▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄 ─── ❛ king vs danes

SERPENTS TONGUE ₊˚.༄𖥸 ── 
𑁍₊𓄹 -- ❪ the last kingdom ❫. 𓄹
╭ ‧₊˚⊹    你好，欢迎光临           
╰ ✦ interruptions╭ ᘒ ✦

Athena had always thought about how she would die. Would it be in battle? Old age? By the hands of Saxons? By the hands of Danes?

She had thought of all the possibilities. All she wanted was to go to Valhalla. If she was to fall in battle, she wouldn't care. But other than that, she would put up a fight.

Athena and Uhtred had returned to Wessex. The king had requested to see them immediately. They didn't know what for, not until the Priest of Peredur had come out.

Younger Odda claimed Uhtred had led their Saxon men to kill other Saxon men. And Young Odda even brought out Leofric, who was a prisoner.

Leofric defended Uhtred, sharing his guilt of killing the Saxons. Then, he promised to kill Uhtred in battle, by his sword, so he could go to Valhalla.

Athena was surprised she hadn't been sentenced to death. But, she tried to put up a fight for her brother, but Alfred warned her that if she'd continue, he'd have her killed.

Uhtred claimed that Athena had no part in it, claiming she had just followed him. Athena wanted to argue, but her brother gave her no room to do so.

Now, she was a Saxon prisoner. Unfortunately for Athena, she had to watch Uhtred and Leofric battle to the death. Uhtred was her brother. Hell, she even classed Leofric as a trusted friend.

She had gotten use to Leofric being at hers and Uhtred's sides. He had fought beside them and showed them respect and loyalty, something she had not expected from a Saxon.

Athena didn't know if she could handle witnessing her brother's demise. She had sworn to protect him—her younger brother.

Athena had always thought she would pass before her brother, not the other way around.

But Athena was surprised when Beocca came and found them in the morning, telling them King Alfred wanted to speak to them, wanting their words of wisdom.

The two siblings were confused, walking into the palace as the guards followed them. They walked into the scroll room.

"Or shall we save half for Edward." They heard Alfred's voice. Athena turned the corner, standing in front of Uhtred.

She looked over to see Alfred with his children, his daughter and his son. "He is a baby." The younger girl chuckled at her father.

"Oh is he? Is he really? I had quite forgotten." Alfred smiled at his daughter, making Uhtred clear his throat.

The girl quickly gasped, hugging her father in fear. "Uhtred. Athena." Alfred greeted them.

Athena nodded her head, keeping her hands clasped in front of her. "Lord. I trust you slept well?" Uhtred spoke, calmly.

"I did not." Alfred shook his head, keeping his arm around his daughter. "My son is coughing and two of my best warriors will today to kill each other."

Athena watched as Alfred carefully held his daughter, pressing a kiss to her forehead before walking towards the Danes.

Athena looked over at the young girl, whose eyes were wide as she stared at Athena. Athena softly smiled at the girl, showing she was no threat. "Today is the feast of Saint Cedd. We have decorated the Great Hall." He stepped closer towards the Danes. "Do you know of Saint Cedd?" Alfred asked the two.

Athena and Uhtred shook their heads in sync. "No, lord." Uhtred spoke.

Alfred nodded his head, understanding. "Well, I like to think of him as a symbol. He worked in East Anglia and Mercia and he died in Northumbria, your part of the county." He continued to walk towards them, a slight smile on his face.

"A man of all England."

"Exactly, Uhtred." Alfred nodded his head at the Dane's words. He then sucked in a breath. "Which is why I am loathe to shed Saxon blood on his day of days." He slowly nodded his head. "Resume your debt, despatch your 'queen' back to Cornwalum, and there need to be no bloodshed. Those are my terms and they will not change."

Athena looked up at the pair, fiddling with her rings. Athena thought that was a fair deal. She had no care for Iseult. But she knew her brother did, so she understood why Uhtred glared at Alfred.

"If Iseult returns to Cornwalum, she'll be killed." Uhtred narrowed his eyes, leaning forwards to be level with the king.

Athena leaned on one of the shelves, a heavy sigh leaving her lips as she bowed her head. She knew her brother was stubborn, as was she.

"I am prepared to resume the debt, to save Leofric, but Iseult may stay with me." Uhtred persisted, keeping his eyes on Alfred.

"She is plunder and as much must be returned, regardless of her fate."

