▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 ─── ❛ Dane slayer

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

Hopeless.

That was how Athena Ragnarsdóttir felt.

Uhtred was still locked up. Alfred was dead. Thyra was dead. And there was no king of Wessex. Athena knew the Danes would have heard of Alfred's passing, and they would be marching soon.

And Winchester was torn—Athena was torn.

As Athena sat alone in front of the crackling fire, her mind was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. She sat on the carpet in front of the fire, her eyes burning into the flames.

The flames danced before her, casting shadows that seemed to mirror the turmoil within her.

A deep sense of emptiness enveloped Athena, weighing heavily on her heart. Guilt gnawed at her conscience, each flicker of the fire illuminating memories she wished she could erase.

Lost in her thoughts, she gazed into the fiery abyss, seeking solace but finding only the echoes of her own regrets.

Athena was too lost in her thoughts to hear the door open behind her. She clung onto the furs around her shoulders, her legs pulled to her chest.

Finan leaned against the doorframe, watching her silently. The weight on her heart was clear in the way she sat, her shoulders slumped and her eyes distant. He cleared his throat softly, not wanting to startle her. "Hey."

She looked over her shoulder, flashing him a sad smile as she clung to the furs around her. "Hey." She uttered, turning back to the fire and looking away from him.

Finan pushed off from the doorframe and made his way over to sit down beside Athena, looking at the side of her face with a gentle look.

He noticed her grip on the furs, the way her knuckles were white from holding them so tightly. He reached out, placing a gentle hand over hers, his calloused fingers rubbing soothing circles over your knuckles.

"You feeling like talking about it?" He asked quietly, his gaze studying her profile in the flickering firelight. It pained him to see her so troubled, and he knew better than anyone how much she adored Thyra.

Athena softly shrugged her shoulders, a heavy sigh leaving her lips as she looked away from the fire and down at her hands. "I do not know." she uttered, fidgeting with her rings on the hand he wasn't holding.

Finan watched her fingers toying with her rings, noting the nervous habit that she always did. He shifted closer to Athena, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her against him.

He was silent for a few moments, letting her feel his presence and his warmth. He continued to stare at the side of her face, rubbing his hand up and down her arm. "Sometimes," he began quietly, "talking about it...it can help. Makes it less heavy, y'know?"

Athena pursed her lips, leaning her back into his chest as she kept her eyes on the flames in front of her. "I know." She slowly nodded her head, feeling her throat close up. "I just...do not know where to start." She swallowed thickly, her chest growing heavy as she looked back down at her hands.

Finan rested his chin on the top of Athena's head, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her shoulder. "You don't have to start anywhere." He replied, his voice soft and quiet. "Just let it out, no matter how jumbled it is. I'm here to listen." He reassured her, watching as she swallowed the lump in her throat.

She slowly nodded her head once more, blinking away the tears that had gathered in her eyes. She breathed in heavily dropping her hands to her lap as she tried to find the right words. "I feel guilty...for not being able to save her." Athena's voice broke as she lowered her head.

Finan's arm tightened around Athena, pulling her even closer against his chest. "Hey," he said gently. "That's not your burden to carry, okay?" Athena lifted her chin at his words, biting her inner cheek. "You can't save everyone, no matter how much you wish you could."

"But I could have." She turned her chin to the side, looking up at him with watering eyes. "If I had followed her, mayhaps the fire wouldn't have started." She shook her head, ignoring the tears that fell down her cheek. "I could have saved her." She let out a heavy breath, her bottom lip trembling as she looked up at him.

Finan's heart ached at the pain in her voice. He knew better than anyone the weight of guilt and the "could've, would've, should've" thoughts that could drive a person crazy. He gently reached to cup your face in his hand, his thumb stroking your cheek.

"You can't blame yourself for that." Finan shook his head as Athena closed her eyes momentarily, slightly turning to the side. "You couldn't have known what was going to happen. No one could've. You did everything you could."

Athena squeezed her eyes closed once more, tears falling from her eyes as she leaned into his touch with a soft look. "But I could have done more." She uttered, swallowing thickly. "She was my little sister, and I could not protect her." She let out a quiet choked cry at that, lowering her head. "And I just got her back."

Finan's heart ached for her, hearing the raw pain in her voice. He felt helpless, knowing that nothing he could say would ease her guilt. But he also knew he had to try.

He gently guided Athena's head to rest against his chest, his hand running through her hair in a soothing motion. "You did protect her," he said quietly. "In more ways than you think." Athena squeezed her eyes shut once more as she leaned into his chest. "She knew you loved her, and that's the most important thing."

Pursing her lips, Athena slowly nodded her head. Her chest tightened with an overwhelming surge of emotions. Her eyes, glistening with emotions, reflected the inner turmoil she battled to contain.

Each breath felt heavy, laden with the weight of her feelings, as if the dam holding back her tears was on the verge of breaking.

In that moment, she stood vulnerable, on the precipice of releasing the flood of emotions pent up within her.

But with Finan's arm around her waist, that soothed her more than any words could ever. She knew she did not need to hide her feelings from him, not anymore.

Finan could tell she was on the verge of a breakdown, her sadness and grief ready to explode in one.

And Finan's heart ached as he saw the tears welling up in Athena's eyes. He carefully pulled you into his arms, turning her completely so she was facing him, holding her close against his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her, cradling her, as he gently rubbed her back in soothing circles. "It's alright, it's alright..." He whispered, his voice gentle and tender as he attempted to provide her with some comfort.

And Athena broke.

She didn't try to hide her sobs as she wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her head inbetween his neck as the tears fell from her eyes.

And that was how they remained, sitting infront of the fire, the crackling fire intertwining with the quiet cries that left Athena's lips.

And they stayed like that until Athena cried herself to sleep, staying in Finan's arms in front of the fire.

That was until he carefully stood up, holding Athena in bridal style as he carried her to the bed, slowly placing her down.

He had to admit that she looked peaceful in her sleeping state, even with her tear stained cheeks and reddened eyes.

Reaching out, Finan wiped her cheeks with the palm of his hand, moving to pull the furs over her.

Athena wanted to know what was going to happen to Uhtred. Would he have a trail? Would he be banished once more? Or would he be killed.

That's why when she woke up, she was quick to get ready, waking up Finan and pestering him to get dressed so they could see Uhtred.

