He thumped his head back against the wall and regretted it immediately. But at least the pain kept him grounded, kept him sane, kept the darkness surrounding him from penetrating his soul, from swallowing him whole. It was nothing new to him. He had expected it the moment he heard his brother's voice. He knew he would end up there, surrounded by the darkness. It was his father's favorite thing to do to him when he got in the way. Sihtric couldn't remember the number of times he'd been shoved in the dark, cold, dank dungeon in the deepest part of the castle. Water seeped in from the cracks in the walls, coating the cold stone floor in filth. It soaked into his clothes, into his skin, and he shivered.

But it was nothing new. Just another day in Dunholm. He breathed out sharply at the thought and then regretted it immediately. He grimaced and leaned forward a bit. His lower abdomen hurt. The pain flared more with each movement and breath, much more than his head. He bit his lip and straightened back up. He tried to lean against the wall again and swallowed. He didn't think anything was broken. But he'd never broken a bone before. He'd seen a few over the years. And most didn't turn out well. But still, he was certain a broken bone would hurt even more. Maybe. He really had no clue. And he wouldn't until he could remove his armor and properly inspect himself. And that wasn't happening any time soon, not until he was out of that cell.

He closed his eyes against the darkness. Keeping them open did nothing. There wasn't a speck of light in the place to help even his keen eyesight. But he didn't need to see to know his way around the cell. He'd been locked in it many times over the years. Sometimes for weeks on end, with the door opening only long enough for scraps to be thrown at him. This place was practically his childhood. He breathed out slowly and steadily and focused on the simple inhale and exhale, pained as it was. It helped him focus. He had survived for years in this place. He could survive now. He just had to play along with whatever Kjartan wanted from him and wait.

He just didn't exactly know what Kjartan wanted. He assumed he was a ransom of some sort. Kjartan had insinuated as much. But he could only guess at the terms. He sighed deeply and rolled his head to the side. He bit his lip and wondered what his Lord and his Irishman were doing. He wondered what time it was, if it were still night and they were sleeping, curled up together somewhere. Or maybe it was morning, and they were just waking up, sharing a morning kiss or touch. Or, for all he knew, it was much later in the day and they might be sharing a meal or something. Talking or laughing or planning. Had they noticed his absence? Had they searched for him? How long had it taken them to realize he was missing? Had they even realized? Did they even know? Did they care?

Sihtric closed his eyes tighter against the onslaught of tears. He took a deep breath and held it for a moment and he tried to push the turbulent thoughts away. They weren't helping him any and he knew it. He exhaled and flinched and thumped his head back against the wall again. He slowly lifted his hands and wiped his eyes.

There was a rattling noise a moment before the door was thrown open, startling him out of his darkening thoughts. The dungeon was lit up as Sven strutted in, holding a torch. The flames danced and the light seemed to lick at the surrounding walls as the One-Eyed man waved it around. There was a wild smirk on the man's face and the dancing flames only succeeded in making him seem all the more sinister.

Sihtric opened his eyes and stood up quickly, ignoring the pain that radiated through him. He pressed himself to the wall, letting fear take him for a moment. Sven had all the advantages on him at the moment. If his brother came after him, there was little Sihtric would be able to do against him, not in his current state of pain and panic. And then Sven stepped aside and someone else was walking into the room. Sihtric's eyes widened as he saw the fire dancing off her face. He ran forward and pressed against the bars. "Hild!" He gasped her name before he could even think to keep silent. He had no clue of whatever game was being played here, if he was supposed to know her or pretend she was a stranger.

She squinted in the low light and moved closer to the bars. Her eyes widened as she took his state in. "Sihtric!" She gasped his name and pressed closer to the bars. "Are you alright?"

He was quick to nod his head, trying to hide the flash of pain that tore through him for a moment. "I am fine, Lady." He said softly.

She sighed and shook her head, clearly not believing him. "Our Lord sent me, his simple nun…" She said awkwardly, her eyes wide. "To witness that you are still alive, before we carry out with the plan… the plan to leave as Kjartan has commanded us. We are to return to Wessex."

