Chapter 16: Rising Force

"Uhtred, you were sent north to aid Guthred, not to go chasing revenge."

He breathed out deeply and closed his eyes for a moment. He really didn't want to talk about it again. The priest wouldn't give up, not that Uhtred really expected him to. Maybe he shouldn't have told them about Loidis. "Perhaps I plan to do both."

"I think I know what you plan." Father Beocca said as he rode closer, guiding his horse in between Sihtric and Uhtred. Sihtric pulled back on his reins and steered his mare around Uhtred and rode beside Finan. Father Beocca didn't even look at the boy he'd displaced and narrowed his eyes at Uhtred. "Uhtred, revenge will not bring you peace, only death."

Uhtred sighed deeply and shook his head. "Father Beocca, you will have me kill for Alfred but not for myself, why is that?" He asked, turning to look at him. "And what business does Alfred have with Northumbria?"

Father Beocca sat up straighter in his saddle and nodded his head. "God's business." He answered.

Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. "God better keep his hands off Bebbanburg." He glanced over at Finan and Sihtric and nodded his head. Then he kicked his horse forward and weaved through their brigade until he reached Ragnar. Sihtric and Finan followed close behind and fell in just behind him. Ragnar glanced over and smiled knowingly and Uhtred sighed.

They arrived at Loidis without incident and a very angry Brida was waiting for them. She scolded Ragnar for bringing them and spat in the direction of the army. "I can't believe you brought them." She hissed. "They are loyal to Alfred!" Then she spun around and led them to the tavern, where what remained of Ragnar's men were drinking. But Brida shook her head after Uhtred explained his plan. "Guthred is seen as weak and friendless. These men won't fight the Brothers for a turd. They won't join you." She glared at Uhtred as she said it, her eyes just as full of venom as her voice.

Uhtred nodded his head slowly. He didn't want to admit it but he needed his brother's army to take down the Brothers so he could have Guthred's army to take Dunholm. There was no other way around it. His plan relied on Ragnar's men. But Brida's words were true. And these men wouldn't fight to help Guthred and Alfred, even if Ragnar was the one who asked. "We will find another way." He said softly.

Finan sat across the table from them, with Sihtric at his side. The Irishman leaned forward on the table and looked at Uhtred. "We don't need an army."

Uhtred glanced sideways at him. "What are you thinking, Fin?"

"The Brothers don't 'ave a fortress, they jus' have a camp." Finan continued. "So if we need t' kill the Brothers, we can do just that. We kill 'em while they're sleepin'."

Uhtred smiled widely and his gaze shifted to Sihtric for a moment, thinking about how good his puppy was at moving undetected in the shadows. "Shadow-walkers." Sihtric smiled and Uhtred looked at Ragnar. "What do you think?"

Ragnar glanced between the three before looking back at Uhtred. He tilted his head and shrugged. "It could work."

"It will work." Finan insisted and turned to Brida. "Do you know the location of their camp?"

Brida narrowed her eyes at him angrily. "And just who are you?"

Uhtred leaned closer to her. "He is mine and you will respect him. Now do you know where the Brothers' camp is or not?"

She turned her glare back on Uhtred. "Maybe I do."

Uhtred rolled his eyes and stood up. He nodded at Finan and Sihtric and they stood up as well. "We will find them on our own. Sihtric, you know this area. You found their camp before."

Sihtric nodded his head. "Yes, Lord."

"You will do it again." Uhtred turned.

"Brother, wait." Ragnar reached out and grabbed his arm before he got too far. "We will go with you. Won't we, Brida?" He turned to look at her.

Brida crossed her arms and glared at him. "Fine." She practically sneered. "I will show you."

They waited until night fell and left most of their small brigade in Loidis, with just Ragnar, Brida, Uhtred, Finan, and Sihtric preparing to leave. Then before they left Loidis, Aethelwold insisted on coming and Steapa went to keep him out of trouble. A storm was on the way when they arrived. Thunder cracked overhead as they huddled in the shadows and watched the small camp.

