Chapter 12: Hearts on Fire

Sihtric breathed out and held up his arm, waving Serpent-Breath in the bright morning light. The sun glinted off the jewel in her pommel and made her seem to shine all the more in the boy's hand. He leaned back against the fence behind him for a moment and he couldn't help the smile stretching across his face. They had been in Winchester for a week and had resumed their training sessions the moment they could. Uhtred had doubled his efforts and he didn't have to voice his frustrations with Alfred for Sihtric and Finan to understand. Uhtred had anyways. That first night he had kept them up until the early hours of the morning, ranting and raving and speaking a mile a minute, it seemed. Sihtric and Finan, just as exhausted as their Lord had been, had sat and listened without complaint and let their own anger burn at the King's treatment of Uhtred.

Sihtric smiled again as he glanced around the empty field. It was still early and they were far enough away from the castle to keep prying eyes and ears away. And that was good. Because the boy was pretty sure he would have to make good on his promise very soon. He felt a tremble in anticipation pass over him at the realization and he tried to pass it off as a shiver. The winds were starting to change as the season did and the sun was suddenly blocked by a cloud bank.

Uhtred and Finan both stopped, pulling up beside each other. They had been taking turns attacking Sihtric, both moving and almost dancing around him with fluidity and grace neither had felt in a long time. Both bore real swords, long and made of metal. Their weight was significantly more than the silly sticks Sihtric had made them use for a while. Uhtred let out a laugh as he raised the sword and rested its blade against his shoulder in a relaxed stance. "Do you need a break, boy?"

Sihtric narrowed his eyes for a moment and smiled wickedly at him. Without warning, he ran at Uhtred and lifted the warrior's blade against his Lord. Uhtred's eyes widened at the boy's speed and he brought his sword up in time to counter Sihtric's attack. Uhtred pushed against him and Sihtric slithered away and spun. Uhtred again met the attack and pressed the boy back and they continued, moving wildly around the field.

Finan jumped back, dodging a wild slash of sword. Both were moving so fast, he wasn't entirely sure which it had belonged to. He backed up again and moved closer to the fence, never taking his eyes off them. He would never admit that he had been holding himself back a bit over the last few days. He hadn't wanted to outshine Uhtred, not when the Lord had so much riding on getting his strength and stamina back. Finan smiled at his own trail of thoughts. He recalled Sihtric's words when they first started training and yeah, Finan hadn't exactly meant that. Uhtred had made promises to both Ragnar and Alfred and needed to be in top shape to carry them out. But, Finan smiled again as he watched them, he supposed maybe Uhtred was also pushing himself to get his hands on the boy once again and Finan didn't blame him one bit and he was likewise anticipating it, if he would be allowed.

Sihtric was tiring quicker than he'd like to admit. He was faster but Uhtred was stronger and the man wasn't holding anything back. Sihtric bit his lip and pressed on, dropping and rolling away from Uhtred. But the Lord was on him in seconds, once again pressing him to the ground. Sihtric tried to throw him off but Uhtred simply smiled and managed to knock Serpent-Breath from the boy's hands. Sihtric huffed out and relented immediately, dropping down to the ground. He laid his head back and breathed out.

Uhtred kept his sword pointed at his puppy as he bent over and picked up his prized sword. He wrapped his fingers around her pommel and smiled down at her as he lifted her up. There was a moment, weeks ago, when he feared he would never be able to swing her weight around again. He let out a laugh as he threw the pitiful excuse for a sword he'd been using away. He switched Serpent-Breath to his sword-hand and stepped back from Sihtric. He twisted around, swinging her weight through the air above him.

Sihtric sat up slowly. He rubbed his hands together for a moment before resting his palms on his knees. He watched as Uhtred moved through a few practice swings and he smiled. A few more swings and Uhtred stopped. He stared down at the sword in his hands again and smiled. Then he dropped the sword at his feet and turned to stare down at the boy. Sihtric glanced down at the fallen sword and frowned. "Lord…" But Uhtred was suddenly standing over him and reaching towards him. He pulled Sihtric to his feet and the boy trembled again under the Lord's intense stare.

