▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 ─── ❛ battle of tenttenhall

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

Fidgeting with the runes around her neck, Thyra kept her eyes forward, her eyes on the Danes around them.

Lady Ælswith never took her hands off of Thyra and Æthelstan, keeping them close in the wagon.

"What does Winchester look like?" Thyra spoke quietly, not liking the silence. She turned to Ælswith with a soft look.

Lady Ælswith squeezed her shoulder, pursing her lips. "I am sure t'is not the same as when I left." She softly said, making Thyra's brows pinch together.

"T, can you not do that thing..." Stiorra pointed to the runes around Thyra's neck, her brow raised. "Y'know, your seer thing."

"What?" Lady Ælswith immediately asked, her eyes widening as she looked down at the child in front of her. "She's a witch?"

Thyra shrugged her shoulders as she lowered her head, looking down at the runes. "Perhaps." She uttered, squeezing the runes in her hand.

"Remember what your mother taught you." Stiorra nodded her head with a reassuring look, a soft smile on her lips.

Nodding her head, Thyra let go of her runes to cut her finger, a quiet hiss leaving her lips. She then closed her eyes, moving to grab onto her runes once more.

Lady Ælswith pursed her lips, her eyes hardening as she watched the young girl with a challenged expression, keeping Æthelstan close.

Thyra squeezed her eyes shut, rubbing her thumb over her runes as she muttered words. Stiorra watched with an intrigued look, but also looking over her shoulder at the Danes.

"What is she doing—"

"Sh." Stiorra held up her hand to Lady Ælswith, but keeping her eyes on Thyra. "She needs silence."

And Lady Ælswith nodded her head, her lips still pursed and her brows furrowed, not understanding what was happening.

A quiet gasp then left Thyra's lips as she let go of her runes. Stiorra gently placed her hand on Thyra's other shoulder in a comforting manner. "What did you see, cousin?"

"I did no' see anything." Thyra shook her head, her brows furrowed as she stared at Stiorra. "A man once savage, can turn good for the sake of both sides."

"What does that mean, sweet girl?" Lady Ælswith questioned, evidently confused. "How does it work?"

"The Gods allow me to see or hear things. Sometimes I can see the future or past." Thyra quietly explained to the Christian. "Or, the Gods tell me things in riddles. I have the sight of the Gods." She softly smiled at the older woman. "Some seers use it for bad internet, but I can use it for the greater good."

Lady Ælswith slowly nodded her head, watching the young girl with interest as she cleaned the blood off of her thumb.

"Remarkable, isn't it." Stiorra couldn't help but grin, squeezing Thyra's shoulder once more.

Nodding her head once more, Ælswith kept her eyes on Thyra, whom turned to Æthelstan with a smile.

It wasn't long until they arrived at Winchester, a Winchester that was not as it was. "I get to Winchester at last." Stiorra sarcastically spoke.

"Do not look on it." Lady Ælswith shook her head with narrowed eyes. "It is not the place i left, as I said." She held Æthelstan closer. "Be under no illusion. They will murder us. So, I suggest you say your prayers and thank the Lord for the lives you've led."

Stiorra almost scoffed at that, shaking her head with a bitter look. "I will not." She firmly stated. "I am not Christian." Thyra pushed her lips as she looked down at the Thor's hammer around her neck, then down to her wrist, that had a bracelet wrapped around it, one that Athena had made for her. One that had a small cross indented into it.

As Stiorra, Thyra was half Dane, half Christian.

At Stiorra's words, Lady Ælswith moved to take off Æthelstan's cross that he adored around his neck.

Stiorra tightly held onto Thyra and Æthelstan's hands as they were dragged to the throne room in Winchester.

The Queen, her son and her father were also brought in as well. "Lady Ælswith." Thyra looked towards the throne, seeing a woman and a man. "I'm so happy to see your family re-united."

"I want to speak with whoever leads you." Lady Ælswith held her head high, her eyes narrowed as she looked at the woman.

The woman laid back in her seat, a proud look on her face as she held her swollen stomach. "I lead here."

"I mean, the man in charge of this." Lady Ælswith continued, a hint of mocking in her tone as she eyed the woman.

The woman let out a sarcastic chuckle at that, moving to stand up and lean on the table across from Ælswith.

Thyra's eyes widened as she watched Brida spit in the woman's face. "Do not insult me."

"I am not the one using insults." Lady Ælseith said harshly, wiping her face with a look of disgust. "But I am giving you a warning." She pursed her lips. "This incursion will not be tolerated. My son will burn us all to the ground, before he concedes one square of Wessex land." She nodded at the woman and the man. "You are a pack of fools...unknowingly, you have trapped yourselves within these walls. For once, the heathen are all in one place."

