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

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

Preparing her horse, Athena held onto its reigns, running her hand through its mane. They are about to head off to Winchester to speak with Edward.

"Mother!" Athena turned around at that, seeing her daughter, Thyra, run towards her with Atlas at her side.

Athena smiled softly at the pair, crouching to their level once they stopped in front of her. "What is it, sweet thing?" Athena asked, holding onto Thyra's arm.

Thyra panted heavily, reaching into her pocket and pulling something out. "Me and Atlas found these, near the river."

Athena's brows pinched together as she glanced down at her daughter's hands. Her eyes immediately widened as she looked at the runes in her daughter's palms. "Where did you say you found them?" Athena immediately asked, reaching to hold one of the runes.

"Near the river." Atlas' squeaky voice piped up, rocking back in forth on his feet with a grin. "What are they?"

Athena pursed her lips as she stared down at the rune in her hand, tracing her thumb over the symbols. "They are twigs, Atlas." Thyra simply said, turning to the younger boy. "With carvings, isn't that right, mother?"

"They are not twigs." Athena shook her head, keeping her eyes on the rune, squeezing it into her palm. "Runes."

Thyra and Atlas shared a look of confusion, both younger faces holding confusion and interest. "What are runes, mother?" Thyra questioned, holding onto the other rune in her hand.

Athena swallowed thickly as she looked up at her daughter. "They are what seers use—witches." Athena breathed out, pursing her lips once more.

"Can I keep them?" Thyra grinned with a pleading look. "Please, mother? They are fascinating." She then turned to Atlas, nudging his arm. "Aren't they, Atlas?"

Atlas immediately nodded his head, turning to Athena with a smile. "Yes." Athena raised her brow at that, letting out a heavy sigh as she reluctantly nodded her head.

"Fine." Athena nodded, placing the other rune in her daughter's hand. "It is not like you can use them for witchcraft." Athena jested as Thyra grinned.

"Thank you, mother!" Thyra giggled as she wrapped her arms around Athena's neck.

Athena softly smiled as she embraced her daughter, pressing a kiss to her head as she ran her hands through Thyra's hair. "Go find your father before we leave." Athena pulled out of the hug, cupping Thyra's cheek. "And you find your father, Atlas. He will be with your mother." She ruffled his curls with a grin.

The small group had travelled to Winchester, whilst Melusine took Thyra and Atlas to see Stiorra once again.

The group had returned to Winchester, deciding to retire as the hour was late. So, they decided to go the nunnery Hild and Beocca stayed.

Athena and Uhtred had split from the others, walking through the nunnery. That's when they both turned to see Beocca and Hild walk towards them.

A grin made its way onto Athena's face as her eyes landed on the two. "Beocca! Hild!" Uhtred chuckled, embracing them both into hugs.

Athena pulled Hild into an embrace when Uhtred embraced Beocca. "It is lovely to see you." Hild sighed as she held onto Athena, pulling back from the hug with a smile.

"As it is you." Athena's smile did not falter as she looked at the woman. "And Melusine sends her prayers."

Hild chuckled, turning to Uhtred to embrace him into a hug. Athena then turned to Beocca, a genuine smile still painting her face as she held her arms open for the priest. "Well, if it isn't my favourite priest."

Beocca chuckled at that, accepting the hug as they embraced. "I am the only priest you like, Athena." He jested, making Athena let out a laugh. That was true. Athena had liked Beocca ever since Uhtred mentioned him years ago. How this priest had protected him since he was a mere babe.

Beocca was a good friend to Athena, and after Thyra's death, it had strangely bright the two closer, even if they were polar opposites.

He was there to make sure she was well, as a father would do for his child. And Athena accepted that.

"Father Pyrlig is a priest I also like." Athena tilted her head to the side as she pulled out of the hug, her hands on his shoulders. "He is a funny man."

"And I am not?" The pair chuckled once more, turning to the other two, whom had shared their moment of reuniting.

