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

SERPENTS TONGUE ₊˚.༄𖥸 ── 
𑁍₊𓄹 -- ❪ the last kingdom ❫. 𓄹
╭ ‧₊˚⊹    你好，欢迎光临           
╰ ✦ Athena, Uhtred and
their pretty boys╭ ᘒ ✦

They had made camp in the woods, waiting for Sihtric's return. Athena sat beside Young Uhtred, trying to teach him to make a fire.

Athena held to rocks in her hands, scraping them against each other as Young Uhtred intently watched.

The woman continued to do it against the wood Osferth had fetched. She swiftly dropped the rocks, leaning down to gently blow on the wood, watching the sparks.

Pushing her newly braided hair to the side, Athena leaned back and turned to her nephew. "There." She smiled, pointing to the low fire. "That is how one makes a fire, monk." She reached towards him and ruffled his hair up.

Young Uhtred smiled as he moved away her hand, shaking his head at the amused look she sent his way. "I knew how to light a fire." He tried to say, but Athena shook her head.

"Running two sticks together is not how you make a fire." Athena softly chuckled, reaching down to pick up a stick and move the fire around. "That is what you tried to do."

Young Uhtred rolled his eyes at her words, faint smile on his lips as he looked away from her, his eyes landing on his father, whom walked into the woods.

Athena lifted her head at his sudden silence, staring at her nephew with a frown. She then looked over her shoulder, a sigh leaving her lips as she watched Uhtred leave the camp.

"He has not spoken one word to me." Young Uhtred muttered, leaning his chin in his palm with pinched brows. "He despises me, perhaps blames me for the death of Beocca—"

"Do not be stupid." Athena scoffed, shaking her head as she sent Young Uhtred a firm look. "He does not hate you, nor blame you." She said, placing the stick down and turned to him once more.

"That arrow was meant for me, not Beocca." Young Uhtred muttered, staring at Athena with pursed lips. "He died saving me."

Athena sighed as she reached out for his hand, giving it a squeeze of reassurance. "T'is not your fault. Do not let that burden hold you down, child." She bit her inner cheek. "It is not good for such a weight on your shoulders." She muttered. "I have been in your place."

Young Uhtred frowned at that. "What do you mean?" He asked, watching as she sent him a sad smile.

"When me and your father came to Wessex, we were hated by the Saxons." Athena stared, rubbing her thumb against the back of Young Uhtred's hand. "But one. His name was Leofric, Osferth's uncle." She muttered, nodding over to the monk, whom sat with Finan. "Leofric took a sword through the chest—one that was meant for me." She sucked in a breath, keeping her eyes on Osferth as Finan teased him. "He fell in battle and I blamed myself."

Young Uhtred listened to her words, gazing over to Osferth. "You think you owe Osferth." He realised, sitting up as Athena turned to him.

"He only had Leofric." She sadly stated, lowering her head. "When the young monk found myself and Uhtred, a cross against his chest, asking to be apart of our group..." Athena shrugged her shoulders with a smile. "He mentioned his uncle. And it felt like the Gods had given me a second chance. And I have tried my best to protect him." Her words trailed off as she looked over at the smiling Osferth.

Young Uhtred slowly nodded his head as he squeezed her hand, making her turn to him with a sad smile. "We must not blame ourselves for things we cannot control." She added, slowly nodding her head.

Sihtric had returned with a whole lot of stuff. Horses, food, water, clothes and pelts. And a sword for Athena.

Athena had changed into an off the shoulder white dress, some trousers and her usual body armour.

And, Athena would be lying if she said she wasn't happy that Sihtric hadn't sold her ring, giving it back to Finan.

But she was grateful, putting the ring back on with a smile. Now, Athena sat beside Finan, sharpening her new sword.

"Stop this nonsense!"

Athena looked up at Uhtred's voice, pushing her curls away from her face as she looked over to Young Uhtred praying. "I pray for Father Beocca." He said, holding onto the cross around his neck. "Please allow the soul of Father Beocca to rise to heaven—"

Clearly, Uhtred wasn't happy with the praying, grabbing Young Uhtred by the collar of his shirt and lifting him up. "You think he needs your words, hm? Do you think I need them?"

"I know you blame me for his death." Young Uhtred panted, his voice breaking as he held onto his father's arm. Athena sadly stared at her nephew and brother.