Sihtric nodded his head, understanding her meaning at once. "Alright, Lady…"

Sven rolled his eye and shook his head. Then he stepped forward and grabbed Hild's arm roughly. "Enough." He snapped, yanking her back.

Sihtric watched as Hild flinched and cowered, playing her part well. His eyes narrowed and despite the fear Sven had brought out in him just a moment ago, he pressed against the bars and gripped them tightly in his hands. "Sven!" He snapped. "You will not harm her!" He practically snarled and kicked at the bars. "I will take your other eye if you do!"

Sven blinked at him for a moment and his mouth hung open, caught off guard by the anger suddenly permeating the small room. The older man swallowed, looking nervous for a moment. He pushed it away quickly and stepped backwards, pulling Hild with him. "You are the one locked up. You will not threaten me." He spat as he spun around and pushed Hild towards the door.

Sihtric watched until the door was shut and he was once again shrouded in darkness. He breathed out and pushed away from the bars. His whole body was shaking and he breathed out. Then he backed up slowly until he felt the wall against his back and he slowly sank back down to the floor. He leaned against the cold stone and he smiled despite the pain. Seeing Hild made all the difference. It turned the situation and hope flared in him. He knew now Uhtred would come for him. He knew his Lord would save him. Him and Finan both. Even if they didn't have an army at their backs, Sihtric felt in his heart that they would take on all of Dunholm for him and his heart swelled at the thought. He just had to keep quiet and alive and wait for the battle to start.

… … …

He glared up at the man standing on the barbican. The vile man that had killed his family, destroyed his life, and took everything from him and Ragnar. And then he dared to take Uhtred's puppy from him as well. Sihtric belonged to him now, to him and Finan alone, theirs to hold and pet and praise. Uhtred wanted to rip the man apart for touching the boy but he would settle for watching his brother do it. He knew Ragnar had been waiting just as long as he had for the man's death. And Ragnar deserved it more than he did. Uhtred just wanted Sihtric back. He didn't care how the vile man died, just as long as he did. He glanced sideways as Finan moved his horse closer. Their eyes met for a moment and Finan nodded. Behind them, Ragnar, Brida, Father Beocca, Steapa, and Clapa stood just as close. Uhtred turned back to glare up at the fortress. "Kjartan!" He called up, watching the line of guards on the barbican behind the man.

Kjartan smiled as he leaned forward, over the wall, and stared down at them. "Welcome, Uhtred." He gripped the bricks and his smile widened, exposing his teeth. Then he straightened up and threw up his hands. "So nice of you to visit."

Uhtred's eyes narrowed and he snarled. "You have something that belongs to me!" He growled.

Kjartan laughed vilely and nodded. "I have a couple. Sven!" He snapped, turning.

The tower door opened and Sven strutted out across the walkway, pulling Hild along behind him. The One-Eyed man smiled and pushed Hild hard against the stone. "Ah, Uhtred. How nice of you to visit."

"Hild!" Uhtred called up to her, worry flashing across his face. "Kjartan! You will not harm her!"

"I have not!" Kjartan snarled indignantly. "I gave my word your nun would not be harmed."

Hild straightened up and shook her head. "He has not, Lord. He has been… hospitable… enough…" She said stiffly.

Uhtred nodded his head and swallowed. His next question stuck in his throat. He needed to ask but he dreaded it. If the boy wasn't okay… he didn't know what he would do. He sucked in a breath and held it for a moment. "Sihtric?"

Hild nodded her head. "He is alive and talking. I couldn't see him too well but… he is alive."

Uhtred breathed out and nodded his head. He felt relief wash over him. He was certain Kjartan hadn't been as hospitable to him as he had to Hild but as long as his puppy was alive, Uhtred could take care of whatever Kjartan had done to him. He and Finan would nurse their boy back to health if needed, bandage him and care for him, hold him and pet him and whatever he needed. They would fix him. "Alright, Kjartan." Uhtred sat up straighter in his saddle and nodded his head. "Give me my nun back and we will leave, as you requested. I will return to Wessex and you will release Sihtric."