"I am sure you are both in need of food and ale." Hild then said, clasping her hands together in front of her as she stared at the siblings.

Athena snapped her fingers as she pointed at Hild with a massive grin. "Music to my ears, Hild." Athena chuckled, walking towards the woman to wrap an arm around her shoulders. "I do need ale."

Then, the four moved to the hall of the nunnery. The four sat a table, eating the food and drinking the ale that the nuns provided them.

Uhtred had informed the two of his plans to take Bebbanburg, how he was going to ask Edward for an army.

"It is indeed worth waiting for." Beocca nodded his head in agreement at Uhtred's words.

Hild nodded her head in agreement. "Ælfric will finally see a reckoning." She added.

"Yeah, never has a man deserved it more."

Uhtred grinned at that, shrugging his shoulders. "He is now weakened and without allies."

Hilds brows rose for a moment, pursing her lips. "Has he no heir to assist him?" She then questioned.

Athena looked inbetween the three, reading the bread in her hands as she placed it in her mouth. "He did. A son. But the heir Wihtgar was banished." Uhtred explained. "He died last summer in the southern sea."

"You can starve him out." Beocca then suggested, looking across the table at Uhtred. "Surround the fortress." He paused as he looked at the grin on Uhtred's face. "What was your plan?"

"My plan is that you join us." Uhtred simply said, turning to Hild with the same look. "Both of you."

Hild and Beocca shared a look, making Athena's brows raise. "Oh, I think my fighting days are over, Uhtred." Athena pouted at that. She loved fighting alongside the woman.

Uhtred nodded his head, turning to Beocca. "And you?" He asked the Priest.

Beocca looked at Uhtred with a surprised look, a chuckle leaving his lips. "You do not want an old man." He shook his head.

"Beocca, you're not old." Uhtred said, pursing his lips before letting out a sigh. "And you have mourned Thyra long enough." Athena's lips pursed at the mention of her sister, her eyes saddening slightly. "She would not want this sadness for you." Beocca lowered his head slightly at his words. "Throw it off and return to Bebbanburg with me."

Beocca sent him a soft look, but shook his head. "I cannot." Athena sighed at that, sharing a look with Uhtred. "Without me, the nuns would have no one to minister the sacraments." He jested. "And the life of St. Cuthbert will not write itself." Hild let out a chuckle at that. "Take the fortress. I will join you, when the hard work is done."

Athena softly smiled at that, brining her cup of ale to her lips. "Then we will hold a feast there in your honour." Uhtred told him with a smile.

"You deserve to go back, Uhtred." Hild then said with a sincere look.

"Yes, to restore your family to their rightful place." Beocca added with a smile, nodding his head.

Uhtred lowered his head momentarily, pursing his lips. "I want to make a home for my children to return to."

"Are they well? Your children?" Leaning forward, Hild held a smile on her lips as she looked at Uhtred.

"Stiorra thrives." Uhtred grinned as he spoke of his daughter. "She lives at Æthelflæd's estate." He then paused, slowly nodding his head. "My son, I do not see." Athena squeezed his arm at that with a soft look. "Alfred's influence has made him holy."

Hild slowly nodded her head at her words, then turning to Athena with the smile. "And what of your little girl?" Hild asked, making Athena turn her chin to the side to look at the woman. "And Melusine's boy."

Athena grinned at her question, leaning her chin in her palm. "Well, she is like me in many ways." Hild chuckled at that. "Shes already learning how to wield a sword." Hild, nor Beocca, was surprised to hear that. "She is the spitting image of her father." Athena's grin didn't falter as she spoke of her daughter. "And Melusine's boy is adorable."

"And is she baptised?" Athena expected that question from Beocca, making her turn her attention to him. That conversation had not come up at all, but if Thyra wished to be baptised, Athena would not deny her that. Thyra was a Dane and Christian. She believed in the Gods and God. And she often prayed with Melusine, and occasionally Æthelflæd.