Athena had also gotten Osferth up, making him get Melusine and Sihtric. So the five walked towards the palace, seeing a crowd form and guards on standby.

That's when Athena's eyes landed on Uhtred, whom was being escorted out of the palace by guards and Steapa. "Lord?" Finan immediately called out, stopping to stand in front of a wagon. "What is this, a hunting party?"

"I am an outlaw once again." Uhtred told them, making Athena's brows pinch together. They had gone against Alfred's dying wish. "To be banished or executed."

"Shall we follow you, Lord?" Sihtric asked, his arm around Melusine's shoulders as they all looked over at Uhtred. "Leave Winchester for the Danes." He said, wanting to get a rise out of the Saxons. But Melusine sent him a look, slowly shaking her head.

"Lord." Steapa turned to Uhtred, whom had stopped in his tracks. "Walk." He pointed towards the gate of Winchester. But Uhtred just turned around, looking towards Edward. "Uhtred, you will walk and you will get up onto your horse."

Athena's eyes remained glued to Uhtred, biting her inner cheek as she nervously watched the scene.

Uhtred then raised his hands in the air, a piece of paper in his hands. "I am a free man!" He spoke loudly, addressing the crowd that had formed. "I have a letter of pardon." He turned around to look towards Alfred's family. "It bears the king's seal. It is written in the king's hand." His eyes then landed on Ælswith. "Does Alfred's word count for nothing, now that he is gone?"

"And you are a man who once held a knife to the King's throat!" Ælswith yelled to Uhtred, clearly not happy with what he was doing.

"Show us one witness who can say this letter was written willingly." The priest beside Edward then spoke up. Athena kept her eyes on Uhtred, pursing her lips as he turned back to her. "One witness."

"Not like you would believe any of our words, but my sister was a witness." Uhtred told the priest, keeping his hands raised as he nodded towards Athena.

But the priest shook his head, looking towards Athena with a look of dismay. "Your sister is no proper witness."

Athena raised her brow at that, turning to the priest as a scoff left her lips. "The Lady Ælswith knew of the meeting with my brother and the King—she had walked in." She slightly stepped forwards, defending Uhtred as much as she could. But she was a Dane in the eyes of the Saxons. Her words would not be heard. "And there was no sign of a threat, no sign that my brother was forcing the King to be there—"

"That is enough!" Ælswith was quick to cut Athena off with a firm look, shaking her head. "We are gifting your brother life! You shall be grateful and he shall leave this land in peace!"

"There will be no peace, lady." Uhtred shook his head, keeping his eyes on Ælswith. "War is coming." He reminded the woman. "There is a Dane army marching this very moment." The crowd started to murmur at that. "And I will not abandon the people of Wessex—"

"Who do you think you are?" Ælswith was quick to cut Uhtred off once more, her eyes wide with fury. "Steapa!"

Steapa immediately unsheathed his sword, signalling for the guards to take a hold of Uhtred. "Lady Ælswith!" Athena turned her head as Beocca pushed through the crowd and towards the woman. "I cannot let this injustice go unchallenged." He turned to Uhtred. "If Uhtred of Bebbanburg claims to have been made a free man by King Alfred himself...we cannot dismiss it so lightly. Only a king can deny a king." His eyes landed on Edward, who's eyes widened.

"Wessex has so king!" Athena squeezed her eyes shut at the sound of Æthelwold's voice, turning her head into his direction.

"We have Edward Rex."

"It is for the witan to decide who is king!"

"Edward is the Ætheling"

"He had no authority." Æthelwold continued to argue against Beocca and Uhtred. "He is Alfred's son and nothing more!" He said, turning to Ælswith. "I am sure the monasteries are full of Alfred's sons." Athena clenched her jaw at his words, subtly looking over her shoulder at Osferth, whom lowered his head. "Do all bastards have a claim to the crown?"

"Do you still think you have a claim to the crown at all?" Athena snapped, turning to Æthelwold with a hardened glare. "Do you think Wessex would accept you over Edward to be their king? You are a fool!"

"I had a claim to the crown." Æthelwold argued with the woman, turning his head to face her. "You are a Dane, nothing more. You shall not involve yourself with Saxon politics."

Athena tilted her head to the side at that, anger evident on her features. The only thing stopping her from attacking was Finan's hand on her hip. "King or not, if Edward believes the letter of pardon to be untrue, then I will leave Wessex." Uhtred tore his angered gaze from Æthelwold, turning back to Edward.

"Steapa, you will return the prisoner to the palace." The priest told Steapa, shaking his head. "This is not the place for such decisions."

"This is precisely the place!" Beocca snapped at the priest. "Justice must be seen to be done!"

"Steapa!" Athena turned her head at the demanding voice of Edward. "Unhand the prisoner." Athena's lips parted as she looked over to Uhtred, watching as Steapa nodded for the guards to let go of him. "Though he remains a prisoner, I will allow Lord Uhtred to speak. He has earned that right." He said as he stepped forward.

"Though you have not, Lord, not yet." Æthelwold Interrupted once more, making Athena let out a quiet groan as she looked at Finan behind her, shaking her head. "You have no authority!"

"Do you reject to the people bearing witness to justice, Lord Æthelwold?" Edward was quick to turn to Æthelwold, his words sharp. And Athena grinned at that.

Æthelwold swallowed thickly, pursing his lips. "I do not." He cleared his throat, looking down at the ground.

"Uhtred." Edward turned back to face Uhtred. "The king swore that you were to die." Uhtred slowly nodded his head at that. "Why the change in his heart?"

"Because he believed that I deserved his forgiveness." Uhtred immediately answered, keeping his eyes on Edward.

"Is that a boast?"

Uhtred's eyes widened in disbelief at Ælswiths words. "Look to his chronicle! I am there in every page!"

"That is a lie!" Ælswith immediately said, shaking her head. "You are not named, even once!"

"But I am there!" Uhtred nodded his head. "Unwritten, Lady, but I am there! As so is my sister!" Athena softly smiled at that, keeping her eyes on Uhtred as he turned around, pointing to Steapa. "The warriors of Wessex know it. The Danes know it!" He turned back around to face Edward and Ælswith. "And it is what the king told me himself."

