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

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

Athena had not left her niece and nephews side since she returned to Winchester, trying to comfort them as much as she could.

They had just lost their mother so young, but gained a baby brother. It was night and Athena was looking after the children whilst Uhtred went out.

Stiorra held Snow in her arms, tears standing her cheeks as she leaned into Athena. Young Uhtred rested his head on Athena's lap, wiping the tears from his cheeks.

"What will we do now?" Young Uhtred asked, his voice meek as he turned his head to look up at Athena.

Athena sadly stared down at her nephew, sniffling as she kept her arm around Stiorra. "We will return back home with your father." She uttered, running her free hand through his hair.

"I do not want to leave." Stiorra softly cried, burying her head in Athena's shoulder, making Athena's heart break. No child should have fi go through this so young.

Athena sat up, pulling the furs around them as she wiped her own tears, looking down to the young girl. "We have to, sweet girl." Athena muttered, pressing a kiss to Stiorra's forehead. "Your mother would want us to do so."

"Do you think she's with us? Looking down upon us?" Young Untred then asked, a frown on his face as Athena sucked in a breath.

"Yeah." Athena nodded her head with a sad smile, licking at her chapped lips as she looked at both of the children. "Come, it is time for you to both rest." Athena sighed, going to sit up, but Stiorra shook her head.

"Can you stay? Please?" Stiorra quickly asked, cuddling the kitten in her arms as Snow slept. "We do not want to be alone." Young Uhtred nodded in agreement, making Athena nod her head.

"Okay." She uttered, swallowing thickly as she smiled down to the siblings, resting back down as she leaned her head against the wall, watching as Stiorra and Young Uhtred cuddled into her side. "Sleep, I will be here." She told them both, her voice soft as she held onto both of them.

Athena stayed awake as the two children fell asleep, Stiorra resting her head on Athena's arm, Young Uhtred resting his head on her stomach.

She sadly smiled at the two, blinking her own tears away. Gisela should have been here with her children, watching them grow up.

Uhtred had been distant with his children, especially his newborn son, which broke Athena's heart. He was obviously grieving, but he hadn't even named his own son.

Athena lifted her head towards the cot of the newborn babe, whom was soundly asleep. She would protect these three children. For Gisela.

Athena had woken to Snow sitting on her chest, licking at her face to wake her up. Stiorra and Young Uhtred were still fast asleep.

Athena carefully reached out to pick up the kitten, holding Snow in her arms as she slowly got out of the cot, not wanting to wake the two children.

She softly smiled at Uhtred, who stood in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. "How are you?" Athena softly asked, placing her kitten on the floor as she looked up at Uhtred.

Uhtred shrugged his shoulders, looking over to his sleeping children. Athena sighed, standing back up with a sad frown, squeezing her brothers arm. "Be with your children, Uhtred." Athena softly said, nodding to the sleeping children behind her. "And your son." She gave him a pointed look, moving to grab her cloak and sword.

"We are leaving." Uhtred told her, turning around to look over at her. "Get what you need." He sent her a soft look, making her nod her head as she moved over to him once more. "Thank you." He added, glancing over to his children.

Athena nodded her head with a soft look, squeezing his arm once more. "You do not need to thank me, Uhtred." She looked over to Stiorra and Young Uhtred. "But, they need you."

Uhtred nodded his head at that, a sigh leaving hips lips as he squeezed Athena's shoulder, making her smile as she walked past him, signalling for Snow to follow her.

It wasn't long before everyone was getting ready to leave Winchester, readying up their horses when Beocca called out for Uhtred.

Athena moved from her horse with a frown, moving to stand beside Uhtred, whom held Stiorra in his arms. "Uhtred. You are needed at the palace by the King." Beocca panted heavily, looking at the man.

Athena's brows pinched together, turning her head to the side as she felt Melusine stand beside her, holding onto Snow. "For what reason?" Uhtred asked, keeping his daughter in his arms. "We are about to return to Coccham."

Beocca looked between the group with an anxious look. "It would be better if you heard it from him yourself." He looked back to Uhtred. "You alone."

Athena frowned at that, looking up at Uhtred, who sighed and rolled his eyes. He nodded his head at Beocca, turning to face Athena and handing Stiorra over to her.

