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

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

It had been half a day and Hæsten had not showed up yet. They all stood waiting for the Danes, evidently bored and cold.

Athena clung to the furs around her, watching as the snow fell to the ground. She spun her dagger in her hand, her lips pursed. "It's been half a day." Uhtred said as he turned around, shaking his head.

"Maybe he's scared of the priest." Finan nodded towards Osferth, whom was crouched on the ground.

"We leave!" Uhtred told the small army, not wanting to sit in the cold any longer.

Athena sighed as she sheathed her dagger, picking up her shield and following her brother, her eyes on the ground.

They all had started to walk back towards the trees, until Osferth spoke up, fear evident in his voice. "Lord!" He yelled, practically running towards them. "Lord!"

Uhtred turned at Osferth's voice, frown on his face. Athena also turned, her brows pinched together.

Her eyes landed on a army in the distance, an army bigger than theirs. They would not win against Hæsten and his men.

"Run!" Uhtred suddenly yelled, making everyone run towards their camp. Athena knew they would have to fight against them. "Halt!"

Athena unsheathed her sword, quickly turning around and stepping beside Uhtred, lifting up her shield. "Two lines!" Uhtred told his men as they all huddled together.

Hæsten's army was big, he had practically brought out all the Danes from Beamfleot. But they would fight, despite their small numbers. "Shields up!"

"Surround them!" Hæsten said from on top of his horse, Skåde by his side with a smirk. "Give them no escape!" Athena's eyes narrowed at Hæsten's words. "And then we'll kill every last one of the bastards!"

Athena watched as Hæsten's men ran to surround them in a circle, making Uhtred order his men to make a circle.

Gripping onto her sword and shield, Athena glared up at Skåde, watching as she rode away from the scene with a smirk. "We hold!" Uhtred continued to yell out orders. "We give them no ground!"

"We have no ground to give, Uhtred." Athena mumbled, looking at the army surrounding them with narrowed eyes.

"Give up, Uhtred, Athena, and the rest of you will live." Hæsten demanded, making Athena bite back a scoff. "All I want is the Dane-slayers."

"What you will get Hæsten, is my sword up your hairy arse!" Finan immediately hissed as he looked up at Hæsten.

Hæsten simply chuckled at Finan's words, shaking his head. "As you wish." He told them. "You will die on your knees!" His men cheered at that.

"Lord, where is Alfred's army?" Sihtric asked as he looked around at the Danes. "Why are they waiting?"

"I want..." Hæsten pointed his sword in the direction of them. "The head of Uhtred Ragnarson and Athena Ragnarsdóttir!"

Athena bit her cheek as she gripped her sword in her hands, swallowing thickly as she looked up at Hæsten, who rode to the side, letting his men do all the work.

She turned her head to the side, looking over at Uhtred with pinched brows. Uhtred turned as he felt her stare. Athena nodded her head with a faint smile.

And that look spoke thousand words to Uhtred.

Then, Hæsten's men attacked.

Athena raised her shield, dodging any hits from the Danes with a grunt, pushing them forwards as they surrounded them.

Uhtred ducked as a Dane charged towards him, making the Dane fall into their circle, with Osferth standing in the middle.

Not letting the Dane get up, Athena turned her body to the side as she brought her sword against the Danes neck, cutting his head off in one swift motion.

They continued to push against the Dane's, getting hit from every direction. The circle soon began to break as they fought.

Athena hit her shield against one of the Dane's, a yell leaving her lips as she shoved the Dane backwards, swiftly bringing her sword into the man's chest.

"Sihtric!" She heard Osferth yell, making Athena quickly turn to see Sihtric on the floor, fighting off a Dane.

Athena cursed as she left Uhtred's side, lifting her shield as she quickly moved to shove the Dane off of Sihtric with much force.

But, Athena went down with the Dane, rolling onto her side as her shield fell from her hands. She wheezed as her back landed uncomfortably on the floor, a pain shooting through her back.

