There was almost nothing left of Sven's face. Sihtric grimaced and had to turn away. He shook himself as he heard the sounds the dogs made and breathed out shakily. He swallowed and slipped Sven's sword into his belt. Then he ran both of his hands over his face and down his neck. He held his fingers against his bruised skin and the pain grounded him for the moment. He felt like he was seconds from collapsing on the floor but he knew he couldn't fall apart. Not right then. His legs trembled and he breathed out deeply, flinching again against the pain. He hadn't thought of that night in so long, he hadn't let himself. He shook himself and glanced down. His eyes settled on the pommel of Sven's sword and he glared at it. At least he knew he would never see his brother again. Sven would be trapped in Niflheim where he deserved to be. He breathed out again and his whole body trembled.

"Kill… kill… kill…" Thyra was still chanting as she stood over Sven's body even after his screams died down. Her eyes never left his bleeding form and swarming dogs. She clenched her fists and held them out in front of her as she chanted.

Sihtric turned and stepped towards her. He weaved through the pack of dogs until he could touch her. "Thyra." He grabbed her arm and she flinched away. She spun around and her eyes were wide and wild, making her look feral again. Sihtric smiled at her and stepped closer. He reached for her again, this time holding his hand out to her. "Princess." He said softly.

Thyra looked down at his hand. For a moment, she just stared at it. She sucked in a sharp breath and nodded. Then she darted closer and pressed against his side. She nodded her head and took his hand. "Can we leave now?" She asked softly.

Sihtric nodded and gripped her hand tightly. "We will leave. Here." He pulled out Sven's sword and held it out towards here. "You can't be unarmed."

Thyra shook her head and flinched away from the offered weapon. "I can't touch that." She said softly.

Sihtric nodded, understanding, and slipped the sword back into his belt again. He didn't want to touch it. But he didn't want to head into battle without being armed. He breathed out deeply as he turned and searched out Hild. He swallowed, seeing her standing off to the side and staring at the door, as if guarding them. He sucked in a breath, knowing she had seen and heard everything. "Come on." He said softly to Thyra and started towards the nun. "Hild." He said her name softly. "Are you okay?"

Hild stiffened a little but she nodded her head and turned towards them. "I am fine." She said softly. Then she stepped closer, her eyes wide. "Are you okay?" Sihtric looked away and nodded stiffly. Hild watched him but didn't say more. Her gaze shifted to Thyra.

Thyra smiled at her and nodded. She let go of Sihtric and stepped around him. "Hi. I'm Thyra." She said softly.

Hild smiled and nodded at her. "I am Hild. Your brothers spoke of you often. I am glad to finally meet you."

Thyra smiled shyly and looked down. Then she stepped closer and reached out to touch Hild's skirt. "I like your dress." She said softly. Then she stepped back again and picked at the rags of her own dress. "This was to be my wedding dress… but I was taken on the day of my wedding and my parents killed. I've been forced to wear it ever since." She shrunk back and turned. "I am sorry to meet you in such a state."

Hild's eyes widened, watching the woman's demeanor. She glanced at Sihtric and he just shrugged and looked away again. She knew he was refusing to meet her gaze on purpose and she couldn't fault him for it. Hild turned her attention back on Thyra. She stepped closer to her and shook her head. "There is no need to be sorry, Lady Thyra…" Thyra looked up at her suddenly at the title and Hild paused. She stopped and lowered her hands. She touched the fabric of her habit skirt and pulled on it a little. "I was… am… a nun." She said softly. "This is called a habit. It's what we wear. But… I have my armor on underneath." She dropped her skirt and moved her hands to her back. She started untying the laces. "You can wear it if you like."

Thyra's eyes widened as she watched. "I can wear it…" She repeated softly, her voice full of wonder and awe.

Hild nodded her head and looked at Sihtric. Her chainmail was hindering her a bit as she tried to untie her habit. "Give me a hand?" He nodded stiffly and stepped closer to help her. "Thank you." She said softly and noticed the way he stiffened again. Then he moved around her and helped her pull the layers of fabric off her. Hild nodded at him again and held the habit towards Thyra.

Thyra smiled and stepped closer. She immediately started peeling the remnants of her wedding dress off without hesitation. Sihtric quickly turned away and Hild tilted her head up, looking at the ceiling. Thyra let the dress slide off her form and stepped away from it. Tentatively, she reached for whatever weird word Hild had called it. "Can you… help me…" Her voice was barely a whisper and her hands shook a little.

