▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐖𝐎 ─── ❛ oaths

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

Twigs and leaves snapped under their feet, Uhtred, Athena and their men crouching in the forest.

Athena was the crust to crouch down, her eyes landing on a group of Danes. She raised her hands for the group to be silent, the grouo crouching behind her.

Sihtric and Uhtred crouched on either side of her, their eyes on the Dane's. "That is Erik." Sihtric pointed toward the blonde Dane. Then, when a brunette Dane walked out, Sihtric nodded at him. "And there is Sigefrid."

"I was right." Uhtred uttered quietly, his eyes analysing the group. "This is not an army."

Athena nodded her head in agreement, looking over at Guthed. "We could attack tonight—when they least expect it, Lord." Athena told him, making Guthred turn to her. "Suprise them in their sleep. They will know Eoferwic is lost." She simply shrugged her shoulders.

"Will they?" Guthred carefully asked, making Uhtred nod his head, agreeing with his sister.

"Yes." Uhtred said, his eyes landing on a different Dane. The one they had saved from Eoferwic. "That is the man I set free." He continued to analyse the group. "They just have been marching for days." He turned to Guthred. "Nows a good time."

Guthred slowly added his head, swallowing thickly. "An attack is an option, yes." He started, making Athena frown.

"That is the only option." Athena persisted, her eyes landing back on the Dane's. "It's better we attack them before they attack us."

Sihtric nodded in agreement, looking at the Danes through the trees. "They are waiting to be slaughtered." He simply said.

"Lord?" Uhtred turned to the King, making Athena and Sihtric do the same. "There will be no better time to fight than now."

The king sighed, shaking his head. "Uhtred, I'm thinking." He uttered.

"We must attack."

Guthred let out another sigh at Uhtred's words, going to turn around. But Uhtred placed a firm hand on his shoulder, turning the King around. "Lord, what we're saying is good advice. We just attack tonight."

"Do you not hear me?" Gutnred panted, his eyes slightly wide as he looked up at Uhtred. "I'm thinking."

Athena tilted her head to the side, confused as she watched the king walk away. "He's thinking, he says." Athena uttered, rolling her eyes as she looked over at Sihtric, who judged her with a grin.

Guthred had arranged a meeting with the brothers, and asked Uhtred and Athena to stand by his side.

The siblings did, watching as the two brothers took their place in front of the king. Athena kept her hand above the hilt of her sword, watching the brothers carefully.

"I'm Erik." The blonde Dane spoke first, pointing to himself, then his brother. "This is my brother Sigefrid." He told them, sitting himself down.

"I am King Guthred." The man introduced himself, sitting up in his seat.

"How did you enjoy your war with the Scots?" Uhtred spoke, hand on his belt, looking down at the siblings with interest. "You look tired."

Erik leaned forwards in his seat, looking up at Uhtred. "You have a name?" Erik asked, making Athena tilt her head up, eyes on Uhtred.

"I'm Uhtred of Bebbanburg." Uhtred introduced himself, a faint smirk on his lips. "The Danes know me as Uhtred Ragnarson."

"You are the man that killed Ubba." Sigefrid sat up at that, looking up at Uhtred.

Uhtred nodded his head, a proud look on his face. "I am."

"Thank you." Athena frowned at his words, looking down at him with a weary look. "We have benefited greatly from Ubba's death. He has not been mourned."

"Danes, Northmen and Saxons." Erik spoke up once more. "Priests, Pagans." He pointed around. "A strange mix." He chuckled.

Guthred swallowed thickly, looking between the two brothers. "You might not know this, but, I'm your absence, all Danes and Northmen in Eoferwic have either been killed or fled." Guthred explained, making the brothers share a look. "Eoferwic will be mine. There will be no fight—none." Then he shrugged his shoulders. "Unless it's with Sigefrid and Erik."

The brothers raised their brows at the challenge. "I will fight you and I will win." Guthred confidently said, making Athena side-eye him.

"Then why are you talking?" Sigefrid uttered, looking over at him with narrowed eyes.

"The king is a man of the one true God." Abbot spoke, making Athena subtly roll her eyes in annoyance. "His preference is that we come to an agreement."

"It will need to be a handsome agreement." Erik calmly said, hands held in front of him as he spoke.

"Make your offer."