She panted heavily as she looked around, gripping onto her sword as she reached out for shield.

A yell left her lips as a sudden force was applied to her arm. A Dane stood above her, standing on her arm as he raised his sword to attack.

But his sword never came in contact with Athena. The Dane had paused as he looked over his shoulder, his eyes growing wide as an army of men rode through the trees and towards them.

It was Alfred's army.

Athena took this opportunity to raise her other arm, a grunt leaving her lips as she slit the man's legs in one swift motion.

The Dane cried out in pain as he fell to his knees, letting Athena free her arm. She ignored the pain in her back as she quickly rose to her feet, bringing her sword against the man's neck.

She pushed his body to the floor, stepping back as she panted heavily. She hissed as she tried to move the arm the Dane stood on, but it pained her to do so.

"Stand!" She heard Hæsten yell to his men, evidently panicking. He had not expected for a bigger army to show. "Every man is to stand!"

Athena sucked in a breath as she looked around at the fight, her eyes failing to land on any familiar faces.

A tug on the back of her armour made her quickly turn around, raising her non-injured arm to attack.

But, a relieved sigh left her lips as her eyes landed on the familiar Irishman, whom held up his hands in mock defence. "Thank the gods." She uttered, breathing out as she looked around. "Where is Uhtred?" She yelled over the fighting.

"Stand!" Hæsten continued to yell, watching as some of his men started to run away from the battle.

Finan quickly reached forwards to grasp onto Athena's arm, pulling her back towards Uhtred and their men.

Athena was beyond relieved when she saw Uhtred killing one of the Dane's, panting heavily as he looked over at Skåde.

"Shes why we're here, Lord!" Finan yelled towards him, pointing towards Skåde as he kept his eyes on Uhtred. "Take her!"

Uhtred did not need to be told twice as he ran forwards and towards the seer. Athena looked around at the Dane's and Alfred's men as she swallowed thickly.

They all continued to fight against the Dane's, turning the white ground into red with blood.

Hæsten had escaped with Skåde.

But, the Saxons had won this battle. They had rounded up the surviving Danes, taking them as hostages.

Athena sat in one of the tents, Finan and Melusine also present as they all tried to help Osferth, whom had been wounded in battle.

Holding his hand, Athena turned her head when Sihtric and Uhtred walked into the tent. Uhtred's eyes immediately widened at the boys state. "Osferth?" Uhtred stepped towards the boy laid down on the cot.

"He's alive, Lord." Finan nodded his head, holding onto Osferth's shoulder. "Maybe next time we'll be lucky, eh?" He tried to jest, reaching to hold his other arm.

Osferth swallowed thickly, clearly in pain and agony as Melusine tried to help him. "Did you see me fighting, Lord?" He wheezed out, looking up at Uhtred.

Uhtred nodded his head, clearly worried for the boy. "I did." He told Osferth. "It was a sight to be hold."

"Learned from the best." Athena also tried to jest, squeezing Osferth's hand with a gentle look.

"I feel cold." Osferth then said, shaking his head slightly in worry.

"Because it's winter, you fool." Finan jested, slight smile on his face as he tried to reassure the injured boy.

Uhtred reached out and placed a gentle hand on Osferth's chest. "You were a warrior today, Osferth." Uhtred nodded his head with a slight smile.

"Am I to die, lord?" Osferth choked out, slightly hissing as Melusine brought a cloth to his injured head. "I do not fear it."

Uhtred then reached out to hold his face, his own face firm. "I forbid it." Uhtred shook his head.

"You dare die, baby monk, and I'll kill you myself." Finan warned, keeping his hands on Osferth's arm.

Osferth slowly nodded his head at that. "Right. I'll try not to, then." He tried to jest, making Athena smile.

"Finan won't be your only problem, Osferth." Athena slightly chuckled, stroking the back of his hand with her thumb.

