CHAPTER FIFTY THREE
▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 ─── ❛ battle of tenttenhall
SERPENTS TONGUE ₊˚.༄𖥸 ──
𑁍₊𓄹 -- ❪ the last kingdom ❫. 𓄹
╭ ‧₊˚⊹ 你好,欢迎光临
╰ ✦ Uhtred of Mercia╭ ᘒ ✦
The group had split into two.
Athena, Uhtred, Osferth, Finan, Siorra, Æthelstan ane Thyra had returned back to Mercia. Whilst Sihtric, Young Uhtred, Melusine and Eadith remained with the rest of the children, waiting for Lady Æthelflæd to show up and retrieve her sickly daughter.
Father Pyrlig had helped the group sneak into the walls, the small group sneaking in through the small doors. "You will get me executed!" Pyrlig quietly hissed at Uhtred as he closed the doors behind him.
"You've survived this far, Father. Uhtred will not be your downfall." Athena jested, her hands on her daughter's shoulders as she grinned at the priest.
Father Pyrlig rolled his eyes at her words, a faint grin on his face as he boarded up the doors. "Can you hide them?" Uhtred pointed to the three children. "Shes my daughter, she's theirs, and he's the King's bastard."
Father Pyrlig immediately turned at that, looking at the three younger ones, then to Uhtred. "What?"
"Do not ask." Uhtred shook his head with a sigh, wearily looking around. "It is just until I can get Edward to listen."
Immediately shaking his head, Father Pyrlig turned to Uhtred with pursed lips. "I dead er are beyond that." Athena frowned at that. "This place is like tinder waiting for a spark."
"Which is why I need you to help me." Uhtred sighed, turning to Pyrlig with a hopeful look.
Pyrlig heavily breathed out, slowly nodding his head as Athena grinned at the priest once more. "Stay with Stiorra, okay?" Valeria leaned down to Thyra, pressing a kiss to her head as Thyra nodded.
"Come on, this way." Pyrlig turned to the three younger ones as Finan ruffled his daughter's hair before following Uhtred and Athena.
Athena and Finan had let Uhtred walk into the lions mouth, letting him speak with Edward and the Ealdormen.
But, they had seen no sight of him, and Athena was growing worried for her brother. But, all they could do was wait. They could not be seen by Edward, or anyone that would recognise them.
The pair had to lay low in Mercia until Uhtred had gotten Edward's trust and word. So, the pair had gone to Father Pyrlig, hiding with Stiorra, Thyra and Æthelstan.
It was now night, the only light coming from the candles Father Pyrlig had brought. Athena rested her back against a haystack, Stiorra and Æthelstan's head rested on both her shoulders. Whilst Finan sat in front of her, their daughter's head resting on his lap as she slept.
"Æthelflæd would hate to return to see Mercia torn." Athena uttered, her words quiet so she would not wake up the three younger ones. She pursed her lips as she turned to Finan, sad smile on her lips. "Æthelred left one thing when he died." She sarcastically said, gently running her hands through Stiorra's hair.
Finan nodded his head in agreement, a breathy chuckle leaving his lips. "That he did." He hummed.
There was a comforting silence between the couple, beside Athena spoke up once more. "Do you think Uhtred will snap Edward back into his senses?" Athena then asked, her brows pinched together.
"I do hope the bastard does." Finan sighed, looking down at his daughter as Athena slowly nodded her head.
"The ealdormen of Mercia dislike the King each day." Athena quietly chuckled, shaking her head as she shrugged her shoulders. "Especially with the Queens father by his side, whispering Gods know into his ear."
"That bastard is a schemer." Finan nodded in agreement, pointing as he spoke in a quiet tone.
Athena rolled her eyes as she raised her brow. "He is an old bat wishing to be more than the father of a Queen." She simply said, grin on her lips. "I am sure the Lady Ælswith will put him in his place."
"No, Thyra." Athena sighed, shaking her head as she held onto her daughter's hand. "You cannot help Stiorra with the grain."
Thyra pouted at that, kicking a stone that was at her feet. "Why not? Father Pyrlig and Stiorra will need more help." She looked up at her mother with a hopeful look.
"You are not even taller than the cart itself, sweet girl." Athena softly chuckled, shaking her head as Thyra groaned. "Maybe, Father Pyrlig will have something else you can help with."
Thyra grinned at that, nodding her head as they walked towards Finan. "Still no sign of Uhtred?" Athena asked as she moved to stand beside Finan.
Finan shook his head as he let out a heavy sigh, pursing his lips. "Not a word." Athena brows pinched together at that, biting her inner cheek. "I am sure he is fine."
"Let us hope." Athena tsked, looking down at Thyra, whom continued to kick stones with a grin. "Thyra, go back inside to Æthelstan." Athena ruffled her hair up with a smile. "I am sure he has more stories to read to you."
Thyra did not need to be told twice as she squeezed Athena's hand, quickly running past them and back inside as she called out for Æthelstan.