Athena nodded her head at Uhtred, holding onto the young girl, who reached out to play with Athena's hair. "We will continue to get ready, brother." Athena pursed her lips, watching as Uhtred nodded his head, following Beocca.

"What could the Lord possibly want?" Meluisne uttered, softly smiling as Stiorra leaned forwards in Athena's arms, petting the kitten in Melusine's arms.

Athena shrugged, a sigh leaving her lips as she watched Uhtred leave. "I have no clue." She glanced down at Stiorra in her arms. "Uhtred has not done anything, I think." She trailed off, looking over to Sihtric and Finan, whom both shrugged.

Uhtred had killed Brother Godwin. He had merely slapped the old man for cursing out Gisela.

The king was going to punish for un-burying Gisela and burning her. But it had gotten out of hand and Uhtred had killed a man.

He stayed in his home as his men and Athena kept guard, watching as Steapa paced back and forth. "Uhtred!" He yelled, making Athena sigh, tapping her fingers on her arm. "Uhtred!"

Finan quietly shushed the man, bringing his finger to his lips. "I told ya, big man, he's restin'." Uhtred told him, clasping his hands in front of him.

"Uhtred, do not make me fire the house!" Steapa yelled the warning, his men behind him. "That is what I will do!"

"Steapa, do not make me kill you first, that is what I will do." Finan threatened from beside Athena, a stern look on his face as he stared at the man.

Steapa clenched his jaw, turning his head to the side. "Uhtred, do not make me step on your Irishman!" He yelled, making than quietly scoff, shaking her head. "That is what I will do."

"You will do no such thing, Steapa." Athena shook her head with a mocking grin, tilting her head to the side. "You're a big man, an easy target." She hummed with a smug look.

"Oh, for goodness' sake, stop behaving like children." Hild suddenly said, walking past them all with a sigh, Melusine following behind her as she gave a pointed look to her husband. "You two are goading him." Hild pointed to Athena and Finan.

"We were, Hild." Finan grinned as he turned to the woman beside Athena. "And enjoying it." Athena smacked his arm with a small grin, watching as Hild and Melusine walked into Uhtred's home.

"So the Abbess and lady may enter, but I may not?" Steapa pointed to the two woman, making Athena turn back around to look at him.

Athena simply nodded her head with a grin, looking up at Steapa. "We are afraid of the Abbess and Lady." She shrugged her shoulders. "They can be very scary." The men chuckled at her words, making her grin once more.

They had all formed in Uhtred's house, Athena holding Stiorra on her lap as the young girl played with Snow. Athena ignored the looks Skåde sent her way, keeping her attention on her niece.

"Will we be able to go to the lake to catch some fish for Snow?" Stiorra quietly asked, booping the kitten on the nose. Athena softly chuckled, nodding her head as she kept her leg still, watching as Snow sat on her thigh. "Brother wanted to come, too." She looked over to Young Uhtred, who was trying to sleep.

"Yes, we can." Athena nodded her head, running her free hand through Stiorra's hair. "We will catch so many fishes." Athena grinned, making the young girl smile. "But let's put you to bed."

Stiorra let out a groan at that, letting Melusine take snow as Athena stood, Stiorra around her waist as she moved over to the young girls bed. "Goodnight." Athena sighed, pressing a kiss to Stiorra's forehead.

"Goodnight, aunt Athena." Stiorra yawned, burying her head into her pillow as Athena placed the furs around her.

Athena also wished Young Uhtred goodnight, retreating back to the room and moving to sit beside Melusine, letting Snow climb up on her lap.

"Why is she still here?" Melusine leaned forward to whisper in Athena's ear, side glancing towards Skåde, whom was looking around the room.

Athena let out a deep sigh, running her hands through her kittens fur. "I am not quite sure, Mel." She shrugged her shoulders with a weary look, looking over at Skåde. "I have something to tell you when we are alone." Athena whispered towards Melusine, who immediately looked worried. "Do not fear."

"How can I not fear when you tell me that!" Melusine whispered with a slight hiss, her eyes wide as Athena pursed her lips, forgetting how stressed Melusine could get.  "Of course I will fear, Thena."

