Pain radiated through him as his mind slowly came back alive. He forced his eyes open and tried to lift his head. But he lowered it quickly as he nearly blacked out again. He bit his lip against crying out and swallowed. He sucked in a shaky breath and lifted his hand to touch the back of his head. His fingers grazed a warm, wet spot and pain flared again. He pulled his hand away and tried to recall what had happened. He remembered the strange little boy and Sihtric now suspected he had been tricked. He couldn't believe Sven, of all people, had gotten the better of him. Sven was clunky, loud, dumber than horsehit, and a complete coward. His brother was a horrible, despicable person and Sihtric cursed himself for allowing himself to get distracted and fall for such a stupid trick. He'd been happy, an emotion he'd never really known before in his whole life, and he'd let his guard down. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply again, trying to fight the waves of nausea threatening to take him.

"This whole time…"

The voice broke through his cloud of pain and Sihtric flinched at the hatred directed at him. It wasn't the first time the man spoke to him with such venom spewing from his mouth. Every word the man had ever directed towards him had contained such. But it had been so long that the boy had forgotten. He let his search for Uhtred and then his caring for him and Finan consume him so much that he'd forgotten the sound of his father's voice. He kept himself pressed to the floor, trying hard not to move.

"Have you been with him this whole time?"

Sihtric sucked in a breath again and clenched his jaw. Suddenly, his hair was yanked up and pain flared in him again. He gasped and cried out as he was yanked up off the floor. His eyes snapped open and Kjartan snarled at him.

"ANSWER ME!" The man spat.

Sihtric flinched again and tried to drop his gaze to the ground but Kjartan yanked on him even harder. "Yes!" He choked out. "Yes I have!"

Kjartan snarled again and pushed Sihtric to the ground, throwing all of his weight against the younger man. Then he released his hold on his bastard son and stood up. He spat on the ground beside him and shook his head. His whole body was pulsating with anger and he was trying hard to contain himself. He wanted nothing more than to kill this worthless piece of shit that has done nothing but muck up his floors. "Tell me you did not abandon my men! Tell me you did not willingly follow Uhtred! Tell me my spies did not see you laying with him and another man days ago!"

Sihtric didn't answer. He pressed his face to the cold, stone floor and he prayed to the Gods it would just open up and swallow him whole. But then pain flared in him once again as the bastard above him kicked him in the stomach. Sihtric clenched his jaw and tried to stop the wail in his throat. He curled in on himself, trying to evade another kick. "Yes!" He answered as he tried to scrape himself across the floor, away from Kjartan. "He… he made me… he forced me to..." He hated how the words felt in his mouth and he swallowed down the bile that threatened to choke him and he prayed Uhtred and Finan would both forgive him for lying, if he ever saw them again. For a moment, he almost hoped he didn't. He didn't deserve them. He didn't deserve anyone or anything and he prayed Kjartan would just kill him.

Kjartan stopped and his eyes narrowed further. "I do not think I believe you." He turned and stepped closer. He knelt down closer and tilted his head, staring at him. "I don't care what you do. I have never cared for you. You are a waste that I should have buried long ago but for whatever reason, many of my men enjoyed... your company." He grimaced and shook his head with disdain. "At least I can use you as leverage now. And then…" He smiled and leaned closer. He grabbed Sihtric's hair and yanked him up. Sihtric cried out again at the sharp pain as Kjartan forced him to look at him. Kjartan's smile widened. "I will take pleasure in killing you as I did your worthless mother."

… … ...

Uhtred opened his eyes slowly as the first rays of the early morning sun touched his face. THe warmth felt good on his skin but he couldn't revel in it. He still felt exhausted, he knew he hadn't gotten enough sleep. He had spent too long speaking with King Turd and it had been dark out when he started. He closed his eyes again and tried to sink back into the comforting lull of sleep. Just an hour or two more and then he would gladly get up and start the day. But then a rather loud snore from the man at his back snapped him completely awake. Finan was plastered against him and Uhtred thought maybe he could even feel the half drunk bastard drooling on him and he couldn't fight the smile on his face. He recalled searching for him and Sihtric the night before and finding Finan with Clapa and both being completely sloshed. Uhtred had peeled the Irishman up off the ground and carried him towards where their men were sleeping. Guthred had offered him a room with an actual bed and Uhtred really wanted to drag his boys to it and sink into the mattress. But Uhtred hadn't headed for it. He couldn't find Sihtric and knew he would have no luck finding their rogue in the dark. So he laid Finan down in clear sight and knew Sihtric would find them when he returned from wherever he was.

