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

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

They had arrived at the cross, but no sight of Æthelflæd nor Aldhelm. So they all waited. Athena sat in the grass, Melusine by her side as they watched their children run around the fields.

"What you looking for, Finan?" Osferth called out to the man from beside Athena, watching as he cut at the grass.

Finan turned to the four, a cloth over his mouth. "Bodies!" His voice came out muffled.

"Eh?"

"Bodies!" Finan repeated, pointing his sword around. "I know the sickness is close!" He continued to walk through the grass.

Sihtric grinned from beside Melusine, keeping his eyes on Finan. "Why are you shitting yourself?" He quipped with a grin.

Athena couldn't help but watch with an amused look, watching as Finan walked towards them. "I've seen men as strong as bears at breakfast time...gurgling blood and pus by supper time!" Athena grimaced at that. "Ya little runt!"

Athena snickered at that, lowering her head as Sihtric reached behind Meluisne to whack the back of her head.

Meluisne rolled her eyes at their childish bickering, but she was use to it, watching as they both whacked at each other as Osferth watched in amusement.

The woman didn't say anything as she squeezed her husband's shoulder, standing to her feet and moving towards Atlas and Thyra, whom were still playing together. "Come, you both need to rest." Meluisne placed her hands on both their arms.

"But I am not tired, Mel." Thyra sighed, brushing her hair from her face as she panted heavily. But Meluisne sent her a look, making Thyra sigh. "Okay."

Melusine walked towards the rest of the group with the two children at her side. Thyra quilt left Atlas' side as she ran towards Stiorra with a giggle.

Stiorra was quick to catch the girl, placing her down beside her as she tickled her sides. "Take Ælfwynn out of the sun." The two looked over at Uhtred at his words, watching as he pointed form to the child lying in the grass. "It is not good for her."

A sigh left Stiorra's lips as she looked down at the other child beside her. "I am sick of mothering her." Stiorra looked over at her father. "I've done it for months now." She complained, watching as Melusine and Atlas son joined them.

"Think of it as training for being a wife." Uhtred teased, moving to stand on the rock Young Uhtred and Eadith was sat on.

Stiorra immediately shook her head with pursed lips, letting Thyra braid small plaits into her hair. "I will not become a wife." She insisted. "Hard work for too little reward."

Uhtred chuckled at that, looking down at his daughter with an amused look. "That is what Athena always said, not look at where she has come." Uhtred shrugged his shoulders, pointing towards his niece.

Melusine hummed in agreement, nodding her head with a grin as she ran her hand through Atlas' hair. "It is quite comedic. She swore she would never marry. Not until that oaf showed up." She nodded her head to Finan, whom had stopped cutting the blades of grass and joined Athena's side.

Stiorra rolled her eyes at that, knowing they had a point. A defeated sigh left her lips as she turned to gently wake Ælfwynn up, helping her to her feet. Thyra quickly followed, dusting the grass off of her dress as she followed the two.

Moments after, the other four joined the group. Athena crossed her arms over her chest as she moved to stand behind the sitting Melusine. "Lady Æthelflæd is not coming." Finan simply said, shaking his head. "Let's go, not wait for the foul air to catch us."

"Lord, I promised her I woukd send you to meet her." Lady Eadith sighed as she turned to Uhtred.

Uhtred slowly nodded his head as he looked around. "In horse back, she must have been here first." He pursed his lips. "She would have gone to Ceaster as agreed." He turned to the group. "We move."

And so they did.

Finan has urged Osferth to tell Uhtred that they needed to rest. And Uhtred agreed. They moved back towards the woods, finding a place to rest for the night.

Athena was pleased to hear that they would take a break, growing tired as they had walked for two days with no stop.

Much to Athena's surprise, Thyra wanted to take the time to understand the gift she had. So, Athena took her away from the group, Stiorra following in interest. And Athena did not mind, knowing Stiorra wanted to know more about her heritage, being a Dane.

Everyone had come to know about Thyra after she had told Uhtred, which everyone was weary at first, rightfully so.

But Athena insisted that Thyra's abilities could be used for good, not bad. And it did take a lot of reassuring for Finan to agree, but he soon did.

The three sat on the ground in a comfortable silence, eyes on the little Thyra. Athena softly smiled at her daughter, watching as Thyra took the runes from around neck.

"Then what, mother?" Thyra asked, looking up at Athena with pinched brows. "Do I just hold them?"