Sihtric smiled as he leaned closer to Finan. "I could have found this with my eyes closed. It is rather close to their last camp."

Finan raised an eyebrow. "From over a year ago?"

Uhtred nodded his head. "Yes, before the turd King betrayed me. What do you see, Sihtric?" He asked as he knelt down beside his puppy. He knew Sihtric's perception was greater than most.

"I see three on watch, Lord." Sihtric whispered as he pressed closer to Uhtred's side, suppressing a shiver as the wind swept through them.

Uhtred nodded his head. "The rest will be huddled under their furs. The storm will be upon us soon."

Ragnar shook his head as they stared out at the many tents of all shapes and sizes that stood before them. "There could be more, behind the tents. And in which tent is Sigefrid, which is Erik. We are blind."

Aethelwold stepped forward and knelt down between the brothers. Uhtred and Ragnar turned to stare at him and Aethelwold tilted his head. "Tafl." He said as if the single word explained anything. The would-be-King rolled his eyes and shook his head. "It is a strategy game. The King is placed in the center." He leaned forward and pointed to the largest tent in the center. "I'm betting that tent is the king."

Finan huffed out a low laugh and nodded his head. "From any other mouth, it'd make perfect sense." Sihtric laughed and brushed his arm against Finan's.

Aethelwold turned to glare at them both. "It is perfect sense."

Uhtred sighed and nodded his head as he stood up and backed away. "It will have to do. We don't have any other plan." He admitted reluctantly. "I will go in alone."

Ragnar stood up and shook his head. "We go in as agreed." He insisted. "Together."

Uhtred shook his head and reached out to touch Ragnar's shoulder. "We cannot risk the both of us being killed. This is for Alfred, you must save your sword for Kjartan."

Sihtric stood up and stepped closer to Uhtred. "I will go with you, Lord."

"An' me." Finan said as he stood up. "It was my bastard plan."

Aethelwold stood up and backed away. "And I shall wish you all the best of luck."

"If you get caught, brother?" Ragnar asked softly, stepping closer to him.

"Do nothing." Uhtred answered and Ragnar scoffed and shook his head. Uhtred grabbed his shoulder and leaned closer. "Ragnar, think only of our blood feud and of Thyra. If we fail, you have to find a way to take Dunholm and save our sister."

Ragnar nodded his head. "I swear, I will or I will die trying."

Uhtred let out a laugh and slapped his brother on the shoulder. "Do not die, Ragnar."

Ragnar smiled. "You do not, either. And no relaxing, brother."

Uhtred laughed again and turned. Finan and Sihtric fell in step behind him as they left their hiding place. Then Uhtred stepped back and motioned for Sihtric to take point. The boy nodded his head as he pulled out his knife. He stepped in front of Uhtred and lowered himself to the ground as he stalked forward silently. Uhtred paused for a moment, admiring the graceful way his loyal puppy moved. Finan stepped up beside him and brushed against his shoulder. Uhtred glanced at him sideways and the man was likewise watching their boy and smiling. Uhtred tilted his head and started after Sihtric. Finan followed.

Sihtric quickly silenced the first guard and Finan took out the next, both dropping to the ground dead. Uhtred stepped around them and grabbed the next guard that blocked their path. They paused, waiting a moment, but heard no one else. Uhtred touched his finger to his lips and stepped in front of Sihtric, taking the lead back from him. The boy nodded and fell in step with Finan.

Uhtred hurried to the large tent with the others on his heels. He held up his hands and they stopped and pressed themselves to the side, to keep mostly out of view. Uhtred sucked in a breath and quickly ducked inside the tent. But he didn't find either of the Brothers sleeping inside and he silently cursed as he stared down at the woman. He silently stepped around her sleeping form and moved deeper into the large, garish tent until he spied a shadow. He never got a chance to attempt to sneak up on the man. Suddenly the woman was awake and swinging at him. Uhtred spun and knocked her to the ground. But her attack had caught Sigefrid's attention. The older brother was larger and stronger. But he was also cockier and Uhtred was faster. In moments, Uhtred had sliced cleanly through the Dane's sword hand and the man screamed.