"We will return to Æthelflæd's estate." Uhtred told them, nodding down to Osferth. "You will rest and recover there."

Osferth immediately nodded his head, swallowing thickly. "Yes, Lord." He breathed out.

"What of Skåde?" Sihtric suddenly said from behind Uhtred, making everyone turn to him. Melusine sent a warning look to Sihtric, Skåde was not something they should be worrying about when Osferth could die.

Uhtred lowered his head for a moment, a sigh leaving his lips. "She's been taken by Hæsten." He turned to Sihtric.

"Then nothing has changed." Sihtric uttered, looking down at Osferth. "We remain cursed still."

Athena swallowed thickly at that, looking back down at Osferth with a sad look, squeezing his hand once more.

They had gone back to Æthelflæd's estate, and Melusine demanded to check on Athena's wounds, much to the Dane's dismay.

A hiss left Athena's lip as Melusine held onto her injured arm. "It is bruised, nothing more." Melusine told her, a stern look on her face. Athena had already heard an earful from the woman. "It is not broken. It will heal."

Athena nodded her head, leaning her back against the table. "Good." She hummed, looking down at her bruised arm.

Melusine glanced up at her, lowering Athena's arm with pursed lips. "You cannot go into another battle, I refuse." She sternly said, narrowing her eyes. "You have to think about the—"

"Melusine." Athena sent her a warning look, her own tone firm as she shook her head. "I need to fight. I lost Ragnar, I will avenge him." Melusine shook her own head with a sigh. "I have to."

Melusine sighed once more, biting her lip at Athena's words. "You could have died." Melusine added, making Athena shake her head. "Athena."

"Mel." Athena pursed her lips, shrugging her shoulders. "I will be fine." She tried to reassure the woman. "Besides, I have you to pray for me." She tried to jest, looking down at her bruised arm.

Melusine did not find her jest funny, letting out a defeated sigh as she shook her head. "You will be careful, yes?"

Athena nodded her head with a faint grin. "I will try." She heated once more, making Melusine slap her arm. Athena let out a hiss, holding her injured arm. "Yes, yes." She quickly added, holding onto her arm. "I am sorry."

Melusine gave her a firm look, making Athena sigh once more, sending her an innocent smile.

Then, Melusine looked over Athena's shoulder as her eyes landed on Sihtric. "If you'll excuse me." Melusine squeezed Athena's shoulder, quickly getting up and walking towards her husband.

Athena slowly nodded her head, watching her leave as she turned around in her seat, leaning on the table in front of her.

A hissed left her lips as she brought her injured hand up to run a hand through her messy hair, which reminded her to ask Melusine to braid her hair once more. She then stood up, deciding she'd go check up on Osferth, whom had been bed ridden.

The tenseness was evident in the hall as they sat at one of the tables. Athena fidgeted with her rings, an awkward look on her face as she looked between Sihtric and Melusine.

Melusine was sat beside Athena, drinking too much ale for her to handle. But nobody dared to speak up against the woman.

The four looked up when Uhtred walked in, moving towards their table. Athena spared him a gentle smile, glancing back down at her hands. "How's Osferth?" He asked them.

"Sleeping." Finan answered as he leaned his head in his hand, running his fingers through his hair. "As we should all be." Athena hummed in agreement at that. Uhtred sighed as he sat down beside Sihtric. "Just as soon as he's recovered, we should attempt to recover Skåde."

"Once again." Sihtric uttered as Uhtred poured himself a cup of ale.

"So long as she is free, lord, you are cursed." Finan added, leaning forwards on the table.

Uhtred sucked in a breath, turning to Finan. "Skåde is with the Danes. We cannot reach her." He shook his head. "We will not chase her to our deaths."

"Death will find us regardless." Sihtric spoke up once more, turning to Uhtred, his voice bitter.

Athena pursed her lips as she leaned back, wanting to be anywhere else but this table. "Do you have something to say, Sihtric?" Uhtred raised his brow.