Hild nodded and stepped closer. "Bend down a little." Thyra nodded and Hild helped to slide the heavy fabric over her slim form. She couldn't help but notice the dirt, scars, bruises, and clear lack of nutrition on the younger woman's body, evidence of her many years in captivity. Hild shook her head sadly as Thyra straightened up. Then Hild moved around her and helped to lace her up. Then she stepped back.

Thyra smiled and grabbed the skirt. She lifted the thick fabric and twirled in a circle. "Do I look like a nun?" She asked. "What is a nun?"

Hild tilted her head, trying to think of a simple way to explain it. "A… a woman in service to God."

Thyra nodded, accepting the answer, and smiled again. "I like your nun dress. Thank you, Hild." She smiled again and looked at Sihtric. "Little Raven can look again."

Sihtric turned and smiled at her. "You look much better, Princess." Thyra smiled and giggled and moved away to twirl again. Sihtric smiled and shook his head as he watched her. Then he felt Hild move closer to him and he flinched and looked down. He tried not to but he couldn't stop.

"Sihtric." Hild said softly. She moved closer to him but was careful not to touch him.

Sihtric stiffened at his name on her tongue and he sighed. He ran a hand over his face and tried to look up at her. But he could see the pity and worry on her face and he couldn't take it. He swallowed and looked away. "I…" He paused and licked at his lips. He opened his mouth slowly and tried again. "I… I am… s-s-sorry…" He stumbled a bit over the words and dropped his gaze to the floor. "That you had to hear that… I… I couldn't stop…"

Hild nodded and tentatively reached out to touch his arm. He flinched but didn't pull away and she moved closer. "You had to get it out." She said softly, her voice barely a whisper.

Sihtric sucked in a sharp breath and nodded. "I think I did. I think we both did..." He said as his eyes followed Thyra as she weaved through her dogs, smiling. "We never talked about it… I think she blamed herself for a long time." He swallowed and shook himself. He breathed out and looked at Hild. "You won't… you won't repeat anything you heard…" He asked softly and hated how timid he sounded.

Hild was quick to shake her head. "No, Sihtric. I never would. I swear to you." He breathed out a sigh of relief and Hild squeezed his arm. "They don't know, do they?" She asked softly.

Sihtric looked away again and shook his head. "No." He answered, keeping his voice low to match her. "I think they… suspect something… but not the extent."

Hild nodded slowly. "Think about telling them. Not everything if you don't want to, but talking about it can help you to heal."

Sihtric turned towards her and smiled at her kindness. "I am fine, Lady."

"Of course you are." Hild nodded, agreeing. "You are amazing." Sihtric smiled and looked away and Hild continued. "But you should still tell them." She said softly. "Talking does help. Or at least consider asking God for his help… or your heathen Gods." She smiled and reached up to touch his chin. He turned to look at her and she held his gaze. "God helped me." She said softly.

Sihtric's eyes widened and he clenched his jaw at the implication. "I am sorry, Hild."

"I am sorry, too." Thyra said, suddenly spinning towards them. She stopped and moved closer to Hild. "I am glad your Gods helped you."

Hild blinked at the odd woman for a moment. "God." She corrected softly. She hadn't even realized Thyra was listening to them. The younger woman had seemed to be preoccupied with her dogs. Hild sighed and looked away from both of them. "It's not the same… I am not comparing our situations at all… but I was once… forced…" She sighed again and looked at Thyra. "Your brother and his friends… they saved me. He saved me. That was the first time I met him and I've been with him ever since."

Thyra smiled and tilted her head. "I am glad my brother was there to save you."

"He's here to save you now." Hild said softly. "He is a good man, Thyra. Trust that he did not know you were alive and once he found out, he wanted to save you. He wanted to save you the moment he was rescued from slavery."

Thyra nodded and looked away. She stepped closer and nodded again. "Thank you." She said softly. Then she turned her attention to Sihtric. She tilted her head and reached out to touch his shoulder. "Tell who?"

Sihtric's eyes widened and he looked away. "I uh… don't…"

Thyra clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Nun Hild said you need to tell someone, Little Raven. Tell me who."

Sihtric sighed and shook his head. "No one."

Thyra stepped closer to him and shook his head. "No. Hild asked if you told them! Do you have a someone?" She paused and tilted her head. "Or more than one? She said them." Sihtric breathed out and looked away. Thyra's eyes widened as she saw the blush creeping across his skin. "You do!" She gasped and latched onto his arm. "Little Raven, I am happy for you!"