Sihtric and Finan pushed inside the tent, both their eyes wide. Uhtred shook his head and held his sword tight against Sigefrid's throat. Then he hauled the bleeding man outside, with Sihtric and Finan moving in front of him, as if to shield him. But the plan was foiled now. There was no way to quietly kill either of the Brothers and slink out of there undetected.

"Get back!" Uhtred hissed to Finan and Sihtric. "Let them all see me where I stand. It is the only way for us to make it out alive."

Sigefrid let out a shaky laugh as Uhtred pushed him to the ground and bent back over him to hold Serpent-Breath against him. "You… will not… have your head… for long…" The man spat.

Finan pressed in closer and pointed his sword at the Dane. "Ye will keep your mouth shut!" He hissed. Then he turned and held his sword up as people started emerging from their tents. Sihtric pressed in closer to Uhtred's other side, his eyes on the growing crowd.

Erik pushed himself through the crowd and his eyes widened with real fear as he set eyes on Uhtred. He threw down his sword at once and lifted his hands. "Uhtred, you will spare him!"

Sigefrid choked back a pained wail and attempted to shake his head. "No, Erik! Kill him! Kill him!" He hollered hoarsely.

Erik shook his head and glanced around as their men started to pull out their swords. His eyes widened and he spun around and stepped back, moving out in front of their men. He lifted his hands and shook his head again. "No one is to move!" He snapped loudly. "No one's to so much as raise their sword!"

Uhtred pressed his blade harder against Sigefrid's neck. "Steady your men!" He growled.

"Back, hold!" Erik spun around and held up his hands. "Uhtred, please, you will spare my brother! Name your price!"

"Kill him, Erik!" Sigefrid wailed.

Erik shook his head and stepped closer. "Sigefrid, there will be another day, another time!" His gaze shifted back to Uhtred and he swallowed. "Uhtred, name your price! It will be done, I swear! Anything you want, you will have! I give you my word! Please, Uhtred."

Uhtred glanced around the circle. He knew they would not make it if they tried to fight. They might have made it if they ran. But where would they go? It was too far to make it to Loidis or Eoferwic, not without being caught. "Your word?!"

Erik nodded his head quickly and kept his hands raised. Then he slowly knelt down, keeping his hands high. "I swear, Uhtred! I beg you to believe me! On Thor's hammer."

For some reason, Uhtred trusted Erik's words. He met the man's gaze and he believed him. If it had been reversed and it were Sigefrid in Erik's place, Uhtred would not have trusted the man. But he did not believe Sigefrid would beg for his brother's life. "You will take one ship and you will leave Northumbria. One ship. You will not return."

Erik stood up and nodded his head. "Yes. For my brother's life. This is done. We will leave at once. As soon as you release him." He added, his eyes wide and still terrified.

Uhtred waited a moment more, his eyes on the blond brother. Then he tightened his grip on Sigefrid's collar and pulled his sword away. He pushed Sigefrid hard and stepped back, Finan and Sihtric moving with him. They all kept their swords up.

Erik rushed forward and grabbed Sigefrid. "Thank you, Uhtred." He said as he wrapped his arms around Sigefrid and hauled him to his feet.

"This is not over!" Sigefrid sneered as Erik pulled him away, towards the large fire in the center of the camp. "I will kill you, Uhtred Ragnarson! I swear it! And your men, too! I will slaughter you all!"

"Sigefrid! Enough!" Erik snapped as he grabbed his brother's bleeding arm and shoved the stump in the flames.

Uhtred flinched at the scream and ducked back into the tent. Finan and Sihtric followed as Uhtred grabbed Sigefrid's severed hand and then they bolted, as fast as they could. They made it to the edge of the camp without being stopped and Ragnar was waiting with their horses. Uhtred grabbed the reins to his horse and pulled himself into his saddle. "I told you to do nothing!"