Thyra swallowed thickly, Stiorra's thumb wiping over the back of her hand in a comforting manner. "And when the fires comes, as come it shall..." lady Ælswith trailed off as she moved closer to the table that separated herself and the other woman. "We will watch your souls burn as we ascend."

The woman scoffed at that, moving around the table to face Lady Ælswith. She then looked over to the three children. "Have her serving girls feed her shit."

"Torture me by all means, but you must know that the girls and the boy are Danes." Lady Ælswith quickly said, her eyes narrowing as she was dragged away from the woman by a Dane. "They were taken, as slaves, after our victory at Tettanhall."

The woman raised her brow as she eyed the three, moving closer towards them. Thyra held her head high, her lips pursed. "If you value your people, take them back." Lady Ælswith added.

The woman made her way to in front of Stiorra, gripping her axe in her hands. "Who is Sjofrn?" She asked Stiorra.

"Handmaiden of Frigga." Stiorra quickly answered, her tone slightly wavering as the woman stared into her soul.

"She is half Dane at most." The woman shrugged her shoulders, turning her attention to the two younger children at her side. "The monk boy not at all." She looked at Æthelstan. "And she is dressed as if she was a lady. She is no Dane."

Thyra looked down at her dress, her eyes widening slightly as she realised. She did look like a lady, she was wearing one of Ælfwynn's dresses.

"I am too a Dane." Thyra spoke up, ignoring the warning look Stiorra and Lady Ælswith sent her way. "I bare Thor's hammer around my neck."

Brida raised her brow at the younger child's bravery to speak, watching as Thyra reached for the necklace around her neck, which clinked against her runes.

"She's from Irland." Thyra looked away from the woman, and towards the man at the first, whom had the same accent as her.

The woman raised her brow, turning to Thyra with a look. Thyra swallowed thickly, ignoring the way the woman analysed her features. "I am not. I was born and raised here—"

Her words were cut short as the woman moved to hold onto her chin, turning her face to the side. Thyra glanced at Ælswith with a confused expression.

A hum left the woman's lips, letting go of Thyra's chin as she stepped back. "She is a Dane—half Dane. And a seer, apparently." She nodded towards the runes around Thyra's neck.

"Half Danes are enough." The man spoke once more, nodding to Stiorra and Thyra. "Hold them separately. The Seer could be of use."

"The older one is Uhtred's daughter." Thyra's eyes widened at the voice, making her look over her shoulder at the man. Eardwulf. "And she is Athena's daughter. I recognise them." He continued, pointing to the two girls, who's face dropped. "We met in Mercia when my sister betrayed me."

"We have never seen you before!" Stiorra quickly said, slightly pushing Æthelstan and Thyra behind her.

The woman in front of them didn't look surprised at the new knowledge, her eyes still on Thyra. "Of course, she had his look." She turned her attention away from Thyra and to Stiorra. "And she is cunning like him." She turned back to Thyra once more, whom gripped onto Stiorra's hand. "She may not adore her mother's hair, but her face is a spitting image." Thyra's eyes widened slightly, realising whom the woman was.

"But, Athena Ragnarsdóttir is not Irish." The man sat up, pointing to Thyra with a raised brow.

Brida shook her head, a tsk leaving her lips as she grinned down at Thyra. "No, but her husband is." She said, making Thyra swallow thickly at the mention of her parents. "I guess my theory was right after all." She hummed, turning to Stiorra. "Find Uhtred. Send him her head." Thyra's brows furrowed at that, holding Stiorra's hand tighter. "She is of use." She nodded to Thyra with a grin. "She stays with me."

"No!" Lady Ælswith stepped forwards, her eyes growing wide as she stared at the two girls.

"Do it." Brida turned to the Irish man, her face firm. "It will bring him." She added, walking closer to the man. "It will bring them all and the end will begin!" The man stood up at that, an expression on his face Thyra did not understand. "What?" Brida turned to Lady Ælswith. "I thought you welcomed the fire."

"Put the Queen and the others back where they keep their dead king." The man firmly told his men. "They come with me." He nodded to Thyra and Stiorra. "I will send her to you after." He told Brida, whom nodded her head.

Athena and Sihtric had practically forced Melusine to take Atlas and go with Father Pyrlig back to Mercia, where they would be safe.

Whilst the rest made their way to Winchester. Athena panted heavily, leaning on the tree as she caught her breath, the others around her.

But, her eyes then grew wide as she looked at the state Mercia was in. It was completely full of Danes. It had been taken over. "Oh, dear God." Finan uttered, standing behind Athena as he looked over her shoulder.

Athena swallowed thickly, squeezing her eyes shut as she thought about her daughter, Stiorra, Ælswith and Æthelstan.

They were in the Lions den.