Sihtric rolled his eyes and shook his head but he couldn't shake the smile from his face. "Alright, alright. We can talk more later but now we need to leave." Thyra opened her mouth and Sihtric shook his head and raised a finger to wag at her. "No, Thyra. We need to leave. When the battle is over and we are safe, then we can talk, okay? I promise."

Thyra stuck out her lip and pouted for a moment and Sihtric couldn't help but be reminded of Uhtred. He knew his Lord had been adopted by Thyra and Ragnar's father. He knew they weren't actually related, not by blood. And yet, he swore he could see resemblance in the way she was pouting, looking so much like him. And then she sighed and nodded her head. She crossed her arms and continued to pout for a moment longer. "Fine." She said sulkily.

Again he was reminded of Uhtred and he couldn't stop the smile spreading across his face and the anticipation made his heart and stomach both flutter crazily. Because he knew Uhtred and Finan both were just upstairs, somewhere amidst the battle. He knew it had only been a day. At least, he thought it had only been a day. He wasn't quite sure. But however long it had been, he knew it had been way too long. He needed to be near them again. He needed to see their faces and hear their voices. He longed for their touch on his skin and his name on their lips. He sucked in a breath and nodded his head. They needed to get going. He stepped away from her and pulled the sword out. He held it towards Hild. "Here. You take this. You are better with it than the dagger."

Hild stared at it for a moment before she nodded and took it. She held it tightly in her hand for a moment before she drew her dagger. "I am." She turned to Thyra and held out her dagger.

Thyra took it with a smile and nodded her head. "Thank you." Then she turned and looked at her dogs. They had stopped with Sven's body and most were lazing about, licking themselves. "Stay." She said, holding her hand out. She glanced at Sihtric. "We can come back for them, right? I don't want them to get hurt."

Sihtric nodded his head quickly. "Yes. But we need to go. We need to make sure Kjartan dies. He deserves that."

Thyra nodded and looked back at Sven's body. Then before either could stop her, she darted towards it and leaned down. She grabbed his hair and raised the dagger. She didn't hesitate as she quickly hacked at what was left of his neck and pulled his head free. She held it up, carefully keeping it as far away from the nun dress as she could and strode back towards them. "A gift for Kjartan." She said with a twisted smile.

Sihtric flinched but he nodded, albeit stiffly, and started towards the door. "Stay close. Both of you." They both nodded and moved closer to him and he led them up the stairs slowly. The battle looked like it had stopped. Sihtric stood on his toes and tried to look over the crowd to see what was going on.

"Kjartan!" Ragnar's voice rang out over the crowd. "You are beaten! Either you die alone by my sword or together with all your men." The man called out. "You may choose your fate, if you wish. Or I will choose it for you."

Kjartan laughed and pushed through his men. He stepped out from behind his shield wall and laughed again. "You wish to fight me, baby Ragnar?" He waved his sword around and shook his head and laughed again.

Ragnar stepped closer to him into the circle and shook his head. "No, I wish to kill you." He spat.

Brida's eyes widened and she stepped closer, trying to follow him. "Ragnar, no!" She called out in a panic, shaking her head. "Ragnar, don't give him the chance! Burn the bastard, burn the whole place down like he did your family!"

Uhtred stepped towards her and held her back. "Brida." He pushed her back. "Let him do this." He said softly. "He has to do this."

Brida shook her head and pushed against Uhtred. "No!"

"Brida…" Uhtred said her name softly and reached out to touch her shoulder but she just pushed him away roughly and turned. She stalked away, deeper into the crowd. Uhtred watched her for a moment and sighed. Then he turned and stepped closer to Ragnar. They exchanged a quick look and his older brother nodded at him. Uhtred nodded back and turned. He lifted his arms and shouted. "Move! Make the square." Around him, all the warriors from both sides backed up. Uhtred turned, standing just inside the square, and his eyes went to his brother and he nodded again. He sucked in a sharp breath and he was nervous for a moment. He lifted his hand to his Mjöllnir and held it tightly. He silently prayed to all the Gods that his brother came out victorious. Finan pushed through the crowd and moved to stand behind him. Uhtred shifted closer to his Irishman and took comfort in him. He didn't want to admit it but he was worried about his brother. He had faith in Ragnar's abilities but Kjartan had beaten everyone that ever came at him. He sucked in a breath and Finan brushed his shoulder against him.