"I cannot abandon her!" Uhtred cut off the King, shaking his head. "The queen stays with me!"

There was a pregnant pause, both men staring each other down. Athena just looked between the two, biting the inside of her cheek.

"You are a fool." Alfred uttered, a sigh leaving from his lips as he shook his head. "You are a sinner and a heathen and I..." He paused, lowering his head. "And I have lost my patience with you." Athena couldn't help but narrow her eyes at the king. "The fight will go ahead." He went to turn around, but he then turned to Athena. "As for you, you may leave Wessex with your weapons, never to return."

Athena sucked in a quiet breath, keeping her narrowed eyes on Alfred. Athena knew what she was going to do. And she would go to Young Ragnar and Brida, who would help Athena avenge Uhtred.

Athena and Uhtred quickly turned to the door, walking through the palace. "If I do not win, you will go to Ragnar." Uhtred uttered, holding onto Athena's arm as they walked side-by-side.

"You will win." Athena persisted, slowly nodding her head. "As much as I like Leofric, I cannot let you die, Uhtred." Athena chewed on the inside of her cheek, shaking her head as she looked up at Uhtred.

Uhtred let out a sigh, pausing in his steps as he pulled Athena into a hug. Athena was known to show much emotion, even if she asked like she didn't, Uhtred could read her face.

They had a bond. Uhtred had always looked for Athena's presence when he was young. Athena had treated him like a brother even when he was a Saxon slave.

Ever since then, the pair had grown up together, being close as ever. Athena adored Uhtred, that was evident.

Athena held her head high, her hands clasped in front of her as she stood beside Iseult. Athena kept her eyes on Uhtred, a sad frown on her face.

A crowd had formed around Leofric and Uhtred, their voices loud as they spoke. "Silence!" Wulfhere yelled, his sword held in the air as he yelled to the people. He then rushed to the king and Ælswith. "Your majesty, lords, ladies, great unwashed and stinking people of Winchester!"

People started to cheer at his words. "We are gathered to witness justice." Wulfhere continued, pointing at Leofric and Uhtred. "We are gathered to witness a fight to the end. That end being death, that end being the fires of hell."

Athena rolled her eyes at his Christian words. She noticed Uhtred's stare on her, making her show him a sad smile. Athena wanted to put up a fight, show the people why they should fear Danes. But she knew Uhtred didn't want that.

And if she were to be killed, she couldn't avenge him.

"We are here to witness a battle between Uhtred, The Godless..." The Saxons started to boo as they looked at Uhtred, making Athena narrow her eyes. "And Leofric of Winchester!" People cheered at that. "Take your shields."

Athena watched as both men reached for the shields, their eyes on each other. A silent promise being shared as they looked at each other. "Warriors. Are you prepared?" Wulfhere asked them, standing between them.

"I am."

"Yes."

Both Leofric and Uhtred nodded their heads at the man. Uhtred then took his sword and knife from Wulfhere.

"It is to the death no matter how death occurs." Wulfhere nodded his head at the men. "May God choose his victor."

Uhtred didn't need God, not when he had multiple Gods on his side.

Wulfhere instructed the men to raise their swords, standing in front of each other. Athena fiddled with her rings, an anxious look on her face.

"Begin!"

Athena sucked in a breath as the men started to fight. Swords were being clashed together, shields being hit.

Athena's nerves were high. And Iseult could tell, watching as Athena's hands shook, her bottom lip trembling. Athena was showing fear—fear was something she never showed.

Iseult slowly reached her hand up to hold onto Athena's shaking hands, making Athena jump slightly, but calmed as she felt the warm presence of the woman.

Athena squeezed Iseult's hand, her eyes glancing up at the smiling woman. Athena didn't understand, but she felt comfort from her touch and stare.

Athena slowly brought her eyes back to the fight, watching as Uhtred blocked Leofric's sword, pushing the man against a set of steps.

Athena bit her cheek, her hands still shaking as Iseult offered her comfort. Her eyes widened as she watched two men hold Uhtred back.

Athena fought every urge inside of her to not slain the two men right there and then. But Leofric made no attempt to harm Uhtred, waiting for him to push the men away before moving towards him.

The fighting continued, the men fighting against each other. They had now lost their swords, now using their fists to fight.

And it was as if Athena's wishes to the Gods had been answered, she heard a Saxon yell: "Danes! The Danes are here!" Athena's eyes widened as she looked over at Uhtred and Leofric, who had stopped fighting. "They have breached the city walls!"