Kjartan smiled and tilted his head as he leaned over the wall. He leaned against the stone and let out a laugh. "The terms have changed. I shall be keeping your nun and I will release them both once I am sure you won't return."

Uhtred's eyes widened and he gasped. He knew that would be the case. He wasn't surprised in the least and he knew Hild was prepared for it. But he played it off and kicked his horse forward. The white stallion lifted his head and pranced a few steps forward. "Those were not the terms I agreed to!" Uhtred called out loudly.

Kjartan shrugged as he pushed away from the stones. He turned and grabbed Hild's arm roughly. He pushed her towards Sven. "I don't care. It seems I hold all the cards, Uhtred. I set the terms. And these are them. I keep your nun and my worthless bastard. If you want them back so much, though I cannot understand why, then you will leave. If you are still in Eoferwic tomorrow morning, I shall kill Sihtric and your nun will become my new whore."

"Lord!" Hild shrieked and fought against Sven's hold on her "Lord, you promised…"

"Shut her up!" Kjartan snapped and waved his arm. "Take her down to the dungeon. Put her with Sihtric."

"Kjartan! No!" Uhtred watched as she was pulled back into the tower. He clenched his jaw and shook his head. He had known it would happen. He just prayed they wouldn't search her and find her hidden weapons.

Kjartan laughed and smiled as he turned to look down at Uhtred again. "You better hurry, Uhtred, before I get bored of waiting."

"We have a deal, Kjartan?" Uhtred called up to him. "You swear you will not harm them?"

"I will not kill them." Kjartan corrected and turned. He disappeared from view.

Uhtred snarled and turned his horse sharply. The others turned with him and they raced off. Once they were hidden in the forest from the watch of the fortress, Uhtred slowed and the others fell in behind him. Uhtred sighed and shook his head. "I knew it was a trick." He said softly. "I knew he wouldn't give her back."

Finan rode closer and leaned over. His mare danced to the side and Finan scowled and pulled back on her reins. She darted closer again and Finan's leg brushed against Uhtred's. Finan held the reins tightly for a moment before he reached out and touched Uhtred's arm. "Lord, you warned her that this was a possibility." He said softly. "She knew the risks."

Uhtred leaned against his touch and nodded his head. "Still doesn't make me feel any better."

"But Sihtric is alive." Finan pointed out.

Uhtred nodded again and breathed out. "That does make me feel better. But Kjartan is a liar and likes to play his games. He's proven that today. We don't have any time to waste. We have to get them out of there." Finan nodded and Uhtred kicked his horse. "Come on."

… … …

The door opened again and Sihtric didn't move this time. He squinted, trying to catch who it was. But this time, there was no torch carried in, just the light from the one in the hall, just outside the door. He could just barely make out the shape of a larger figure pulling a struggling smaller figure along with him.

"You do not have to be so rough!" Hild snapped indignantly as she stumbled along behind her captor. "I can't exactly run away! Where will I go?"

"Shut up, nun!" Sven snapped as he pulled her along.

Sihtric smiled as he leaned his head back against the wall again. He should have figured it would be her. Kjartan wouldn't let another piece of leverage go. He heard more than he saw the cell door being unlocked and thrown open. Then Hild was pushed inside and the door slammed and locked again.

"I have brought you a friend." Sven said with a vile laugh. "Though you do not deserve it. What you deserve is to die alone, locked up in here. It would make a fitting grave for you. For you both." He added as he turned.

Sihtric kept quiet, not waiting to give his brother the satisfaction of thinking he provoked him. Plus, between the cold and hunger and the lack of moving, his entire body ached and he really didn't want to move. He waited until Sven slipped back into the hall and slammed the door shut, shrouding the room completely in darkness again. He heard a sharp intake of breath and he smiled. "Hild." He said her name softly. "Hild. Are you alright?"