Guthred looked between the two brothers once more, a sigh leaving his lips as he sat up. "In exchange for peace, I'm compensation for the loss of Eoferwic, I will offer you a fortress." Guthred simply said. "At Dunholm."

Erik's eyes widened at that. "Kjartan is at Dunholm." He stated the obvious.

"Yes." Guthred nodded his head. "We will join together and we will take it." He explained, leaning forwards in his seat. "Kjartan's land will become your land."

Sigefrid then stood, making Athena silently squeeze onto the hilt of her sword. "You offer nothing." He hissed. "Dunholm is too strong, it cannot be taken."

Then, Guthred stood up, facing the Dane. "What I am offering you, Sigefrid, is life." He said as if it was obvious. "Life as an earl!"

Erik looked up at the king with an amused look. "The only way to defeat Kjartan is to deny him food and freedom." Erik explained, being more calm and collected than his brother. "We, my brother and I, have considers this often." He looked at his brother, then up at Guthred. "You would need to surround him the men, with defences and deny him what he needs to live."

Sigefrid nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, all your men would need to be fed and remain sober for months."

Athena rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "It would take too much time and too many men." Athena sighed out, shrugging her shoulders as the brothers turned to her. "Possibly, some hundreds of men." She looked over at Guthred.

Sigefrid looked Athena up and down, the blonde Dane catching his eyes with a disgust look. "And you are?"

Athena simply lifted her head, her eyes slightly narrowing at the man. "Athena Ragnarsdóttir." She clicked her tongue, looking away and turning to the king.

Guthred ignored their conversation, speaking up once more. "But it can be done?" He continued, looking at the siblings. Both Athena and Uhtred turned to him with frowns.

"There are other ways." Uhtred uttered, shaking his head.

Erik then stood up, nodding his head at the king. "It can be done, yes." He persisted.

Guthred held a soft smile, looking at the brothers. "Then that is what we do." He said, making Athena bite back a groan.

"Lord, this is not a plan that can be decided upon quickly." Uhtred spoke up once more, shaking his head at the king. "There are other ways."

"Uhtred." Abbot exhaled, making Athena turn to him with narrowed eyes, already annoyed by his presence. "As the king explained earlier, you do not have a voice."

"My brother will speak his mind when he thinks something is idiotic, Abbot." Athena calmly said, but her eyes were narrowed into slits. "For the sake of the King." She added, looking at Guthred.

"The woman has a tongue." Sigefrid chucked, nudging his brother with a grin. But Erik did not share his grin, but stared at Athena with wonder. 

Uhtred squeezed her arm in gratitude, grateful for her words. Athena knew when to speak and what to say to shut people up. "This plan can never work." Uhtred spoke once more, making the Dane's turn from Athena, to him. "There are other ways to defeat Kjartan."

"It seems everyone is wrong but you, Uhtred Ragnarson." Sigefrid sighed, titling his head at Uhtred. "Do we have a plan, King Guthred?" He turned his head to face the king.

The king hesitated for a moment. "Yes." Athena squeezed her eyes shut at that. The plan was idiotic. "We have a plan and we have an agreement." He raised his brow. "Do we not?"

Erik turned to his brother, nodding his head. "We do."

Guthred nodded his head with a faith smile. "Excellent." He went to turn around.

But Sigefrid wasn't done, raising his hand. "In addition to Dunholm, how many women will you be offering?" He looked between Gisela and Athena.

Athena physically cringed as his eyes took in her body, leaning closer towards Uhtred. "None." Gisela answered quickly, looking up at Athena, then the Dane. "Most definitely none." She added, making Athena nod her head in agreement.

"Your hair is unbound lady." Sigefrid continued, gesturing to her hair. "You do not have a husband?"

Athena looked down at Gisela, knowing the girl could fight her own battles. She then lifted her head at the brothers, her eyes landing on Erik, who kept silent. She subtly frowned, looking back down at Gisela as she saw him look at the blonde Dane.

"My sister will Mary when appropriate." Guthred calmly said, shaking his head at the suggestion.

"And her?" Sigefrid pointed towards Athena, making Uhtred move to stand slightly in front of her.

But Athena tilted her head to the side, looking the Dane up and down with a disgusted look. "I would rather drown myself than lay with you." Athena uttered, her hand squeezing the hilt of her sword, knuckles turning white. Sigefrid glared at that, but Athena didn't miss the amused look Erik held at her words.