"Beocca, if I were to have my daughter baptised, I would trust nobody else but you to do the act." Athena softly chuckled, watching as Beocca's grin widened. "But, you will not almost drown her as you did Uhtred." Athena jested, nudging her arm against Uhtred's, whom grinned. "If Thyra wishes to be baptised, then I know when to find you." Athena added with a soft look, making Beocca nod his head with a smile.

"I am glad to hear they are well." Hild offered her another smile, making Athena nod her head with a grin. Athena was grateful for her words, having Hild be there at the birth of Thyra, along side Melusine and Æthelflæd, the three woman she cared for most.

"What news of Wessex?" Uhtred turned his attention from Athena, to the pair sat in front of them.

"Wessex," Beocca turned to Hild for a moment, then returning his gaze to Uhtred. "Thrives. Defences are being strengthened against the Danes."

"Edward's son is now walking." Hild then added, nodding her head as she looked at the siblings.

"The kings wife is to be crowed a queen." Athena raised her brow at that, tilting her head to the side.

"Whilst Lady Ælswith lives?" Athena pursed her lips. "Is that not unusual—disrespectful?" She asked, evidently confused.

"It is unusual to honour the girl, whilst the widow Ælswith lives, to say the least." Hold agreed with Athena, making Athena slowly nod her head. Sometimes she did not understand the Saxon politics. "But Ælflæd has an ambitious father." Athena rolled her eyes at the mention of the man.

"He wants to overthrow Edward." Athena simply said, shaking her head as she stared at the two. "It is evident." She added. "Why does King Edward just affects this ambition from an Ealdorman?"

"Let's just say we feel his father's absence." Beocca simply explained, slowly nodding his head.

Athena pursed her lips at the mention of Alfred, lowering her gaze to her cup with a quiet sigh.

Uhtred's conversation with King Edward had not gone well. Edward had denied Uhtred's request, especially when Lord Æthelhelm was against Uhtred.

"Now is not the time." Uhtred repeated the exact words Edward had told him as himself, Athena, Finan and Sihtric walked through the streets of Winchester. "Years, I have waited. Years, I've given my sword." Uhtred shook his head as he continued to speak. "Years, my home has been denied to me."

"Winchester is a snake pit." Finan simply said, making Athena hum, nodding her head in agreement.

"That is true." Athena turned to Uhtred, pursing her lips as she clasped her hands in front of her. "I have always said there are a few people you can trust." She shrugged her shoulders as the four walked into the Alehouse.

"We will think of another plan." Uhtred simply told them, moving to sit down at a table. Athena sighed as she sat herself down, leaning back in her seat. "Do you think our band can take the forty men at Bebbanburg?"

Athena raised her brow at that, sharing a look with Finan. "Two on one?" He asked, turning to look at Uhtred. "Ask me when I'm drunk." He told Uhtred, taking the cup from the man whom was pouring them drinks.

"Come on, Finan." Sihtric sighed, reaching for his own cup. "Our men are three times the fighters Ælfric's are."

"I know." Finan slowly nodded his head, handing Athena a cup of ale. "It's just unbreachable walls and boiling tar that worry me." He turned to Uhtred, shaking his head. "Not to mention the Scots waiting ti take it for themselves."

Athena turned her head to the side when she saw Osferth walk in and move towards them. "Is the plan off, then?" He questioned, raising his arms up in confusion. "Are we just saying her to get drunk?" He then asked, moving to sit down beside Athena.

"The second option sounds better." Athena pointed at Osferth with a grin, making Uhtred kick her leg from under the table.

"The plan is unchanged." Uhtred sent a firm look to Athena as she muttered under her breath, rubbing her leg. "We head to Bebbanburg."

"Take the fortress, then we get drunk." Finan said as he turned to Athena, whom grinned at that.

Osferth looked around the table, his lips apart as he tilted his head. "Just us," He looked over to Uhtred. "Without an army?"