Uhtred then breathed out heavily. "I am with him from the Somerset Marshes to Ethandun and all of the battles that have followed!" He then looked down at the paper in his hands. "We were bonded. Him and I. He was the man I could never be, nor did I wish to be." He continued to speak. "He was a man that I loved and despised...but it was never less an honour to serve him!" Uhtred then pointed to himself. "He was my King!" Athena sadly smiled at her brother's words, lowering her head.

"And he did not wish to go to his God without granting me what I have earned many times over!" His words were heavy, keeping his eyes on Edward. "My freedom."

There was a moment of silence, everyone turning to Edward as they awaited his next words. "But the question remains: why did he choose not to announce it?" He asked.

Athena crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned her back into Finan's chest, watching as Uhtred turned around, his eyes landing on something in the crowd. "You will remember my great friend Leofric, a warrior and a Saxon to the bone!" He wore a smile momentarily at the remembrance of his friend.

Athena's lips parted as those words left Uhtred's lips, remembering the first Saxon Athena had grown to care for as a close friend. "He told me and my sister once that we could never better Alfred." Athena smiled at that memory, a soft look on her features. "Because the bastards thinks, he said."

The crowd chuckled at that, and Athena let out a quiet one of her own, remembering those very words that had left Leofric's mouth.

Uhtred turned around to face Edward once more. "Perhaps your father chose not to announce my freedom for this very reason...so that the people could witness their new king, Edward, dispensing justice." He raised his arm, pointing at the boy. "Fairly, I hope."

"Will you accept the decision of Edward Rex?" Beocca asked, his gaze remaining on Uhtred.

Uhtred nodded his head with a smile. "I will." He quietly chuckled. "I give you my word."

Beocca then turned to Edward, nodding his head. "Lord—"

"Again, I say, and with respect, the boy does not have the power to make such a statement!" Æthelwold interrupted once more, making Athena turn her head to the side to look at him. "He is an Æthelling and nothing more." He confidently said, making Athena shake her head in annoyance. "He is no more an heir to the crown than myself."

"Oh, will you shut up about the king thing, Æthelwold." Athena groaned in annoyance, throwing her hands up in the air. "Your father chose Alfred to be the king for a reason, as did Alfred with Edward—the rightful heir!" She harshly snapped, shaking her head. "The decision is for Edward to make." Athena turned to Edward with hopeful eyes.

Athena noticed Edward send her a grateful look, swallowing thickly as he looked around at the people of Winchester. "My father, King Alfred, demanded loyalty, unity." He started to explain. "He believed in his God and doubted those who did not." He slowly nodded his head. "A heathen would not be trusted completely until he had embraced Alfred's god as his own." Athena pursed her lips at that, lowering her head as she fidgeted with her owl ring. "And yet...it was heathens he did trust most."

Athena's eyes slightly widened as she looked up, watching Edward step towards Uhtred. "It was the word of Uhtred and Athena that he respected most." Athena did not know why she was included, but did not complain. "Uhtred of Bebbanburg, I find the letter written by my father to be true." Athena softly grinned at that, looking over at Uhtred. "Alfred's pardon does stand." He nodded. "You are a free man, able to choose your own path."

The crowd cheered at that, making Athena join in, looking over her shoulder and sharing a grin with Finan. "May I ask, Lord Uhtred, may I ask?" Beocca spoke up over the cheers. "Now that you are a free man once more, Sheree will your path lead?" He gently smiled. "I would like to know."

Uhtred shared a smile with Beocca, moving to look over his shoulder. "Steapa, my sword." He told the man, holding out his hand. And Steapa did just that, handing Uhtred his sword back. "One day, father, I hope that my oath will eventually lead north to Bebbanburg, but now, I believe I am needed here." He said, sheathing his sword as he looked at Edward. "I will follow Edward Rex!"

The crowd cheered once more at those words, and Athena clapped her hands as she watched Uhtred and Edward embrace each other.

Now, they were to fight the Danes.

Fidgeting with her rings, Athena watched as Uhtred paced back and forth, talking to the lords in the hall. "If the Danes are moving through East Anglia and towards eastern Mercia, then that land Is Danelaw." Uhtred started to explain, addressing everyone in the hall. "Their army can only grow." He let out a sigh, looking towards Edward. "As before, we must march out to meet them."

"I have spies inside Danelaw." Æthelred spoke from his seat. "They confirmed they are moving closer." He turned his head to Edward. "I have issued an order for my men at the frontier to retreat."

"Retreat?" Edward frowned at that.

"It is good sense, Lord." Uhtred nodded his head in reassurance. "Every warrior must be made to count."

"But how far do I retreat?" Æthelred stared to question, shrugging his shoulders. "Where and when does Mercia make a stand?" Athena rolled her eyes at that, leaning in her chair as she glared at him from across the hall. "Where and when will we be joined by Wessex?"

"That is to be decided." Uhtred told him, continuing to pace back and forth.

"I would like to know." Æthelred narrowed his eyes slightly. "Because Wessex appears to be in a land of chaos and doubt." He then sat up in his seat, looking around at the men in the hall. "Does each of the handful of ealdormen here stand with Edward?"

"We do." A man said from across the room, making Æthelred turn to him. "Of course we do." He held firm expression on his face. "He is to be King."

Æthelred let out a sigh at that, turning his head to the side to look at Sigebriht. "Lord Sigebriht?"

Sigebriht was caught off guard as everyone turned to him. "We do." He confidently said, making Athena raise a brow. He had been the man whom was following Æthelwold.

"And what if those who are not here?" Æthelred questioned, raising his hands up. Those who hurried back to their halls, despite knowing there must be talk of war?"

"They are with us, Lord Æthelred!" Edward firmly stated, turning to the man with a slight glare.

"Wessex will not have great numbers, I am hearing." Æthelred continued to pester, making Athena roll her eyes, looking over to Uhtred.

"We shall be marching to fight, Lord." Uhtred simply said.

"Lord king—"

Uhtred immediately turned to face Æthelred, cutting him off. "Do not dare believe there is another option." He firmly stated. "Hæsten and Cnut are men without honour." He shook his head. "They will take your land, your silver and the tin crown from your head." Æthelred instantly shut up at that, lowering his head. "All of you, hear me."

He turned to the rest of the men in the hall. "Yes, it is likely that the Danes will have greater numbers. But this is a battle that we can win!" He firmly said, looking around at all of the men. "Though it will take all of us, every man and every sword, and we will fight with the guile and wit that Alfred has instilled."