Athena sighed, giving her an apologetic look, feeling Snow curl on her lap. "What are you two lovely women whispering about?" Melusine almost jumped out of her skin as Finan leaned down to their level, his voice also a whisper.

Athena groaned, hitting his chest with narrowed eyes. "You cannot flatter us to tell you, Finan." Athena shook her head, watching as he bit back a comment with a smirk, making Athena hit him once more. "Perhaps I should let Steapa...what did he say? Step on you?" She mocked with a grin, watching as he raised his hands in defeat, moving to stand behind her and lean against the wall.

They all turned to the door when Beocca walked in, and Athena voiced her displeasure when Æthelwold walked in. "Do you think I could train Snow to attack?" Athena leaned back to whisper towards Finan, grin on her face as she looked over at Æthelwold, gaining a hit from Melsuine. "It was a jest." Athena hissed, holding onto her arm and lowering her head in defeat at the scolding look Melusine sent her way.

"You are not turning that poor cat into a killing thing." Melusine scolded Athena, making her slowly nod her head and lean back in her seat in defeat, running her fingers through Snow's fur.

"The king and Edward have conferred and they have decided there will be no trial." Beocca explained to Uhtred, making Athena sigh in relief. "No punishment at all, barring a small wergild to be paid to the church."

"A small wergild?" Finan asked from behind Athena, raising his brow at the priest.

Beocca nodded his head. "One hundred pieces of silvers." He told them, making Athena tilt her head.

"And that's it?" Finan chuckled, resting his head against the wall.

"Of course not." Æthelwold uttered from across the room, making Athena narrow her eyes at the man.

"One hundred pieces of silver..." Beocca looked down at Uhtred, then glancing over to Athena. "And your oaths."

Athena sat up at that with pinched brows, looking over to Uhtred. "Alfred has our oaths." Athena turned back to Beocca with a confused look. Athena hadn't murdered anyone, nor broken her oath.

Beocca exhaled, clapping his hands in front of him. "The king wishes that you both swear an oath to the ætheling, to Edward." He simply explained with a slow nod.

"Edward is not the ætheling." Æthelwold voiced his displeasure with a glare, making Athena raise her brow. "The crown cannot be assumed."

Athena rolled her eyes at the man's jealousy. "I figured the boy is more of an ætheling than you have ever been, Æthelwold." Athena shrugged her shoulders with a subtle grin, relieved that Melusine didn't scold her for that.

"So then Alfred is asking for mine and my sister's lives." Uhtred then said, not giving Æthelwold an opportunity to argue with Athena.

"He's asking for your loyalty to Edward." Beocca shrugged, trying to get through to Uhtred.

"Edward is just a boy!" Uhtred suddenly said with a small yell. "Swear an oath to a boy, then it is the rest of your life."

Finan quickly placed his hand on Uhtred's shoulder, trying to calm him down. "Father, the King asks too much." Finan stepped towards Beocca.

Athena bit her inner cheek, leaning back in her seat as she looked down at Snow in her lap. Athena had kept true to all her oaths she had made Alfred, not broke one. She had never wronged the man, and now she was being asked to throw her life away to his heir.

"What you must now do, Uhtred, Athena." Beocca looked between the siblings with an apologetic look. "I'd consider what will happen if you do not swear the oath to Edward."

"Why me, Father?" Athena asked with a slight frown, looking over to Uhtred, then back over to Beocca. "I have done nothing."

Beocca slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, as Lady Ælswith reminded the King, but if one of you were to make the oath, the other would follow." Beocca explained. The king was trying to use the siblings loyalty to each other against them, making Athena scoff in her seat. "People will die." Uhtred sighed at Beocca's words. "It won't just be the men here who will die! It'll be the men standing outside, men you fought beside—"

"It will be Alfred's doing." Uhtred cut of Beocca with a scoff. "He couldn't care less for men in his service."

"The king cares deeply!"

Uhtred sat up in his seat, pointing towards the man. "You, Beocca, you served him all your life, and for what?" He harshly said. "His witan whisper about your choice of wife?" Athena closed her eyes at the mention of Thyra.