"You said when I could beat you…" Uhtred started slowly, holding the boy close by his collar but still not touching him anywhere else.

Sihtric swallowed and nodded his head. "You can have me." He finished, snaking his tongue out to lick at his lips.

Uhtred's eyes widened a bit as his gaze dropped to the boy's lips, catching the movement. He wanted nothing more than to grab the boy and take him right there, in the field. His desire burned hotter than he could ever remember it and it almost pained him to continue to just stand there. "Finan!" He called, not taking his eyes off Sihtric.

The Irishman had slipped from the fence and was already steadily walking towards them when Uhtred called his name. He stepped up beside them and Sihtric's gaze shifted to him. Finan swore he could feel a shiver run through his body at the look in those mismatched eyes. He grabbed onto Uhtred's arm as a split-second fear overtook him that his knees might actually give out under him for a moment, like the time he mentioned looking into the boy's eyes could make him weak in the knees.

Uhtred smiled and let out a chuckle. "Shall we retire home for a bit?" He asked, keeping his eyes still on Sihtric. The boy shifted his gaze back to the Lord and he nodded his head slowly. "But we will go slow. Nothing that all of us are not ready for." He added. "There will be time enough to enjoy each other in full."

Sihtric nodded again and reached out to tangle his fingers in Uhtred's leather armor. He reached for Finan with his other hand and opened his mouth. But his words died on his tongue before they even fully formed in his head.

"Uhtred!"

They pulled apart at the voice and Uhtred rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically. Why was it that both times he tried to get off with these two men, a woman interrupted them? He tried hard not to glare at Gisela as she came closer. "Gisela." He clenched his jaw as her name came out.

She slowed as she drew closer and her gaze raked over all three of them. "Have I… interrupted something?"

Finan stepped back, shaking his head. "No, Lady. We were just training. Just finished and we're deciding on taking a break here or at home or going to the ale house for a drink. My vote was for the drink."

Uhtred nodded his head. "I was thinking my bed sounded nice." Sihtric's eyes widened a bit and he stepped away, heading to pick up the dropped weapons.

Gisela had no idea what she had walked into and she glanced around in confusion for a moment. Then she shook her head and stepped closer to Uhtred. "Uhtred, I have heard the men talking. You are to head to Eoferwic."

He nodded his head slowly. "I am."

"To kill my brother?" She asked softly, pressing closer.

Uhtred shook his head and looked away. "I promised Alfred I wouldn't harm him." He said, his voice clipped. He didn't like the fact but he would obey it. Although, if Guthred foolishly decided to attack him anyways or do some other underhanded trickery again, Uhtred would gladly run his sword through the man's throat.

She breathed out and nodded. "I want to come with you."

Uhtred turned back to her and shook his head. "You cannot. It's not safe for you and certainly not safe for the twins."

Gisela frowned and shook her head. "It isn't safe for me here!" She insisted. "If you all leave, what is to stop my brother from sending his men for me? Or for Alfred to marry me off to someone else? Or even your uncle coming for me, if he truly believes I am married to him."

Uhtred opened his mouth slowly and then shut it. He honestly hadn't considered any of those options. He had thought she and his children would be safe here. But maybe she wasn't safe, not without him there. He shook his head again. "You cannot come with us to Eoferwic but I promised you my protection and you will have it. Go back to the twins. Take Fin and Sihtric with you. I will be with you shortly." He stepped around her and walked off.

Gisela turned to watch him go before looking back at Finan and Sihtric. They both just shrugged at her unasked question.

… … ...

An idea had quickly formed in his mind. It wasn't the most appealing but it also wasn't completely abhorrent. And it would solve the Gisela problem and keep his children safe. He headed through Winchester until someone out of the corner of his eye stopped him. He altered his course and headed towards the stables. He smiled as he rounded the corner and stepped up beside his brother. "You are leaving without me?"