"God is with us." Was all Edward said, raising his head up as the men murmured.

There was a short silence, Athena pursing her lips as she rested her leg above the other, looking up at Uhtred. "I shall return to Mercia." Æthelred then spoke up. "Send word of your intentions, and soon, but, I warn you, I will not fight a battle that cannot be won." He sighed as he rose to his feet, his eyes on Edward. "I will not be seen to send my subjects into slaughter."

"You are Edward's subject, Lord." Athena reminded, clasping her hands in front of her as she looked up at him. "Or have you forgotten? Would you prefer to be a puppet by the hands of the Danes?"

Æthelwold just stared down at her, making her shrug her shoulders for an answer. But he didn't, only turning to Edward. "Send word." And with that, he left the hall, making everyone else leave.

Athena let out a sigh, looking over her shoulder to look up at Finan, whom leaned on her seat, with pursed lips. Finan just squeezed her shoulders. "He's right." Edward suddenly said, making the four remaining turn to him. "I am not my father."

Athena sent him a sad look as Uhtred walked towards him. "When Winchester fell to Guthrum, your father hid himself away in the marshes, for months." Uhtred started, walking toward Edward. "He hid in fear for his life, and of failure, but he overcame that fear." He slowly nodded his head, breathing in. "We will find the words and you will write letters to each and every ealdorman and thegn of Wessex and they will answer your call. They will come."

Edward pursed his lips, taking his Uhtred's words. "To where?" He questioned, shrugging his shoulder.

"Lord." Finan spoke up, moving from behind Athena and towards Uhtred, direction Edward. "If we have fewer men, the very last place e want to fight is open ground."

Athena rose from her seat at that, moving towards the two as she looked down at Edward. "Bedanford." She slowly nodded her head, looking between Uhtred and Finan.

"Bedanford is a good distance away." Edward acknowledged, his brows pinching together as he looked up at Athena.

But Uhtred nodded his head, agreeing with Athena. "That is the path they woukd take." Uhtred slightly grinned, turning to Edward. "It is a long march, Lord, but the land could be go out advantage."

Athena nodded her head in agreement, her girl matching Uhtred's. "It could, Lord." Finan also nodded his head in agreement. "Bedanford it must be."

There was a pause, everyone turning to Edward as they awaited his answer. Edward look at the three, slowly nodding his head as he sat up. "Then I will do it." He then rose to his feet, standing in front of the three. "With your help, I will find the words."

The three had immediately left the hall when their conversation was over with Edward, walking through the streets of Winchester.

That's when they spotted Lord Sigebriht, readying his horse. "Lord Sigebriht." Uhtred made their presence known, stopping in front of the man and his horse. "You are leaving in the night?"

"There is an army to raise." Sigebriht simply said, turning to the three. Athena raised her brow at that, watching as he continued to tend to his horse.

"Lord, you have been sitting with Æthelwold for some time." Athena acknowledged, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked him up and down with a questioning look.

Sigebriht immediately turned to her, shaking his head. "If you are questioning my loyalty, do not." He firmly stated, making Athena lift her hands in defence. "I am Wessex, as was my father and my grandfather."

"But you are not for Edward." Uhtred tilted his head to the side.

Sigebriht then turned to Uhtred, shaking his head once more. "That does not make me a traitor to my county."

"Then you will there, in battle?" Finan questioned, raising his brow as Sigebriht turned to him.

"I will." He confidently said, nodding his head as he held onto his horses reigns, going to walk past them, but Uhtred stopped him.

"Wessex will need the men of Cent." Uhtred reminded him, holding onto his horse. "A letter will soon find you."

Sigebriht stared at Uhtred, pursing his lips. "We will be there." He firmly stated. "For the good of Cent, and for Wessex."

"Yes, for Wessex, Lord Sigebriht." A groan left Athena's lips at the sound of Æthelwold's voice, moving to the side to let Sigebriht past. "You are one day Saxon, the very next day Dane, Uhtred, Athena."

"Be quiet." Athena sighed, having enough of Æthelwold for one day, quickly walking away from him as Uhtred and Finan followed.

"I have not yet offered you both my condolences for Ragnar." Athena froze in her tracks at Æthelwold's words, slowly turning around and looking at the smug expression on his face. "Your brother deserved a warriors death."

Athena clenched her jaw, sharing a look with Uhtred. She sent him a look that said 'let me kill him.' "I am sorry that you will not see him in Valhalla."

And that was enough for Athena to push past Uhtred and make her way towards Æthelwold. "Do you want to loose your tongue as well as your eye?" Athena asked, stopping in front of him with narrowed eyes. "You will hold your tongue. And you will not dare to speak of my brother once more." She roughly pointed into his chest, a firm look on her face.

"I am merely offering my condolences for your loss." He smugly said, and Athena was ready to attack. But Uhtred firmly planted his hands on her shoulder, glaring down at Æthelwold.

"This is where you belong, Æthelwold."

Æthelwold grinned at that, raising his brow. "Winchester?"

"Standing on a stable floor like a horses turd." Uhtred corrected, his eyes narrowing. Athena didn't attempt to hide her amusement, a chuckle leaving her lips as she brought the back of her hand to her lips. "Will you be riding for Edward?"

"Like Sigehbrit, I will be there and I will be praying for a great victory." Æthelwold simply said, shrugging his shoulders.

"For Saxon or Dane?"

"Do you care?" Æthelwold sharply questioned. "Both of you belong to neither." He looked Uhtred and Athena up and down. Athena clenched her hands into fists at his words, Uhtred squeezing her shoulders, as if to signal her to not attack him.

"I did once fear you—both of you. But now i see you are nothing but sword." Æthelwold uttered. "A lump of metal." Athena's face twisted with anger at that, glaring at Æthelwold. "Yes, you have reputation, but that will fade. And you will die forgotten and unwritten." He continued to mock, which only fulled Athena's anger ever more. "You will go neither to Heaven nor to Valhalla."

Athena pursed her lips, her hand clenching into a fist as she looked behind her at Uhtred, then returning her gaze to a smug Æthelwold.

And that set her off.