"Without Alfred, I would not be standing here at all, I would be dead." Beocca shook his head, looking down at Uhtred with wide eyes. "Without Alfred, there would be no Wessex, there would be no Mercia, no Christendom!" Uhtred leaned forwards in his seat, leaning on the table. "There like be Danes! And that is all!" He looked outside for a moment. "The green fields would be red with blood and my insides would be hanging from a tree!"

Athena pursed her lips as she looked up at the priest, keeping her hand on her kitten as she leaned into Melusine's side. "Look, for all your whines and moans, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, you've had a good life here in Wessex, and don't you dare say otherwise." Beocca continued with a harsh tone. "Alfred gave you shelter."

"I have earned it. As has my sister." Uhtred shook his head with a look of disbelief.

"You have land and wealth, food and drink."

"I have earned it."

"Make your choice, boy!" Beocca suddenly yelled, taking everyone in the room by surprise. Athena looked over her shoulder at her brother with a soft look. "Accept your punishment or allow your friends to kill each other, all to spare you the hardship of life as a lord!"

Beocca tried to reason, even glancing down at Athena, who sent him a sympathetic look. Uhtred ignored the priest, turning away from him.

Beocca looked around the room, slowly nodding his head as he turned around, walking out of the home.

Athena expected Æthelwold to follow after Beocca, but he didn't. Instead, he walked towards Uhtred, arms crossed over his chest. "Did I not say it would be more than a wergild?"

Athena groaned, looking up at the man with a glare. "Æthelwold, I swear to the gods I will make that seer curse your holy self!" She hissed in annoyance, watching as Æthelwold shifted uncomfortably at her threat. "And if not, when the killing starts, I will come for your head." She pointed at him with narrowed eyes, making Meluisne sigh and push Athena back into her seat.

Æthelwold didn't need to be told to leave, already turning around and leaving the home. "There will be no killing." Uhtred said, abruptly standing up.

"We are swearing an oath to a young boy?" Athena raised her brow, placing Snow onto Melusine's lap and standing also. "Uhtred—"

"We will do no such thing." Uhtred told her, making Athena sigh in relief. Athena always kept her oaths. There had not been one she had broken, but swearing her life to a child whom was not king yet, that would not make her a free person.

The group walked outside and towards Steapa. Uhtred had explained the plan to Athena, who seemed hesitant at first. If the king did not accept their proposal, they would run. "Steapa." Uhtred stepped forwards, Athena following behind him with a weary look. "I will not fight you, not any of these men here." Uhtred sighed, shaking his head at the man. "We will go with you to the king, my friend."

"I am pleased to hear you say that, Lord, Lady." Steapa nodded his head at the pair, making Athena purse her lips as she unsheathed her sword and daggers, handing them to Finan, as Uhtred handed his to Sihtric.

The siblings followed Steapa to the king, walking through the halls and moving towards the main room, the guards opening the doors.

Athena fiddled with her rings as she looked around, making Uhtred squeeze her arm. She had an uneasy feeling. Something would go wrong...

They all turned to the siblings, Alfred turning to the pair with a hesitant look. "You both have something to say, I am told." Alfred look between them, a gentler look as he stared down at Athena, whom looked everywhere but the king.

"Lord." Uhtred sighed, glancing at Athena for a moment, before looking around the room at the paintings. "Look around you. I ask that you remember mine and my sister's service to you at Ethandun, and more, much more."

"Good service past is no excuse for breaking the law of the land." Alfred simply said, hands clasped in front of him.

Athena swallowed thickly as she looked up at Alfred. "Lord, you do understand that I have not broke any law. Why must I swear an oath to Edward?" She hesitantly asked, clasping her hands in front of her, her time calm and respectful, something she had learned to do since being one of Alfred's oath men.

Alfred looked down at her with a troubled look. "It only seems fair is Uhtred does, as do you." He simply said, giving no explanation to the Dane woman.

"I will pay the wergild." Uhtred looked between his older sister and the king. "But though Edward's a fine young man, we cannot swear an oath that we will not keep." Uhtred spoke for himself and his sister, which Athena was grateful for. "You know this. An oath to protect Edward is an oath for the remainder of our lives."