People started to run around, pushing and shoving. Leofric was quick to pull Uhtred with him, declaring the fight was finished.

"Come!" Athena breathed out in relief, smile on her face as she pulled Iseult with her, practically running towards the two men.

Uhtred had been shouting their names, a relieved sigh leaving his lips as he turned, seeing the two woman.

"Leofric, this way!" Uhtred yelled as he held onto his sister and Iseult, calling the men over into a house.

Athena turned to find Leofric, who was being shoved by the Saxons. She left her brother's grip, dodging the running Saxons as she grasped into Leofric. "Come on!" She yelled as Leofric let her guide him towards Uhtred and Iseult.

Athena was glad Alfred had given her sword back last minute, the woman swearing she would cause no harm to a Saxon.

The four sneaked around the village, Uhtred leading the way. Athena held onto her sword, looking around for any threat.

Uhtred led them into a house, killing a Dane before looking around, noticing a ladder. "We hide here, wait for nightfall." Uhtred told them, looking up the wooden ladder before climbing up it.

The four were quick to hide, crouched down in the space above the house. Athena panted heavily as she leaned her forehead against her knees. "Am I wrong for thinking that this is a good thing?" Athena quietly uttered, relieved that both Uhtred and Leofric were okay.

Uhtred merely chuckled at her words, shaking his head with a smile as he leaned on the wall. "Perhaps." He uttered, making Athena quietly chuckle.

Athena sat up as she heard two screams that belonged to woman. "No, let go of me!" A woman cried beneath them.

Athena frowned as she looked down, seeing a group of Dane's drag two women in. They were nuns.

Athena's eyes grew wide as she shared a look with Iseult. They both could not let these woman suffer.

Athena couldn't watched as the men pinned down the screaming women. They begged and cried and pleaded.

But the Dane's wanted to have their way with them. Athena squeezed her swords, looking down at the four Dane's.

Iseult and Athena shared another look, the pair nodding as they looked over their shoulder at Uhtred and Leofric, who were on the other side.

Athena quietly crouched, gripping onto her sword, holding her hand up to Iseult. "Follow after me, yes?" She whispered, making Iseult nod.

Athena breathed in, blocking out the woman's screams as she jumped down, her feet colliding with the wooden floor as she threw her arm.

Her sword collided with one of the Dane's neck, a scream leaving his lips as she pulled the sword back, watching as the life left his eyes.

Iseult followed, murdering the Danes that went to hurt Athena. The two nuns quickly sat up with wide eyes, watching as the two women fought off the Danes.

Uhtred and Leofric soon followed, fighting off the remaining Danes. Athena heavily panted, her eyes wide as she looked at her bloodied sword.

She had murdered a Dane.

She blinked away her tears, turning to one of the crying nuns. The brunette held onto the cross around her neck, uttering prayers.

"You're okay, I swear." Athena sheathed her sword, her hands raised as she made her way towards the woman. "You're okay."

The nun's teary eyes stared up at Athena's own eyes. Athena carefully reached out her hand for the woman.

The brunette slowly sat up, pulling her dress down as she slowly reached forwards, placing her hand in Athena's.

Athena softly smiled as she pulled her up, looking over to the other nun and Iseult. "We need to be gone ourselves." Uhtred panted, looking down at the dead Dane's. "Put on a helmet." He told Leofric, crouching down to grab one. "We are Danes."

"Again?" Leofric rolled his eyes, looking at the helmet.

"You will not leave us." The blonde nun cried, her eyes on the brunette nun.

"We will not." Athena persisted, shaking her head as she held onto the shaking brunette.

"You are prisoners." Uhtred told Iseult and the two nuns.

Athena turned to the brunette beside her, softly squeezing her arm. "You're safe with us, I promise you."

The brunette's doe eyes lingered on Athena, slowly nodding her head. Even with the blood coating Athena's face, she did not look intimidating in that moment.

Athena's eyes laid on the fire, watching as the flames danced around each other. She hadn't spoken since they had ran into Brida.

The woman had looked at Uhtred and Athena with disgust. Athena's heart broke at that. Athena felt like she belonged nowhere. She wasn't a Dane, she wasn't a Saxon.

She was just herself...

She only had Uhtred.

And she had murdered a Dane.