Athena didn't hesitate to abruptly raise her arm, bringing her first to the side of his face. "And I will send you to hell." She hissed, watching as he cupped the side of his face, Uhtred and Finan immediately snapping into action and pulling her away from Æthelwold. "It does not matter if you fight for Saxon or Dane, because I will kill you in the battle."

"Then I shall see you in battle, Lady Athena." Æthelwold spat blood on the ground, keeping his hand against his cheek. Athena went to attack him once more, but Finan pulled her back with an amused look.

"Then let's save your anger until battle, okay?" Finan tried to cover up his chuckles, pulling Athena away from Æthelwold as Uhtred followed.

Athena sighed, turning away from Æthelwold as she called him every name under the sun. "I will try." She hummed, turning her head to the side to look over at Finan. "But if I see that one eyed bastard, I will not hesitate to stab him through his remaining eye."

They had marched from Wessex to Bedanford, only stopping at nightfall to rest. They had set up camp a few miles away from where the battle would take place.

Athena sat in her tent, watching as her blood poured into a bowl Uhtred had given her. She was the only last remaining person that carried Ragnar's blood. And Uhtred would need it if he came across the man that killed Ragnar.

Melusine sat behind her, frowning as she watched the blood drop from Athena's hands. "Athena." She heavily breathed out, finishing Athena's braids. "About the battle..."

"What about it?" Athena uttered, keeping her eyes on her blood as it fell from her hands.

Melusine pursed her lips, resting her hands on Athena's shoulders and looking down at her with a troubled look. "You cannot partake in this battle." She heavily breathed out, shaking her head.

Athena paused at that, a frown making its way into her face as she reached out for a cloth, wiping the blood from her hand. "Why not?" She simply said, shrugging her shoulders as she continued to share at her blood in the bowl.

"Need you ask that?" Melusine sighed, letting go of Athena's shoulders and abruptly standing up, making Athena fall back against the cot. "You are with child, you cannot go into battle!"

Athena groaned at that, watching as Melusine made her way to stand in front of her. "Nothing is going to stop me from being involved in this battle. Not you, not my brother, not Finan." She shook her head, placing the cloth down on the floor.

Melusine shook her head, completely dumbfounded. "You could get hurt, Athena. Or worse—die!"

Athena heavily breathed in, picking up the bowl and rising to feet, moving to place the bowl on the table. "The man that killed Ragnar will be with the Danes. Hopefully Brida has found that man, and I will be there to see the life leave his eyes." She simply said, wrapping a cloth around her palm with a hiss.

"Are you not listening to me?" Melusine was taken aback by Athena's words, not understanding how easily Athena could push the whole thing off like it was nothing.

Athena sighed, turning around to look over at Melusine with a hardened look. "I do not need you telling me what I cannot do." She scoffed, shaking her head as she looked down at her hand. "Finan and Uhtred have tried to do the exact same thing."

"We do not want you to get hurt, Athena!" Melusine's voice rose slightly, trying to get her words across to Athena, whom was refusing to listen. "Listen to me—"

"No!" Athena quickly cut her off, dropping her hands to her sides as she looked over at Melusine. "No I will not! You will not baby me, Melusine! I need to be there—I need to fight!"

"That will not bring Ragnar back from the dead!"

Athena paused at that, her lips parting as her brows pinched together. Melusine immediately regretted the words that left her like, watching as Athena tensed up. "Ragnar would not want you to get yourself killed! Especially when you are with child!"

"Well, he is dead." Athena swallowed thickly, turning back to the bowl with shaking hands, her heart beating in her chest.

Meluisne let out a soft sigh, fidgeting with her fingers as she looked at the back of Athena. "Athena—"

Atehna quickly cleared her throat, pouring her blood into a pouch. "Do not say anything else." She uttered, placing the bowl down and shutting the pouch. "If you'll excuse me."

And with that, Athena did not let Melusine protest as she hurriedly exited the tent, pouch in her hands as she made her way toward Uhtred's tent.

But Uhtred was sat, cleaning his sword as Athena came across him. He looked up at the sound of footsteps, his face softening as he looked up at Athena. He noticed how her hands shook, and how she looked like she was on the verge of tears. "Is everything well, sister?"

Athena just nodded her head, flashing him a fake smile as she handed him the pouch. "Yeah." She cleared her throat, clapping her hands in front of her. "I forgot how much it hurts to slice your hand open." She shrugged her shoulders, holding up her bandaged hand.

But Uhtred saw right through Athena. But, he did not have time to question it as Finan, Osferth and Sihtric walked towards them, the Dane Jackdaw with them.

Uhtred immediately up, sheathing his sword as the siblings walked towards them. "Jackdaw?" Uhtred frowned, standing in front of the man.

"He says he had a message." Finan looked between Uhtred and Athena, making her brows pinch together as she turned to Jackdaw.

Jackdaw nodded his head at that, looking at the siblings. "I do. It's from Brida." Athena immediately raised her head at that, pursing her lips.

"Say it."

Jackdaw looked around, swallowing thickly, "am I to be spared?" He wearily asked, hand on his belt as his gaze landed on Uhtred.

"Yes, you will be spared, but you will not be returning to the Danes." Uhtred told him, slowly nodded his head. "Say your message."

Jackdaw heavily breathed in, his gaze flickering from both siblings. "She says, 'Æthelwold.'" Athena's lips parted at that, her shoulders tensing as she immediately understood. "She says, 'do not fail.'"

Upon discovering the unsettling truth, the Athena's initial shock swiftly transformed into a blazing anger that surged through her veins.

Her brows furrowed in a mix of disbelief and fury, her eyes narrowing with intensity as the realization sank in.

Æthelwold killed Ragnar.

The sudden rush of heat to her cheeks betrayed the rising wrath within her, painting her face with a flush of indignation.

Jaw clenched, fists tightening, she embodied a storm of emotions, her expression a portrait of righteous anger.

The revelation had ignited a fire within her, sparking a fierce resolve to confront the source of her ire.

Æthelwold.

Uhtred reacted the same way, turning his head to the side to watch Athena's reaction, but the woman just stared at the ground, anger evident on her features. "How long before they come?" Uhtred immediately asked Jackdaw.

"They are near." Was all Jackdaw said. "You are facing death, for certain." Uhtred clenched his jaw as he nodded at Sihtric, Osferth and Finan to take him away.