"I am told your God gives mercy." He uttered, his tone bitter. "Where is he?!" He yelled in Young Uhtred's voice, his voice breaking. "I've never seen him." He said more quietly.

"It is not my God that you hate..." Young Uhtred uttered, shaking his head. "But the fact that I am not you."

Athena casted her head down at his words, pursing her lips as she looked down at her new sword.

She only looked back up when Uhtred moved away from him son, walking past her and Finan.

A sigh left her lips as she looked over to her nephew, going to stand. But Finan lowered a hand onto her thigh, giving it a squeeze. "You go to your brother, I'll see if the kids 'right."

Athena wearily nodded her head, closing her eyes momentarily as he pressed a kiss to the side of her head.

Finan then made his way towards Young Uhtred, making Athena stand and follow where Uhtred had gone.

She flattened her dress as she walked through the woods, looking for her brother. Athena pursed her lips as her eyes landed on Uhtred, whose back was facing her. "You must go easy on him, brother."

Uhtred turned at her voice, lowering his head as she stepped closer towards him. "He never wanted this." Uhtred uttered, shaking his head as a sigh left Athena's lips.

"He is your son." Athena stated, sending him a soft smile as she reached out to grasp his arms. "He blames himself for the death of Beocca. The guilt is weighing him down, and it is no help that you evidently push him away."

"I do not intend to." He uttered, looking down at his hands with a sigh, shaking his head.

Athena sadly smiled, nodding her head. "I know." She uttered, glancing up at him. "He is trying to live up to your expectations. Go easy on him."

Uhtred slowly nodded his head, tears evident in his eyes. Athena sighed as she moved forwards to wrap her arms around her brother, resting her head against his chest.

Athena was extremely grateful to Finan for knocking Uhtred back into his sense. He had come back to the group, saying they were to move on.

Athena held onto her horses reigns, looking around at the forest as she rode behind Uhtred. A whistle behind her made her look over her shoulder at Finan, whom nodded into the distance. "Danes."

Athena immediately turned around, pulling her horse to a stop as she looked towards the group of Danes.

Hæsten.

"It is Hæsten." Uhtred realised, watching the familiar man.

"Where is he going?" Sihtric questioned with a raised brow.

Athena pursed her lips as her eyes glanced over to a wagon with two redhead children. "He is with his kinfolk." Athena stated, turning to Uhtred. "I do not think he will want a fight."

"Uhtred Ragnarson!" Hæsten's voice bellowed through the trees as he made his way towards the group. "I thought I could smell something rotten on the air!"

"That is just you, Hæsten." Athena called out towards him, a grimace on her lips as her grip tightened around her horses reigns. "We should kill him now, brother." Athena immediately uttered to Uhtred.

"I've had enough of fighting Danes, even weasels like Hæsten." Uhtred shook his head, making Athena let out a groan, lowering her head in defeat.

"Uhtred and Athena..." Hæsten sighed as he came to a stop in front of them, grin on his face. "And their pretty boys, looking so sad and far from home." He tilted his head to the side. "Why?"

"It is none of your concern." Uhtred grumbled, not in the mood for Hæsten's antics.

Athena let out an annoyed sigh, lifting her head up as she looked over to Hæsten. "Let us pass and I will not take your balls, Hæsten."

Hæsten chuckled at that, an amused look on his face that Athena wanted to slap off. "I suppose, once more you ride out to save the Lady Æthelflæd." Athena immediately sat up at that, her brows pinching together.

"Continue if you like, Uhtred, Athena. It seems fate has brought us together again." Athena rolled her eyes at that, sharing a look with Uhtred. "Your men look like ragged dogs in head of meat and we have plenty." His gaze then dropped to Athena, whom looked him up and down in disgust. "But your beauty never changes."

Athena scoffed at that, shaking her head as she turned to Finan, whom did not look best pleased. "And you get uglier and fatter each time I see you, Hæsten." She sent him a sarcastic smile. "Did your wife somehow manage to pup you, or is it too much food?" She sarcastically said, pointing towards him.

Hæsten eyes slightly narrowed at her words, making her smirk in victory. Gods, she loved to irritate men. But Hæsten's glare soon dropped, a smirk now bracing his face. "How is your pup, lady? Word travels fast." Athena immediately straightened her back, pursing her lips at his words. "Was she blessed with her mother's looks? Or your sharp tongue?"

"Lord, let me kill him."

Athena turned to Finan at his muttered words, clenching her jaw as she turned back to Hæsten. "I suggest you hold your tongue." She warned, tilting her side. "Or else you will loose it."

