The Edge of Destiny
On the edge of destiny, we see the light...
Chapter 1: Salt
"No! I need one of them alive!" Uhtred shouted as he saw Clapa lifting his sword against the youngest of the band sent to kidnap him. Uhtred spared a moment to glance his way before he turned back to the vile man who threatened to take his eye. He smiled as he lifted the knife he held to the man's throat. "But it will not be you!" He plunged the knife into the man's throat without hesitation. Then he stepped back and threw the knife on the ground. He huffed out and shook his head. He couldn't believe Kjartan would be so careless, so stupid to think he could send his men into Uhtred's army to come after him!
"Lord?" Clapa held fast to the prisoner, a growl on his lips when the boy struggled to get free. But he stopped and his eyes were on the ground.
"Tie him up." Uhtred spat. "I will deal with him later."
Clapa nodded his head and turned. He hauled the younger man after him.
Uhtred sighed deeply and shook his head. Kjartan would pay for the attempt. He would see to it. He glanced around as suddenly more people were pressed closer, roused from the fighting. Uhtred pushed past them without answering any questions.
The next morning, Uhtred kept his mouth shut as King Guthred praised them all, acting as if the little skirmish had been a grand battle, a huge victory to be praised for. Uhtred crossed his arms and stared at the ground, biting back what he really wanted to say. King Guthred hadn't even been there. He hadn't participated or even knew what had happened until much later and yet he spoke as if he had been included. But Uhtred let the man have his speech. It seemed to rally the army around them. And maybe that was for the best. As long as they didn't get too over confident. Foiling a small kidnapping attempt by a small band of warriors wasn't going to be anything like the battles to follow.
Uhtred waited until the King had finished and left before he walked over to where Halig, Clapa, and Hild stood with the others that had come to his aid. He looked at each one of them in turn and he nodded. "Right." He breathed out. "You are far from what I would call warriors… but you did well." He smiled and clapped Halig on the shoulder before turning to Clapa. "I am grateful."
Clapa smiled back and nodded. "Thank you." The larger man said.
Just behind him, Uhtred spied the prisoner. The younger man was watching him but quickly looked away the moment Uhtred glared at him. "Keep a close eye on him." Uhtred said, not taking his eyes off him. "I saw him fight. He is quick. Do not give him a chance."
Halig nodded his head. "We will watch him."
Uhtred nodded again and stepped back. "The dead ones, gather them up. Cut off their heads, put them in a sack and keep them safe. I shall make a present of them to Kjartan."
Clapa nodded his head. "Yes, Lord."
Uhtred cast one last look at them before he turned and stalked off.
Clapa pulled on the rope attached to the prisoner and the boy was quick to follow. The man let out a booming laugh as Halig fell in step beside him and the two paraded the prisoner before everyone as they headed towards the stables.
The younger man hung his head and hunched in on himself. But he was used to such treatment. This wasn't anything new to him. He sighed deeply and hurried to keep up with them but still kept a few paces back. He didn't want any more attention on himself. Not just yet. He needed to wait for the right moment. Clapa tied the end of the rope to a hitching post beside the stables and the boy leaned back against it and kept his eyes on the ground, acting like the docile creature he wanted them to think of him. He was forming a plan in his mind but he would need to pick his moment.
Clapa and Halig left him for a few moments after that as they gathered the bodies of his fallen comrades. Not that he would call them that. He hardly knew them. He hardly knew anyone in Kjartan's army. He hadn't cared for any of them and he was happy to be rid of them. He breathed out as he leaned more heavily against the post. His wrists ached a little where the rope dug into his skin. He clasped his hands together and let them hang loosely, trying to keep the slack enough to stop them from rubbing. He lifted his head and watched as the people milled around the camp. That was what he was good at. Watching, waiting, biding his time. He was patient.
Halig and Clapa returned, dragging bodies. They dropped them carelessly in a pile and left again. It took them a few trips but they eventually got all of the seven dead men piled together. Then Halig left again and returned a few minutes later with two cups. He handed one to Clapa and sipped on the other.
The boy continued to watch. He waited until Halig finished his drink before he cleared his throat. "I would like to talk to your Lord." He said loudly, speaking for the first time since his capture and trying in vain to keep the waver out of his voice.