"Why have they strengthened their defences?"  Sihtric questioned, his eyes on the open gates.

Athena pursed her lips, her hands squeezing into fists at her side as she eyed the Danes. "They will be preparing for a siege."

"I thought the Danes did not like sieges." Finan uttered behind her, looking between Uhtred and Athena.

Uhtred slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Perhaps Sigtyggr leaned something in Irland." Uhtred shrugged his shoulders. "He's cunning. Maybe he changed the strategy."

"Strategy of not, there's too many of them." Sihtric shook his head, a doubtful look on his face.

Athena swallowed thickly once more, her chest rising as her brows furrowed. "What if we cannot find a way in?" Uhtred questioned firm beside Athena.

"If Sigtryggr fought the Irish, he'll know what hard bastards we are." Finan sent Uhtred a reassuring look, but at the same time, he was trying to reassure himself. "And how we do not give up, even when it looks completely impossible."

Athena pursed her lips as she looked around at the fortress, trying to think of something. She had an idea, but she knew the group would not like it.

Thyra carefully looked around the room herself and Stiorra had been forced into. Her little hand dragged over the books that had been torn apart.

A smashing noise caught Thyra's attention, her brows furrowing in confusion as she watched Stiorra hold onto a glass shard. "What are you doing, Sti?" Thyra asked, dropping her hands to the side.

"I will not be used as a pawn against my father." Stiorra shook her head, a firm expression on their face. "I will not."

Thyra stepped closer towards Stiorra, her little hands closed in front of her. "They will not harm you, I would have seen it."

"Maybe the Gods do not always show you everything." Stiorra shrugged her shoulders, still holding onto the glass shard. "You heard Brida, she will have my head. The Danes are not friendly, Gods know what they will do to us."

Thyra fidgeted with her hands, looking up at Stiorra with a soft look. "The man, the one that has the same accent as myself and my father..." Thyra moved to sit beside Stiorra. "I think we can trust him."

"What?" Stiorra turned to her with a bewildered look. "What on earth do you mean, Thyra?"

Thyra shrugged her shoulders, carefully taking the glass shard out of Stiorra's hand. "A man once savage, can turn good for the sake of both sides." She quoted her words from the Gods.

"That could be anyone, T." Stiorra rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest, her lips pursed. "We cannot trust anyone."

"Then trust me." Thyra uttered with a troubled expression, moving to hold onto Stiorra's hand  a nod. "The Gods guide me, let them guide you."

Stiorra turned to her with the same troubled look, letting out a deep sigh as she slowly nodded her head.

"So, you have the gift of sight." Both girls looked over their shoulders at the voice, the same man from beside walking into the room. "The Gods guide you."

Thyra slowly nodded her head, biting her inner cheek as she watched the man. "Yes. That is what my mother told me." She muttered, watching as he slowly nodded his head, a hum leaving his lips.

"And what have the Gods shown you?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared at her with interest.

"Why would she tell you that?" Stiorra hardly said, subtly pulling Thyra closer to her in a defensive manner.

The man held up his hands in mock defence. "I was merely asking a question." He shrugged his shoulders. "I am intrigued."

"They guide me." Was all Thyra said, looking over at the man with pursed lips.

The man slowly nodded his head, moving to sit down across from them. "Who is your mother." He asked Stiorra, turning his attention away from Thyra.

"Gisela, sister of Guthred of Northumbria." Stiorra answered, keeping her hands on Thyra's arms.

The man nodded his head with a him. "Oh, so we share the same ancestors."

"Yet we are not the same." Stiorra quickly said, a firm expression on her face as she glared at him.

He nodded his head once more, leaning his forearms on his knees as he looked towards them. "What about you, seer?" Thyra glanced over at him at that. "Your father is from Irland, yes?"

"That he is." Thyra slowly nodded her head, her brow raising at his question. "My uncle brought him here." She added, not knowing the full story.

"And where are your homes?" He asked them, nodding to both of them.

"Bebbanburg." Stiorra answered, glancing over at him before looking away. "Our lands were stolen, but my father will see them restored, as with her mother." She continued, holding onto Thyra.

The man nodded his head, his brow raising. "So, are you one of us, or one of them?" He questioned the two girls.

"We are both." Thyra answered before Stiorra could, her brows furrowed.

"As are many living here, two generations, three." Stiorra scoffed, shaking her head in annoyance. "This foolishness of whom is Saxon and who is Dane!"

Thyra nodded her head in agreement, fidgeting with her bracelet as she blanked out the rest of their conversation.

After their conversation with the man, whom Thyra learned as Sigtygrr, Thyra had asked if she could see Lady Ælswith.

Thyra wanted to know if the woman, and Æthelstan, were okay. And surprisingly, he agreed, only agreeing if she would go straight to Brida afterwards.