"I am merely being friendly, Athena." Hæsten chuckled at her threat, raising his hands as he looked over at her. "We camp here tonight." He turned to his group. "Join us. We can be friends."

Athena turned to Uhtred with a look that screamed 'no', but Uhtred nodded his head, making Athena groan in defeat.

They had set up camp once more, but now they were with Hæsten and his men. Their men all stood to once side, watching as Osferth walked towards them.

"Hæsten's men say Cnut and Brida have attacked Mercia." Osferth revealed, making Athena let out a sigh, pursing her lips.

Uhtred shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest. "I knew they did not sail for Irland."

Finan exhaled as he stood back up, looking towards Uhtred. "Edward and Æthelred will need us now."

Uhtred frowned at that, shaking his head once more. "I owe them nothing."

Athena looked between both them, hands clasped in front of her. It was true, Athena hated Æthelred. And Edward had not helped Uhtred in his time of need.

Her main worry was Æthelflæd. "And Æthelflæd?" Athena cleared her throat, turning to Uhtred with a knowing look.

Uhtred turned to his sister with a sigh, lowering his head. "It is true, I fear for her."

"Uhtred!" They all turned at the sound of Hæsten's voice, seeing him and his men sat around a fire. "Join me." He then signaled for his men to step away, making room for them.

Athena quietly grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as she stayed close to Finan, following Uhtred to the fire.

They say around the fire in front of Hæsten. It was evident nobody wanted to be there. "There was a rumour you had gone north to regain your lands." Hæsten was the first to speak, his eyes on Uhtred. "Are you here with your tail between your legs?"

"Your men say the Danes have gone to war, yet you are here, playing nursemaid." Uhtred fired back, leaning his hand on his lap as he nodded towards the two ginger children. "What happened, Hæsten? Have they cut off your balls?"

Hæsten simply chuckled as he leaned back in his seat. "What can I say? I'm a family man." He raised his hands at his sides, making Athena roll her eyes.

"I do not see your fat wife." Uhtred then said, looking around.

"She died." Hæsten simply said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Hm, did she?"

There was silence for a couple of seconds, Athena looking down at her rings as Hæsten cleared his throat. "As you know, I once had the desire to claim Mercia and Wessex for my own." He said, placing his hands on his lap.

"But that did not go well for me." Athena rolled her eyes once more. "And now, like you, Uhtred, I only want a woman to hump and a piece of land to call my own." Athena did not miss the look he sent her, making her grimace and lean closer to Finan's side. "I had both, in Skådr and Beamfleot, until you took them away from me."

There was an awkward silence once more, the two men having a stare off. Hæsten lowered the cup from his lips, eyes still on Uhtred. "How is Æthelflæd?" Athena sat up at that. "I'm my experience, the butcher had never known when to lie down." He chuckled, making Athena's eyes narrow. "Nor the retired nun, Lady Melusine." He glanced towards Sihtric, whom was being held onto by Osferth. "No doubt Æthelflæd will be riding into battle with Cnut...with her silly little husband and her pretty brother." He grinned as he leaned forwards. "And you and your sister have always been there to save her, Uhtred."

"But not now."

Athena clenched her jaw, her knuckles turning white as she squeezed her hands together. "She does not need us." Uhtred narrowed his eyes at the Dane.

Hæsten simply raised his brow, pointing at Uhtred. "That's not what I heard." He fell silent, watching as the siblings had matching glares. "How is she?" He looked at Uhtred. "To bed? I imagine she squeaks, like a big fat pig."

Uhtred, whom clearly had heard enough, abruptly stood up and kicked the log Hæsten sat on, making the Dane fall back.

Immediately standing up, Athena unsheathed her new sword as one of Hæsten's men went to stand.

Uhtred threw a punch to Hæsten's face, keeping him stuck to the ground as he laid his foot on the Dane's chest. "Come on, Uhtred!" Hæsten croaked out, reaching to hold onto Uhtred's leg. "We were having a nice dinner."

After a few seconds, Uhtred stood back, taking his foot off of Hæsten's chest. Athena lowered her sword, but kept it in her hand as Uhtred walked back over to them.

Hæsten grunted as he went to stand back up. "Of course, I would slit her throat after she'd be ridden!" Uhtred immediately turned her head into his direction, his gaze narrowed T threatening. Hæsten instantly regretted his words. "Wait, Uhtred. She's too well used to fight over." He said as the group made their way back over to him.