Ragnar smiled and shrugged his head. "I did do nothing. Just… did nothing on the other side of their camp. I assumed you'd run this way. Come on, I sent the others off in case this went south."

… … ...

When they arrived at the gates of Eoferwic, the rest of their army was there, waiting for them. Uhtred dismounted and ignored Father Beocca as the priest attempted to ask what had happened. He stalked up to the gates and glared at the guards but before Uhtred could speak, Father Beocca was beside him, shouting at the guards.

"We are here at the request of King Alfred of Wessex!" The priest shouted. "King Guthred will wish to see us."

"Open the doors." Uhtred growled and shoved Beocca aside. The doors swung open and Uhtred strutted forward and again Father Beocca tried to fall in step with him but Uhtred just growled at him when he got too close.

"Uhtred, I will speak first." The priest insisted.

Uhtred paused as they reached the doors to Guthred's castle. He turned on Father Beocca and glared at him. "Father, you will say nothing." He sneered. "Say nothing and do nothing! Stay back and stay out of my way!"

Father Beocca's eyes widened and he blinked at Uhtred.

Finan stepped up beside Uhtred and patted his shoulder. He pushed the Lord towards the door and shrugged at Father Beocca as he walked past. Uhtred growled again and pushed Finan off as he barged through the door.

Guthred was sitting at his table, the top ladened with food. A few men sat around but they all jumped up at the intrusion. Guthred's eyes widened and he stumbled back, fear crossing his eyes.

The group clamored inside the room with Finan and Sihtric taking up the rear. They drew their swords and turned towards the door as guards attempted to follow them in. Both men lifted their swords and shook their heads, nearly in unison.

Guthred swallowed nervously as his eyes scanned the suddenly too full room of angry looking warriors. "Uhtred… Father Beocca…" He stumbled over the words and swallowed again. "I uh… had heard that… you were close… I did not know how close…"

Uhtred glared at the man. Father Beocca stepped forward and tried to start talking but Uhtred turned and pushed the man back. "Father Beocca!" He snapped the man's name. "You will stand down and you will allow King Guthred to speak first!"

Guthred's eyes followed the priest as he backed up a step before he settled on Uhtred again. "I had also heard that you had been... recovered, Uhtred." The pretender King forced a smile on his face that was just as fake as his next words. "I am glad, believe me."

Uhtred's eyes narrowed more and his lip curled into a snarl.

Guthred blinked at him again. "Uh… I wouldn't blame you… if you are here to kill me…" He stuttered over the words. "I deserve it… I would kill me, too…" He laughed, the sound stifled and forced. "But it would be a mistake… another mistake…"

Aethelwold was suddenly beside Uhtred, stepping closer to Guthred. "I am Lord Aethelwold and I come in Alfred's…"

Uhtred rolled his eyes and pushed Aethelwold back. He should have just come in with those he trusted. His brother and his men. He should have left everyone else outside. Why they all insisted on getting in his way when he was put in charge of this task was beyond him and he was steadily getting pissed off with each passing second. He wanted to release Serpent-Breath from her scabbard and let her taste blood and at that moment, he wasn't entirely sure who's blood he wanted against her metal. He turned and glanced at those gathered behind him. "No one else will speak unless spoken to!" He snapped. Then he turned back and quickly reached for the severed hand he'd wrapped and tied to his belt. He pulled it free and tossed it towards Guthred. It landed in the center of the man's plate. "Sigefrid's sword hand. The Brothers won't trouble you again."

Guthred's eyes widened and he sputtered. "They… they are dead?"

Uhtred ignored the question. "In return you will give me your army. You will ready them to march at once."

Guthred tore his eyes away from the revolting hand and looked back at Uhtred. "But…" He started.

Uhtred tilted his head. "You will do as I ask, Guthred, or I shall kill you."

Despite Uhtred's command, Father Beocca stepped forward, beside him, and raised his hands. "He does not know what he says, Lord King."

Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. He really wished he'd come alone. He gritted his teeth as he gripped Serpent-Breath's pommel, as if to pull her free, and rushed forward. He jumped right up on Guthred's table and stood over the cowering man, his hand still poised on his weapon. Guthred stumbled back into his chair and nearly fell over it. Uhtred just smiled, all amusement and fangs. "I will kill you and take every consequence." He said, taking a step forward, stepping right up to the edge.

Guthred swallowed and looked seconds from passing out or pissing himself. "Uhtred… I…"

"What you did to me… what you did to Halig…" He snarled and shook his head. "I can never forget or forgive. And I will dance on your grave one day. You get to decide if that day is today." He turned swiftly and jumped down off the table. He strutted back around the room and his small army parted as he walked towards the door. "You will ready your men to march."

Guthred shook himself as he stood up. He was clearly trying not to shake but he couldn't stop himself. He stepped closer to the table and pressed his palms to the solid top to steady himself. "How do I know the Brothers are gone? How do I know this hand belongs to Sigefrid? Like your uncle, I would have preferred a head, two heads…" An almost cocky tone steadily entered his voice as he spoke.

Ragnar paused and turned back to the King. He stepped closer and touched his hand to his own sword. He gripped it and pulled it a few inches from its scabbard. "Another word, Lord, and it will be your own head. You will do as my brother asks or I will take Eoferwic and your army for myself." He smiled, his eyes wide and almost crazy looking as he backed up a step. He didn't take his eyes off Guthred. "Come on. The King has a decision to make. He is either with us or against us." Then he turned and followed the rest out of the hall.

Uhtred threw open the door and stepped out just as loudly. And a large smile spread across his face at the man standing at the base of the stairs. "The ugliest Dane in all of England!" He ran down the stairs and threw his arms around the man without hesitation. He hugged him tightly and clapped him on the back.

The large Dane let out a booming laugh and wrapped his arms around Uhtred's waist and lifted him straight up into the air like he weighed nothing. "I've missed you, my tiny Lord."

Uhtred let out a laugh and thumped him on the back again. "Put me down, Clapa, you Danish brute!"

The giant of a man laughed again before setting Uhtred back on the ground. Then he stepped back and his face shifted. "I am sorry to hear about Halig. I liked the tiny man."

Uhtred flinched at the man's name and nodded his head. "I did as well." He said softly.

Sihtric and Finan came down the stairs a moment later and Clapa stepped forward. He grabbed Sihtric and lifted him up just as he had Uhtred. Sihtric squeaked and flailed for a moment. Finan's eyes widened and he glanced at Uhtred, worry flashing across his face. Uhtred just smiled.

Clapa smiled widely. "I've missed you, too, little bug."

Sihtric rolled his eyes and shook his head, laughing all the while. "Put me down, you monster." Clapa laughed and let him down.

"So… a friend a yours, right?" Finan asked, looking between them. "Or do ye two frequently 'ave giants liftin' ye off the ground?"

Sihtric laughed. "This is Clapa. He's the one who didn't kill me."

Clapa smiled and nodded his head. "I could have squashed you, little bug."

"Don't!" Uhtred pointed a finger at him. "I still need him alive."

"Yes, we do." Finan agreed, nodding his head.

Uhtred smiled. "Clapa, this is Finan. He kept me alive on the slave ship."

Clapa smiled and held out his hand to the Irishman.

Finan raised an eyebrow. "So I don't get hoisted up into the air?"

Clapa laughed and stepped towards him.

Finan's eyes widened and he stepped back. "I was jokin'!"

"Clapa!" Uhtred tried to sound stern but he ended up laughing. "Leave Finan alone!"

"Alright, Lord, alright." Clapa held up his hands and turned to Uhtred. "We've readied food and drink for all of you."

Uhtred raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. "Really?"

Clapa nodded. "Heard you were close."

"Guthred sounded surprised." Uhtred said.

"Guthred is an idiot." Finan mumbled.

Clapa laughed loudly and thumped Finan on the shoulder. "I like your new man, Lord."