Kjartan glanced at Uhtred and smirked. "I knew you wouldn't leave. I knew I wouldn't have to release my bastard. Good thing I've already taken care of him."

Finan stiffened beside Uhtred. His eyes widened and he gasped at the implication. "Kjartan…" He growled out the name and started forward.

Uhtred grabbed Finan's arm and held him back. He wrapped his arms around Finan from behind and attempted to hold him as tightly as he could, not caring about the very big audience they had. Kjartan held his sword high as he smirked at them and he looked ready to kill. Uhtred didn't doubt Finan's strength and abilities but he didn't dare doubt Kjartan's either. And there was still the lingering fear that Finan hadn't healed completely. It still had been just a few months and Uhtred wasn't sure Finan could take the man. "Fin!" He leaned forward and touched his lips to the back of the Irishman's ear. He felt the man stiffen and swore he could feel him straining against himself. He could feel the man's inner turmoil against staying put and fighting Kjartan himself. Uhtred had similar feelings but he knew this was Ragnar's fight. "I think he's lying." He hissed into the man's ear.

Finan stopped and clenched his jaw. He shook with anger and he was glad for the moment that Uhtred held him so tightly. He hadn't felt such rage since before Uhtred was shoved onto the Trader and into his life. He breathed out deeply and nodded his head and held on tight to Uhtred's words.

Kjartan laughed at them knowingly and continued to smirk. "The bastard whore is gone. You will have to find another plaything."

Finan growled loudly and attempted to pull away from Uhtred again and the Lord had to tighten his hold. Uhtred planted his feet on the ground and used all his strength to keep the raging Irishman contained. "If Ragnar doesn't kill you, I will rip you to pieces for even threatening our boy!" Finan hissed, speaking evenly.

Ragnar glanced sideways at them and held up his sword. He swung it in their direction and shook his head. "Easy, Finan. I will take care of Kjartan. I swear to you."

Kjartan let out a vile, taunting laugh and thumped his sword against his shield. "Little baby Ragnar thinks he has a chance against me. I will enjoy watching you try." He bent down and held his shield and sword out. "Your sister makes a good whore. Only we have to tie her down to keep her from scratching when we fuck her all night long."

Ragnar tightened his grip on his sword and readied himself. He didn't rise to the bait as the Irishman behind him had. He knew Kjartan's tricks and he stayed calm. He would not get worked up and careless and attack out of rage and emotion. He could see the anger and frustration flash across the man's face and he smiled to himself.

"Kjatran!" Despite Sihtric and Hild both trying to keep her back, Thyra ran into the crowd and pushed her way through the second she could. Both men turned towards her and Ragnar gasped. Behind him, Uhtred had finally released Finan. The Lord stepped around his Irishman and sucked in a sharp breath, seeing her. But Thyra paid no attention to any of the men besides Kjartan. Her eyes were only on him.

Kjartan laughed and straightened up. "Someone let you out of your cage. Go back. I will come for you when I have killed both of your brothers. Sven and I shall piss on their corpses and toss them from the barbican and then we shall use you in celebration."

Thyra smiled and tilted her head. Then she pulled the severed head from behind her back and held it up for Kjartan to see. There wasn't much left to see besides the hair and dangling eye patch. Still, Thyra held the head up proudly for a moment. Then she threw it as hard as she could. It thudded to the ground and rolled past where the two men stood.

"Sven!" Kjartan screamed and lifted his sword. "I will kill you!"

Ragnar lunged to the side, blocking Kjartan before he could advance on Thyra. "You will not touch her ever again!" Kjartan screamed again and rushed at Ragnar. He stumbled back under the force of the older man but he kept on his feet and pushed him off. Then he danced back as Kjartan slashed his sword around recklessly, too overcome with emotion to think right.

Sihtric managed to push through the crowd the moment he noticed Thyra was gone. He cut through the gathered, rooting people, ignoring words and whispers directed at him until he could grab Thyra's arm. She turned and smiled at him as she peeled his hand off her arm and instead grabbed his hand and laced their fingers together. Sihtric narrowed his eyes at her for a moment before he nodded and turned. He yanked her back into the crowd and started moving to where Hild stood.

"Uhtred!" Finan gasped as he caught the movement. For a moment, he thought he could faint right there. He felt his knees shake for a moment and he grabbed at Uhtred's arm. Uhtred barely acknowledged him. Uhtred had been focused on Ragnar and Kjartan moving around the square. He hadn't spied Sihtric pulling Thyra away as Finan had. Finan pressed closer and pointed to the crowd. Uhtred turned and glanced over his shoulder at him. He frowned, not understanding what Finan was getting at. The Irishman leaned closer. "Sihtric." He whispered and inclined his head.