Would that be the last? And what made matters worse...she didn't feel guilty.

Athena slowly lifted her head up, her eyes landing on the two nuns. Athena had learned them to be known as Hild and Melusine.

Athena sadly watched as they sat in front of the river. They had been touched in such a disgusting way. It made Athena sick.

She hadn't realised she had spaced out until she heard the nuns walk towards them, sitting down in front of the fire.

"I hate the forest." Mild uttered, leaning forwards as she placed her hands in front of the fire.

Athena moved up on the log, letting Melusine sit beside her, offering her a sad smile. "Where is your wife?" Hild spoke up once more, looking over at Uhtred. "I know you are married to the Lady Mildrith."

"She will have sought refuge." Uhtred breathed in, slowly nodding his head at the blonde nun. "With the church."

Hild slowly nodded her head, looking back over to the fire. "She used to come to the nunnery." Hild continued, a small smile on her face. "Myself and Melusine prayed with her."

Athena turned her head to the brunette beside her, Melusine keeping her head low. Athena took the time to analyse the nun beside her. The woman's hair was long, naturally curled with a braid wrapped around the back of her head.

Her hair remained her of Thyra's hair. Thyra always use to have braids in her hair, always braiding Athena's hair. Athena had worn her hair down ever since the murder of her family.

Athena did not know how to braid. Thyra was the one that braided her hair.

Athena had blocked out the conversation, blinking heavily as she turned back around to face the others. "Is the king likely to have been killed?" Melusine slowly asked, lifting her head as she looked at them.

"The King is not our concern." Uhtred uttered.

"If the king is dead, then Wessex is dead." Leofric hissed, turning to Uhtred with narrowed eyes.

There was a silence until Iseult abruptly stood up, running her hands over her dress as she walked away.

"Where are you going?" Uhtred immediately asked, his eyes following the woman.

"I need darkness." The woman simply said, walking through the trees.

Athena softly sighed, turning back to the flames as she watched them dance once more. "She needs darkness for what?" Hild frowned, confused.

Uhtred let out a deep breath, casting a look at the nun. "To see." He simply said.

The six had set off once more when it was morning. They walked through the fields, Athena running her hands through the grass.

She walked ahead, her mind racing with thoughts. Athena didn't even realise someone had fallen in line with her until she looked up.

Melusine offered her a soft smile, making Athena sent her a weak one back. "I didn't get to thank you..." The woman started, fidgeting with the cross necklace around her neck. "For what you did."

Athena softly shook her head, clearing her throat. "There is no need to thank me." Athena quietly said, her voice raspy as she spoke.

"But I do." Melusine persisted, her tone soft as she looked at the side of Athena's face. "God brought you to help me."

Athena offered another smile, bitting back the look of disgust at the mention of God. But she nodded her head, acknowledging her gratefulness.

"Leofric, where are we?" The pair looked over their shoulders to the other nun.

"We are at the marshlands of the Severn. The swamplands." Leofric answered, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"I've never seen lands like this before." Iseult uttered, running her hands through the grass.

The six confined to walk through the long grass, pushing it aside. But they all paused as they headed voices. "Hurry. They've seen us. The boat won't wait." A man said.

Athena looked over Uhtred's shoulder, looking at the lake as men ran around. "Priests." Uhtred muttered, tilting his head.

Athena's head perked up, lifting her head from Uhtred's shoulder and turning to see Dane's on horses. "God preserve us." Hild mumbled in fear.

"Time to fight." Leofric said, taking out his own sword. Athena breathed out as she unsheathed her own sword.

Uhtred was the first to move forwards, Leofric and Athena following. Athena gripped her sword, her knuckles turning white as she eyed the Danes.

Uhtred was the first to attack, swinging his sword at the Dane on top of a horse. "Iseult, get them and yourself to the boats!" Athena looked over her shoulder at the three.

Iseult nodded her head, holding onto the nuns as she ran in the opposite direction. Athena quickly turned as she heard the hooves of a horse.

The Dane went to attack her, but she swung her sword against his own. She clenched her teeth together as she grabbed a hold of the Dane's arm, twisting it as he let out a yell in pain.

She quickly reached up, slicing her blade against his throat. Athena panted heavily as she backed away, watching the man hold onto his throat beside falling to the floor.

Athena gulped, her eyes wide as she stared down at the Dane. She only looked away as she felt a tug on her arm. She went to attack, but lowered her sword as she looked up at Leofric.