Thyra agreed, and Sigtygrr guided her towards the room they were held, not before Thyra grabbed some bread for them.

Thyra looked at the door, glancing up at Sigtygrr as he nodded towards the guard to open the door. "You will follow this guard to Brida, you have five minutes."

Nodding her head, Thyra turned to the door as it opened, walking in. Lady Ælswith immediately stood to her feet, Æthelstan behind her. "Oh, praise God, you are alive." She let out a relieved sigh, making Thyra nod her head as the door was closed behind her. "And Stiorra?"

"She is fine, they have not harmed us." Thyra softly smiled, ignoring the looks that the older man sent her way. "I brought food." Thyra pulled the bread from her cloak, moving towards Lady Ælswith with a smile.

Lady Ælswith smiled at her, sitting down as Thyra crouched down in front of her and Æthelstan, breaking the bread and handing them both a slice. "Here." She handed it to Æthelstan.

"Thank you, sweet girl." Lady Ælswith reached her free hand to cup the side of Thyra's cheek with a soft look. "You are a blessing, truly."

Thyra nodded her head with a smile, looking over her shoulder at the other three, watching as the Queen held her son. "Would you like some? It is fresh?" Thyra held out the bread with a soft look.

"May we?" The Queen asked, making Thyra immediately nod her head as she moved towards them, splitting the bread once more for the Queen and her son. "Thank you."

"Of course." Thyra smiled once more, turning to the older man with a raised brow. "And you?"

The older man shook his head, raising his hand. "I am quite alright." Thyra nodded her head once more at that, turning to Lady Ælswith.

Thyra then turned her attention to the stone figure next to the wall, her brows furrowing. "Is that the King Alfred, Ælswith?" She asked, pointing to the stone.

"Yes it is, sweet child." Lady Ælswith nodded her head, moving to her feet once more as she gave Æthelstan the rest of her bread. "Would you like to see?"

Thyra pursed her lips, glancing over at the stone before nodding her head with a soft look. "May I? My mother always told me stories of Alfred the Great." Lady Ælswith's brows rose at that, her interest peaking.

"Has she?" Ælswith asked, a faint smile on her lips at the thought of Athena telling Thyra stories of Alfred.

Thyra nodded her head, letting Lady Ælswith guide her towards the stone. Thyra gently lowered her hand on the stone, looking down at it. "He was loved by many, wasn't he?"

Lady Ælswith nodded her head with a smile, holding onto Thyra's back in a gentle manner. "He was."

"My mother was fond of him." Thyra softly chuckled, turning to Ælswith with the smile still on her face. "As was my uncle."

"They told you so?" Lady Ælswifh raised her brow once more, looking down at her husbands stone.

Thyra hummed, nodding her head once more as she ran her hand over the stone. "Yes. My mother wished for me to believe in God, have the same faith as my father." She looked down at the bracelet around her wrist.

"And do you?"

Nodding her head once more, Thyra let go of the stone and turned to Lady Ælswith. "Yes. I believe in both the Gods and God." She glanced once more at the stone of Alfred. "I think it is because my mother respected Alfred that she wished me to believe in my father's faith."

Lady Ælswith smiled once more, reaching to cup the side of the girls face once more. "You truly are something, sweet girl."

Thyra softly smiled, squeezing Lady Ælswith's arm as she looked towards the door as it opened. "I will make sure that you and Æthelstan are not harmed, I swear it."

"Thank you." Lady Ælswith nodded her head as she Thyra looked up at her. But, the woman was taken back as Thyra pulled her into a hug, but she accepted the embrace.

When Thyra pulled back, she turned to Æthelstan with a smile. "I will seen you soon, friend." She added, moving towards the door as she waved at Æthelstan and Lady Ælswith.

Thyra carefully moved past the guard as he closed the door behind her. "Come with me." He ordered, and Thyra nodded her head, complying as she followed him back to the throne room.

It wasn't long until Thyra had made it to the throne room, the Danes opening the doors for her.

Brida immediately sat up as she watched Thyra walk in, hands clasped in front of her as she looked around. "You took your time."

"Sorry." Thyra sheepishly turned to Brida, watching as she patted the seat beside her. And Thyrs complied once more, moving towards Brida and wearily sitting down.

Brida stared at the younger girl, whom looked away at the stare. "What is your name?"

Thyra glanced back to Brida, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "Thyra." Brida's cold face dropped slightly at that. "Named after my aunt Thyra."

"I know." Brida nodded her head, leaning back in her seat, hands clasped over her swollen stomach. "I was a friend to your aunt, and mother."

"I know." Thyra repeated, nodding her head as Brida rose her brow in interest. "My mother had spoken about you—good things."