Athena swallowed thickly, her eyes blazing with anger. "I will be the one to kill him." Athena uttered, turning to Uhtred with a firm look. "I must be the one to kill him, Uhtred."

"Athena—"

"I will not be involved in the battle, I will stand behind you." Athena started, slowly shaking her head as she looked at him. "I will wait, and I will kill Æthelwold as soon as I see him." She stated, leaving no room for Uhtred to disagree. "I have to do this, brother."

Uhtred let out a sigh. He knew he could not take avenging Ragnar away from her. Ragnar was her blood brother. And he had been slain by the man Athena hated most. "Okay." Uhtred nodded his head, passing her the pouch of her blood.

Athena took it from his hands, clipping it to her belt with a sigh. They would go to battle and Athena would be waiting for Æthelwold.

Edward and his army hid in the trees, Athena gripping onto her sword and shield. Whilst the warriors were looking at the Danes, Athena was looking everywhere for Æthelwold.

The warriors remained crouched and out of sight. Athena promised Uhtred and Finan she would not get involved with the fighting, but she would be right behind them.

Athena did not know if she would be able to keep her word, but she would try. The only blood she wanted to spill was Æthelwold's.

Her hands evidently shook with rage, squeezing her sword as she gritted her teeth. But she turned her head to the side when she felt a hand on hers.

She couldn't help but softly smile as she looked at Finan, who squeezed her hand. "You better keep yourself safe, aye?"

Tilting her head to the side, Athena slowly nodded her head. "I will try." She uttered, shrugging her shoulders as she bit back a grin.

Finan merely rolled his eyes at her words, leaning forwards to press a kiss against her forehead.

Athena leaned into his gesture, closing her eyes momentarily as her deathly grip loosened around her sword.

Now, they all awaited for the bowmen's signal. And when they did, when the men shot their arrows at the Danes, that was their sign to swiftly stand from their hidden positions and running towards the Danes, whom were caught off guards. 

Athena fell back, gripping onto her sword as she looked around at the Danes, trying to find the one person whom she wanted dead. But he was not there.

A groan left her lips as she quickly rushed forwards, carefully running down the hill as she watched the other Saxon men attack the Dane's from the other side.

The Dane's were cornered.

Athena watched as the Dane like broke, swords clashing against swords, shields hitting against shields.

The grip on her sword never faded, her eyes looking around, making sure the people whom she cared for most were okay.

But the Danes started to fight back, pushing the Saxons back. Athena breathed out heavily as their warriors stepped backwards, trying to out distance between themselves and the Danes. "Uhtred, the line is breaking!" Finan yelled over the yells and shouts.

"Push back!" Was all Uhtred said as he pushed his sword through a Dane's neck.

Swallowing thickly, Athena carefully stepped forwards, but a horn stopped her from doing so. "Lord! Horses!" Sihtric yelled, turning around as he looked towards the army.

Athena looked over her shoulder, her lips parting as a smirk made its way onto her face. "It is Æthelflæd and Mercia!" She yelled towards Uhtred, nodding her head as she watched Æthelflæd attack the Danes.

Æthelflæd's eyes landed on Athena, swiftly guiding her horse into the direction of Athena. "Get on!" Æthelflæd yelled down at her, making Athena quickly act, rushing towards the horse and swiftly climbing on.

"I need to find Æthelwold!" Athena yelled as she brought her sword to slash at a Danes neck. "Can you take me to him?"

Æthelflæd nodded her head, pulling on her horses reigns as she quickly turned form the Danes trying to attack them.

Athena kept her hold on her shield and sword, looking around at the fight. She bit her inner cheek as she tried to look for Æthelwold, but also making sure no Danes were near to attack Æthelflæd and herself.

Æthelflæd brought her sword down onto the Danes. And Athena made sure no Danes were on the other side of them. "Athena!" Æthelflæd looked over her shoulder, gaining Athena's attention. "There!"

Athena quickly turned her head into the direction Æthelflæd pointed her sword somewhere. Athena's eyes landed on a blue cloak hiding behind a wagon, and her eyes narrowed in anger. "Keep yourself safe!" Athena quickly said, not telling Æthelflæd that she would jump from the living horse.

"Wait—"

But Athena ignored her words, bringing her leg around the horse and jumping from the moving horse, landing on her feet with a hiss.

Æthelwold was evidently panicking, his back pushed against the cart as he looked around. He looked over his shoulder, his face dropping as his gaze landed on Athena.

He was quick to move, rushing through the fight. And Athena immediately noticed his attempt at escaping the battle, dodging the fighting men.

Athena cursed as she dropped her shield to the ground, quickly rushing after the man and successfully dodging the fighting men as she followed Æthelwold.

But, Athena was quick to act when a Dane shoved his shield into her. Athena swiftly stepped back, raising her sword. In one swift motion, she grabbed into his shield, pushing it into his chest roughly and kicking his feet from underneath him.

Athena did not have time to kill this man, looking over her shoulder as Æthelwold mounted onto a horse. "Fuck." She hissed, quickly moving away from the Dane she had knocked down, in a hurry to catch up to Æthelwold.

Her eyes landed on a Dane on top of a horse, making her reach out to grab onto his leg, raising her sword and stabbing it through the man's stomach.

The Dane let out a cry of pain, reaching for his sword, but Athena dragged him off of his horse, quickly mounting the animal.

She pulled on the horses reigns, clicking her tongue as she patted the side of the horse, making it set off.

Athena followed the blue cloak in the distance, her eyes not leaving Æthelwold's frame. Adrenaline rushed through her veins as she followed Æthelwold on the horse, swiftly moving through the trees.

She would not let him get away.

Æthelwold kept looking over his shoulder as Athena grew nearer, which led to him falling off of his horse and down the hill.

Athena clicked her tongue once more, signaling for her horse to go faster. And once she had her eyesight on Æthelwold, whom limped behind the tree, she quickly got off of the horse, reaching for the pouch tied to her belt.

But it was not there.

She cursed, squeezing her eyes shut as she looked down at her bloodied sword. She shook her head as she wiped the blood on her trousers, moving to walk down the hill.

Her feet firmly hit the ground, her eyes focused on the figure behind the tree. "Are you going to hide or face me?" Athena panted, making sure her blade was clean. "But you are not one for a fair battle, are you?"