Finan groaned out and pressed harder against Uhtred's back. "Fuck…" He kept his eyes shut tight and breathed out shakily.

Uhtred smiled and rolled over on his back slowly and lifted his arm. Finan lifted his head as Uhtred moved and laid it back down on the man's chest when he settled. Uhtred wrapped his arm around Finan and tangled his fingers into the man's hair. He gently ran his fingers through Finan's short hair and the man sighed against him. "You and Clapa had fun last night?" He asked softly, keeping his voice even and low.

Finan groaned again and wrapped his arm around Uhtred's waist, burying himself harder against the Lord. He nuzzled against the man's chest and breathed out. "He issss an evil giant dat I wissssh I ne'er met!" He mumbled against him.

Uhtred chuckled softly, his chest rising and falling with the motion, and Finan groaned against him again. "Sorry." Uhtred soothed, running his fingers through Finan's hair again slowly.

Finan hummed contentedly and tightened his arms around Uhtred. "Man can drink." He breathed out.

"He can but he is much larger than you. He can handle it." Uhtred smiled again and tried hard not to laugh. "Unless he held you down and forced the ale down your throat, it isn't his fault you tried to match him."

"Didn't wanna be left out." Finan mumbled against him. He breathed in deeply and exhaled it and hugged Uhtred tighter for a moment. Then he opened his eyes and squinted in the light. He lifted his head enough to glance at the empty space beside Uhtred before craning his neck to look into the man's eyes. "Where's Ssss… sss..." He paused and frowned and tried again. "Sssssss…"

Uhtred smiled as he listened to the man. He knew exactly who Finan was asking about but he wouldn't help. "Fin, are you still drunk?" He teased.

"Noooo." Finan wailed and tightened his grip on Uhtred again. He rubbed his head against the man's chest and breathed out. "The boy jussss' hasss too many s's in 'is name."

Uhtred smiled again and raised an eyebrow. "There is one s in his name, Finan."

"Sssss t' many." Finan slurred and closed his eyes tightly again. "Sssss… Ssssit… Sitty…" He groaned and tucked his head against Uhtred. "Fuck…"

Uhtred laughed again and resumed running his fingers through Finan's hair. "Did you just call him Sitty?"

Finan nodded his head, rubbing against Uhtred. "Yessss. Easssier."

Uhtred rolled his eyes but couldn't fight the smile still on his face. "It starts the same and has the same amount of syllables, Fin."

Finan groaned again. "Jus' where is Sitty?"

Uhtred glanced around as much as he could while still trying not to jostle the half drunk man on top of him. But he saw no sign of their boy. In fact, he saw no evidence that the puppy had even slept with them. Surely Sihtric would have returned by then. He knew the plan for the day, he knew he needed sleep. Unless he had slept elsewhere. But that didn't make sense. Why wouldn't he sleep with them? "I don't know." Uhtred said softly. "I haven't seen him since last night, before I went to talk to Guthred about today and before Clapa got you drunk."

Finan eased his hold on Uhtred and opened his eyes again. He flinched against the light and sucked in a breath. He lifted his head and blinked at the Lord. Then he breathed out and pushed himself up. He let out a groan as he jostled his thumping head and he clenched his jaw. He closed his eyes and brought his hand to his head. "Fuck!" He snapped louder than he meant and groaned again.

"Easy, Fin." Uhtred sat up and touched the man's shoulder.

"Don't worry 'bout me." Finan hissed. "Jus' go find our boy." He spoke slowly, trying to sound out each word to keep from slurring.

Uhtred leaned forward and placed a kiss on the top of Finan's head. "Just stay here, let me get you something to drink."

"I am ne'er drinkin' again!" Finan groaned.

Uhtred smiled as he stood up. "Water, Fin. You need water."

"I need Sitty."

Uhtred ran his fingers through Finan's hair one more time before reluctantly pulling away from him. He stood up and turned, looking around their small army camp within the city. There were a few people milling about, a few that nodded and waved and offered a few words to him as he weaved through them. But he found no signs that their boy had returned to the army. No one had seen him or heard from him. Uhtred frowned, breathed out, and shook his head as he headed back to Finan after retrieving a waterskin for him. The man hadn't moved and still sat where Uhtred had left him, clutching at his head. "Here."