"Y-yes." She sat up slowly and rubbed her hands over her habit. "It is as dark as Hell in here." She said softly, her voice wavering a bit.

"It is just darkness." Sihtric said softly, pushing away from the wall. "I have been in here many times. It is just an empty dungeon, it cannot hurt you. There is nothing to fear if you don't let it get to you." He knelt, ignoring the way his pain flared, and held his hand out in her direction. "Follow my voice and come sit with me against the wall. It is better, it helps." He said softly.

"Okay." Hild breathed out a shaky breath as she crawled forward slowly. She swallowed and tried to concentrate on his voice and not the blackness threatening to consume her. "Keep talking."

Sihtric smiled and let out a soft laugh. "So you have met my brother and my father."

Hild breathed out sharply. "Both are detestable."

Sihtric laughed again and nodded his head. "Yes, Lady, they are."

"This whole place is…" She breathed out and didn't answer.

Sihtric sighed deeply and nodded in the darkness. "It is a place worse than your version of Hell."

"I believe it after the stories I have heard." She continued to slowly crawl across the cell. "It is a wonder you came out of this place, as you are."

Sihtric smiled at her words and they warmed him for a moment. He felt her sincerity and for the millionth time it seemed over the last year, he felt lucky to know her, to call her a friend. At least, he hoped she considered him a friend.

"Sihtric?" Her voice shook a little as she said his name.

"Right in front of you, Lady." He said softly, shaking himself. She reached out towards him and flailed for a moment before he was able to grab her. He let his fingers slide down her arm until he could grip her hand in his. She stopped shaking and he pulled her towards him until his back touched the wall again. "Right here."

Hild breathed out as she settled down beside him. She leaned back against the wall and let out a long sigh. She'd let his hand go to get herself situated but once she was settled, she reached for him again, grabbing his hand and holding onto him tightly. "Thank you." She breathed out and paused. "You said you've been in here before?"

Sihtric nodded and then remembered she wouldn't be able to see him. "Yes." He answered. "A lot over the years. It is one of Kjartan's favorite things to do. He's driven many men crazy with the darkness and silence."

"But not you?" She asked softly.

"No." Sihtric answered softly. "I… spent my life in darkness… before he started playing this game with me. I was already accustomed to it."

Hild hummed a note softly and turned towards him. "Are you okay? It looked like he hurt you pretty bad." She reached out with her other arm and fumbled for a moment before her fingers touched his chin.

Sihtric smiled at her concern and again she warmed him. He grabbed her hand and pulled it from his face. "He can't hurt me any more than he already has, Lady. This is nothing. I have dealt with much worse inside the walls of this fortress."

She gripped both of his hands tightly. "That doesn't make it okay, Sihtric."

"I know." He answered softly. "But I am fine. I can still fight and when we win, I will rest and heal."

She sighed and settled back down beside him. She still kept his one hand in hers and held it tightly. "They won't be the best defense but I have my daggers hidden on me. I couldn't exactly hide my sword."

Sihtric smiled, impressed that she even dared step into the place armed. She would have been killed if anyone had thought to search her. "I can do a lot of damage with a dagger."

Hild breathed out and nodded her head. "I was hoping you could. I have just barely grasped using a sword efficiently. Uhtred said to make sure you knew the plan is still the same. They will come through the east wall and take out the gate."

Sihtric breathed out and leaned his head back against the wall. He knew when he saw Hild that Uhtred and Finan would be coming from him. But he still appreciated her confirmation and he couldn't stop the smile on his face. He couldn't wait to see them again. It hadn't been very long, he was certain about that at least, but he felt like any time away from them was too much. "We will rest and when the fighting starts, we will escape and slip out unnoticed."

"How?" She asked softly and shifted closer to him..

"I have escaped from this room nearly every time I've been in it." He answered.

"Really?" She gasped. "How were you not caught?"