Alfred lowered his head for a moment, a small smile on his face as he looked between the siblings. "Your word has meaning, I will give you that, which is the very reason I would like you both beside my son when I am gone and he is King."

"You have Steapa."

"Steapa at his left hand, and you and Athena at his right." Alfred quickly explained with a shrug of his shoulders. "There is no negotiation to be had." He stepped closer towards the siblings. "None."

"Have we not given enough, Lord?" Uhtred uttered with pinched brows. "I beg of you."

Alfred focused his attention on Uhtred, leaning close to the man. "Self pity does not suit you." Alfred uttered. "I am allowing you to live.  Athena shifted in her place. Even if Uhtred were to swear an oath to Edward, she would not. "You and your sister will do as I ask."

Uhtred heavily breathed in, glancing down at Athena for a moment, then back up to the king. "No, lord. I will not."

Athena couldn't even blink as Uhtred moved towards Alfred, pulling out a knife and holding it to the man's throat. Athena's eyes widened as she stepped back, looking at Uhtred. "Uhtred!" Athena worriedly called out, watching as Alfred struggled in his grasp. This was not the plan.

But Athena could not leave Uhtred. "Steapa, put down your sword!" Uhtred warned the man, watching as Steapa moved towards Athena, but Athena was quicker to dodge his arm, backing away.

"Do nothing more!" Beocca warned, everyone in the room panicking as Uhtred held his knife to Alfred's neck.

"Edward, no!"

"Edward, stand still!"

"Untred, this is madness!" Athena turned at Æthelwold's voice, seeing him sat down in his seat with a smug look.

Athena clenched her jaw as she went to attack the man, making him quickly stand up and move back. "I will rip your smug head from your shoulders!" Athena hissed, only to be stopped by Beocca, the priest keeping a firm grip on her hand. "Beocca, you will let me go!"

"As much as I agree with you, you cannot." Beoacca uttered in a warning tone, making her move back beside Uhtred, sending a warning glance towards Æthelwold.

Athena swallowed thickly as she followed Uhtred's lead, sending a sympathetic glance towards Ælswith and Edward, whom she was fond of. "Not one man is to take a single step closer!" Uhtred threatened, moving towards the doors. "Not one step!"

"Steapa, kill the bastard!" Lady Ælswirh yelled towards the man, holding onto her sword. "Do it now!"

"No!"

"Steapa!"

"No man is to make a single move!" Beocca carefully warned the guards, his arms raised up. "No man is to put the Kings life in danger!" He turned to Uhtred and yelled.

Athena swallowed thickly as she looked around the room, almost bumping into the wall as she followed Uhtred's lead. "This means death for you, it can be nothing else." Alfred warned Uhtred, despite the knife against his throat. "There will be mercy for your sister, although."

"Away from the door!" Uhtred yelled towards the guard barricading the door. "Every man away from the door!"

Athena was evidently panicking, looking around the room as she held her hands at her side. These people would kill Uhtred, probably Athena for being beside him. And she had started to like these Saxons.

"Uhtred." Beocca moved towards them, his gaze pleading. "Please, I beg of you one last time."

Uhtred slowly walked backwards, moving towards the door as he kept his hold on Alfred. "Beocca, you will close and bar the door." Uhtred instructed the priest. "You will ensure no one follows." He said as Athena hesitantly opened the door. "Not until Alfred himself knocks!"

"Lord, on my oath, he will not harm you." Beocca wearily stepped forward, Athena standing at the door as she swallowed thickly. "But if he does harm you, I swear, I will kill him myself."

Athena slowly stepped back and away from the door, biting her bottom lip as she looked over at Lady Ælswith, someone she had gained a friendship with. 'I am sorry', she mouthed to the woman.

Athena would be loyal to her brother, it was known by the people in Winchester. She would follow him, and Uhtred would follow her. "Beocca, the door!" Uhtred yelled once his sister was beside him. "Now!"

Beocca reluctantly closed the door in front of them, making Uhtred let out a deep sigh as he pulled Alfred with him.