Ragnar kept his eyes on his horse as he continued pulling at the saddle. "Brida has gone already." He said a bit sourly. "She is gathering my men… whatever is left of them." He said with a sigh. "It has been well over a year."

Uhtred nodded slowly. "You will meet them where?"

"Loidis." Ragnar answered as he finished with his horse and turned to face his brother. "I would ask you to come with me, but I hear you have been making more of your oaths."

Uhtred pulled his lips taut and nodded his head. He had already decided he wouldn't tell Ragnar why he had sworn himself to Alfred this time. He didn't want to worry his brother or make him feel bad. Or worse. He could imagine his brother trying to storm Alfred's castle and while it did make him smile for a moment, he would rather his brother leave Wessex as a free man than to be trapped within its walls again. "I will be with you. Our plan does not change."

Ragnar scoffed and shook his head. "You belong to Alfred."

"I belong to no one!" Uhtred snapped and shook his head. "Our plan does not change." He repeated. "Alfred sends me to kill Erik and Sigefrid. If I succeed, then Guthred will be in my debt. And I will demand the use of his men."

"I have men." Ragnar said. "And we have our own war, we do not need Guthred's."

Uhtred smiled and tilted his head. "Enough to take Dunholm? A year is a long time to test even the strongest of bonds."

Ragnar shook his head again. "Guthred made you a slave! And Alfred has made you one again. Why?"

Uhtred looked away and breathed out. "I have my reasons." He said evenly. "I will not forgive what Guthred has done to me but if it means we have a greater chance of killing Kjartan, of saving our sister, then I will do as Alfred asks." He turned back to Ragnar.

A deep sigh was emitted from Ragnar's chest. He didn't look convinced but he nodded his head, relenting, and stepped closer. "Kjartan falls by my sword."

Uhtred smiled and nodded his head. "He will, brother, I promise you."

Ragnar breathed out again. "When do we leave?" He asked, clearly not happy about waiting.

Uhtred understood his brother's impatience and for a moment, he wanted to remind his brother that it was indeed him that made them return to Wessex. Uhtred hadn't wanted to return at all. And he wished they hadn't. "I have a matter to attend to at the moment." He said, taking a step back.

Ragnar turned back towards him and raised an eyebrow. "Is it a woman?"

Uhtred shook his head. "Not exactly." He said slowly. It was true, Gisela was involved, but so were a few others.

Ragnar tilted his head. "Is it your boys?"

Uhtred smiled widely and shook his head. "Oh I wish it was but no, not them either."

Ragnar rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Do not tell me you're still chasing after them without having gotten anything. It has been nauseatingly frustrating just watching you."

Uhtred let out a laugh and nodded his head. "You have no idea how frustrating it has been. But I will have them soon enough."

Ragnar just laughed as he turned back to his horse.

Uhtred stopped for a moment. He knew he should hurry, there was suddenly so much to do before they could leave. And he still wanted to spend some very well deserved time with Finan and Sihtric. But he also had the sudden urge to hug his brother. Uhtred smiled as he stepped towards Ragnar again. When the Dane paused and turned towards him, Uhtred wrapped his arms around him and hugged him close.

Ragnar chuckled against him as he hugged him back, patting his back for a moment, before he pulled back. He kept his hand on Uhtred's shoulder, keeping him close. "Did you think I didn't notice? Or did you fear my reaction?"

Uhtred shrugged a bit. "I didn't, but concern was raised."

Ragnar's eyes widened a bit and his brow furrowed. "Whichever one expressed it, tell them both I am sorry. I do not care what you do." He smiled and tilted his head. "Or who you do. It is your life to live."