Finan lifted his head barely an inch, just enough to stare at the offered waterskin. He grabbed it and tipped it to suddenly parched lips. "Thanks." He mumbled after drinking the entire thing and handing it back to Uhtred.

Uhtred smiled as he knelt down beside Finan. He reached out and touched Finan's cheek, letting his fingers graze the slightly flushed skin slowly. "Better?"

Finan shivered at his touch and nodded his head. Then he swallowed and pulled away. He turned his head and his gaze searched their surroundings. A few were looking their way and Finan straightened up. "Lord." He said the title stiffly.

Uhtred nodded his head with a sigh and withdrew his hand. Then he stood up and held it out again. "Do you want to stay here or want to search with me? One of the men whose name I can never remember said they saw the boy with Ragnar last night."

Finan put his hand in Uhtred's and the Lord smiled and tightened his fingers around Finan's hand. "I will go wit' ye." He answered and the Lord stepped back and helped to pull Finan to his feet. But the man's head swam again at the movement and Finan closed his eyes and let out a hiss against the flash of pain. He wavered for a moment on his feet and Uhtred stepped closer and held onto his hand tighter.

The Lord reached for him with his other hand but stopped, hesitating against touching the man further in the presence of so many. Uhtred really didn't care but he respected Finan's clear need for privacy and discretion. Although, Uhtred was considering pointing out to the man just how tightly he had held onto him just a few moments ago when they laid on the ground. Finan had placed his head on Uhtred's chest without a second thought and allowed the other man to touch him so blatantly. But then again, bringing it up would only prevent further instances from happening and Uhtred really didn't want that.

Finan grabbed Uhtred's other hand and held onto him just as tightly, his eyes still closed. He waited a moment longer and the flash subsided and he breathed out. He opened his eyes and blinked at Uhtred. "I am ne'er drinkin' again." He said gravely and detached himself from the Lord.

Uhtred smiled again and shook his head. "Come on." They turned and weaved through the growing crowd. Everyone was starting to stir and wake. They paused at everyone they could, asking after Sihtric. The few that had seen him last named Ragnar's involvement. Some recited a quick anecdote his brother had shared the night before and Uhtred smiled and nodded and thanked them. Then they hurried along and continued weaving until they reached Ragnar's tent. Brida was sitting outside, conversing with another Danish woman, one whose name Uhtred didn't know. He thought maybe she was familiar but he wasn't sure.

Brida glared at them both as they approached. She stood up quickly and rubbed her hands together. Her companion was forgotten immediately as she crossed her arms, continued to glare at them, and moved to block their path. "Where are you going?" She demanded, his voice cutting him just as sharply as if she'd stabbed him.

Uhtred glanced over her at the tent and nodded towards it. "Is Ragnar within?"

Brida nodded her head. "He is still sleeping."

"He is not." Ragnar called loudly. "Come on in, brother."

Uhtred smiled and pushed past the still glaring Brida. Finan offered her a tilted smile and a shrug and followed behind Uhtred as the Lord lifted the flap and stepped inside. Finan slipped inside behind him and Uhtred let the fabric fall and turned. He smiled at his brother and plopped down beside him. "I hope we weren't about to interrupt anything." Uhtred said with a sly smirk and leaned back. Finan glared at him sideways and shook his head as he took a seat on the Lord's other side.

Ragnar let out a laugh and shook his head. "I wish. She is angry with me."

"She can hear you!" Brida snapped from outside the tent. "I am going to get food and I hope you all starve!"

Uhtred leaned back far enough to peek out. Then he turned back and let out a laugh. "She's gone."

"What did ye do?" Finan asked curiously.

"With Brida?" Uhtred scoffed and shook his head. "He probably breathed too loudly and she threw a fit."

Ragnar shrugged and leaned back, a smile lacing his features. "At least I didn't marry someone else."

Finan tilted his head and glanced again at the now glaring Lord beside him. "Yer brother does 'ave a point." He said with a smile and then grimaced. He dipped his head forward and touched his hand to his forehead. He sucked in a sharp breath and held it for a moment.