Athena shook her head with a smile, leaning forwards as she unsheathed her dagger. "You trust me, yes?" Athena softly asked, brushing her daughter's hair away from her face.

Thyra slowly nodded her head, pursing her lips as she looked at the dagger in Athena's hands. With her free hand, Athena reached for Thyra's, holding onto her finger.

"I will pinch your skin with this, okay?" Athena kept her tone comforting and soft, not wanting to startle her daughter. "It will sting, only for a second."

But Thyra didn't show any fear as she nodded her head, relaxing as Athena held her finger. Stiorra watched with interest, leaning her chin in her palm.

Athena carefully lowered the dagger onto Thyra's fingertip, gently pressing down as Thyra let out a hiss. "Now, you must smear the blood on the runes." Athena uttered, sheathing her dagger as she reached for Thyra's other hand, what held the runes in.

Thyra nodded her head once more, gripping the runes in her hand as she looked down at them. Athena let go of her hand as she watched Thyra smear her blood on the runes.

"Now what?" Stiorra questioned in pure curiosity, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared at her cousin and aunt.

Athena sent her a look, making Stiorra purse her lips with a guilty smile. "Now, close your eyes, sweet things." Thyra did as she was told, her eyes fluttering closed as she gripped onto her runes, breathing in and out. "Relax your body and mind."

Athena closed her own eyes as Stiorra copied, lowering her head with closed eyes. The three turned back to silence, waiting for Thyra to make a sound.

Stiorra opened one eye as she looked at the two, evidently confused. Before she could even utter a word, Thyra tensed up from beside both Stiorra and Athena. "Is it working?" Stiorra uttered towards Athena.

Athena kept her eyes closed as she nodded her head, hearing her daughter utter incoherent words in a rushed manner.

Then, Thyra gasped as her eyes shot open, looking around in fear. Thats when Athena quickly sat up, opening her eyes as she turned to her daughter, reaching out to grab her arms.

"You are alright, Thyra." Athena softly shushed, bringing Thyra's head to her chest as she ran a hand through her hair. "You are okay."

Thyra panted heavily as she gripped onto the runes tighter, her other hand holding onto Athena's arm. "I..." She swallowed thickly. "I saw something—heard something." She admitted, looking up at Athena.

Stiorra's eyes widened as she leaned closer, resting a comforting hand on Thyra's back. Athena pursed her lips as she looked down at her daughter. "What did you see and hear, sweet thing?"

Biting her inner cheek, Thyra kept her head rested on Athena's chest. "A Mercian king murdered where he rested. A ring holds truth. That is what I heard." Thyra slowly nodded her head, making Athena's brows pinch together. "What does that mean?"

Athena stared down at her daughter with pursed lips, pressing them against Thyra's head. "A Mercian king?" Athena uttered, making Thyra nod. "Æthelred." She realised, sharing a look with Stiorra.

"Why would someone kill him?" Stiorra questioned with a frown, keeping her hand on Thyra's back in a comforting manner.

Athena slowly shook her head, trying to understand the riddle that the Gods whispered into Thyra's ears. "Perhaps he didn't agree with whom Edward chose to marry Ælfwynn." She uttered to herself, spitballing ideas. "Eadith's brother." She realised.

"I thought you said the Gods only show the future, not the past." Stiorra questioned as she moved to her feet, dusting the grass off of her.

Athena squeezed her daughter's hand as they both stood, Thyra cradled at her side. "The Gods allow her to see what they wish her to see."

The morning came quick. Everyone had found sleep as they all huddled together. Athena had used her cloak as a blanket for the children around her, sleeping soundly in the middle.

Thyra was curled into her side, resting her head on her chest as she was sound asleep. Stiorra was on the other side of Athena, her arm wrapped around Athena as Stiorra rested her head on the woman's shoulder. And Young Uhtred was resting his head on Athena's legs, axe in his hand. Then Finan was sat beside the four, trying his best not to fall asleep, but failed.

Next to Thyra, Eadith laid beside her, her arm around Ælfwynn and Æthelstan, securing them beside her. Whislt Melusine laid near Sihtric, Atlas at her side.

Uhtred was wide awake, standing away from the group as he took watch. He only looked over to the group when he heard Finan abruptly awake.

Finan quickly stood as he moved towards Sihtric, careful not to wake up Melusine or Atlas as he kicked Sihtric's leg. "Good morning, princess." He jested, watching as Sihtric jumped awake, a grumble leaving his lips.

He then moved around the sleeping bunch, crouching down behind Athena, whom had her chin resting on their daughter's head.