Uhtred let out a laugh as he pulled away from his brother. He pushed the man and laughed again. He turned and swiftly headed back down the street. He turned the corner and resumed his earlier trek through the town until he reached the church. He strutted right through the doors and smiled. It was still rather early in the day and the sole inhabitant of the dwelling was the very man he sought out. "Father Beocca!"

The priest paused in whatever he was doing and he smiled at Uhtred. He laughed out and stepped forward to throw his arms around him. "Uhtred! You are looking better every day since you arrived."

Uhtred smiled and nodded his head. "I am feeling better with every day."

"You have no idea of the joy I felt when I saw your face at the gate." Father Beocca said as he pulled away. He patted Uhtred on the shoulder before he stepped back. "When Hild came to ask Alfred for assistance, I offered to search for you myself. And I would have gladly done it until the day I died."

Uhtred's smile only seemed to widen and he nodded again. "She told me and I am honored. But I am glad it did not come to that. I was told it was a hard journey."

"But well worth it." Father Beocca was quick to add.

Uhtred breathed out and smiled yet again. "Thank you. But I have come with a favor and time isn't on our side."

Father Beocca grew serious and nodded his head. "Whatever you need, my boy."

"I need you to marry me to Gisela." Uhtred said bluntly.

Father Beocca blinked at him and didn't react right away. A few seconds ticked by before he opened his mouth slowly. "Do you have Alfred's blessing?"

Uhtred rolled his eyes. He did not have time for this. "It is not Alfred I wish to marry!" He snapped and Father Beocca flinched back at his tone. Uhtred breathed out and shook his head "Beocca, this cannot wait." He said, his voice softer and gentler. "There is something I haven't told anyone yet. A secret that must be kept secret for a while longer."

Father Beocca nodded his head and stepped closer. "As long as it does not go against God or Alfred, I will keep it as long as you need."

Uhtred nodded and pressed closer and dropped his voice. "I was involved with Gisela for a time, before her brother had me sold into slavery. I believe that may have been one of the reasons for his actions. He wished to use her to barter for aid. Namely, to my uncle Aelfric."

Father Beocca grimaced at the news and shook his head. "Poor girl."

Uhtred nodded his head. "But… it seemed… she became pregnant and gave birth to my children while I was in captivity."

Father Beocca's eyes widened. "I had heard she was glimpsed with a baby."

"Two." Uhtred said with a smile. "Uhtred and Stiorra."

Father Beocca smiled at the names but then his expression shifted. "Born out of wedlock." He accused.

Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. "What was she to do? I was torn away and she was forced into hiding out of fear of what her brother would do if he found out."

Father Beocca nodded his head slowly. "It is a tricky situation. God may forgive you both."

Uhtred huffed out but he kept his thoughts to himself. He really didn't care if Beocca's God forgave him. He would curse the deity for allowing him to be sold in the first place. Though, it did bring Finan into his life. Uhtred sighed and nodded his head. "Alfred has asked me to leave but I cannot do that if Gisela and my children are not protected."

Father Beocca nodded his head. "I will protect them as best as I can. Bring them here and quietly. We need to be quick and discreet."

Uhtred nodded and turned at once.

"Discreet, Uhtred!" Father Beocca called after him.

Uhtred smiled as he practically ran from the church and weaved through the streets until he found the small house they had been given. He opened the door and slipped inside.

Gisela stood in the center with one of the babies in her arms. Finan and Sihtric were sitting at the small table, just behind her. Sihtric held the other baby and Finan was leaning over, smiling down at whichever one it was. All three looked up as he entered, confusion and questions on their faces.

Uhtred pulled the door shut behind him and turned. He moved closer to Gisela. "Do you love me?" He asked her suddenly.

Gisela opened her mouth slowly and shook her head. "No." She said softly and looked down at the baby she held tightly in her arms. "No, I do not, not like that. I care for you… and I am grateful you have saved us… and I have gladly bared your children and will care for them… but..." She looked up at him and sighed. "I do not love you."