Halig spun around towards him and glared at him. "You cannot!" He spat.
The boy pushed off of the post and stepped closer. "I would like to serve him." He said, his voice a little stronger.
"You cannot." Halig repeated loudly. "Now shut your mouth before I fill it with my boot!" He spun back around and stomped a few steps away.
Watching him, Clapa let out a loud, booming laugh. He edged closer to the boy and leaned against another hitching post. He brought his cup to his lips and drank deeply. The boy kicked at the ground and slumped back against the post. He looked sideways at the large Dane guarding him. He opened his mouth but then the man turned towards him and shook his head. "Don't ask me."
The boy closed his mouth and drew his lips tight. He nodded and turned his head to survey his surroundings again. He needed to talk to the blue eyed Lord. He had heard stories of the man his whole life, rumblings and rumors about him. If the boy could just get a moment, he knew he could plead for his life. Footsteps drew his attention away and the boy turned as a woman approached. The boy thought he had seen her last night, sword in hand. She hadn't been very good but she hadn't been hurt. He listened idly as she spoke with his two guards about cutting off the heads and then he listened as she hacked off the head of one of the dead men and promptly vomited. The boy smiled and quickly looked away as Halig glared at him. He dropped his gaze to the ground, thinking how the woman he thought they called Hild had guts.
The day turned into night and Halig threw some stale bread at him. The boy took it gratefully and it wasn't the worst thing he'd ever been given. Clapa returned once Halig left and handed him a cup and a small apple. "Thank you."
Clapa nodded as he sat down on the ground. He leaned back against the post and despite being there to guard the prisoner, he promptly fell asleep.
The boy finished with his food and drink and continued watching. It was getting darker but he was used to seeing in the dark. He opened his eyes wide and strained to focus but he was better than most in the dark. He always had been. He saw more than most and he noted that all the guards around were either asleep or far away. The boy lifted his hands and brought them closer to his eyes and stared at the knot for a moment. It wasn't tied the best and his wrists were slim. He had broken out of many knots tied better but the problem was how tight it was. He brought it closer to his mouth and tried to pull at the rope with his teeth. But it was still tight. He turned and looked at the hitching post. The knot there was just as lazily tied and it was looser. The boy smiled as he lifted himself off the ground. He kept low to the ground, kneeling beside the post, as he lifted his fingers to the knot. It was hard to get a good grip on. The post was shrouded in shadows and his eyes strained harder to focus. But he still managed to pull the rope free after a few moments. He glanced at Clapa and the large Dane was still fast asleep. Before the boy could move, though, he heard footsteps. His eyes widened and he draped the rope back over the post and dropped to the ground. He leaned back against it, feigning sleep.
Halig stumbled towards them and kicked the sleeping Dane. "Clapa!" He snapped loudly. "You're supposed to be guarding, not sleeping!"
Clapa snapped awake and shrugged at the Saxon. "Just closed my eyes for a moment." He said with a smile.
"Uh huh." Halig kicked at him again. "My turn." Clapa got up, smiling at him and Halig sank down in his place. "And I won't fall asleep." Clapa just laughed again as he strode off. Halig breathed out and shook his head and then stopped. "I drank too much." He muttered and leaned his head back against the post. He sighed again and turned his head towards the prisoner "Still awake, Dane?"
The boy nodded his head but didn't answer.
Halig sniffed and thumped his head lightly against the post. "I believe Lord Uhtred is hoping you can tell him about Kjartan's fortress."
The boy snorted and smiled. "It is tall." He answered softly.
Halig laughed loudly and shook his head. "Tell him that and you are a dead man."
The boy leaned closer and dropped his tone. "Then let me speak to him." He whispered, hope flaring in his voice.
Halig shook his head. "He will speak to you when he is ready. He is a good man." He added softly and closed his eyes. And even though he chastised Clapa for doing it, Halig fell asleep just as the Dane had.
The boy rolled his eyes and shook his head. The Lord Uhtred needed better men who did as they were told. Their Lord had told them to watch him. And he had been right to do so. The boy waited a few more minutes, making sure the half drunk Saxon was asleep still and that there was no one around. When he was sure it was all quiet, he slipped away, moving into the shadows between the camp. He could flee, he knew. But he had nowhere to go. He couldn't return home, not with the rest of his hunting party dead. He wouldn't be allowed back. Not that he wanted to go back. Dunholm had never really been his home. No. That was not an option. And his only option was to speak to the Lord and convince the man that he was worth something.