"Athena, please!" She heard Æthelwold plead from behind the tree, his breaths heavy. "My arm is broken." He grunted, revealing himself to her as he slowly rose to his feet. "I have no way of wielding a sword."

"You did not give my brother the opportunity to fight for his life." Athena scoffed, her eyes narrowing in anger. Æthelwold's eyes widened at her words, swallowing thickly.

"I did no such thing!" Æthelwold went to defend himself, but Athena shook her head, squeezing her eyes closed. "Please. I will go north, east or west!" He continued to plead for his life. "I will go to Frankie. To Ireland, even—"

"You killed my brother!" Athena ignored his words, stalking closer to the man. "You killed Ragnar, admit it!"

But Æthelwold continued to shake his head. "No. No I didn't." He quickly shook his head, clinging to the tree behind her. "I couldn't."

"Admit it!" Athena yelled, her voice breaking slightly as she gripped her sword in her hands. "Stop being a coward and admit your guilt!"

"Athena, I am guilty of nothing more than wanting what is rightly mine." Æthelwold panted heavily, holding onto his injured arm.

Athena had heard enough of his lies and pleads, bringing her sword to his neck, her eyes narrowing. "You killed my brother!" She shook her head, her hand shaking as she pointed the tip of her sword into his neck. "Admit it!"

Æthelwold squeezed his eye closed, his body completely shaking in fear as he glanced down at the sword pointed at his neck. "Yes." He breathed in, slowly nodding his head. "Or he would have killed me." He lied, making Athena clench her jaw. "It was a war or sorts between us." Athena lowered her sword slightly, watching as he let out a relieved breath. "I am not worth it."

He continued to plead. "I swear you will never see me again. I will go anywhere, travel as far away as you wish." His voice broke as he pleaded for his life. "Please." He cried out, shaking his head. "Please." He lowered himself to the ground, his back against the tree.

Athena just glanced down at him, her face holding no emotion as her eyes burned into him. "Athena, please." He continued to cry, shaking his head.

Athena swallowed thickly, looking up at the sky as she let out a heavy sigh. She would not let Æthelwold live.

She kept silent as she brought her bandaged hand to her mouth, biting into the cloth and unraveling it, throwing the bloodied cloth to the floor.

Æthelwold immediately frowned at that, watching Athena's next move. He was evidently afraid. He knew what she was capable of. She had been threatening to kill him since the first time they had met.

Athena was right about him. She did not have a good feeling about him. Maybe it was the Gods trying to warn her. Maybe she should have killed him before he could have killed Ragnar.

"What are you doing?" Æthelwold stammered as he watched Athena bring her sword to her palm, tracing the cut she already had.

"Nothing." Athena uttered, not even flinching as her blade pinched her skin. "Do not worry your little head about it." She kept her eyes on her palm, lowering her sword as she tilted her hand to the side, watching as her blood started to decorate her blade.

Æthelwold swallowed thickly, carefully sitting up as he looked up at her, fear evident in his lone eye. "Athena, I will do anything! I swear it!"

"You tore the remaining family I had left." She muttered, keeping her eyes on her sword as her blood glistened in the light. "No doubt that one of your men killed my sister—"

"I swear I had no part in that!" He quickly defended himself, shaking his head. "I swear it on God, I didn't not have no part in your sister's death!"

Athena just shook her head, bringing her hand away from her blade, the blood on her sword was enough. "Tell me the truth, and I will let you live." She lied, but dumb Æthelwold believed her. "Why did you kill him? Was it for the Danes to follow you? To claim your 'crown?'"

Æthelwold heavily breathed out, slowly nodding his head. "I did it to survive. Ragnar wanted me dead. And it was him or I, and I wanted to live."

Athena slowly nodded her head as she looked down at him, lowering her sword to her side. Æthelwold watched as her blood dripped from the sword. "So you had to kill him in his sleep?"

"Yes."

Athena hummed, nodding her head once more as she moved towards him, slowly crouching down to his level. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. "You will never be king." She whispered.

And with that, Athena brought her blade to stab Æthelwold in the chest, directly where his heart was. Æthelwold let out a gasp, his eye wide as he reached to grasp onto her sword. "But you will go to hell." She uttered, abruptly pulling her sword from his chest.

And Athena just watched as the blood pooled from his wound, the life in his eye slowly disappearing as he laid against the tree.

"Athena?"

Athena quickly turned to the side, relaxing once she saw Brida, whom was looking up. "Look, a bridge." She softly said, making Athena turn back around, lifting her head up to the sky.

Athena looked at the sun flashing down against the trees, the light shining through them. Her lips parted as Brida leaned into her side. "He's crossing to Valhalla." Athena heavily breathed out, slowly turning to Brida. "He's free."

Athena let out a quiet and broken chuckle, her chest tightening as she completely turned to Brida. But her smile soon dropped into a frown, slowly shaking her head as Brida sighed, pulling her into a hug.

Athena laid her forehead against Brida's shoulder, freely crying as her arms were limp at her sides. "I must go." Brida uttered, pulling away from the hug and resting her forhead against Athena's. "The Saxons have won."

Athena's eyes opened at that, her lips parting as she looked at Brida. "Go find Uhtred." Brida slowly nodded her head, squeezing Athena's shoulder with a sad look. "And be a mother."

Athena sadly smiled at Brida, nodding her head as she quickly wiped her tears away. "Thyra." She uttered, making Brida frown. "That will be her name." She sadly said, her voice breaking as she looked down.

Birda immediately understood Athena's words, her heart breaking as she squeezed Athena's shoulder once more, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I hope one day I will get to meet her."

Athena quietly chuckled at that, nodding her head as Brida pulled away. "Of course." She breathed out.

And with that, Brida sent her one final look before turning around and leaving Athena's side. Athena just watched her leave.

A heavy breath left her lips as she looked over her shoulder at the dead Æthelwold. She had avenged Ragnar. That was the only thing she wanted. To send her brother to Valhalla and kill the man that murdered him.

She took one last look at Æthelwold, slowly nodding her head as she turned around, making her way towards the horse. She needed to get back to her people.

She carefully climbed up onto the horse, sheathing her sword as she looked down at the cut in her hand. She squeezed her hand closed, pulling on the horses reigns and turning it around, making it go back into the direction she had come from.

She hoped that the people she cared about most were fine, that they had not been injured or slain.