Brida's brows furrowed at that, taken back once more at Thyra's words. Why would Athena have spoken about her? "Why is that?"

Thyra shrugged her shoulders, fidgeting with her runes around her neck. "My mother sees you as a sister, that is what she has told me." She softly said, glancing down at her lap.

Brida hummed at that, pursing her lips as she stared down at the girl, her cold act dropping slightly. "I saw her as a sister, too." She uttered, looking away from Thyra. "I looked up to her, even."

"What happened?" Thyra asked, watching as Brida turned to her with a raised brow. "If you'd wish to tell me, of course." She quickly added, pulling an awkward look.

"You do not have to fear, child." Brida said, a look of reassurance on her features as she watched Thyra fidget. "I do not wish to harm you."

Thyra nodded her head, letting go of her runes as she turned to Brida, giving the older woman  her full attention. "Okay."

Brida smiled slightly, her hand still on her stomach as she stared down at Thyra. "Me and your mother had different opinions." She stared, making Thyra listen intently. "She wished to help the Saxons, whilst I wished to destroy them." Brida explained, watching as Thyra nodded her head. "She had grown to like the Saxons, whilst I despised them."

"I see." Thyra nodded her head in understanding, urging Brida to continue.

"I do not wish your mother harm. It may seem as if I do, but I do not." Brida firmly stated, shaking her head as she spoke. "She attempted to save me, many times. I want her to join us..."

"But?" Thyra tilted her head to the side, brushing her hair out of her face as she stared up at Brida.

A heavy sigh left Brida's lips as she glanced away from Stiorra, tapping her hand on her stomach. "But I know that will never happen. She may be a Dane, but she fights for the Saxons."

Thyra nodded her head once more, her lips pursed as she glanced down at her hands on her lap. "My mother wishes for peace, Brida." She softly said, glancing back up at the woman. "Think about it. No fighting, no wars. Saxons and Danes as one."

"That will never happen."

"Why not?" Thyra shrugged her shoulders, her brows furrowed. "We do not need to fight. It is pointless."

"You are a child, you know nothing of war." Birda spoke, her tone harsher than intended, but Thyra was not phased.

"I may be young." Thyra nodded her head in agreement, bitting her inner cheek as she looked up at Brida. "But I do not wish to see Danes, nor Saxons, fight with one and other."

Brida looked down at her with pursed lips, as if trying to understand the younger girls words. "Think about it." Thyra said, glancing back down at her hands. "I wish to be with Stiorra now. May I?"

Clearing her throat, Brida rose to her feet as she nodded her head. "Of course." She watched as Thyra rose to her feet with a fair smile. "But, whilst you are here, I wish for you to be at my side. Then, no one will attempt to harm you."

"Why would they wish to harm me?" Thyra questioned, her brow raising as she swallowed thickly.

"Because of your mother and uncle."

Athena covered her hair and face with the hood attached to her cloak, keeping close to Eadith.

Athena had come up with the idea for them to sneak in, which the group did not like at first. Athena was known and wanted dead by the Danes.

But Athena ignored their worries, and Eadith offered to go in with her, so she would not be alone.

Finan had put up a bigger fight than the rest of them, not wanting his daughter and his wife trapped in the lions nest, surrounded by Danes that would kill them both without a second thought.

But all Athena was thinking about was their daughter.

So, Athena held a basked of food in her hands, as did Eadith. They wearily walked towards the gates, their heads lowered. Athena had hid her hair underneath her hood, as well as part of her face.

As they walked towards the doors of Winchester, one of the Danes stopped them, making Athena swallow thickly.

He stared at Athena and Eadith, then to the baskets in their hands. He searched their baskets, eyeing them. "Go." He said.

Athena squeezed her eyes shut in relief, keeping close to Eadith as they walked through the doors.

Looking around, Athena noticed how torn Winchester was. The Danes had completely taken over, turning it into their home.

Athena's brows then furrowed as Eadith stopped in her tracks. "What is it?" She asked, looking over her shoulder at the redhead.

"My brother." She uttered, making Athena turn around, her eyes widening as she noticed Eardwulf. "What is he doing here?"

Athena's eyes then quickly narrowed as the realisation dawned on her. "The bastard told the Danes that Winchester was vulnerable." She said through gritted teeth.

Eadith slowly shook her head, her brows pinching together as she kept her gaze on her brother. "No..." She uttered, a look of betrayal on her face.

"Yes." Athena nodded her head, clenching her jaw as she turned to Eadith. Her expression quickly softened as she stared at Eadith. "Come, we must avoid him. And I have a plan."

Eadith snapped out of her trance, looking away from her brother as she walked once more. "What is this plan?"