Ragnar smiled knowingly and let out a laugh. "Aren't the Irish known for their drinking skills?"

Finan breathed out. "Ireland has ne'er met the likes of Clapa." He answered gravely and Ragnar laughed again.

Uhtred waited until his brother stopped before he leaned closer to Ragnar, his expression growing serious. "Brother, we seem to have misplaced something important to us and many this morning have said to have glimpsed you two last night."

Ragnar frowned for a moment as he glanced between both of them. Realization dawned on him quickly and he seemed even more confused. "You mean Sihtric, right?"

Uhtred nodded. "Yes. I couldn't find him last night and he seems to still be missing this morning."

Ragnar shrugged. "You saw him last. I went to bed right after we parted."

Uhtred shook his head. "I didn't see him. I went in search of him and Finan and found this one in a mess on the ground with Clapa." He inclined his head towards Finan, who merely shrugged and looked away.

"I left him." Ragnar said. "When he left to meet you at the gate."

"The gate?" Uhtred repeated.

Ragnar nodded. "That kid you sent."

Uhtred was even more confused. He glanced sideways at Finan, who was just as confused. "What kid?" He asked, turning back to his brother.

Ragnar opened his mouth slowly and tilted his head. "You… didn't send a kid to ask him to meet you at the gate?"

Uhtred shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Why would I ask him to meet me at the gate?"

Ragnar shrugged. "I don't know. To go hump in the woods."

Uhtred scoffed and shook his head again. "Guthred gave me a room. With a bed. Why would I take them to the woods? And Finan was way too drunk last night. He wouldn't even have been able to find his cock."

"Yes I would!" Finan snapped and then let out a pained grunt and rubbed at his head. "Maybe." He mumbled.

Uhtred glanced sideways at Finan and shook his head. "It would have not been of any use to me last night."

Ragnar smirked and shook his head. "I would not imagine so. Too much ale makes for a limp cock."

Uhtred nodded. "And it would have been a rather limp cock, judging by the way the ale still affects him now."

Finan leaned forward and rubbed at his face, hiding himself behind his hands. "Can you please stop talkin' about my cock?"

Ragnar laughed and leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. "I'm sure it still would have been impressive."

Uhtred smiled and nodded his head. "Oh yes, very impressive, brother."

Finan let out a groan and continued to hide. "Stop, please!" A blush was slowly creeping up under his beard.

Uhtred and Ragnar both laughed for a moment, watching Finan's embarrassment. Uhtred smiled and reached over to place a hand on Finan's knee. He patted him a moment before squeezing him. Then Uhtred shook his head and breathed out. He turned towards Ragnar and grew serious. His attention was on Ragnar but he still kept his hand on Finan's knee. "You said a kid told Sihtric to meet me at the gate?"

Ragnar nodded his head. "Yes. He came right up to him and said Lord Uhtred would meet him at the gate. Then the kid ran off."

Finan breathed out and lowered his hands. He leaned forward, happy the attention was off him and his cock for the moment. "What did 'e look like?"

Ragnar shrugged. "I don't know. Like a kid."

Uhtred frowned. "You don't know?"

Ragnar shook his head and glared at him. "It was dark and I was tired." He said defensively. "He was just a little kid. What harm could a kid do?"

Uhtred wasn't worried about the kid, whoever he was. He was worried about whoever had sent the kid to trick his puppy. He glanced at Finan and he could tell the Irishman was having similar fears running through his mind. "The gate?" Uhtred asked andFinan nodded his head and stood up. He turned and slipped from the tent without any concern for his hangover. Uhtred stood up and Ragnar followed, quickly pulling his shirt on as they ducked out of the tent to join Finan. They quickly moved through the town, not stopping or slowing until they reached the gates.

Two of the guards on duty were playing with a pile of stones, throwing them in the same fashion that Clapa had drunkenly taught to Finan the night before. The third man was asleep and snoring loudly. Uhtred walked right up to him and kicked him in the side. "Hey!" He snapped angrily.

The man let out a pained grunt and quickly scrambled up. "Sorry, Lord." He mumbled, trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes.

Uhtred continued to glare at him. "Did any of you see anyone out here last night? At the gate?" All three of the guards shook their heads. Finan described Sihtric and used his name, but still the guards said they saw nothing. Uhtred pushed past them and stepped outside of the city, grumbling under his breath. "Guards are just as worthless as their King!" He snapped.