She carefully guided the horse through the trees, not hearing any sounds of fighting still going on.

Athena wearily guided her horse out of the woods, her eyes landing on the dead bodies on the ground. She swallowed thickly as she clicked her tongue, sending her horse forwards once again.

Pausing once she heard voices, she looked straight ahead to see Saxon warriors finish off the Danes.

She let out a sigh of relief when she saw her group of boys huddled together. But there was no sign of Uhtred, which made her heart drop.

Athena's presence was quickly known, a few men turning to her as she slowly lifted her leg, sitting sideways on the horse.

Before she could even jump down, Finan, Sihtric and Osferth made their way toward her, Finan instantly reaching out to help her down from her horse.

A sigh left Athena's lips as she placed her hands on his shoulders, a quiet hiss leaving her lips as she put too much pressure on her injured hand. "Are you alright? You are not hurt?" Finan questioned as he placed her down on the ground.

Athena swallowed thickly as she slowly nodded her head, keeping her hands on his shoulders as she looked around. "I am fine."

"Æthelwold?" Sihtric hesitantly asked, relieved that she was fine and well.

"Dead." Was all Athena said, nodding her head with a firm look. Finan's hands tightened on her hips as she looked around. Her brows pinched together as she turned to Finan. "Where is—"

But her words were cut short when she heard footsteps behind her, making her turn to see Uhtred. A sigh left her lips as she left Finan's side, rushing to wrap her arms around Uhtred.

Uhtred did not hesitate to wrap his arms around her, burying his head inbetween her neck. "Ragnar is in Valhalla." She softly said, her voice breaking as she rested her head against his chest. "He is free, I saw the bridge." She looked up at Uhtred with teary eyes.

Nodding his head, Uhtred's own eyes grew teary as he brought his hands to hold onto her arms. "Take me to him...his grave." She uttered, holding onto his arms. "Please."

And Uhtred did.

Athena was the first to climb off of the horse, her hands dropping from Uhtred's side as her eyes landed on the grave.

She swallowed thickly as she slowly made her way towards the stones, lowering herself to the ground. Uhtred slowly followed after her, moving to stand behind her.

She hesitantly reached out to place her hands on the stones, squeezing her eyes closed as she lowered her head.

She didn't hide her quiet cries as she held onto the stones of Ragnar's grave. Uhtred's heart broke as he watched his sister completely break right in front of him.

He did not hesitate to reach forward, crouching to her side as he placed his hand on his back.

And that is how the siblings remained. Comforting each other with the siblings they had lost. They had lost Ragnar. They had lost Thyra.

All they had were each other.

— madeleines notes.

This has to be the most chaotic, the most gut wrenching, heartbreaking and longest chapter I have EVER WRITTEN.

Like, I cried writing some scenes.

But let's ignore any mistakes please, I started this chapter at one am, it is now five am and I have college today. SO NEVER SAY I AM NOT NICE. I wanted to finish this chapter for you because I loved you guys 🥰

BUT Æthelwold if FINALLY DESD YAS.

Gonna miss his and Athena's arguments though 🥺 they were so funny to write.

Ugh, I can't with Uhtred's and Athena's  bond, it is SO special to me, honestly. I love writing scenes between them.

And then little argument with Mel and Athena, I'm sorry. Me and Jordan both planned that, bc why not. ITS FOR THE PLOT.

Ugh, I need me an Irishman like Finan SO DAMN BAD!! where do I get one 🥺🥺 chat I'm off to Ireland. Jokes, I'd probs go to Scotland to find Mark Rowley 😁😁

JOKING.

I'm not that lucky 🥺

The list famous person I have new met has been that kaytlee Bailey from tiktok and her new girlfriend.

Some of you won't even know who she is but HAHA.

Saw her in my local shopping center. Too funny.

And my friend were actually talking about what we would do if we met someone semi-famous.

She said she'd want to see angry ginge when she goes to Manchester like...THATS ONE OF MY HUSBANDS VERY MUCH. I fancied him way before everyone else did. So back off 😁😁

But omg...SEASON FOUR IS HERE BABY WOOOOH

I have so much planned, and yes, Athena has named her child Thyra. And I cannot wait to write her bc I have something planned for her character.

She may be young in season four but AYE WELL.

And then we have Atlas, Mel and Sihtric's child HEHE.

Me and Jordan have so much planed so buckle up, I'm sure you guys will LOVE IT!!

But thank you so much for reading this fic, I absolutely love writing this and I love Finan and I love finan 🥰

Like I think we all knew Athena was going to kill Æthelwold. Shes been wanting to do that since day one.

And when he was begging for his life, but the day before was acting all cocky saying he wasn't afraid of her.

Bro was literally petrified bc he knew what Athena is capable of like 👏😈

BUT IM SCARED TO WRITE SEASON FOURS FIRST EP BC BEOCCA DIES. AND ATHENA CARES FOR THAT PRIEST.

But a little someone will have already seen this death 🤭🤔🤭🤔🤭🤔🤭

Okay that's enough. Idk what you guys mean 😁

BUT UGH.

The way that Finan, Sihtric and Osferth all rushed to Athena to make sure she was okay. CRIES. Those boys mean so much to Athena, it honestly breaks my heart.

There will be more scenes written with the core six. Bc Uhtred, Athena, Melusine, Finan, Sihtric and Osferth are a power team, literally THEY REALLY ARE.

Like I love just writing little funny scenes of them all together. Bc they are literally like family to each other. It's just them against the world.

But next chapter will be a full on new era, are we excited 🤭🤭

BC I AM SO EXCITED TI WRITE SEASON FOUR OMG. Season three and season four have to be my favourites.

But season three will always hold a special place in my heart, it literally is the best season.

And when I do my photography job with weekend, im gonna spend that money on getting the last kingdom books.

Like if there are books, I will get them.

I have the 100 books, I have the fnaf books and I have the game of thrones books. LIKE GET ME MIRE OLEASE.

Okay enough ranting, this chapter is too long I swear.

ITS LITERALLY 10K words, idk how I have written so much.

But I am so tired so I hope you enjoyed this character, please don't forget to comment and vote, I love reading your comments, I literally sit and giggle to them and reply to them all bc I love interacting with my loyal readers.

BUT THANK YOU ALL! GOODNIGHT.

16th September 2024
10104 words