"We don't need an army to kill one man." Uhtred simply said, shaking his head. "We kill Ælfric, the gates will open."

"And how do we get our hands on Ælfric, brother?" Athena wearily questioned, not wanting Uhtred to kick her once more. "Lure him out?"

"Perhaps." Uhtred hummed, slowly nodding his head. Athena rolled her eyes as she held onto her cup, bringing it to her lips.

She did not have a good feeling about the mission. It was too risky, especially when they were outnumbered. So many things could go wrong.

Athena did not expect for Hild to hunt her down to tell her she had a visitor. Athena was beyond confused, following here Hild directed her too.

She was no longer confused when her eyes landed on a brunette, whom had her back to Athena.

Athena grinned, clasping her hands in front of her as she cleared her throat, making Æthelflæd turn. "My Lady." Athena bowed her head, making Æthelflæd roll her eyes at her sarcastic formality.

Athena noticed the eye roll, making her chuckle as she made her way over to the brunette, pulling her into a hug. Æthelflæd immediately accepted the gesture, embracing Athena.

"It is good to see you, Athena." Æthelflæd sighed as they embraced for a little longer.

Athena grinned at that, pulling out of the hug and holding onto the brunettes arms. "I am beyond thrilled to see you, I have put up with those men for far too long." She jested, grin on her face. "Mel is usually here to put up with them, with me."

Æthelflæd chuckled at that, a genuine smile on her lips as she held onto the Dane's arms. "Come, we have much to discuss." She gently shook Athena's arms like an eager child.

And they did.

They both sat outside of the nunnery, in the pleasant scenery of Winchester. Athena had picked up a flower, twirling it in her hands. "How is your daughter fearing?" Athena asked, looking over to Æthelflæd with a soft smile. "The last time I visited your estate, she was thrilled to see me."

Æthelflæd softly chuckled at that, nodding her head. "She is well. She grows faster than I will ever be able to comprehend." She said, turning her chin to the side with a smile, looking at Athena. "How is your little one, Thyra?"

Athena grinned at that, twirling the flower in her hand as she looked at Æthelflæd. "Shes a curious little one. She already wishes to be a warrior, like her mother and father."

"Last time I saw her, she could barely pick up a sword." Æthelflæd softly chuckled, tilting her head to the side.

Athena let out a laugh at that, nodding her head with a soft look. "I promised that I would craft her a sword. She wants one like mine."

"Where is she now?" Æthelflæd asked, looking at the nuns walking past, whom bowed their heads.

"She is at your estate, with Melusine and her son." Athena answered, placing the flower down on her lap. "She wished to see Stiorra and Ælfwynn."

Æthelflæd smiled at that, nodding her head with a soft look. It was no surprise that Thyra and Ælfwynn had become inseparable since they had met. Just as Æthelflæd and Athena had.

After her moment with Æthelflæd, Athena had rejoined her group as they walked through the nunnery.

They were discussing their plan on how to take Bebbanburg. "It's getting in to Bebbanburg, that's the problem." Finan told them, shaking his head.

"I say we just turn up and ram the gate." Sihtric then said, making Athena turn her head to him with pinched brows.

"Are you really that stupid, Sihtric?" Athena questioned, shaking her head with a sigh. "Where is Mel when you need her." She uttered, earning a nudge from Sihtric. "Or do you suggest we ask nicely to be let in and ask to kill Ælfric?" Athena added sarcastically, nudging Sihtric's arm back with her elbow.

"Yeah, next idea." Finan agreed. As a nun walked past, Finan gestured a cross with his hands, whilst Osferth simply started at the in. That made Finan turn around, holding onto Osferth's arm. "We are not dressing up as nuns."

"I wasn't going to say that." Osferth shook his head immediately.

"But you were."

"No, I wasn't"

"Lord Uhtred!" They all turned at the sound of Hild's voice, watching as she walked towards the five. "Thank you for offering your men to clear the stables." She gestured to the three men.