Sihtric smiled and breathed out an airy giggle. "I'm good in the dark and I always snuck back in before anyone realized. And most of the time… Kjartan forgot about me."

She was silent for a moment. Then she breathed out loudly and shifted even closer to him. Her arm and leg pressed against him and she didn't move away. "You are too amazing, Sihtric." She said softly, squeezing his hand. "So smart, so brave and skilled, so gentle and sweet… after growing up in what I can only describe as Hell… you really are amazing. I am lucky to know you and call you a friend. We all are."

Sihtric smiled and he was glad for the darkness and the way it covered the blush he knew adorned his features at her words.

… … ...

Finan stepped back, letting Uhtred and Ragnar discuss the plan. He was getting a bit antsy and he feared snapping at both of them. He knew they couldn't leave just yet, not until they had the cover of darkness to aid them. But still, if Kjartan had spies close enough to keep watch over Eoferwic, Finan wanted them to see their army packing up as if ready to leave. He didn't want to give Kjartan any reason to make good on his promise of killing Sihtric.

He breathed out and lifted his hand to his neck. He grabbed at the cross around his neck and silently prayed for their boy's safety. He brought the cross to his lips and kissed it. Then he put the metal between his teeth and bit it. It did little for him but helped him to focus for a moment. He honestly didn't know what he'd do without Sihtric. It may have been a short time but he felt just as connected with him as he did with Uhtred. He would even go as far as saying he loved the boy. Or he was at least falling for the boy. He'd declared his love for Uhtred easily. The words had come to his mind, partly out of jealousy of the perceived relationship between Uhtred and Sihtric. He never regretted saying them. He knew Uhtred had needed to hear them and he had needed to say them. But with Sihtric, Finan was sure telling him would be too much. Any sort of compliment almost seemed too much for the boy and Finan was sure any mention of the word love might send Sihtric running. But Finan knew what was in his heart. He was certain. And Finan would wait before he told Sihtric he was falling just as in love with him as he had with Uhtred.

Or he might just grab the boy the second they saved him and hold him tight between his and Uhtred's bodies and declare that he loved them both, right then and there. And that he didn't care if they didn't yet feel the same or if they couldn't say it back. He knew in his heart that he loved them both. And if it wasn't yet love they felt back for him, it was close and he knew they would get there. He would wait as long as it took for them to realize it. What he didn't want to wait for, was leaving. He was just itching to leave and save Sihtric. All this mindless talking was slowly driving him insane and he just wanted to leave! He clenched his jaw and balled his fists at his sides. He just wanted to go already!

Clapa sidled closer to Finan and bumped into him. The large Dane was one of the few invited into the King's hall to discuss their impending attack but like Finan, he'd remained quiet and to the sidelines. "Do not worry about the little bug." The man said softly, leaning closer to Finan and keeping his voice low.

Finan cleared his throat and pulled his cross from his lips. He let it drop and crossed his arms. "I uh… I am not worried." He was clearly lying and he was sure anyone who heard him denying it would know it was a lie. Everyone gathered in the room had heard his outburst when the talking started, demanding that they leave that very moment.

Clapa smiled and let out a chuckle. "You are worried. But the little bug is smart and he is stronger than he seems. He has survived his father this long. He will be fine for a few more hours."

Finan breathed out and tucked his chin against his chest for a moment. He distinctly remembered his lips loosening a bit too much last night when he'd been playing Clapa's stone game with him. He was certain he'd started spouting love poetry about Uhtred and Sihtric both. He couldn't remember everything he'd said and his face and neck threatened with coloring at what he could. He'd just hoped the man wouldn't remember anything. "Ye uh… ye won't…"

Clapa laughed and bumped into him again. "Your life is your life. Your secret is safe with me, little leprechaun."

Finan raised an eyebrow and looked at him sideways. "Do ye give e'eryone a small nickname?"

Clapa tilted his head and smiled at him. He bumped into Finan again and nodded his head. "Everyone that is smaller than me."

Finan stared at him and raised an eyebrow. "Everyone is smaller than ye." He pointed out and Clapa laughed.