"Calm down, brother." Ragnar reached towards him and Uhtred pushed him away.

"Uhtred!" Finan had wandered a few feet away and stopped as his eyes settled on the smear of red on a rock. Finan knelt down and touched his fingers to it. Uhtred's eyes widened as he stepped closer and Finan looked up at him. "It's dried but I don't think it's that old."

"Finally!"

Uhtred was the first to turn as the man rode out from the line of trees. Uhtred narrowed his eyes and his lips curled into a snarl. "Sven!" Uhtred balled his fists and he didn't care that he didn't think to grab his sword. He would kill the bastard one-eyed man with his bare hands. He would rip the man to pieces and he knew Finan would help him.

Sven pulled back on the reins to his horse, making the creature step back a few paces. Fear flashed across the man's face for a moment before he was suddenly flanked by several members of his father's guard. They moved around him in a semicircle and Sven smiled, growing bolder again. He smiled cockily as he kicked his horse forward again. "Uhtred! I have a message from my father, just for you."

"Where is he?" Uhtred interrupted, not caring about whatever the fuck Sven was braying on about.

Sven paused. "My father?"

"Sihtric!" Uhtred shouted, moving closer. "Where is he?" Finan and Ragnar followed close behind, standing on either side of him.

Sven frowned and stuck his bottom lip out in a pout. "Uhtred, you've spoiled my fun! I didn't even get to…"

"I don't care about whatever game you're playing at." Uhtred interrupted him. "Whatever the fuck you and Kjartan have planned, you will stop it this instant and you will return Sihtric to me. Alive and at once. If you do not, I will tear down every stone and kill every man in Dunholm until I find him. And then I will burn you alive."

Sven flinched at Uhtred's tone of voice and he swallowed. He glanced at the guards around him and he tried to take comfort in the fact that Uhtred couldn't harm him, not with his father's guards to protect him. He cleared his throat and sat up straighter in his saddle. "Uhtred, you will not be making the demands here. If you wish Sihtric to be returned to you alive, then you will shut your mouth and listen to me! You will do as I command of you. Or else I will be delivering his head to you."

Beside him, Finan let out a growl at the threat. Uhtred could feel the man's anger, burning just as wild and hot as his own. He didn't know what Kjartan and Sven's game was, what they were playing at. But Uhtred didn't want to chance risking his puppy's life. He didn't want the boy in any more danger than he already was. He reached out and touched Finan's arm and he felt the man shift closer to him, pressing their shoulders together. Uhtred nodded his head and breathed out, his eyes on Sven. "Alright, Sven." He clenched his jaw. "What do you want?"

Sven smiled smugly and tilted his head. "We want you gone." He said evenly. "You and your army. You pack up and leave this instant. Head back to Wessex and never return to Northumbria."

Uhtred breathed out and straightened up. He could have guessed those would be the terms. And he would gladly leave if he knew he would get his boy back. "Sihtric?"

Sven nodded his head. "When we are certain you are in Wessex, we will release him."

"How do I know he's still alive?" Uhtred asked.

Sven smiled at him. "My word isn't enough?"

Finan scoffed and shook his head, speaking for the first time. "Yer father isn't called Kjartan the Cruel because 'e picks flowers an' 'as tea parties."

Sven's eyes shifted to Finan for a moment before looking back at Uhtred. "My father is many things but he has already anticipated your request. He's agreed to let one of your ranks into Dunholm to witness that Sihtric is alive and well." Sven's lips twisted into a smile and he tilted his head. "Well… he is alive."

"I will go!" Finan offered himself at once.

"No! Not you!" Sven shook his head.

"He fears you both." Ragnar hissed, low enough for only them to hear. "You should send someone who can fight but seems meek."

Uhtred nodded his head. "Give us a moment, Sven." He called out loudly.

"Only a moment." Sven called. "If I do not return before the sun breaches my father's window, then he will drive his sword through Sihtric's heart. He said to make sure to tell you that. That doesn't leave you much time."

Uhtred narrowed his eyes and turned. Ragnar and Finan followed as he stomped back inside the gates of Eoferwic. Once the great doors were pulled shut, Uhtred's anger dissolved and was replaced with fear. He turned towards Finan, his eyes wide, and he grabbed onto the man. He felt his knees go weak and for a moment, thought he might collapse. "Finan!" He gasped the man's name. "What do we do? We can't risk his life! But if we leave… I know Kjartan will just kill him anyways! He would do it to spite me! If he hasn't already!"