He pulled her towards the boat, Athena quickly getting on as Iseult and Melusine helping her. "Arseling!" Leofric yelled to Uhtred, pushing the boat.

Athena sighed as she watched Uhtred run towards them, throwing Iseult a stick and helping Leofric push the boat.

Athena gulped once more, carefully sitting down as she looked down at her sword. She had killed another Dane. She had murdered one of her own.

She was a Dane-slayer.

A hand on her back made her jump, but she looked up at Uhtred, a quiet sigh leaving her lips as she smiled up at him.

Uhtred smiled back down at her, pushing the boat with the long stick. "I hope you're carrying silver, priest." Uhtred turned to turned hooded man, who had his back turned to them. "We've saved your life."

"I am saved by ghosts, it seems."

Athena sat up at the voice, recognising it as Alfred. And she was proven right as the man pulled down his hood.

Athena bit back a groan as she laid her chin in her palm, sheathing her sword. She gave herself a reminder to clean it later.

"Lord." Leofric instantly bowed his head, making Athena roll her eyes. Melusine did the same, one of her hands on the cross around her neck. "Thank God you are unhurt."

"I was blessed." He simply said.

"And your family?" Leofric asked the king, frown on his face.

"Are safe, they're in the boat ahead." King Alfred answered, slowly nodding his head as he looked at the swap. "Hoping to find sanctuary in these marshlands."

Athena turned her head, looking down at the water beneath them. She reached out her hand to run her fingers through the water.

"At the palace, Lord, they came from nowhere." Leofric continued to speak.

Alfred nodded his head once more. "They did."

"They came because they were allowed to." Uhtred spoke up, still pushing the boat. "Where were your watchers? Your spies?" He questioned, knowing they had been watching the fight. "On their knees, no doubt." He bitterly said, narrowing her eyes.

Athena ignored their words, her eyes lingering on the dancing waves. She bit the inside of her cheek, allowing her thoughts to run around in her mind.

Thoughts plagued her mind as she bit the inside of her cheek. The Danes now saw her as a traitor.

She sucked in a breath, bitting her cheek once more. If the Dane's saw her as a traitor, she would be one. She shouldn't care what they think of her. She had lost her faith in them the moment they thought Uhtred killed their family.

Why should she care? She was a Dane. She didn't care if they didn't see her as that. All she wanted to do was go survive. And if the Saxons were the ones to do that, she'd stay with them. To insure the safety of her and her brother.

She cared for Young Ragnar and Brida deeply. And she would make sure they would be safe. They were her only care in this moment.

"You should show respect." Hild declared, her eyes narrowed as Melusine placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Wessex allows its warriors to kill each other and spends too much time on its knees." Uhtred continued to argue, his words dripping out like venom as he spoke. "Too much money on its churches."

"If Guthrum were Christian and not Pagan, there would be no war." Alfred simply said, making Athena let out a scoff.

"You cannot force a religion on people, Lord." Athena simply said, shrugging her shoulders as she turned to look at the King. "They're not Christians, they're pagans, as you said—"

"You do well to remember I am king." Alfred loudly said, his eyes narrowed at the blonde Dane. Athena narrowed her eyes back, having a stare off with the man.

"King of what?" Athena raised her brow, turning back to her calm face as she looked around her. "Lord, we are in the middle of a swap. Are you the king of the grass now? You abandon your people."

"He is our king!" Hild spoke up once more, her eyes narrowed as she stared at Athena. Athena simply smiled, leaning back.

"Like every kingdom before it, Wessex had fallen." Uhtred shrugged his shoulders as he squeezed Athena's shoulder, knowing she was starting to get annoyed. "He's Alfred, a man. King of nothing."

— madeleines notes.

Idk how I can write almost 5 k words for half of an episode. Like I'm 26 mins in, and it's a 58 minute long episode.

But only like 2-3 more chapters left of season one. AYYYY

here comes the hubbies.

Also, MELUSINE!!

Yall will love her. Well, you better.

My little religious former nun.

Athena and Melusine will have a close bond, trust me. Like a close friendship/mother relationship. TRUST. Me and Jordan have planned a lot.

But ATHENAA

thinking Brida and Ragnar hate her, criessss.

But she's done tbh. She's killed Dane's now so. Your girl is just godless and a warrior fighting to survive.

31st July 2024
4261 words