Across the room, Brida shook her head and slammed her hand down on the table they were gathered around. "No! We can't attack now!" She snapped, looking around at all the gathered men.

"We have to!" Uhtred insisted, growing tired of going round and round with her. There was no way he was letting anyone talk him out of the attack. He had spent years waiting for this moment and now that Sihtric was in danger as well, the situation was more dire. "Sihtric knows the plan, so does Hild. They are inside!"

"That doesn't help us get inside!" She snapped. "He was supposed to be our map inside! None of us have been inside Dunholm before."

Ragnar stepped closer to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "We can still win." He said softly, attempting to placate her. "It is still a good plan."

Brida glanced over her shoulder at him and shook her head. "We risk our lives to save Uhtred's slave?"

Uhtred narrowed his eyes and glared at her. "He is not my slave!" He snapped, his jaw clenched.

"Calm down, brother." Ragnar lifted his hand towards him and held it out.

Uhtred shifted his gaze to Ragnar and shook his head. "We cannot leave Northumbria!"

"We won't." Ragnar stepped closer and touched his forehead to Uhtred's. He grabbed the man's collar and held him in place against him before Uhtred could pull away. "This is our time, brother." He said softly. "We will kill Kjartan, and we will save our family."

Brida rolled her eyes and threw up her arms dramatically. "His slave and his nun! They are not family, Ragnar! Do not let him get us killed for them!"

"And our sister, Brida." Ragnar said as he pulled away and turned towards Brida. "Did you forget Thyra has been held captive there for over a decade? We are not leaving without her, even if Sihtric hadn't been taken."

Brida flinched at Thyra's name. She crossed her arms and sulked for a moment as she looked away. "If he hadn't, then we wouldn't be talking." She said softly.

Finan stepped forward, growing tired of the needless words being shared. "We don't need Sihtric t' get around inside." He said, interrupting. "Sihtric explained the whole layout t' me. He drew maps fer me in the dirt an' I memorized everythin'. I know the layout perfectly."

Uhtred turned to him and tilted his head curiously but he nodded, not missing a beat. "Yes!" He turned back to Brida and glared. "Which I knew about and would have explained if you'd just kept your mouth shut for a minute!"

"Alright, alright." Ragnar lifted his hands. "It is decided. We will be leaving as planned. So let's all play nice and continue with the plan." He attempted to wrap his arm around Brida and steer her off. She scoffed and pulled away from him and stormed off. Ragnar sighed and was quick to follow.

Everyone else filed out but Uhtred hung back, as well as Finan. When the hall had emptied, Uhtred pulled Finan aside and stepped closer. "Did he really tell you about Dunholm?" He asked in hushed tones.

Finan shook his head. "No. We uh… ne'er talked 'bout Dunholm. Seemed like a sore subject so I didn't ask."

Uhtred sighed and nodded his head, understanding. "When we first met, before Guthred sold me, I had thought of asking him to take me to Dunholm. He had offered but I saw the fear in him over it and I went myself."

"I'm sorry I lied." Finan sighed and reached for his cross again. He held it tightly and bit his lip. "But Uhtred… we canne wait."

Uhtred's eyes shifted, following Finan's movements. He watched as Finan fingered the cord that his cross dangled from and he swallowed. Then he sighed, forcing thoughts of the man's neck away and lifted his gaze to meet Finan's and shook his head. "We won't. I'd stormed in there myself, even if we didn't have Guthred's army. I would save him or die trying."

Finan breathed out and nodded, agreeing. "Aye, we 'ave t' save 'im."

Uhtred glanced around quickly, making sure they were alone. Then he wrapped his arms around Finan's neck and pulled him closer. "We will find him." He promised and leaned forward to kiss him. Finan wrapped his arms around Uhtred without hesitation and pulled the man closer before deepening the kiss. Both clung to each other and tried to swallow down all their fears and steady their minds. They would save their boy. They would be together again and never let anything separate them again.