He moved into the woods surrounding the camp and slithered up into one of the trees. He glanced up at the sky and from the position of the moon, he knew he still had a few hours before daylight and he was discovered missing. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the rough bark. The morning came too swiftly and the boy opened his eyes as he heard the voices just under him. He recognized Halig's voice and another Saxon he thought he recognized but didn't know the name of.
"Lord Uhtred will not be happy you let his prisoner escape because you feel asleep!" The unknown man said.
"Shut up!" Halig hissed lowly, moving closer to the man. "I closed my eyes for a moment! Someone must have let him go!"
The boy waited until the two were just under the tree he was perched in. He had one shot. He waited a moment longer as Halig stepped away and the other man was directly under him. Then he quietly slid from the tree and knocked the other man down. Halig spun around, his eyes wide, and drew his sword but the boy was faster. He threw the rope still tied to his wrists around Halig and danced back, tripping the man and making him drop his sword. The boy ducked as the other man got to his feet, his sword in hand. The boy rolled away and grabbed for Halig's sword. He lifted it and the angle was odd, holding it between his bound hands, but he managed to lift the sword and clash it against the larger man's. Then he turned and spun and knocked the man's sword from his hand.
Halig had recovered and reached the fallen sword before the boy could get to him. But again, the boy was faster and more skilled. He knocked Halig to the ground before the small Saxon man even realized what had happened. "You will not get away with this." Halig spat as the boy held the sword towards him.
The boy turned quickly and moved in behind Halig. He pressed the sword against the man's neck and glared at the other Saxon. "You will fetch Lord Uhtred." He shouted. "Tell him I have his man."
Halig snorted loudly. "Kill me and we are both dead!"
"Now!" The boy snapped loudly and watched as the man ran off, shouting for their Lord. The boy sucked in a breath and leaned closer to Halig for a moment. "With luck, we shall both live." He whispered and pressed closer to Halig, keeping the blade poised against the man's neck.
A few minutes later and the Lord Uhtred came running towards them. He was half dressed, his chest bare and his pants riding low on his hips. His hair was completely down and he looked as if he was just awoken. But he held his sword tightly in his hands and his blue eyes blazed as he stepped closer. There was a snarl on his lips and he looked volatile, seconds from exploding as he slid to a stop a few paces from them.
The boy's eyes widened and he swallowed as he took in the man before him. He adjusted his hold on the sword, trying to keep the tremble out of his movements. He opened his mouth and breathed out and when he spoke, he couldn't keep the waver from his voice. "I could have killed him, Lord." He said loudly. "Made good my escape."
Uhtred paced closer, a growl on his lips. "Kill him and you will die slowly." He said, his voice deep and booming.
"Told you." Halig muttered smugly, smiling.
The boy shivered and shrank back a bit from the wild look in the man's eyes and maybe from something else. "I… I... asked your man to fetch you, L-Lord." He stammered, trying hard to keep from pissing himself or from completely submitting to this man before him before he even got a chance to speak. The second option seemed appealing in the back of his mind and he pushed the spark away as soon as it ignited. He sucked in a breath and tried to stand up a little taller. "I do not wish to murder, I wish to bargain." He called out.
Uhtred paused as he heard steps. He turned and a group of men were suddenly there, walking up. The King and his abbot were among them and Uhtred breathed out and shook his head. He did not need them there, interfering. He turned to the boy again, ignoring the others lining up behind him. "A life for a life, is it?" He snarled.
The boy swallowed and shook his head. "My life for my sword." He said. "I wish to serve you, Lord. I could have killed both, but I wish to serve you."
Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. He made a show of swinging his warrior's blade and bringing her up to rest her blade against his bare shoulder, his muscles flexing with each movement. If it came down to a fight, he would show this young man exactly who he was threatening before he killed him. "You are Kjartan's man." He said, laughter in his voice.
The boy's eyes narrowed and he shook his head. "No!" He snapped, his voice growing stronger for the moment with hatred. "I am Kjartan's bastard son, whelped on a slave girl. He has no honor and there is no loyalty between us. You are Uhtred Ragnarson, and I wish to serve a warrior and a Lord."