Athena pursed her lips as she squeezed the basket in her hands. "I assume Hæsten still remains in Winchester. I will go to him." She simply said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Are you insane?" Eadith quickly said, her eyes growing wide as she turned to Athena, whom hushed her. "They will kill you! That wasn't our plan!"

"Keep your voice down, Eadith." Athena quietly warned, looking around at the Danes around them. "I need to know if my daughter and niece are alive. The only way I can go that is if I give myself up. I am wanted dead."

"How do you know that Hæsten will not kill you himself?" Eadith asked as they walked through the streets of Winchester.

Athena shrugged her shoulders, a smile making its way onto her face as she turned to Eadith. "I do not know, but I know the oaf does not turn down the opportunity of silver."

Eadith rose her brow as she shook her head, a sigh leaving her lips as she glanced at Athena. "Do you have a death wish?"

"No, but I am known to be reckless, lady." Athena shrugged her shoulders once more, an amused expression on her face. "Death will come for me one day."

Thyra had to admit, Winchester was a beautiful place, especially the halls of the fortress.

She looked around in awe, glancing at the many paintings hung on the walls. Paintings of battles that the Saxons had won.

She wondered how many of the battles in the paintings her mother and father had been in. She couldn't help but smile at the thought, keeping her eyes on the paintings as she walked.

"You have not been in Winchester before?" Thyra turned at the voice beside her, glancing up at Sigtrygrr.

She shook her head as she glanced back at the many paintings. "I have not." She said, turning her attention back to him. "I have only ever stayed in Cuccham, or Mercia." She added with a smile.

"Why is that?" Sigtrygrr asked with a raised brow, looking down at the young child.

Thyra shrugged her shoulders with the smile still on her face, hands clasped in front of her. "I do not know." She simply said, looking around the halls once more. "I would have liked to, but I didn't think it would be under these circumstances."

Sigtrygrr couldn't help but chuckle at her words, nodding his head in agreement. "Understandable."

Thyra smiled once more, nodding her head as well. She glanced up at him with a raised brow before speaking up again. "Brida said you are from Irland, yes?"

"That I am." Sigtrygrr nodded his head, raising his brow. "Why do you ask?" He questioned her.

Thyra shrugged her shoulders, fidgeting with the bracelet around her wrist. "How is Irland? My father tells me stories of when he was there. I wish to go one day."

"Apart from the battles, it was enjoyable." Sigtrygrr answered, making Thyra nod her head, smile still on her face. "I am sure that one day you get the chance to see the beauty of Irland."

"I do hope so." Thyra hummed, grin on her face as she continued to look around at the halls. "T'is a dream of mine."

Sigtrygrr softly smiled down at the child at her words, slowly nodding his head as he walked beside her. For some reason, he did not want to see any harm come to the young girl, despite her family.

Sigtrygrr had heard stories of Thyra's mother, Athena Ragnarsdóttir. He had heard all the things she had done since she was old enough to fight in battles. Her family were well known.

And when word was going around that Athena and her brother had turned on the Danes, fighting for the Saxons, he did not understand.
How and why would she kill her own kin?

His thoughts were cut short when they heard Stiorra arguing with someone. Thyra's brows furrowed together as she turned to Sigtrygrr.

Sigtrygrr moved forwards, standing in front of Thyra as he opened the door, watching as Eardwulf struck Stiorra across the face.

Thyra gasped as she hurried towards Stiorra, whom held the side of her face with wide eyes. "Is this how we play now?" Sigtrygrr directed his words to Eardwulf, his eyes narrowed.

Thyra held onto Stiorra's arm, making sure the older woman was okay. Stiorra sent her a reassuring nod, moving to hold Thyra in front of her.

"We strike those weaker than ourselves?" Sigtrygrr continued, snatching the dagger out of Eardwulf's hand as he placed it down on the table.

Both Stiorra and Thyra's eyes grew wide as they watched Sigtrygrr strike Eardwulf across the face with much force. "Go on. I like this game." Sigtrygrr grinned, watching as Eardwulf gained back composure.

Eardwulf breathed out heavily, pointing to Stiorra. "She is defiant and she does not fear me." He panted, swallowing thickly.

Thyra glared at the man, her arms crossed over her chest. "I'd that his Saxons are controlled?" Sigtrygrr raised his brow.

"I do not understand you." Eardwulf's brows furrowed as he turned his attention back to Sigtrygrr.

Sigtrygrr rolled his eyes as he let out a deep sigh, evidently fed up with Eardwulf. "In Saxon lands, are people subdued through fear?"

"Are not all people subdued by fear?" Eardwulf shrugged his shoulders, not understanding what Sigtrygrr was getting at.

"Was that how Alfred thrived?" Sigtrygrr questioned, titling his head to the side.

Eardwulf nodded his head at that. "Yes."