They and arrived at Eoferwic. Uhtred had left to go to Kjartan's fortress. But Athena had no effort to go with him, instead, staying with Melusine.

Athena held a cup of ale in her hands, her chin held in her palm as she stared at Melusine, who was fidgeting with the cross around her neck. "What is corrupting your mind, Mel?" Athena softly asked, placing her cup down on the table.

Melusine's eyes widened, sitting up straight at Athena's words. She cleared her throat, shaking her head with a smile that did not reach her eyes. "Nothing, I'm just...thinking."

Athena raised her brow, tilting her head as she looked over Melusine's shoulder, watching as Sihtric tended to the horses, his eyes on Melusine.

Athena let out a knowing sigh, sending Sihtric a look, which made him quickly turn away. "Correct me if I'm wrong, friend." Athena sat up, a faint smirk on her like as she brought the cup to her lips. "But, possibly...is it someone corrupting your mind."

Melusine almost choked on the air, her eyes wide as she looked over at Athena, who held a smirk, trying to hide it in the cup. "Athena!" She said in a scolding tone.

Athena just chuckled, raising her hand in defence. "Aye, I see things." Athena simply said, looking at Melusine, who grew shy. "And I do not miss the looks you give each other."

Melusine lowered her head, making Athena let out another chuckle, a soft and genuine chuckle. Melusine shyly looked up, noticing her  dimples and how her nose scrunched up. That was how you knew it was a genuine laugh or smile. "I do not look at anyone like anything." She mumbled into her hand, making Athena roll her eyes.

"Well, Sihtric looks at you like a goddess." Athena said sweetly, placing her cup down completely, crossing her arms over her chest. "And he watches you and follows you like a lost pup."

Melusine let out a groan, covering her face with her hands. "It would not make sense." She uttered, making Athena frown.

"Why not?" Athena shrugged, looking over at Melusine. "Who cares if he's a Dane, you a Saxon?" She let out a dramatic groan. "Love is love."

Melusine looked between her fingers, over at Athena with a shy look. "When did you become a love expert?" Melusine sheepishly asked, making Athena smirk, raising her cup.

"I have watched my brother fall in love with three women in a short period of time." Athena shrugged her shoulders, smile on her face. "I can see it when one stares at another with fondness."

Melusine swallowed thickly, slowly nodding her head as she looked over her shoulder, her eyes landing on Sihtric. "If he hurts you in any way, I will not hesitate to murder him-"

"There will be no need for that!" Melusine quickly said, her eyes wide as she shook her head. Athena smirked, tilting her head to the side. "I am a woman, I can fight my battles."

Athena nodded her head in agreement. "Yes, you can." She confidently said, knowing Meluisne had grown strong in her own way. "But you cannot blame a friend for looking out for a friend—a close one at that." She pointed a finger in Melusine's direction.

Melusine sent her a fond smile, grateful to have the Dane by her side. "When will you find a man?" Melusine carefully asked, making Athena spit out her ale onto the floor. "Sorry!" Melusine sheepishly said, watching as she wiped the ale from her lips.

Athena cleared her throat, shaking her head. "Never." Athena tutted, making Melusine sigh. "I would rather fight battles than lay with a man—be a wife." She explained, shrugging her shoulders.

Melusine sent her a soft look, fiddling with her green dress. "You never know, God works in wonders." Meluisne shrugged her shoulders, a relieved smile on her face as Athena did not give her a disgusted look at the mention of her God. "Or your Gods." Athena grinned at that.

Athena and Melusine never disrespected each other's beliefs. Athena believed in her Gods, Melusine believed in her God—they never judged each other.

Melusine then casted her eyes down, swallowing thickly. She has wanted to ask Athena a question for a while, but did not know how to ask. "Athena..." Melusine carefully spoke, making Athena tilt her head to the side. "I wanted to ask if you would come pray with me."

Athena sat up at that, her eyes wide. "I mean—you do not need to pray, but I would like your presence." Melusine then quickly added, seeing her reaction. "I do not want to feel alone."

Melusine expected for Athena to get up and walk away at that, knowing Athena hated God. But, she was soon proved wrong.

Melusine's eyes widened as Athena nodded her head, downing the rest of the ale as she placed a coin on the table. "Okay, but I am not praying." Athena gave Melusine a pointed look, but Melusine grinned.

Melusine guided Athena twisters the church, Athena shifting uncomfortably as she looked up at the cross.

