the mention of Aethelflaed, on Lynette-- he does not care, he will not, what Uhtred will say for he will leave and go to her, he will do this before night falls.

"Uhtred, he is not worth it." Ragnar sighed.

Aethelwold laughed dryly, "And there is the proof if need--"

"Proof of what?!" Uhtred shouted.

"You are torn between Saxon and Dane!"

"Ragnar, your brother seems conflicted." Bloodhair remarked, "Is he with us or not?"

"Uhtred, what do you say? How is your answer?" Ragnar looked to his brother, to Uhtred, the room fell silent as all pair of eyes now observed Uhtred anxiously awaiting his answer. But Uhtred remained silent, he did not know what to say and that was all Ragnar required for an answer, all that was needed yet he repeated the question together with the hope he is wrong "What do you say?"

"I say this army can never hold." He stated, "Ragnar, look around you. We're enemies, bound only by greed. There is no bond, no respect--"

"No bond, you say?" Ragnar snapped as he stood up. "Then who am I?"

"You are my brother."

"Is that not bond enough? Or does it not compare to a princess." He rushed out.

"It would appear not." Aethelwold interrupted.

"And you, why are you here? What is your message?" Ragnar turned to Beocca.

"Ragnar! Ragnar! Your argument is with me alone." Uhtred stated.

"Uhtred is a free man, Ragnar. His choices are his own." Beocca disclosed.

Ragnar turned back to Uhtred, "Then choose. Do you stand with us, with each of us, or not?"

"You will give your answer, Dane-slayer, let us hear you." Bloodhair demanded.

Uhtred glanced toward where Sihtric was sat with Finan, Valaena, Osferth, Everard and Dahlia-- he glanced to them and then back to Ragnar as he breathed in deeply "I will be leaving." He announced, "I will be leaving, though I will not be returning to Wessex. I am needed."

"By a princess." Brida scoffed, "You're no more a Dane than the priest here, you're a whore to the crown of Alfred."

"You would do this to me, again?" Ragnar slowly spoke out, he could not believe it though there was a part of him that had known this might happen, a part that had already guessed Uhtred's answer.

"I must." Uhtred muttered.

"Yes, of course you must you sworn an oath." Ragnar stepped forward, "You have your word and that is about reputation and honour. What my father gave to you, I now take back you are no longer Uhtred Ragnarsson."

"Ragnar you cannot do that, please--" But Thyra was cut off by the harshness of her brother's words.

"You are no longer my brother! This was a game to you."

"Never." Uhtred shook his head.

"Go....before I kill you." Seethed Ragnar.

Uhtred turned to leave, Sihtric stood up and followed him as did the rest-- "He surrounds himself with traitors." Aethelwold snarled.

Uhtred turned to glare at him but Finan held him back before he could, once more, reach for him.

"The sister of the man that killed your father, oh wait-" He smirked.

Dahlia clenched her jaw as she bit back her tongue, Sihtric felt the searing need to sew his useless and snarky mouth shut, to do it slowly so he would feel the intensity of the pain.

"Leave now!" Ragnar shouted.

"He does not leave with Skade, Ragnar, she belongs to me." Bloodhair demanded.

"Yes, Bloodhair, we shall make the square and you can fight for the witch...to the death."

.𖥔 ݁ ˖☾𖤓.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Winchcombe
Kingdom of Mercia

Aethelflaed, Lynette and Rowena had escaped to a nunnery, where they had been for at most two nights. Her guards came with her and now they guarded the entrance to the building while the women were hiding inside. Amidst all the tension and worry, fear of danger and stress mention of the healer completely slipped Lynette's mind, until she was safe and then at night it all came back devouring her whole. An unconfined hunger of distress taunted her, was this her only chance?

Of course she had not forgotten Rowena's words-- she could never forget them, not for as long as there was a Babe in her womb, and she grew bitter the longer she bathed in the thought, the more it consumed her. She was not selfish nor was she evil, she was...she did not know what she was, not right now at least but she had hoped she would soon become aware.

The door to the kitchen creaked open and Aethelflaed walked in, she placed a bowl down and then turned to look at Lynette-- who had not noticed the lady's presence yet.

"We shall be gone from here very soon, Lynette." Aethelflaed whispered.

Lynette snapped her gaze to her, she exhaled and then nodded her head.

"I apologise."

"Whatever for?" Lynette forced a smile.

"I told Rowena but only because she was worried, said that she did not know if you were actually with child-- you had mentioned it when..." Her voice trailed off.

"I do not fault you for telling her."

"Then?"

Lynette blinked, she bit her lip, thinking for a moment "Do you think I am being selfish?"

"Selfish? Why would I think that"

"I am stopping a child from growing up, having a life, a family all because I am scared." Lynette muttered, "Rowena thinks I will die." Lynette wanted to laugh, she almost did, the lady Aethelflaed may find her mad if she did-- so she bit her lip to stop herself.

"She is concerned, that is all." Aethelflaed grabbed Lynette's hand causing her to turn her body so that she was now stood before the lady, "No matter how skilled a healer is, these things are unpredictable."

"Aethelflaed..." Lynette sighed, "I cannot do it, I cannot--"

Aethelflaed gently smiled, "I survived childbirth, I have a daughter-- you met her."

"It makes no difference, lets say I make it through the birth that means I now have a child--"

"Giving birth is the hardest part believe me, the rest is...simple almost."

"I will have a child. Me? I cannot, I am content as I am." Lynette stressed "And I will not be shunned, not be forced to believe I am a fucking sinner for thinking, for once, about myself."

"You are not a sinner." Aethelflaed whispered as she tenderly squeezed Lynette's hands.

The door yet again opened and Rowena entered inside, "The nuns are waiting to see if the men have eaten enough."

Lynette brushed down her dress, "Give me a minute." She looked to Aethelflaed, "Get back inside, they are after you not me."

Aethelflaed gave Lynette a quick hug before she turned to leave then Lynette made her way outside, to where the guards are all huddled around a burning fire, Rowena decided she would quietly follow after her.

"The nuns wish to know if you have had enough to eat? They have been in the kitchen all day." Lynette asked as she stood on the steps.

One of the men, evidently drunk, turned around and stood up as he stumbled his way toward where Lynette was stood, "How about a drop more ale for the night and a little company....lady?"

"It seems as if you have forgotten why you are here?" Lynette scoffed under her breath.

"No matter forget the ale, come sit with us--" He pointed to the group of men.

"She is married." Rowena sighed, "And she would find better company with the horses than with you, now go do your job."

The man scowled before he rushed back to the group of guards, Lynette and Rowena entered back inside-- Lynette shut the door making sure it is securely locked.

"Lynette--"

"I am not angry with you, Rowena, I could never be." She mumbled.

"Still, it was out of turn for me to say that-- your marriage is none of my business."

"That is true." Lynette jested.

Rowena chuckled as she grabbed Lynette's arm and led her out of the kitchen, "I will freeze in there, come let us go find warmer quarters."

Lynette and Rowena had found the hall where Aethelflaed was sat with some nuns and an Abbess, food covered the wooden surface. They had taken their seats around the table and were conversing, laughing to pass the time and to forget about the truth of why they are here. Until some nuns had busted through the door, frightened out of their skin.

"Abbess! Abbess, there are men in the kitchen. Danes." A nun rushed out.

___________________

A/N: Happy New Year Everyone! I am back with a chapter, I apologise for the late update. I just also wanted to give my immense gratitude to all my readers, your support has meant everything and more to me and I wish you all the best in your new year!! <333

Lynette and Sihtric meeting next chapter!!

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