They rounded around the corner, Uhtred pushing the sickly Alfred against the wall. Athena felt tense as she looked around, fiddling with her rings as she turned back to face Alfred. "We gave you glory!" Uhtred quietly hissed, his voice slightly breaking as he spoke. "We gave you the freedom to worship your God, and still you treat us no better than a hound!" Uhtred pushed the blade closer to Alfred's neck. "I should kill you!"

"Uhtred!" Athena warned, wearily looking around. They had to leave, now.

"Then do it, like the heathen you are and always be." Alfred hissed as he glared up at Uhtred. "You think I am afraid?"

Uhtred moved closer to Alfred, as did the blade. "I smell the shit on your legs."

"Heaven awaits me, whereas you shall burn in hell for all eternity!" Alfred swallowed thickly, his eyes never leaving Uhtred's. "Valhalla is a lie and your gods are a lie!"

Athena quickly gasped as she moved back, watching as Uhtred kneed Alfred in the stomach, making the king gasp as he hit the floor. "Uhtred, you will make this worse for us!" Athena warned, looking down the king with wide eyes.

"They already want to kill me." Uhtred shrugged, not bothered at the fact he was threatening his own life. But the tears in his eyes told a different story.

Athena sighed as she reached down, carefully pulling Alfred back up and leant him against the wall with a sympathetic look. She really had grown soft around these Saxons.

Uhtred clenched his jaw as he stared down at the king. "I seem to have broken my oath, Lord." He moved to point the knife to Alfred's neck. "With luck, the whole of Wessex will now burn." He hissed, watching as Athena stood up, her hands shaking as she looked around. "And you will do good to remember my sister was innocent in all this, you do not put the blame on her." Uhtred warned him, making Athena frown at his swords. "Come on." He turned to Athena, giving her a pointed look as she stared down at the king, whom held onto his stomach.

"I still have my oath, right?" Athena swallowed thickly, watching as Uhtred's face fell. He knew Athena would not break an oath so easily. She was loyal. "Go, and I will follow. I cannot leave him like this, Uhtred." She shook her head. "He is sickly, I owe him a little help."

"You do not owe him anything!" Uhtred half yelled at his sister, who squeezed her eyes shut. "Athena—"

"I will follow!" Athena yelled over to him, crouching down to the King's side and carefully helping him up.

Uhtred groaned as he hesitantly nodded his head, quickly turning around the corner as Athena helped Alfred to his feet. "Come on." Athena sighed, holding onto Alfred's side. "He did not punch you that bad, did he?"

Alfred couldn't help but chuckle at her words, letting her take him towards the door. "I have succumbed worse." He simply said, making Athena slowly nod her head, carefully placing him against the doors. "I do not fault you for your brother's actions, but I hope you will do the right thing."

Athena swallowed thickly, closing her eyes for a moment as she bit her tongue. She knew what she had to do. "Beocca!" Athena yelled, hitting the door with her hand. "Open this damned door to let your king in." Alfred sent her a look, making her sigh. "Please." She added with pursed lips, waiting for the door to be opened.

And the door did open, making Athena grasp onto the king, carefully moving him inside the room with an apologetic look to the people inside. "I am sorry."

And with that, Athena took off in a sprint, running down the halls, following the path Uhtred took.

Athena was always grateful that she was stealthy and fast, quickly running through the halls and dodging the guards, whom were looking for her brother.

Soon enough, she was outside, standing as the guards ran around trying to find her brother.

Athena panted heavily as she looked around for an exit. "Fuck." She licked at her lips, her eyes flickering around. She knew the guards would be hunting her down too.

So, the Dane took off in another sprint, running through the streets of Winchester, dodging the people as she ran.

On the other side of the wall, Uhtred jumped off of the wall, landing on the horses hut beneath him, rolling off of it and hitting the floor with a grunt.

The group all looked over to Uhtred, watching as he stood up. "So, they decided to let you go?" Finan jested, moving toward Uhtred and helping him up and passing his weapons back to the Dane. A frown soon made its way onto his face as he didn't see the familiar blonde. "Where is Athena?"

Uhtred panted heavily, sheathing his weapons as he looked up at the Winchester wall. "We got split up." He swallowed thickly, hoping to see his sister climb over the wall.