Thyra's brows pinched together at that, tilting her head to the side. "No!" She quickly said, making Stiorra squeeze her shoulders. "Alfred was loved by many Saxons! They honour him even after death."

Sigtrygrr glanced over at the child, then back to Eardwulf. "And what of your Lord Æthelred whom you abandoned to choose a life with me?" Thyra's brows furrowed once more, evidently confused at Sigtrygrr's words.

"Æthelred was loved and feared."

"Not by you." Stiorra sassed, rolling her eyes at the man, whom turned to her with a sharp glare. "You killed him in his bed." She then turned to Sigtrygrr. "It's why he ran from Mercia."

Sigtrygrr pursed his lips at the new information, turning to Eardwulf, whose face dropped. "Is this true?" He asked.

"No, why would you believe a captive girl?" Eardwulf scoffed, pointing towards Stiorra once more.

Thyra tilted her head, not liking the fact he blatantly lied, but called Stiorra a liar. "I saw it, you killed him because he would not let you marry his daughter—whom is a child!"

Eardwulf frowned at that, still not understanding how she knew. She was not even in Mercia when it happened. "How could you have possibly saw it?" He scoffed, a humorous chuckle leaving his lips.

"I do not need to explain myself to you." Thyra confidently said, raising her chin as she glared at him. "Bastard." She uttered.

Sigtrygrr chuckled as he looked over at the child, then back to Eardwulf. "It is humorous to watch you get out-witted by a child. And you lie worse than a child." He then narrowed his eyes at the man. "So, you killed the man whom you'd sword allegiance to? I knew there was something untrustworthy about you."

"I brought you here." Eardwulf quietly hissed, his eyes narrowed as he stood closer to Sigtrygrr. "You can trust me. Ive proved it."

Sigtrygrr raised his brow, shrugging his shoulders. "And how should I rule here? By fear? Or by love?" He questioned.

Eardwulf swallowed thickly, avoiding eye contact with the Dane as he pondered his question. "I would always choose fear." He uttered.

Athena had not yet found Hæsten, searching the whole of Winchester for the weasel. She remained beside Eadith as they walked through the streets.

But, a crowd caught Athena's attention, making her pull Eadith into the direction where's the Danes were running to.

"We take this place because we seek a homeland!" A voice yelled towards the crowd, making Athena pull the hood down her face as she avoided eye contact with anyone. "We work as one got achieve this common good!"

Pursing her lips, Athena eyed the man in the middle of the crowd. She guessed this was Sigtrygrr. Her eyes then moved towards the steps, seeing Eardwulf being held by two Danes.

"When we fight...we fight with one heart to terrify the Saxons!" Sigtrygrr yelled, directing his words to the Danes crowded around him. "But we do not succumb to anger."

A man sitting down on a cart caught Athena's attention, a grin making its way onto her face as she realised he was Hæsten. He was still here.

"And at all times we are united, unlike our forebears...the men whom tried and failed." Sigtrygrr continued his speech, pacing back and forth. "Ubba, Bloodhair, Cnut." Athena's brows pinched together at that, not understanding why he was mocking them. "All taken in anger, as they tried to pursue their own glory. This is the way of the old generation." He firmly stated, shaking his head. "And there is no longer a place for it."

Athena and Eadith watched as Sigtrygrr moved closer towards Eardwulf, who's eyes widened in fear. She wondered what he did to piss Sigtrygrr off.

"This man..." Sigtrygrr pointed towards Eardwulf, whom swallowed thickly. "This man, is a man of ambition." He stated, moving to place a firm hand on Eardwulf's shoulder. "There is nothing wrong with that. We should all have ambition." He then let out a tsk, shaking his head. "But he works only for himself and his own desires."

Athena turned her gaze to Eadith, whom watched her brother with a pained expression. She pursed her lips as she reached to hold onto the redheads wrist, giving her a reassuring look.

"And this ambition...." Sigtrygrr patted his shoulder, a sarcastic grin on his face. "Is a poison—a poison that has the power to sleep! And we must not let his venom spread amongst us!"

The Danes cheered in agreement. Sigtrygrr pointed towards Eardwulf once more, his words firm. "So, let this man's face serve as a warning, for the danger of anger and ambition!"

Eardwulf's realisation kicked in, making him struggle in the hands of the Danes. But the Danes pulled him forward, ignoring his pleads.

Athena's hand on Eadith's wrist tightened. Athena knew the pain of loosing a brother, and she did not wish for Eadith to suffer the same fate.

Eardeulf was pushed to his knees, roughly, by the two Danes. They then held his arms by his side as Sigtrygrr walked towards him.

"Have mercy!"

Athena quickly turned her head away from the gazes, cursing as Eadith yelled at the Danes. She squeezed her eyes shut, ignoring the eyes form the Danes.