"Now I will kill you!" Uhtred threatened, pointing his sword at the man, whom was still sat on the ground.

Everyone stood back and watched as the two men battled against one and other, swords clashing together.

Athena gripped her own sword as she watched Hæsten stand, moving away from Uhtred as he raised his hand. "Wait, wait, wait!" He panted as Uhtred stepped back. "There is something I can give you." He swallowed thickly. "The name of the man that killed Ragnar."

Athena immediately tensed, her glare faltering as she took in his words. "Æthelwold, but he is dead." Athena called out towards the man, the glare re-appearing on her face as she watched Uhtred go to attack Hæsten once more.

"No!" Hæsten blocked Uhtred's attack, shaking his head. "He held the dagger, but another whispered poison into his ear." He grunted, moving away from Uhtred.

"Lies! Uhtred take his head!" Athena stepped forwards, but was instantly pulled back by Finan as the two men continued to battle.

Uhtred grunted as Hæsten threw a punch into the side of his face, but he swiftly reached to grab Hæsten, raising his knee to kick the Dane in the stomach.

He then grabbed his arm, bending it the other way as Hæsten let out a strained yell. Then, Uhtred pushed Hæsten against the tree, pointing his sword into Hæsten's neck.

"Let me live..." Hæsten panted heavily, giving up quickly as he stared at Uhtred. "And I'll tell you who gave the command."

Uhtred simply pushed his blade closer into Hæsten's neck, a glare on his face. "Speak."

Hæsten sucked in a breath, his gaze flickering to Athena, whom's chest was heaving up and down, evidently furious that her dead brother had been brought up.

"Cnut."

Athena stood frozen, her eyes wide and unblinking, as the words crashed over her like a tidal wave. Their own cousin? Surly not.

Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, knuckles white with tension, as if holding on to some semblance of control in a world that had just spiraled into chaos.

A flush crept up Athena's neck, igniting her cheeks with a fiery hue, while her jaw tightened, muscles quivering with the effort to contain the storm brewing within.

"He wanted to lead the Danes." Hæsten continued, his breaths heavy. Athena's blood boiled at his words, her hands shaking at her sides. Finan didn't hesitate to reach out and grasp her arm with a gentle hand. "And he wanted Ragnar's woman who used to be yours." He continued as he kept his gaze on Uhtred. "He told Æthelwold that Ragnar would kill him. He guided the blade...into Ragnar's heart."

Uhtred panted heavily, lowering his head for a moment. He then gazed over towards the two redhead children. "These are Cnut's sons..." He realised, turning back to Hæsten. "Hm?" He kept the blade pointed at Hæsten's neck. "You can go." He then said, making Athena's jaw drop. "You will leave Cnut's bastards behind."

Hæsten chuckled at that, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm tired of the red-headed runts." Athena's lips parted as she looked towards the two children. It was not their fault what their father did. And Athena wanted revenge, but she would not avenge Ragnar once more by harming children. "You can take them."

Uhtred remained silent as he lowered his sword, grabbing Hæsten's armour and pushing him towards his men. "Of course Cnut will hear of this." He smugly said, his back facing Athena as he stepped backwards.

"I said go!" Uhtred's voice bellowed, glaring at Hæsten. Hæsten's shoulder bumped into Athena, making her glare at him and shove him away from her.

They all watched as Hæsten and his men left them, moving further away. Athena tried around, hesitantly sheathing her sword as she turned to Uhtred. "Finan." Uhtred called towards his loyal man, keeping his eyes on Cnut's children. "Tie them up!"

Athena sucked in a breath, placing her hands on her hips as she watched Finan and Sihtric leave her side and go towards the children.

She would not let any harm come to those children, children that were no older than Thyra or Atlas.

And they were Brida's children.

They had remained at the camp Hæsten had set up, claiming it as their own. Athena had recruited herself to look after Cnut's children.

It was nightfall. Osferth had made and handed her two plates of food for the children, making her smile and go towards the children, whom were tied up.

Her steps were hesitant, not wanting to startle the boys. The two redheaded children looked up, instantly cowering. "I mean neither of you any harm." She softly said, showing them the food in her hands. "I swear it on the Gods." She pointed to her Thor's hammer around her neck.