The brunette smiled softly at the woman, who froze at the entrance. Would the gods frown upon her for this? "You do not have to, Thena." Melusine gently spoke, making Athena turn to her.

"I will—for you." Athena nodded her head, sucking in a breath as she slowly nodded her head.

Melusine wanted to cry at that. She hadn't expected Athena to say yes, knowing she did not like God at all. It showed Melusine how much Athena cared for her, willing to respect her and her God.

The pair silently walked into the church, Melusine moving to stand infront of the cross, lowering herself to her knees.

Athena hesitantly looked around, fidgeting with the rings around her fingers. She slowly kneeled beside Melusine, watching as the brunette clasped her hands together, closing her eyes.

Athena respected the silence, looking down at the chain round her neck—Thor's hammer. She didn't leave Melusine's side, being beside her as a way of comfort.

Melusine didn't like praying alone, she felt comfort with people being beside her, and she felt even more comfort knowing it was Athena beside her.

Melusine prayed to her God, as Athena silently spoke to her Gods, hoping they did not frown upon her for walking into a church.

Athena hadn't realised Melusine had stopped praying until she felt a hand on her wrist. Athena slowly looked over at her, her eyes softening at Melusine's teary eyes. "Thank you." Melusine uttered, a genuine smile on her face.

"You are my friend." Athena reached out to clasp their hands together. "And I would do anything for you—just give me the word."

Melusine smiled, leaning into Athena's side. The pair stayed in silence once more, until Melusine spoke up. "Who knows, maybe you'll fall for a Christian man."

Athena softly chuckled, shaking her head. "Now, that is too far." She jested, making Meluisne softly chuckle, leaning her head against Athena's shoulder.

It meant everything to Melusine, knowing that Athena would do anything for her—even kneel by her side whilst she prayed.

Melusine had thanked God every day for brining Athena to her. Athena had taught her a lot of things, Meluisne had taught her a lot of things.

Even about their own beliefs, and they both listened.

As the sun gently kissed the surface of the river, Athena immersed herself in its cool embrace, feeling the water's gentle caress against her skin.

The soft sound of flowing water provided a soothing melody as she let go of all worries, allowing the tranquility of nature to envelop her.

Her eyes closed, basking in the peaceful solitude, the Dane's mind drifted, carried away by the gentle current, creating a moment of pure serenity amidst the beauty of the natural world.

She ran her hands through her soaked hair, leaning backwards in the water as she floated. She felt safe and comforted, being on her own.

But her alone time was soon interrupted by heavy footsteps. She quickly sat up, floating in the water as she turned around, seeing Melusine, Hild and Sihtric run towards her.

Sihtric had quickly turned himself around, realising she was in the water. "What is wrong?" Athena uttered, swimming to the shore as Melusine and Hild panted heavily. She could tell something had happened by their worried expressions.

"Guthred has sold Uhtred and Halig to be slaves because of Uhtred's uncle!" Melusine quickly spoke, making Athena's eyes widen, her jaw clenching with anger. "His guards are looking for you!"

In the heat of her frustration, Athena's eyes blazed with an intensity that matched the fiery storm brewing within her.  Her brow furrowed, and her fists clenched, embodying the turmoil of her emotions.

"We need to go to Alfred, Athena." Hild then added, watching as Athena quickly got out of the water. Sihtric still had had back to the scene, watching for any of Guthred's men.

Melusine helped Athena change back into her dress, handing her sword and armour. "You and Hild need to go, now!" Melusine worriedly spoke, squeezing the water out of Athena's hair.

"What is stopping me from murdering Guthred right now?" Athena harshly spat. She was fucking fuming. How could Guthred so such a thing? After what herself and Uhtred have done for him. She would slit his throat for this.

"We need him alive, lady." Sihtric turned once Meluisne told him Athena was decent. "Me and Meluisne will stay here, make sure everything is fine."

Athena hesitantly nodded her head, looking over to Hild. "Then we have king Alfred to see." Athena hummed, gripping her sword. "He will help us find Uhtred and Halig. He owes us, Uhtred especially."

Athena needed to get her brother and Halig. She could not let them be Slaves, gone forever. She would murder Guthred and everyone who helped it happen.

"We must go now then. Sihtric has got our horses." Hild explained, reaching out to grab Athena's hand. 