"What!" Finan immediately said, evidently dumbfounded as he looked at Uhtred. Athena chuckled at that, grin on her face as she looked at the three.

"Ha." She mocked the three, pointing a finger in their direction, making Finan waft her hand away.

"And you, Athena." Hild then said, making Athena's grin drop completely, turning to Hild with a betrayed look. Hild just sent her a smile as Uhtred walked to her side and left the four.

Athena didn't miss the amused chuckles that left the three men's lips beside her, making her turn to them with a slight glare. "Shut up." She uttered, shaking her head and lowering it. Finan chucked at his wife's glare, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as she grumbled.

"Ladders." Osferth then said, making everyone turn to him as he shrugged his shoulders.

Athena let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head as the four walked towards the stables.

After Uhtred had spoken with Æthelflæd, he told the four that they would get his son. They were to take young Uhtred from the church.

Athena had not seen her nephew in years, so whilst she was looking at the boys in the church, she did not know which one was Young Uhtred.

Uhtred was in top of a building, scouting his son as Athena, Finan and Sihtric hid behind some wood, waiting for Uhtred's signal. "Which one?" Finan uttered as they looked through the gaps of the wood.

Athena shrugged her shoulders with a pursed lips. "I do not know." She muttered, looking at the group of boys.

The three looked up at Uhtred, watching as he pointed down to one of the boys. The three immediately stood as they walked from behind the wood and towards the boy, whom was crouched down.

Athena was the first to grab a hold of the boy, pulling his hood over his head as Finan and Sihtric grabbed a hold of his arms, pulling him away.

Young Uhtred immediately panicked, trashing around in their arms as Athena followed. "He's a sinner, Father!" Finan told one of the priests, whom looked at the scene.

"Where are we going?" Young Uhtred yelled, hood still over his head as he tried to get out of their grasps in a panic.

The three ignored his yells and thrashing around, sneaking him out of the church and towards the woods, where everyone else was waiting.

As the four reached the woods, they stood Young Uhtred in front of Uhtred. Athena reached out to pull the hood off of Young Uhtred, moving away with a grin.

Young Uhtred looked around with wide eyes, until his eyes landed on Uhtred. "Hello, father." He bitterly said, making Athena purse her lips as she stood beside Finan.

Uhtred turned to his men, pointing at his son. "This is my son. Young Uhtred." Uhtred grinned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I don't use that name." He immediately said, making Uhtred raise his brow. "It belongs to a priest killer." He said in disgust.

Uhtred simply stepped closer to his son. "I'm here to guide you back to your family." He told his son.

"The church is my family." Athena rolled her eyes at his words, shaking her head.

"It is not." Uhtred immediately said, shaking his head. "You were placed there without my permission."

"Praise be to King Alfred for that." Everyone watched the back and forth between the father and son.

Uhtred looked around at his men, his eyes landing on Athena for any guidance. Athena raised her hands, shaking her head. Uhtred let out a sigh as he turned to his son. "We are leaving this place and you are coming with me."

"Am I?"

"Yes, you have no choice." Uhtred told his son in a firm manner. "Take off the woman's garb." He then said, turning to Finan, whom grabbed some other closes. "Wear this." Finan threw the clothes in his direction. "And, uh...I have a gift for you." Uhtred continued, the grin making its way back onto her face. "Sihtric!"

Athena had to press her hand against her lips as Sihtric came forth with the small horse, shaking her head. Finan let out an amused sound beside her, making her hit his chest as her eyes stayed on her nephew.

Young Uhtred simply glanced at the horse, turning to Uhtred with pinched brows. "Impressive beats." He said sarcastically.

Uhtred slowly nodded his head with pursed lips, hands on his hips as he stared at the small horse. "I did not realise how much you'd grown." He turned back to the horse, whom Sihtric held onto with an amused look. "Ride to Coocham with us. In time, we will find you a proper horse."

"Why would I go to Coccham?" Young Uhtred frowned.