"Dear god."
Athena's brows furrowed at Finan's words, turning back around to see Uhtred. She clenched her jaw as she noticed his black eye and the bruises that littered his face. "Whom did this?" Athena immediately asked, walking towards her brother as she looked at his eye. "I'll have their head." She shook her head, pursing her lips as she went to check his bruises.
But Uhtred shook his head, gently moving her hand away from his face. "Don't, don't." He told her, making Athena sigh as she dropped her hands to her sides.
"What now?" Finan questioned as he stood beside Athena, tilting his head to the side.
"There's nothing here for us." Uhtred shook his head once more, crossing his arms over his chest. "Where is my daughter?"
"Shes insisting on helping Father Pyrlig and I've tried to dissuade her as Athena did Thyra but—"
"She's too stubborn because she is my daughter." Uhtred grinned at Finan's words, making Finan nod. Uhtred hummed at that, nodding his head. "Runs in the family." He nudged Athena's arm, making her scoff and waft his arm. "Where is she?" Uhtred chucked, as he moved to walk past them both.
"With Father Pyrlig and the cart of grain." Athena sighed, crossing her arms over her chest as she caught up with Uhtred as the three walked around the streets.
The three watched as the people crowded around the cart, Stiorra standing in it and ordering the people. "You would think the grain was silver." Finan uttered.
Athena pursed her lips, slowly nodding her head. "They have had no grain since their town was raised, it is to be expected." She simply said, nudging Finan's arm.
The people continued to fight for the grain as Stiorra and Father Pyrlig fought them off. Stiorra picked up one of the bags, hitting one of the people around the face as they pulled at her.
But, one of the people pulled her off of the cart, sending her to the ground. That's when the three snapped into action. "Stiorra!" Uhtred called for his daughter.
Athena pushed the people to the side as she followed Uhtred, who made a path towards Stiorra. "Athena, take Stiorra!" Uhtred called towards the blonde, carefully helping Stiorra up.
Athena did not need to be told twice as she held out her hand for her niece to take. Uhtred pushed Stiorra into the direction of Athena, whom carefully caught her.
"Just breathe." Athena uttered, holding onto Stiorra, whom was coughing as she placed a hand onto her chest. "Look at me, you're fine." Athena continued, holding onto the side of Stiorra's face.
Finan carefully pulled the two away from the scene, watching as Uhtred shoved the people away from the cart. "Enough!" Uhtred yelled, jumping onto the cart and pushing away a man. "Get back!"
Athena swallowed thickly as she kept her arm around Stiorra, turning to Uhtred. "I know you suffer, but turning on each other will not save you!" He spoke down to the people of Mercia. "You must work as one rather than quarreling amongst yourselves." He then pointed towards them all. "Now, get back behind the cart and form a line." Uhtred ordered. "Each person will be given what they need."
"Go help him, I've got her." Athena turned to Finan, whom reluctantly nodded his head as he squeezed her arm, moving towards Uhtred and the cart. "You okay?" She turned her attention back to Stiorra, whom clung onto her arm.
"I'm fine." Stiorra breathed out, slowly nodding her head as she looked towards her father.
"Mercian must not fight Mercian."
Ælfwynn had been brought to Mercia by Osfeth, Melusine and Eadith, the young girl getting sicker by the day.
Athena worried for Ælfwynn, as did Thyra. But all Athena could do was comfort her daughter. Ælfwynn was Thyra's friend after all.
But when Uhtred came to Athena for guidance, Athena did not expect that Edward wanted Uhtred to rule Mercia.
"No." Athena immediately said, keeping her eyes on her daughter's hair as she braided it. "Nope."
Uhtred sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at Athena and Thyra. "Athena—"
"Mercia is not your destiny, brother." Athena shook her head, looking up at her brother with furrowed brows. "Bebbanburg is—you cannot give up."
"Bebbanburg is a dream, nothing more..." Uhtred ran a hand over his face as Athena tilted her head at his words. "I have lost it."
Athena clenched her jaw as she stared down at Thyra, finishing her braids. She softly smiled as she squeezed her daughter's shoulders, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Go find your father, sweet girl."
Thyra nodded her head, smiling at Athena and Uhtred as she stood up, quickly moving bast Uhtred, whom pulled on her braid with a grin.
Athena's smile dropped as she stood, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked over at Uhtred. "You failed once, you cannot give up." She shook her head as she sent Uhtred a firm look. "You cannot rule here, you will be under Edward's power!"
"There is no other way, Athena!" Uhtred shook his head as he uncrossed his arms, moving closer to his sister. "Mercia is torn, it needs a lord."
"But not you!" Athena pointed her hand in his direction with a heavy breath, shaking her head. "Think of Æthelflæd."
"I am!" Uhtred's voice grew louder as Athena scoffed, shaking her head and turning around. "Me being Lord of Mercia protects Æthelflæd and Ælfwynn!"