Finan leaned his head against Uhtred's and slid his fingers around his neck, gripping him tightly and holding him in place. "If he has… then there is nothing we can do." He said softly, his voice full of pain. "If our boy is gone… then we mus' attack. We must make them pay. But… if there is a chance 'e is still alive… then we still mus' attack."

Ragnad nodded and stepped closer. "If Kjartan believes him to be that important to you…"

"He is!" Uhtred snapped, interrupting him and glaring sideways at his brother.

Ragnar smiled and nodded his head, holding up his hands. "I know he is and if Kjartan does, too, then he will be expecting you to leave. He will not be expecting an attack."

Finan nodded his head. "Sitty knows the plan an' he knows it's t' 'appen tonight. He'll be expectin' it. An' he's kept himself alive in that place fer this long. He'll be okay fer a few more hours."

Uhtred breathed out and nodded. He took comfort in strength in the way Finan still held onto him and in the man's words. "You are right but that doesn't stop me from wanting to storm the place now."

Finan sighed and nodded. "Me too."

"So… who do we send?" Ragnar asked.

Uhtred had an idea but he didn't want to ask. He sighed as he pulled away from Finan. "Stay here. Keep an eye on Sven." Both nodded and Uhtred turned and quickly hurried towards their camp. He found her quickly and walked right up to her. He touched her arm and she turned towards him. "Hild…"

Her eyes widened and she grabbed his hand, seeing his expression. "Lord, has something happened? I've heard you've been asking about Sihtric."

Uhtred nodded his head and pulled her closer. "That's why I was looking for you."

"Yes." Hild nodded. "Whatever I can do to help him."

Uhtred breathed out. "He has been captured by Kjartan and he threatens to kill him if I don't leave Northumbria right now."

Hild's eyes widened and she moved closer to him. "What do we do?" She asked softly.

Uhtred looked away. "Sven said he'll allow one of us to come back with him to prove Sihtric is still alive. But not anyone who looks threatening, like Finan."

Hild tilted her head. "So someone like me."

Uhtred nodded his head as he turned back to her. "But I think it is a trick. I don't think he plans to let whoever we send free. Nor Sihtric. But I need someone to tell him that we are coming, that the plan is the same. We will attack tonight and we will save him."

She breathed out and nodded. "And me."

"I won't make you go." Uhtred shook his head. "I won't ask you."

Hild smiled and reached out to touch his face. Then she patted him on the shoulder. "You don't have to, Lord. I would have offered." Uhtred quickly wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. Hild patted him again and detached herself. "Let me get changed." She ducked into her tent and came out a few moments later.

Uhtred raised an eyebrow. "You brought your habit with you?"

Hild nodded as she straightened her robe. "I've strapped my daggers to my thighs and have my chainmail hidden underneath."

Uhtred nodded approvingly. "You don't look too bulky. I would never know."

Hild sucked in a breath and nodded her head. "Hopefully they will not either." She said softly, her voice barely a whisper. It wavered more than she meant it to and she tried to stand up straighter.

Uhtred sighed. "Hild…"

"Lord, I can take care of myself." She insisted, nodding her head. "I have proven it many times over. Do not worry. Now let's hurry."

Uhtred waited a moment longer. He wanted to argue with her. Because as worried as he was about Sihtric, he was worried about her as well. He hated the idea of choosing one over the other and he felt like that was exactly what he was doing, putting Sihtric above her. But he didn't really have much of a choice. He sighed deeply. He nodded and they hurried back to the gate. Finan and Ragnar nodded at her and they wasted no more time. They pulled the gate open and Uhtred strolled out. "Sven!" He called out. "Our nun will go with you."

Hild walked out slowly. She held her hands out in front of her, clasped and looking meek. She kept her eyes down, trying to play the part.

Sven eyed her and smiled. "A nun?" He laughed and glanced at the guards around him. "You send a nun to Dunholm?"

Uhtred narrowed his eyes. "You said she wouldn't be harmed! You said she'd be released!"

Sven smiled again and nodded his head. "I did, I did. And she will be." He waved his arm. "Come, you will ride with me."