Uhtred nodded his head. "I do, too."

… … ...

"Fuck, Sihtric!" Uhtred clenched his jaw and breathed out as the boy twisted his sword arm. He leaned heavily on the table and thumped his other arm against it. The pain was sharp and his shoulder felt like it was on fire for a moment. He hadn't realized how bad he'd hurt it in his fight with Sigefrid.

Sihtric ran his fingers again over his Lord's shoulder and down his arm. Maybe he let his hand linger a moment longer than necessary before letting the man go and helped him put his shirt back on. "It's not broken or dislocated, you just tore the muscle. It'll heal but it'll hurt to use Serpent-Breath for a while."

Uhtred breathed out and shook his head. "I just got her back." He mumbled out.

"I can make a salve to help ease the pain and speed the process." The boy said softly.

Uhtred raised an eyebrow. "You can?"

Sihtric nodded his head.

A smile spread across Uhtred's face and he shook his head. "You keep amazing me."

Sihtric smiled, his nose wrinkling adorably, and he looked away.

Across the table, Brida was droning on about wanting to just kill Guthred and take his army, as Ragnar had threatened. The idea wasn't well liked within their group and Ragnar shushed her. Brida glared at him and looked seconds from throwing a fit or storming away. But then the topic shifted to Dunholm when Finan asked who would get control over the fort. They all argued over it, with Uhtred saying Ragnar should and Beocca saying Alfred wanted Guthred to have it.

Uhtred shook his head. "Alfred has never set one foot in Northumbria, it's not his decision to make. Kjartan built Dunholm on the blood of Ragnar the Fearless. It belongs to his blood son, Ragnar."

Athelwold leaned forward on the table and spoke for the first time since Uhtred had pushed him away when he tried to speak to Guthred. "Uhtred, you say Alfred has never set foot in Northumbria but he has no need. We are here, all of us, to do his bidding. Eoferwic can never be the seat of power in Northumbria whilst Dunholm remains strong, and so he allows Uhtred to attack."

Uhtred narrowed his eyes and glared at him. "He allows nothing! I'm here because it's my business to be here."

Aethelwold smiled and shook his head. "Uhtred, you are his man. You, more than anyone, will bring about his dream of an England. Alfred's wish is for Guthred to become the one true lord of the north, and you will make that happen. He is using your ambition to further his own. You are simply a tool to him."

Uhtred narrowed his eyes for a moment but he was too tired. "Aethelwold… I am steadily growing tired of you."

"I was tired of 'im before we even left Wessex." Finan grumbled and nearly everyone at the table laughed.

"Uhtred?" Guthred was suddenly there, walking towards them. He stopped a few paces away and lifted his hand. "Uhtred, will you join me, please?"

Uhtred glanced over at him and breathed out slowly. He wanted to say no, he wanted to tell the man to go fuck himself. Instead, he glanced at Finan and Sihtric and nodded his head. Then all three of them stood up and Uhtred walked around the table with them following him as he approached Guthred. He stopped a foot away and said nothing. Finan crossed his arms and glared at the man while Sihtric pulled out his dagger and twirled it idly in his hand.

Guthred's eyes took in all three and he swallowed nervously as his gaze settled on Uhtred. "I am a little afraid of you, Uhtred of Bebbanburg." He admitted softly, his voice wavering. "I am king because the abbot claimed to have seen my face in a dream but it was your face he saw... I... I feared that you would take my newly-found power."

Uhtred rolled his eyes. "I gave you my word and you made me a slave."

Guthred nodded his head. "Yes… but in my defence, I was meant to kill you. I spared your life and..." Uhtred moved without thinking and slapped the King before the man could finish his thought. Guthred stumbled back from the force. His eyes were wide and he looked terrified.

"Uhtred!" Father Beocca hollered as he stood up from the table. He was too far away to hear what was being discussed but the priest had been watching closely. "No!"