Reaching out, Finan leaned forwards to ruffle Athena's hair up, making her stir in her sleep, pulling Thyra closer to her as she wafted his hand away.

But Athena was soon woken up by the sounds of swords clanging together. Athena almost shot up, looking around with tried eyes. But she soon rolled her eyes as she looked over at Finan.

Soon, everyone woke up, leaving the tree as they got ready for another trek. Athena stood, holding onto Thyra's hand, as did Stiorra.

They had their backs to Ælfwynn for a second, letting her continue to rest. "Where is Ælfwynn?" Melusine spoke, making everyone turn to the spot they left Ælfwynn in.

Athena's brows pinched together as she looked around, not seeing the little girl anywhere.

"Tracks." Atlas spoke, holding onto Melusine's hand as he pointed down to the tiny footsteps in the ground.

Swiftly, everyone left to find Ælfwynn in a hurry, sticking together as they searched for the young girl.

Soon enough, Uhtred had found the girl, but also Eardwulf and his men. So, the group soon took off in a sprint, trying to put some distance between themselves and the men.

They did not stop, not even for a break. They had to make sure Ælfwynn was safe and away from Eardwulf.

Once they were a safe distance away from the woods, they finally took a rest near a riverbank hidden by the trees.

Eadith and Melusine were trying their best to take care of Ælfwynn, whom had grown sick. But neither of them wanted to admit it was the sickness.

And Athena was taking care of the rest of the children, trying to entertain them and make them forget about what was happening.

So, Athena sat on a rock, the three children around her as she crafted a small boat with leaves, sticks and tree bark.

Thyra, Atlas and Æthelstan all eagerly watched, all of them huddled around Athena as they watched her craft.

"Do we all get one, mother?" Thyra questioned, leaning her chin on Athena's shoulder as she stared down at boat.

Athena softly smiled, nodding her head as she put the sticks through the tree bark. "I will if you go with your father to collect more bark."

And Thyra didn't need to be told twice as she shot up from her spot on the rock, practically sprinting towards Finan, whom sat with Osferth and Sihtric.

Athena shook her head with an amused grin, turning her attention to the two boys. "Is this how you wanted it?" She raised her brow.

Both boys nodded their heads with grins, making Athena chuckle as she placed the finished boat to the side.

Soon, Thyra came towards them, Finan behind her. "Here, mother." Thyra sighed as she sat back down, placing the tree bark in Athena's lap.

Athena smiled, ruffling her hair up as she moved to craft two more boats. "What about Ælfwynn? Will she not want one?" Atlas spoke, looking up from the boat and to Athena.

Athena softly smiled as she kept her eyes on the last boat she was crafting. "I will make her one later, when she feels better." She simply said, sticking the sticks through the wooden bark.

Soon, Athena crouched down on the rock in-front of the small stream. The three children laid on their stomachs as they held onto their boats.

"Okay, place them in, gently." She looked at the three with a soft look, gesturing them to lower their boats into the river.

Athena leaned her chin on her knees as she watched the three children lower their boats into the water.

Æthelstan flew out, trying to make his boat overtake Atlas' boat. "Mine is winning." Thyra grinned, sitting up as she watched her boat float down the stream.

"It is not a competition." Atlas groaned, shaking his head as he judged Thyra, who stuck out her tongue at him.

"Well, sorry to break it to you both, but Æthelstan's is winning." Athena sighed, ruffling up Æthelstan's hair with a grin. The young boy looked up at her with a victorious smile.

Thyra let out a dramatic sigh at that, leaning the back of her head on Athena's chest as she pouted. "Well, my boat was better." Thyra uttered, crossing her arms over her chest.

"They were all the same!" Atlas and Thyra continued to bicker as Æthelstan watched with an amused look.

Athena simply rolled her eyes at the two children, moving to stand up as she dusted the dirt off of her dress. "Athena." The woman looked down at Æthelstan's voice. "Can you help me build?"

Smiling down at the boy, Athena nodded her head as she took his hand in hers. "Of course, Æthelstan." She hummed, pulling her away from the bickering Thyra and Atlas. "What do you wish to build?"

"The walls of Winchester." Æthelstan said, making Athena raise her brow but nodded nevertheless.

Athena moved to sit down on the grass, watching as Æthelstan moved around to collect stones.

She looked over her shoulder as she heard footsteps, smile remaining on her lips as she looked up at Finan. "You do realise you have left those two to bicker, yes?" He gestured towards Thyra and Atlas.