Athena quickly pulled Melusine into a hug, hoping the girl would be okay. She then turned to Sihtric, her eyes slightly narrowed. "You protect her, okay?" She softly asked. She did not want anything to happen to Melusine whilst she was gone.

Sihtric nodded his head, a faint smile on his face at the mention of the brunette. "With my life." Sihtric said, making Athena let out a relieved sigh, surprising herself and Sihtric as she pulled him into a hug.

"And you keep yourself safe." Athena uttered, pulling back from the hug. She had to go to Wessex, plead for Alfred's help. She could not let Uhtred and Halig go through so much pain. She would not let that happen.

Her anger was evident as she climbed upon her horse. Hild wearily looked at the Dane woman beside her.

Athena had Hild had arrived in Winchester, demanding to speak to King Alfred. The pair walked through the doors beside Odda, waiting for the guards to open the doors.

Athena had given her weapons to one of the guards, walking into the room where Alfred and his family sat.

Hild explained first, Athena standing beside her, analysing the table. Her eyes landed on a brunette girl, Æthelflæd. The girl instantly recognised the blonde Dane, grinning ear to ear. "He is lost, Hild, Athena." At King Alfred's voice, Athena's smile dropped, turning away from Æthelflæd and towards her father. "I do not see how I can help him."

"You cannot." Ælswith quickly said, looking at her husband.

Athena looked between the two, frown on her face. "But, Lord-"

"Athena, he could be across the seas by now." Ælswith softly said, shaking her head with a pitiful look. Ælswith, surprisingly, liked the Dane.

"It cannot be true, he is Uhtred." Athena bit back a groan at Æthelwold's voice, looking down at the man.

"Lord." Beocca spoke up, lifting his eyes from the table. "I will search for him." Athena's eyes widened at that, standing straight.

"For how long, Beocca?" Alfred asked, placing his cup down and looking over at the Priest.

Beocca shrugged his shoulders. "For as long as is necessary." He offered. "For a lifetime. Why not?" Athena remembered why she liked Beocca so much, he was loyal, especially to Uhtred.

A sigh left the King's lips. "Beocca, the task is near impossible and, with respect, it is beyond you." Alfred gently put down Beocca, shaking his head at his offer.

"He lost lost, Father-"

"No!" Æthelflæd quickly cut off her mother, her eyes wide as she looked between her parents. "Father, it is Uhtred. Him and Athena kept us safe in the—"

"Æthelflæd, shush." Ælswith hushed her daughter, shaking her head with a warning look.

"He did not abandon us." Æthelflæd continued, persisting as she looked at Alfred. "And we should not abandon—"

"You will be silent now."

Æthelflæd lowered her head in defeat, making Athena sadly smile at the girl, grateful for her attempt. "My dear, it is not that I wish to abandon him, it is how do I find him?" Alfred asked, looking up at Athena.

"I'm sure Guthred would be more than willing to tell us whom he sold Uhtred and Halig to, knowing it was from your demand." Athena suggested with a slight shrug, her hands clasped in front of him.

Alfred looked up at her words, slowly nodding his head in agreement. "Then what?" Alfred gently asked.

"I'll find him myself." Athena simply said, her words strong as she spoke. "I have my horse, my weapons." She added.

"Lord." Lord Odda then spoke, realisation hitting him. "What of their brother, Ragnar?" Athena's eyes widened, turning to Odda. He was still here? "Would he not wish to help his sister to find Uhtred?"

Athena eagerly nodded her head at that, turning back to the king with a hopeful look. "Yes." Athena quickly nodded her head, grateful for the suggestion.

"Ragnar is a hostage." Ælswith frowned, shaking her head.

"He is a man of his word, Lady." Athena softly persisted. "He would not fall out of line, I will make sure of it." Athena promised, her eyes on Alfred.

"Could he not remain a hostage whilst outside of Winchester?" Odda added after Athena, agreeing with her.

— madeleines notes

AYY GETTING REUNITED WITH HER OLDER BROTHER AYYY!!'

Next chapter... FINAN.

But oh my GOD, look at the photo mae sent me.. actually in love. MARK ROWLEY THE MAN YOU ARE.

BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK.

Sorry I'm down bad. But here's another king chapter.

ATHENA AND MELUSINE ARGGG

they're so special to me and Jordan, honestly.

Had to add the little praying scene, giving young Rhaenyra and Alicent. ( Jordan's idea )

6th August 2024
4203 words