Melusine moved from Sihtric's side, frown on her face as she looked around. "You left her?" She half scolded the man in front of her.

"I had no choice!" Uhtred moved towards his horse and Athena's horse, his sighs heavy. "She insisted! She will be here, I am sure of it!"

"We cannot leave until she is here!" The group were surprised at Skåde's input, a stern look on her face, but everyone couldn't help but agree. They would not leave without the woman.

Meanwhile, inside the wall, Athena continued to run through the streets, making her way towards the wall. "Athena!" She heard Steapa yell, making her curse to herself. "The king and Lady Ælswith orders no harm is to come to you!" Steapa warned, and Athena looked over her shoulder at the man, seeing a spear in his hands.

"You will have to kill me, I am afraid!" She yelled over to him with a sympathetic look, shrugging her shoulders as she panted heavily. "Perhaps stand on me like you threatened my friendly Irishman." She jested, quickly running in the opposite direction, using random things to block their path.

She turned her body to the side as Steapa threw the spear towards her. A yelp left her lips as the spear skimmed her stomach, cutting her.

But she did not stop, she quickly lost the guards and Steapa, running towards the wall and climbing up the steps, looking down at the floor.

A quiet cry left her lips as she held her bleeding stomach, leaning on the fall for support. She would not make the jump.

So, Athena carefully climbed up onto the wall, looking down to see her brother and her people, standing in front of the horses hut.

She betrayed in heavily, bracing herself as she jumped down onto the horses hut, landing ok her back with a grunt.

Everyone looked up at her noise, followed by muffled curses of the familiar voice. Athena sat up, ignoring the pain in her stomach as she looked down, a breathless chuckle leaving her lips as she stared down at her people. "One of you better catch me!" He quietly yelled down to them, knowing she'd hurt herself if she rolled or jumped off and onto the ground.

Uhtred held his injured shoulder, taking note of the injury on Athena's stomach as she carefully dropped from the roof of the horses hut as Finan quickly caught her, placing her on the ground.

"You're hurt." Melsuine pushed past Finan, her eyes wide as she looked at the wound on Athena's stomach, making Athena shake her head. "Let me—"

"T'is only a scratch." Athena smiled as she swallowed thickly, looking around at the group, her eyes landing on Skåde, whose eyes did not leave Athena's stomach. "Clearly Steapa does not have a good aim." She jested, ignoring the pain in her stomach. "We must go, now."

Skåde's eyes followed Athena's movements, watching as she quietly hissed as she got upon her horse. Luckily for Skåde, it was the horse beside her. She didn't hesitate to reach out, placing a firm hand on Athena's cut on her stomach.

Athena shifted at the contact, her eyes narrowed as she looked at the seer, but Skåde did not move, only closed her eyes for a moment, before pulling back with a smirk.

Swallowing thickly, Athena reached down to take her sword and daggers back from Finan, her eyes never leaving Skåde.

Athena did not know what the woman did, but it eased the pain in her stomach. Skåde simply gave her a smile, one that held much secrets behind it as she looked away from Athena.

Melusine got upon her own horse, handing Athena something to wrap around her stomach, which the woman did so before setting off on horse back.

They were to go to Ragnar.

— madeleines notes

Yall are probably so confused by Skåde right now, but it makes me giggle 🥰

Let me just...

There🥰🥰🥰

That explains nothing but 🎀

HEHEH

me and Jordan are PLANNING so 🥰🥰

I'm sorry but Athena had started to care for these Saxons, and Uhtred ruined it smh 🥺🥺

But she still is a loyal gyal, so she shows respect to Alfred, even though he has wronged her and Uhtred so many times.

But that will be for a reason. You'll seek se why that one scene is important for Athena. Her loyalty is evident and Alfred knows it.

But the way Athena was so ready to kill Æthelwold with her bare hands, MAKES ME LAUGH.

Every chapter has to have some Æthelwold slanter.

But it's so obvious I love writing scenes with Athena and Stiorra and Young Uhtred, they're just adorable and so cute to write.

Athena gonna miss her kitty 🥺🥺 it's okay bc Stiorra will give to Thyra until Athena is back. So thanks Stiorra you cutie.

26th August 2024
5725 words