Athena merely chuckled, nodding her head as she turned to see Æthelstan moving towards her with a pile of stones in his hands. "I know." She hummed, moving to pick up one of the stones Æthelstan had placed down. "They bicker like siblings do." She looked over her shoulder at Finan once more. "They have been raised as siblings, so, they act like siblings."

Finan chuckled at that, moving to sit beside Athena as he helped build with the stones, making Æthelstan grin. "What are you building, wee man?"

"The walls of Winchester." Was all Æthelstan said as he placed a stone on top of another. Finan frowned at that, turning to Athena, whom shrugged her shoulders with a grin.

Once they had all rested, they were walking once more, continuing their trek further North. A relieved sigh left Athena's lips as they came out of the woods, looking down at the path.

"An actual path." A breathless chuckle left Young Uhtred's lips as they all stood together.

Uhtred nodded his head at his son, taking lead. "A good sign. Next village we get to, we can get some horses, move more quickly." He informed the group.

Athena kept her hands in Ælfwynn and Æthelstan's, keeping the sick girl close to her. Athena was staring to grow worried for Ælfwynn, whom was growing sicker by the day.

Their silent walk was soon interrupted by the sounds of horses, making Athena immediately turn around. "Horses?" Uhtred frowned, then, his eyes widened as horsemen rode on the path. "Head over that ridge. Go!"

Yet again, they were on the run.

Athena kept a tight grip on Ælfwynn's hand and Æthelstan's. "Come on, Ælfwynn." Athena sighed, tugging the tied girl along.

But Uhtred knew the young girl was growing tired, making him quickly pick her up and carrying her in his arms as they ran.

So Athena continued to run, pulling Æthelstan with her as they ran across the field, trying to out run the horsemen.

The group ran towards the bushes, Sihtric taking lead. He moved towards the water, only to abruptly stop.

Athena almost slammed into Finan's back, making her quickly brace herself, holding onto his arm as she looked over her shoulder.

Her eyes grew wide as she looked at the litter of dead bodies in the water. "Gods." She uttered, her grip tightening on Æthelstan's hand.

"It's the sickness!" Finan called towards the rest, whom were running towards them. "Stay back!"

Athena pulled Æthelstan away, swallowing thickly as she looked at the rest of the group. Osferth carefully placed down Thyra beside him, holding onto her hand as they all looked towards the horsemen growing near. "We can swim through." Sihtric offered, looking down at the water.

"No!" Finan immediately said, frantically shaking his head as he moved away from the water. "I'd rather face them and die now."

"I want to try." Stiorra went to move past Uhtred, panicking. "I'm not ready to die!"

"Nobody is dying!" Athena shook her head, using her other hand to stop Stiorra with a pointed look.

Athena turned around, moving away from the water as she pulled Æthelstan with her. The group all crowded together, the children behind them as they unsheathed their weapons.

Athena pulled out her own sword as the horsemen grew close, pointing their arrows at them. "Give me Lady Ælfwynn and you'll all be spared." Eardwulf told them from on top of his horse. "Stay your weapons!" Then, arrows were fired near their feet, making Athena move back. "My men won't miss next time." 

"Shield the little ones." Uhtred told them, making Athena step closer to Finan as they hid Thyra and Æthelstan. Whilst Eadith and Melusine held onto Atlas and Ælfwynn.

"Ælfwynn, come with me" Eardwulf spoke to the younger girl, whom was hiding behind Melusine and Eadith. "Or I will kill all of these people. Then I'll find your mother and I'll kill her too." Athena looked over her shoulder at the young girl, whom had tears in her eyes as she slowly stepped forwards. "Save your friends and leave with me."

"She will stay where she is." Uhtred stated firmly, keeping Ælfwynn behind him as he shook his head.

"Ælfwynn, we are betrothed."

Athena narrowed her eyes at the man, gripping her sword tighter as she watched a man climb off of his horse. "Stay firm." Uhtred told them. "Protect the children with your lives."

"When the fighting kicks off, both of you run like hell towards the trees." Finan told both Thyra and Æthelstan, whom stood close as they looked up at him.

Athena subtly unsheathed her dagger, spinning it in her hand as she handed it to Æthelstan, keeping her eyes on Eardwulf and his men.

Æthelstan quickly took her dagger as Thyra took out her own dagger, nodding her head at her father's words.

"Seize the child!"

Thyra's eyes then widened as she used her free hand to tug on Athena's arm. "The ring." She uttered, making Athena and Finan share a frown. "His pouch." She pointed forwards Eardwulf.