The two children wearily stared at her, shaking looks. Athena sighed, not blaming them for their guard. She stepped forwards once more, lowering to their level. "You both need to eat." She softly said, placing the plates in front of them. "It is not poison." She smiled, watching as they stared at the food with caution.

But the children did not move, making Athena sigh and reach out for the bread, tearing a bit and placing it in her mouth. "There, not poison."

The brothers shared a look before reaching out for the food, eagerly stuffing their faces with the food. Athena couldn't help but smile at the children. "Did Cnut not feed you?" She jested, placing herself down on the log in front of them.

"Not much." The eldest boy replied, shrugging his shoulders as he ate the bread, his tied wrists close to his face. "Will they harm us?" He then asked, nodding towards Uhtred and their men around the fire.

Athena sighed, shaking her head as she turned back to the two. "No they will not, I will make sure of it." She reassured them, pulling her furs closer around her. "You will return to your mother soon enough."

"And what of our father?" The youngest boy asked, a pout on his face as he stared over at Athena.

Athena pursed her lips, blinking away her anger as she smiled at the young boy. "We will know when the time comes." She sighed, slowly nodding her head. "But I will ensure your protection, I swear on it. No harm will come to either of you when you are with us."

The brothers shared a look, slowly nodding their heads at her words. Athena clasped her hands in front of her, a gentle look on her face as she stared at them. "Are you cold? I can fetch you some furs." She then asked, tilting her head to the side.

The eldest brother turned to his younger one, whom slowly nodded his head with a weary expression. "Yes." The eldest replied, making Athena smile and stand.

"I will be right back." She told them, watching as they nodded their heads as she turned, walking towards the men around the fire.

The group of men looked up at Athena as she moved towards them, arms crossed over her chest. "Babysitting, are we?" Sihtric jested, bringing the cup of ale to his lips.

Athena rolled her eyes as she moved to stand behind Finan. She nodded her head with a hum, looking over to Uhtred, then back to Finan. "Yes, Sihtric. I am not going to let the poor boys suffer whilst they are with us." She sent Uhtred a pointed look, watching as he lowered his head. "And they are cold."

She placed her hands on Finan's shoulder, patting them with a grin. "Come on." She said, referring to the furs around his shoulders.

Finan immediately craned his head upwards to look at her, his brows pinching together. "What?" He asked, evidently confused. Athena sent him a pointed look, nodding to the furs around over his shoulders. "Why mine?" He complained.

"And Sihtric's." Athena added, sending a sarcastic smile to the Dane, whom immediately looked up with pinched brows. "Come on, I'm not having two freezing pups on my hands." She looked between her husband and Sihtric.

"Why not take Osferth's?" Finan complained, but did as she asked, placing his cup of ale down and taking the furs off of his shoulders.

Athena grinned as he placed the furs in her arms. "Baby Monk is my favourite." Athena simply said, sending a smile towards Osferth, whom grinned. "I will not let him freeze to death." She added, walking towards Sihtric, whom handed her his furs.

"But you'll let your husband freeze to death?" Finan raised his brow, reaching for his ale with a foreign pout.

Athena hummed, nodding her head as she walked towards him once more. "Exactly." She grinned, reaching for his cup of ale and downing the rest of it. "Pleasure doing business, boys." She sighed, placing the cup back in Finan's hands.

Finan looked between his wife and his empty cup, turning back to the men with a dumbfounded look. Uhtred simply chuckled at his sister's actions, shaking his head in amusement.

— Madeleine's notes.

HOLA QUEENS🥰

oh and the plot thickens... CNUT IS ÆTHELWOLD 2.0

But spoilers, Athena does not kill him, but she is there. 🥰

BUT ATEHNA AINT LETTING ANYONE HARM THOSE CHILDREN!!!!! She's the protector of those redheads bc they are Brida's children.

BUT. I accidentally cooked with something?!?

It will be answered in season five, but I didn't even realise the connection until I wrote a certain paragraph...

Oh Jordan hates me 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

BUT AYE WELL.

The plot idea was so accidental and I didn't mean for it to make sense, BUT IT DID!?!? LITERALLY GOBSMACKED

my recent edit slightly hinted to it. But nobody noticed so 🥺🥺

BUT OMG!??

The until dawn remake?!?

YOU CAN SAVE JOSH YAHHHHH

I have prayed for that.

And I have a Josh Washington fic on the way bc if you know me, YOU KNOW I LOVE RAMI MALEK.

Okay I'm gonna go sleep now so have this. MWAH.

5th October 2024
4273 words