"He does not." Finan firmly said, sending a warning look to Sihtric.

"Except that enough of us have died already." Sihtric started, making Athena bit her inner cheek.

"You are a warrior." Finan continued to try and de-escalate the situation at hand. "Death is a hazard."

Athena continued to fidget with her owl ring, keeping her eyes down. "I've decided to go to Ragnar." Uhtred then said, making Athena glance up at him. "I must help him find peace." Uhtred glanced over to Athena. "Would you want to—"

"No." Athena immediately said, looking back down at her hands with pursed lips. She did not think she could face Ragnar's grave, not after she had left him.

"All you will find at Ragnar's graveside is ghosts." Sihtric suddenly said, making everyone glance to him. Athena heard Melusine quietly scoff from beside her, practically downing the ale in her cup.

Uhtred breathed in once more, looking at the four around the table. "You will keep watch of Æthelflæd and you will rest." He told them as he stood up, walking towers the door.

"No man whom serves Uhtred can rest, not until Skåde is reclaimed." Sihtric uttered bitterly, making everyone turn to him once more.

Athena's lips parted as she leaned forwards, sending him a warning look. "Shut up." She uttered, shaking her head. "For one minute, drink your ale and keep your words to yourself." She tilted her head to the side. "You are tired."

"Yes, I am tried..." Sihtric nodded his head as he turned his head ti face Uhtred, whom was stood at the door. "Of marching north and then south, being called a traitor." He the said. "For what?"

Athena breathed out, leaning back in her seat as she buried her head in her hands. She really wished she could drink ale in that moment. "Then leave, boy." Uhtred said as he stepped back towards the table.

"Uhtred, you don't mean that." Finan then said, shaking his head with a look of disbelief.

"If you are unhappy in my service, leave!" Uhtred harshly said, his eyes narrowed as he stared down at Sihtric. Athena glanced up once more, holding the sides of her face with a look of disbelief.

Sihtric abruptly stood up, getting in Uhtred's face. "I have fought for you!" He yelled, shoving Uhtred backwards.

Athena and Finan quickly stood at that, moving towards the two men, as Melusine remained in her seat. "You fight because you enjoy it." Uhtred chuckled, shaking his head.

"And you would dismiss me as easy as fhis?" Sihtric asked, a hint of betrayal on his face at how quickly Uhtred told him to leave.

Uhtred sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "Stay or go, I do not care." He simply said, making Athena sigh, sharing a look with Finan.

This was not going to end well.

"He does not mean that." Finan said, standing in the middle of both men, a firm look in his face. "He does care. Now, let us all sit."

Athena's eyes flickered from both Uhtred and Finan, whom both stared at each other. "Stay or go, Sihtric Kjartanson. It is your choice." Uhtred told him, his eyes narrowed. "Make it!"

Sihtric swallowed thickly, glancing towards his wife for a moment, before turning to Uhtred. "If you wish to make the square, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, let us do it."

"You both will not do such a thing." Athena quickly said, her eyes wide as she looked between both men. "No square is to be made!" She looked at Uhtred with a pleading look, shaking her head.

"Jesus." Finan uttered, shaking his head as he turned to Sihtric. "Get the prisoners back with the pigs, bound." He told Sihtric as Athena reached to grab Uhtred's arm.

"Sihtric!" Uhtred hissed the man's name, making Sihtric stop in his tracks, turning to Uhtred. "I will leave first light...but I will return." Athena squeezed his arm, giving Uhtred a firm look. "And if you are here still....then I will kill you."

Athena squeezed her eyes shut at Uhtred's words, shaking her head as she let go of Uhtred's arm.

A scoff then left her lips as she moved away from the two men, returning back to Melusine's side.

Melusine just sat there, watching Uhtred leave with a troubled expression. She had not expected for the conversation to turn out like that. Now her husband had to leave—leave her.

"Why?" Finan shook his head at Sihtric, not understanding why Sihtric had to rile Uhtred up.