When she opened her eyes, her eyes landed on Hæsten, whom was looking directly at her. Athena subtly shook her head, her eyes wide with a pleading look.

Hæsten simply grinned, turning back around with a smug expression. "Who weeps for you?" Sigtrygrr questioned, looking towards Eadith and Athena. "Who has this faith."

"Shes a whore i once knew." Eardwulf said, his breaths heavy as he looked at Eadith, whom held a broken expression on her features. "She is nothing. Discard her!"

Athena kept her head low, only turning when Eadith moved. She glanced back at Hæsten, giving him a subtle look, telling him to follow them.

Hæsten slowly nodded his head, watching as Athena followed after Eadith in a quick manner.

Athena quickly followed Eadith, quietly calling her name. "Eadith." She softly spoke, pulling her arm back so she would stop. "I am sorry." She said, noticing the tears streaming down her face.

"Don't." Eadith shook her head, her lips pursed as she held out her hand. "Please." Athena slowly nodded her head in understanding. "Let us get inside the palace." She breathed out, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

Athena slowly nodded her head, sending Eadith a sad smile as she squeezed her arm. "Of course."

And with that, the two carefully snuck into the palace. Athena kept her hood over her head, her head low as she walked beside Eadith.

She avoided any gazes the Danes threw her way. "Where would they be held?" Eadith questioned quietly, making Athena turn to her.

"My thoughts, the prayer room." She shrugged, making Eadith nod her head. "I know the way."

Eadith followed Athena as she moved through the halls, her head lowered as she walked. It was not long until they made their way towards the prayer room, noticing a Dane walk in.

Athena slightly rushed to the door, peaking through to try and find her daughter. But there was no sight of her, not Stiorra. She could only see Ælswith and Æthelstan. "No." She uttered.

"What—"

"Psst."

Both Athena and Eadith jumped at the voice, Athena keeping her head low as she looked over her shoulder. It was Hæsten. "Ah, Athena."

Athena held up her hand, her eyes wide as she signalled for him to be quiet. "Must you speak so loud." She uttered, watching as Eadith stared at her with wide eyes. "Where is my daughter? Where is Stiorra?"

Hæsten's grin widened, leaning on the wall as he stared down at her. "They are safe." Athena raised her brow at that. "Brida swore that she would kill any Dane that attempted to harm your daughter." He added as he tilted his head to the side. "They are both being protected."

"Good." Athena nodded her head firmly, crossing her arms over her chest as she eyed Hæsten. "I need you to help me." She simply said.

Hæsten rose his brow at that, an amused sound leaving his lips. "And why would I do that?" He questioned.

Athena rolled her eyes at his tone, sharing a look with Eadith. "For silver. And, being known as the Dane whom captured Athena Ragnarsdóttir."

Hæsten tilted his head to the side, a look of interest on his features as he stared down at her. "Continue." He hummed, making Athena grin.

"I want you to bring me to your Lord—Sigtrygrr." Athena sighed, pulling her hood down and brushing the hair that had fallen from her braids. "Say you caught me sneaking in. He will make me a prisoner, no doubt."

"Why?" Hæsten questioned her plan, not understanding why she would throw herself to the enemy.

"So I can make sure my daughter and niece are safe." Athena simply said, shrugging her shoulders as she pointed to the room behind her. "As well as the Lady Ælswith."

Hæsten pursed his lips as he pondered her words. But, he slowly nodded his head in agreement, smirk on his face. "We have a deal." He held out his arm.

Athena wearily stared at his hand, raising her brow. But, she shrugged her shoulders, shaking his hand. "And, make sure she is protected and hidden."

"What?" Eadith quickly spoke, her eyes wide as she stared at Athena. "Athena, we have to stick together."

"I do not want you to be harmed." Athena firmly stated, her arm dropping to her side as she turned to the redhead. "Please."

Eadith looked between Athena and Hæsten, slowly nodding her head. Athena sighed at that, sending her a soft smile.

Athena then turned to Hæsten. "Take me to him."

— Madeleine's notes.

I did not mean for this chapter to be so long. HAHAAH

OOPSIES.

But Ayewell, you all deserve one from me ngl being that active recently HAHAS

But Athena and Finan stressing about Thyra, meanwhile: Thyra gossiping with Brida and Sigtrygrr... HAHAHSSH

SORRY. Made me laugh.

This chapter is mostly Thyra HAHAHA can't cope.

I'm sorry, but obx season four..

Quickly scroll if you don't want to be spoiled.

HOW CAN THEY KILL JJ OFF?!? YOU JOKING. I was sat crying beside my five year old sister who was laughing at me.

But I hope you all like this chapter! Writing the next one rn! Hope you liked this chapter!

9th November 2024
7300 words