Uhtred stopped and tilted his head curiously as he listened to the conviction in the young man's voice. He lowered his sword and stepped closer. He had seen the boy fight, had seen him stand up to Clapa. And he had taken down two of his other men. The boy had sparked his interest.
"A true Lord." The boy added, lifting his head.
Uhtred pursed his lips and tilted his head again. "If you believe me to be these things, then put down your sword." He said easily.
The boy's eyes widened a bit and he glanced at the growing procession behind the Lord. He swallowed and hesitated, looking nervous. His eyes fell back on the Lord. "You guarantee my life?"
Uhtred just smiled. "Put down your sword."
"Kill him!" Behind him, the King's abbot, Eadred, hollered.
"No!" Uhtred snapped, not taking his eyes off the boy. "Put down your sword." He said softer as he stepped closer. He stopped just a couple feet away and looked at the boy in the eyes. The boy met his gaze and although he looked nervous, he didn't look away. Uhtred noticed the oddly colored and mismatched eyes and tilted his head. The boy nodded his head and threw the sword away, letting his hands fall in front of him. He stepped back, away from Halig, and stood up taller. Halig rolled away and reached for his sword. He held it up as he fell in behind Uhtred. He glared at the young man and grunted out but he said nothing.
The boy looked at Uhtred and swallowed, looking even more nervous. "I can be of use to you, Lord!" He said, his voice wavering.
Eadred stepped forward, waving his arms. "He's nothing but a heathen! Kill him!"
Uhtred rolled his eyes again and turned towards the insufferable man. "No one is to move!" He shouted.
"Kill him now!" The abbot demanded.
Uhtred turned towards him and lifted his sword. He pointed it towards the abbot. "I said no one is to move and no one is to speak but me! No one!" He snapped and glared and waited until the abbot backed down, moving to stand beside the King again. Uhtred glanced at Guthred before turning back to the boy. He stepped even closer and stood up taller. The boy looked to maybe be the same height as him, if maybe an inch or two more. But he shrank back and Uhtred smiled. "What is your name?"
"Sihtric, Lord." The boy answered, his voice soft. "Please." He couldn't keep the whine from his voice and he looked down, shaking his head. "I am not loyal to Kjartan. Never have and never can be." He looked back up at Uhtred and swallowed again. "I can be loyal to you."
Uhtred tilted his head again, watching him. "You swear your sword is mine? You are mine?"
Sihtric nodded his head quickly without a beat of hesitation. "I am yours."
Uhtred stepped closer, adjusting the hold of Serpent-Breath in his hands. He glared and pushed the boy back a step. "On your knees, boy." He snapped. Sihtric flinched and stumbled back. He kept his eyes down as he dropped to his knees. He flinched again but he lifted his head and held Uhtred's gaze. Uhtred shifted his sword again and flipped her. He held her blade in his hand and held the hilt out to Sihtric. The boy's eyes fell to the golden jewel in the pommel, confusion on his face. "Clasp it and say the words." Uhtred said softly.
Sihtric lifted his gaze to Uhtred's again and nodded his head. He brought his bound hands to the sword and he shook as he grasped it. Uhtred reached out and laid his hand overtop and Sihtric stopped shaking. "I will be your man, Lord, and I will serve you until death and beyond. I swear it." He said and leaned forward to press his lips against the shining gold jewel.
Uhtred eyes widened a bit, watching him. He smiled and let his fingers linger on the boy's for a moment. "Then you have my protection." He whispered.
Behind them, the abbot stepped forward again. "We should kill him now!" The vile man spat. "He tried to kill you! He can't be trusted!"
Uhtred practically snarled as he ripped the blade out of Sihtric's hands and flipped her, holding her in his own. He whipped around and slashed her through the air, stopping just inches from Abbot Eadred's face. He narrowed his eyes, challenging the man with his gaze to take another step. "Sihtric is my man." He growled. "If anyone here harms him, then they will be my enemy. If you want to kill him, then you may, there on his knees." Uhtred pulled his blade from the abbot's face and stepped back, moving to stand beside the stunned Sihtric. "But first you must kill me!" Uhtred challenged and swung his sword again. "Does anyone deny that he is mine?"