Uhtred glanced at Finan and Sihtric behind her and saw the relief on their faces. He smiled and turned back to Gisela. "I know how to keep you safe and protected while we are away. Father Beocca will marry us."

Gisela's eyes widened. "I just said I do not love you."

Finan and Sihtric's eyes both widened.

"Nor I you." Uhtred said quickly, stepping closer to her. "You have bared my children and if we are married, then even your brother cannot touch you. You and the children will be safe, for as long as you wish. And I will not stop you from seeking out another's bed… discreetly, of course." He added with a smile. "For a while, at least."

Gisela shook her head. "I have no interest in that, not now. They take up too much of my time."

"Then I will find someone to help you with them." Uhtred continued. "And you will be safe."

Gisela looked down at the baby she held. Then she turned and looked at the one Sihtric was still cradling. She breathed out and nodded her head. "Yes." She turned back to Uhtred. "For them, I will marry you."

Uhtred smiled and nodded. "Then come. All of you." He said, glancing again behind her at Finan and Sihtric. "Beocca is waiting for us."

Finan and Sihtric shared a strangled look before looking back at Uhtred. "All of us, Lord?" Finan asked awkwardly.

"Yes." Uhtred nodded as he stepped back towards the door. "You two will hold the babies."

Finan swallowed and glanced at Sihtric as he stood up. "Am I allowed to hold one of them?"

Sihtric stood up and adjusted his hold on baby Uhtred, shifting to rest the boy against his shoulder. The boy hardly looked at him as he answered. "For a moment, if you do not move."

Finan nodded his head. "I promise I will not." He said stiffly.

"Come on." Uhtred urged them. Gisela and Sihtric quickly covered the babies and did their best to keep them shielded from view as they made their way through the town. Uhtred walked in front and Finan pressed in behind them and they reached the church without being stopped. Uhtred pulled the door open and ushered them all inside.

Father Beocca was waiting for them and he stepped forward, smiling widely as he stared at the babies. Gisela and Sihtric both uncovered the sleeping babies and let the priest coo over them for a moment. Then he cleared his throat and stepped back, growing serious again. "Alright. Let's get on with this."

Gisela turned towards Finan and handed Stiorra over. She waited a moment, helping Finan to adjust his hold and instructing him on how to properly hold the squirming infant until she quieted down and yawned. Sihtric stepped closer and brushed his shoulder against Finan's. Gisela smiled at them both and turned. She joined Uhtred and the two of them stood before Father Beocca.

Father Beocca held three stands of ribbons, loosely twined together. He nodded and Uhtred and Gisela turned towards each other and lifted their arms. Father Beocca grabbed them both and placed their arms together, with Uhtred's resting on top of Gisela's. Then he draped the ribbons overtop. "One may be overpowered." The priest recited as he twisted the cords around both of their wrists. "Two can defend themselves." He wrapped it around again. "A cord of three… is not so quickly broken." He said as he brought the two ends of twisted ribbons together and looped them, tying them. "Now that you are bound together… Uhtred and Gisela, I can declare you man and wife."

Gisela closed her eyes and breathed out. "Thank you, Uhtred." She whispered, her voice barely audible.

Uhtred smiled and leaned together to place a chaste kiss on her forehead.

Behind them, Finan leaned closer to Sihtric, being careful to not actually move or jostle the infant who wasn't asleep and instead just staring up at him with wide brown eyes. "Pretty fast." He commented, meaning the wedding ceremony. His voice was barely audible.

Sihtric nodded his head slowly. "I have never seen a Saxon wedding." He answered, keeping his voice just as soft.

"So…" Finan continued. "What does him being married mean for the three of us?"

Sihtric bit his lip and looked down at the baby in his arms. Young Uhtred had woken up at some point and he blinked his bright blue eyes at Sihtric. The rogue breathed out and couldn't help but think about Uhtred's own lovely blue eyes and how he would miss having their intensity on him if it meant they had to stop. "I do not know."