Athena pursed her lips as she squeezed Melusine's arm, a soft look on her face. "Are you alright?"

Melusine simply hummed, downing the ale in her cup. "I am amazing." She slurred, leaning into Athena's side. She was not amazing. She was trying to drink all her problems away. An Athena classic.

Both women jumped as Sihtric tossed one of the ale jugs to the ground, turning to Finan. "He has cursed us all!" He yelled, making Finan sigh and move to sit back down.

There was nothing they could do to fix what had happened. Athena pursed her lips as she watched Finan sit back down, her hand still on Melusine's arm.

Melusine simply glared at the back of Sihtric's head, cursing him for acting like a fool. She looked at her empty cup, letting out a sigh as she reached over to grab the ale jug. "Must you act like a damn fool, bastard?"

Athena almost choked on her own tongue, her eyes wide at Melusine's words. "It is time for you to sleep, Mel." Athena cleared her throat, abruptly standing up. "You have had enough ale." She sent Melusine a pointed look.

"What?" Melusine chuckled, shrugging her shoulders as Athena took ahold of her. "I am merely drinking for you, especially since the babe won't let you."

Athena froze at her words, her eyes growing wide as she held onto Melusine. Sihtric also turned at the words that left his wife's lips, his own eyes wide. "Take her to bed." Sihtric instructed, making Melusine groan in Athena's arms.

"I am not tired." Melusine whined, turning to Athena, whom was still frozen. "Oh." Melusine realised, looking over at Sihtric, and then Finan. "Oops." She sheepishly turned to Athena, whom swallowed thickly. "I did not mean—"

"It is alright." Athena cleared her throat, keeping her eyes on Melusine, not daring to even glance over at Finan. "Come." She uttered, practically dragging Melusine to the door. Athena's heart was practically pounding in her chest. She looked over to Sihtric with a pleading look, making Sihtric nod his head in understanding.

Finan was in his own state of shock, glancing over to Sihtric, whom held a guilty look. He then turned back to the retreating figure of Athena, standing up.

A sigh left Sihtric's lips as he stepped forwards, shaking his head. "Let her think straight first." He uttered, pressing his hand on Finan's chest to make him stay and not chance after Athena. "She did not intent for this."

Finan's brows pinched together as he looked at Sihtric, trying to piece all the pieces together. "You knew?" Sihtric pursed his lips at that, slowly nodding his head.

Finan did not even need to question if it was his, knowing Athena hadn't laid with anyone except him.

And that was true. Athena had never laid with a man until Finan, which she had told him the first time they had.

Finan's thoughts were all over the place as he looked towards the now closed doors. Why hadn't she told him?

— madeleines notes.

OH CATS OUT OF THE BAG.

MELUSINE CANNOT HANDLE HER ALE, I REPEAT!?!?

THANK YOU TO MY LOVELY PARTNER IN CRIME FOR HELPING ME HOW TO DECIDE HOW TO HAVE FINAN KNOW

This was us planning a week ago for this chapter HAHAAHSHAHA

like fully, I was PMS.

Mel just outs Athena and my girl does not know how to react, so drags Mel out of that hall.

But it's out now, and Athena and Finan will have a discussion abt it in the next chapter.

But I had to leave this chapter here bc I have to wake up early bc I start COLLEGE today 🥺 and it is currently 3 am and I need to be there by 9 🥺

WISH ME LUCK.

These next couple of chapters will be really chaotic.

But I'll spoil something for you here, bc you deserve it.

ATHENA AND FINAN WILL BE TOGETHER IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!!

yes yes, you are welcome, it has been a long wait 🥰

But my girl Athena was literally loss for words. 🥰 bro had to ask SIHTRIC for help at the end like "bro pls."

Mel gonna be so guilty but Athena literally adores her and does not care.

OKAY GOOD NIGHT MY LOVELIES!!

5th September 2024
3721 words