King Guthred stepped forward, holding up his hands. He smiled and shook his head at Uhtred. "Lower your sword." He said softly and looked at Sihtric. "Welcome."
Uhtred studied the King for a moment longer before nodding his head and lowering Serpent-Breath. "Sihtric is with us now. He serves me in King Guthred's army."
King Guthred nodded again. "He does."
Sihtric still looked stunned as the King looked at him but he nodded his head. "Thank you… King." He said softly. Uhtred turned towards him and his eyes widened. "Thank you, Lord." He added quickly.
"Get up." Uhtred stepped closer, the crowd forgotten. He reached for the rope, still tightly bound around Sihtric's wrists, and helped to haul the boy to his feet. Then Uhtred gently touched Serpent-Breath's blade to the rope and it fell away.
The boy quickly rubbed at his reddened wrists and smiled up at the Lord. "Thank you." He said softly, his voice barely a whisper.
Uhtred nodded and turned. "Come on. Stick by me until I can be certain of your safety and your word." Sihtric nodded and hurried after him. Uhtred weaved through the ebbing crowd and glared at all who looked at him, as if daring them to object to the boy following him. He didn't slow or stop until he reached his tent and he stepped inside.
Sihtric stopped outside the tent and glanced around. He thought maybe he was meant to guard it, guard his new Lord. But he wasn't sure.
"Sihtric!" Uhtred snapped from within. "I said stay close! Get in here! Do not make me repeat myself!"
Sihtric ducked inside quickly but stayed beside the door. He dropped his gaze to the floor, unsure exactly what the Lord wanted, if anything, from him. He swallowed, suddenly nervous for a whole different reason. The urge to submit to this man, who had so blatantly and publicly claimed ownership of him, pricked at his mind. Sihtric swore he could feel the heat radiating off the man and he pointedly stared at the ground, trying desperately to keep himself under control and not dissolve into the blushing, whimpering mess he felt like he was seconds from becoming. And he wondered if maybe he was supposed to, if maybe that was the intent of his new Lord. It wouldn't have been the first time he'd been used in such a way, solely for someone else's pleasure. But it would be the first time he wouldn't object.
Uhtred breathed out and sank down on his pile of furs, completely oblivious to the boy's inner turmoil. The tent was small. He had enough room to lay down comfortably but it was not meant for a second person. He rubbed a hand over his face and down his neck. He hadn't slept much the last few nights and he had finally drifted off when he'd been woken up. And now he had this boy to take care of. He sighed as he dropped his sword beside him. And he wondered. He looked up at the boy, still standing and looking at the ground. "You can sit down."
Sihtric glanced at him and nodded. "Thank you, Lord." He sat down quickly, folding his legs under him and looking at the ground again, still not sure what he should do.
Uhtred watched him for a moment longer before he leaned back. "How old are you?"
Sihtric leaned forward a bit, placing his arms on his knees. He shrugged and picked at a smear of dirt on his pants. "I don't know, Lord." He answered softly.
Uhtred frowned and tilted his head. "You don't know?"
The boy shook his head. "It was just my mother and me… and she died a long time ago."
Uhtred nodded his head slowly and watched him for a moment. "18?" He guessed and the boy shrugged. "19 or 20." He didn't think the boy was any older than that. He nodded as he leaned back and laid down on the furs. He breathed out deeply and closed his eyes. "I did not sleep these past nights thanks to you." He mumbled out. And the nights before, he had been distracted by the King's sister, Gisela. Those nights, he certainly hadn't minded. Being buried deep within her had been a very good distraction and one he hoped to repeat just as soon as he could.
"I'm sorry, Lord." Sihtric said softly, his eyes still on the ground.
"I do not expect you did either." Uhtred mused, pushing thoughts of the King's sister from his head. He opened his eyes and lifted his head enough to peer at the boy in the dim light. Sihtric didn't answer and Uhtred scooted over and patted the space beside him. "We will sleep for a little while and then you will show me your skills with a sword."
Sihtric opened his mouth, looking like he wanted to object. But then he closed it without speaking and nodded his head. He did as he was told, trying to keep from shaking as he laid as far away from the Lord as he could.