Finan stepped closer to Uhtred and gripped the pommel of his sword. He glanced around, looking for any signs of the King's guards or anyone else. Sihtric pressed closer as well as he gripped his dagger tightly. But it didn't look like anyone was coming to the King's aid.

Guthred swallowed nervously and again his eyes scanned the dangerous looking trio. "You were my friend and I betrayed you…" He trailed off and sighed. "My sister is well?"

Uhtred smiled and tilted his head. "She's my wife." He said smugly.

Guthred nodded his head slowly. "Good..." He cleared his throat and nodded his head again. "I uh… I shall write to Alfred, I shall inform him that your journey to Dunholm is at my instruction." He nodded again and turned but he paused and glanced back over his shoulder. "And I do hope that you can one day find a place in your heart to forgive me. I still consider you my greatest friend."

Uhtred didn't say anything and they watched as the man walked away. Once he was out of eyesight, he breathed out and shook his head. He turned and Ragnar was walking towards them.

"What did he say?" Ragnar asked softly.

Uhtred smiled and touched Ragnar's shoulder. "He said Dunholm is yours, brother."

Ragnar breathed out and nodded. "As long as my sword finds Kjartan's heart, I do not care."

Uhtred nodded. "It will, brother. It will."

Ragnar tilted his head and crossed his arms. "But how?"

Uhtred withdrew his hand and looked at Sihtric. "Sihtric, you lied to me." He said suddenly.

Sihtric's eyes widened and panic flashed across his face. "Lord, I would never!" His voice wavered and the boy momentarily feared Uhtred had found out about his run-in with Aethelwold.

Uhtred nodded his head. "You told me Dunholm has no weaknesses. But the last time I was there, the day before I was sold, I saw a door along the east wall."

Sihtric frowned for a moment and tilted his head. "Yes, Lord." He nodded his head slowly. "But it is just a small door for the farmers to access the spring. You could never bring an army through it."

Uhtred shook his head. "I would not be bringing an army."

"Lord…"

"Let us return to the table and I will go over my plan for Dunholm."

… … ...

Uhtred had left to speak with Guthred again about his plan and Clapa and Finan had wandered off in search of stones for some game or something. Sihtric wasn't completely sure he'd heard them right but he was certain they were both drunk. He'd laughed and smiled and told them to have fun. He was perfectly content to sit there and wait for Uhtred to return. And he was rather enjoying listening to Ragnar as he regaled them with stories of him and Uhtred when they were younger.

Ragnar scooted closer to Sihtric and leaned back on the bench after most of their numbers left to sleep. He smiled and stretched and stifled a yawn. "I was waiting for Uhtred to return but I'm not sure I can wait much longer. If we are to leave for Dunholm tomorrow, we all need to sleep."

Sihtric nodded his head. "You go. I will wait for him."

Ragnar smiled. "You know what, Sihtric?"

Sihtric tilted his head and opened his mouth. But suddenly they were interrupted as a small kid ran over. He looked to be maybe 10 years old and he looked nervous. Sihtric smiled at him. "Hello."

The kid flinched away and looked even more nervous. "L-l-lord… Lord Uhtred… he said… he said for… for you to… meet him at the gate…" Then just as suddenly, the kid ran away without another word.

Sihtric stared after him for a moment before glancing at Ragnar. "Who do you think he was talking to?"

Ragnar smiled. "He was talking to you, Sihtric. This time of night, Uhtred's only after one thing." Sihtric's eyes widened and he looked away. Ragnar just laughed and clapped the boy on the knee before he stood up. "Just hurry and don't keep him up too long. Remind him we have a busy day tomorrow."

Sihtric stood up and nodded. "I uh… I will, Earl Ragnar."

The man let out a laugh as he walked off.

Sihtric turned and bit his lip as he wandered back through the city towards the gate, weaving through the dark shadows. He spied very few guards on duty and he sighed and shook his head as he approached the gate. But he saw no sign of Uhtred or of anyone.

"Ah… little brother…"

Sihtric's eyes widened as he turned. And then everything went black.