Athena ran her hands over her face, squeezing her eyes shut. She didn't like this, not at all. Uhtred was the Lord of Bebbanburg, not Mercia. "Æthelflæd will he torn as Mercia is!" She turned back to Uhtred, her brows furrowed as she spoke. "This is her land—her husband's land—her daughter's land!"
"I have no other choice, Athena!"
"Yes you do, Uhtred!" She half yelled, turning to him with wide eyes, pointing a finger into his chest. "You do not have to accept Edward's bargain! We can leave, go back to Coccham! Plan to take Bebbanburg back!" She panted heavily, her chest heaving as she looked up at Uhtred. "That is your destiny." She uttered, stepping back. "Bebbanburg, not Mercia."
"I have to do this, sister." Uhtred pursed his lips as he shook his head, a pleading look on his face.
"For Alfred's dream of England?" Athena slowly nodded her head, biting her inner cheek as she looked up at Uhtred. "Mercia cannot tare away from Wessex." She sarcastically quipped. "Or, there will be no England."
Uhtred let out a defeated sigh, running a hand over her face as he squeezed his eyes shut. "You wanted to help with that dream."
"I do!" Athena swallowed thickly, crossing her arms over her chest. "But not at the cost of you leading Mercia!"
"It is only temporarily. Until Edward finds a worthy Ealdorman of age." Uhtred tried to explain, but Athena shook her head, biting at her thumb. "Athena, please understand."
But, Athena slowly shook her head, blinking away her tears. "I cannot understand." She uttered, pursing her lips. "Excuse me." She quickly said, pushing past Uhtred as she left him in the hut they were staying in.
Athena did not know why she felt like this, but she just did. Athena always wanted for Uhtred to take back his home—and she would be right by his side.
But leading Mercia? She would not stand idly whilst Uhtred did that. All she could think about was Æthelflæd and how the woman would feel.
Perhaps Æthelflæd should rule. She has the right to rule. She cared for the people of Mercia and Wessex.
Athena sat in the Alehouse, in her own thoughts as she stared at her cup of ale. She had not picked it up once.
Uhtred had accepted Edward's offer and he would be the new Lord of Mercia. And Athena as not best pleased.
Athena was content with staying with Eadith and Melusine, with the children. But Finan had other ideas, practically dragging her to the Alehouse to celebrate Uhtred.
Obviously, everyone was oblivious to Athena's thoughts about the situation, and Athena would keep it that way.
Everyone sang and cheered around Athena, celebrating. But, Athena sat there miserably, arms crossed over her chest as she listened go everyone laugh.
"Oh, oh!" Athena blinked heavily as she looked up at Finan, whom raised his cup in the air. "To Eadith and Melusine, for not killing the lady Ælfwynn!" He cheered, making the group around the table do the same, minus Athena.
"To Sihtric and Æthelflead!" Finan continued, obviously drunk as his words slurred. "And Young Uhtred, too." He quickly added with a grin. "May they return safely." He then turned to the four around the table. "But if there's ale still left when they get here, then we have met ourselves down!"
Athena couldn't help but slightly grin at her husband's words, sitting up as she watched Osferth, Stiorra and Father Pyrlig laugh at his words. "To the lands, to the silver!" Finan continued, turning his attention to Uhtred. "To Uhtred of Mercia!"
"Uhtred of Mercia!" Everyone cheered at that, raising their cups in the air.
Whilst Athena merely stared at her own cup of ale, her lips pursed. "Finally, he can pay us some money!" Finan jested, sitting back down as he looped an arm around Athena.
Athena fake smiled at that, slowly nodding her head as she turned to Uhtred, whom looked unsure himself.
"You going to drink that, Thens?" Athena turned her head at the sound of Stiorra's voice.
Stiorra pointed to her full cup of ale, a mischievous grin on her face as she looked at Athena.
Quietly chuckling, Athena nodded her head as she pushed the cup of ale towards her. Stuorra's grin widened at that, reaching for the cup and bringing it to her lips. "Do not tell your father."
"I won't." Stiorra chuckled, nodding her head as she wiped her arm across her mouth. "He'll have both our heads, now he is Lord of Mercia."
Athena fake smiled at her words, slowly nodding her head as she sat back in her seat. And only turned her head when she felt Finan squeeze her arm. "Ya alright?"
"I am swell." Athena hummed, nodding her head as she sent Finan a half smile. "We are celebrating Uhtred."
— Madeleine's notes.
Athena, the woman whom wants women to lead!
Nah, she knows Uhtred should not lead Mercia. She wants him to fulfil his dreams of Bebbanburg.
She wants to support Uhtred, but she cannot find herself to. She wants Æthelflæd to rule, as she should. Baddie 🙌
But sorry for the wait of this long ass chapter, bc I have been really busy with college and other stuff.
BUT TYLER THE CREATOR!?! GOING ON TOUR?!?
Chat, pray for me that I get tickets. I need to see that man live.
But I hope you liked this chapter <3
28th October 2024
2714 words
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