Then, it clicked for Athena. Eardwulf had murdered Æthelred. That is what Thyra saw. "He murdered Æthelred." She muttered to Finan, turning her attention to Eardwulf.

Clearly, Eadith had heard Thyra and Athena's words, abruptly moving forwards as she shook her head. "No, no!" She stood in front of the group. "No, do not do his bidding!" He spoke to the men. "He had betrayed you all! He murdered Lord Æthelred!" She yelled, pointing to her brother. "I witnessed it—"

"So speaks a traitor to Mercia—"

"As he lay mortally wounded in his bed—"

"This is the words of a whore!" Eardwulf yelled at his sister with a hard glare.

Eadith narrowed her eyes, raising her hands in the air. "I will swear to it on the book!" Eadith yelled once more. "Æthelred refused to allow my brother to marry this poor child." She pointed towards Ælfwynn, whom clung onto Uhtred's arm. "So, he killed him. That is the man you serve!" She tilted her head. "Ask him why Æthelred was late to the fight at Tettenhall?" She pointed to her brother once more. "Because this man lied to you!"

Athena swallowed thickly as she glanced over at Eadith, biting her inner cheek as the redhead continued. "Says he delayed telling your fellow Mercians were dead!" She pointed towards the horsemen. "Says you could have had to travel home and save your families! He killed and buried the messenger that Edward sent alerting us to the trouble!"

"My men will not be fooled by your lies." Eardwulf confidently stated, making Athena raise her brows.

Athena watched as Eadith stood in defeat, shaking her head at her brother. Athena pursed her lips as she turned to Eardwulf. "So, you wouldn't mind if your men searched through the pouch around your neck, yes?" She spoke up, pointing towards Eardwulf with a smug look. "And you can firmly say that Lord Æthelred's ring is not in there. The ring you stole from his dead corpse!"

Eardwulf's face dropped at her words, his brows pinching together in confusion. Athena kept her head high as she glared at Eardwulf. She only looked away when Finan tugged on her arm. "What are you doing?" He uttered.

"Trust me." Was all Athena said, glancing towards Thyra, whom held onto Æthelstan's hand. She turned her attention to Eardwulf once more. "So? Will you show your loyal men what lies in your pouch?"

"I will not allow a Danish whore demand such things." Eardwulf glared at her, his words like venom. Athena merely chucked, shrugging her shoulders at his words. "There is no truth to it!"

Athena raised her brow, looking towards Eadith, whom was grateful for the help. "If there is no truth to it, then prove it. Prove Lady Athena wrong, brother." Eadith turned back to Eardwulf, whom swallowed thickly. "Show your men what's inside."

Eardwulf's men all turned to him with raised brows. "Seize Ælfwynn or I will have you executed for treachery." He firmly told his men. But none of his men moved. "Do as I say!" He yelled at his men.

But the man beside him unsheathed his sword, pointing it towards Eardwulf. "Do not threaten your own men!" He warned, making Eardwulf squeeze his eyes shut in defeat. "Enough talk. If they lie...let us see what you bear around your neck. Now."

Athena bit back a smug look as she lowered her sword, watching as Eardwulf reluctantly pulled the pouch around his neck, handing it to the man beside him.

The man quickly opened the pouch, looking down at the ring inside of it. He raised his hand, nodding his head. "It is Lord Æthelred's. It has his seal!"

Eardwulf glared as he smacked the ring out of the man's hand, making the horsemen turn their weapons towards him. "You cannot deny it. Save yourself before these men kill you." Eadith told her brother with a firm look. "Flee to Frankia, brother!"

And with that, he turned into the other direction, quickly galloping away as the other horsemen soon followed.

Athena was quick to sheath her sword, turning to her daughter and Æthelstan as Melusine and Atlas moved toward them. "How did you know?" Athena turned back around at Eadith's voice. "About the ring?"

Athena simply smiled, pulling Thyra to her side as she looked at Eadith. "The Gods gave her a gift." Was all Athena said, making Eadiths's brows pinch together, but the redhead did not question it, grateful for their help.

— madeleines notes.

The end of an era :(

I loved writing the small reactions with everyone.

BUT!!!

LIAM PAYNE!! DEAD!!!

I legit found it out whilst writing this chapter. LIKE RIGHT NOW!!

My friend sent me a tiktok and I didn't believe it at first. But t'is true!?!?

What is October man! 2024 is CURSED!!?!?

16th October 2024
4278 words.