"To collect the ship that will take us north." Uhtred grinned at his son. "To reclaim your birthright and mine." Young Uhtred continued to frown. "To seize back what was lost and unite our family. I'm taking you to Bebbanburg."

"Never heard of it." Young Uhtred simply said, shaking his head with a look of disgust. Finan let out another amused sound, making Athena shake her head and hit his arm.

Uhtred and his son stood in silence, until Uhtred shook his head and walked away. Athena pursed her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest, watching Uhtred. "He doesn't seem to like you much." Athena commented, turning to Young Uhtred.

"That is Alfred's legacy." Uhtred called towards her, making Athena tilt her head.

"Do not jinx it for me." Athena let out a dramatic sigh, leaning off of the tree. "Alfred did not like me either." She uttered, keeping her eyes on Young Uhtred as she stepped towards. "You may have my horse, nephew." She sent him a smile, turning to the small horse Sihtric still stood beside, missing the look of acknowledgment from Young Uhtred. "We can save that horse for my daughter."

"Aunt Athena." Young Uhtred's frown immediately turned into a grin, which made Athena's smile widen, surprised that he recognised her.

Athena breathed out as Young Uhtred surprisingly pulled her into a hug, surprising her once more. "I am surprised to see you remember me." She hugged the young boy back, patting his arm.

"It is hard not to remember you." Young Uhtred simply said as he pulled out of the hug, sending her another grin. Athena smiled at that, turning to Finan and signalling him to get her horse. "What about you?" Athena turned back to her nephew with a frown. "What horse will you ride?"

Athena turned when Finan brought her the horse, handing her the reigns. "I will ride with him until we reach Coccham." Athena simply said, petting the side of her horses neck. "Here." She handed Young Uhtred the reigns of her horse.

Young Uhtred gratefully took the reins, looking up at the white horse. "Thank you." Athena shook her head at that, smile still on her lips.

"Do you know how to mount a horse?" Athena slightly teased, lowering her hand from her horses neck.

"Of course I do." Young Uhtred turned to the horse, that was slightly taller than him. Athena hummed as she nodded her head, crossing her arms over her chest as she stood back beside Finan.

Young Uhtred took that as a sign to attempt to climb up onto Athena's horse, holding onto its reigns as he lifted himself from the ground.

Finan let out an amused whistle at Young Uhtred's attempt, making Athena send him a glare. "Leave the poor boy." Athena uttered, turning back to her nephew.

"How does the lad not know how to climb onto a horse?" Finan leaned to her level, his words uttered as Athena hit the back of her hand into his chest.

"He lived in a church, that is my guess." She shrugged her shoulders, unfolding her arms and stepping towards Young Uhtred. "Here." She softly sighed, crouching down and holding out her hands for him to stand on.

Young Uhtred let out a defeated sigh as he hesitantly placed his foot on her hands, pulling himself up onto the horse.

Athena stood as she helped him, holding onto his side as he adjusted himself on the horse. "You good?" A nod from Young Uhtred made Athena smile, turning to Finan as he held onto his horse.

— madeleines notes

UGH Athena is so soft with kids, makes my heart melt.

She's just loved by everyone 🥰

BUT RUNES!?!?

🥰

I wonder whom they belonged to.... 🤨🤨🤨

tehehe 😁

Season four finna be so funny to write with all the bloody children, I swear.

Long awaited chapter but I've been busy with college. BUT I DO BE LOVING COLLEGE. Our whole class are besties.

This one dude, Seth, got us all donuts ( I asked for them )

Big up Seth and the donuts 🙌

BUT LOOK WHAG I FOUND IN HMV

Me pointing to Finan ( aka my husband 🥰🥰 )

ALSO, I have forced Seth to watch the last kingdom and showed him my men

He better watch it or I'm throwing hands 🤨

okay enough ranting 🥰

ALSO. MAGGIE SMITH DIED!?!

My inner child is sobbing

27th September 2024
4571 words