Uhtred's eyes widened and he grabbed Finan's armor. He pulled the man closer for a moment and leaned against him. "You saw him?" Finan nodded and Uhtred pushed against him. Finan nodded and started moving through the crowd. Uhtred followed quickly, his brother's duel forgotten the moment Finan had mentioned his puppy. He knew Kjartan was boasting just to distract them. He reached out and touched his fingers to Finan's sword belt, wanting to make sure they didn't get separated as they moved through the large crowd.

Sihtric pulled on Thyra until they joined Hild again. Then he stopped and rounded on her, pulling his hand out of hers. He shook his head and grabbed both her arms. He looked into her eyes and tried to get her to focus on him. "Thyra." He said her name evenly. "Until Kjartan is dead and we are free of this place, you need to stay with me, okay? Listen to me, Thyra. You cannot leave my side. Or if you cannot find me, stay with Hild, okay? Do not leave either of our sides. You still aren't safe here. Do you understand me?"

Thyra opened her mouth slowly. Then her eyes widened and she looked past him. She pulled out of his hold and pushed away from him. "Brother!" Uhtred was running towards them, following a man she didn't know. She smiled and stepped closer, holding out her arms. "Uhtred!"

Uhtred hesitated as stopped. His eyes met Sihtric's as the boy turned around and Uhtred gasped. Finan had stopped when he had, standing between him and Thyra. He let out a grunt and stepped to the side. Uhtred stepped around him, his eyes still on Sihtric. He longed to run towards him and wrap his arms around his good boy and get a better look at the damage done to him. But his sister was in front of him and smiling at him and he couldn't help how his heart yearned to comfort her as well. It had been so long since he'd seen her and for a long time, he believed her dead.

Thyra didn't give him any more time to think. She simply darted towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled him close and hugged him tightly. Uhtred smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist just as tight. He lifted her off the ground and spun her for a moment. She tucked her chin against his neck and there were tears in her eyes. "I thought you forgot about me." She said softly.

Uhtred sighed and hugged her tightly for a moment longer. He felt Finan shift beside him. The Irishman had remained beside him and Uhtred knew he longed to race to their boy's side just as much as he did. But they had a bit of an audience at the moment and Finan glanced around almost nervously, as if finally realizing his actions over the last several minutes could draw attention he didn't want. Uhtred smiled and shook his head. "No." He said softly as he pulled away. She released him and Uhtred smiled at her. He touched her face, cradling her in his hands. He brushed his fingers over her cheekbones and tilted his head. "I could never forget about you, sister. Ragnar and I… we both thought you dead. I swear! If I had any idea you were alive, I would have followed Kjartan when I found our parents dead. I swear to you, I would have followed and saved you or died trying."

Thyra sucked in a breath and nodded her head. "My Little Raven said you didn't know. But all this time… I thought you did… and I hated you… I hated you both and I'm so sorry, brother!" She choked back a sob and tears threatened her eyes.

"Shhh!" Uhtred soothed softly. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently. Then he leaned his forehead against hers and smiled again. "It's okay, Thyra." He said softly. "We have you now and no one will ever touch you again, okay? I swear to you."

She nodded and smiled. She pulled away and touched his cheek. "Where is Ragnar?"

Uhtred glanced over his shoulder at Finan and the Irishman nodded and stepped away stiffly. He didn't want to leave, didn't want to be away from Sihtric and Uhtred both. He quickly weaved through the crowd until he could stand on his toes and see the fight. Then he nodded to himself and returned to them a moment later. Finan stepped up beside Uhtred, trying to keep a respectable distance. "Still fightin' Kjartan. Looks t' be almost done. He's got Kjartan on the ground."

Uhtred glanced over at Sihtric and the boy nodded. Uhtred bit back the urge to sigh as he nodded and looked back at Thyra. "Let's go back and watch." She nodded and he grabbed her hand. He wanted nothing more than to grab his puppy and pull him and Finan both to some dark corner where they could check out their boy better. Where they could hug him and pet him and let him know they needed him. But right then, he needed to support his brother. They could find a moment later. He started back through the crowd, pulling Thyra with him. Finan spared a second to glance at Sihtric before he followed.

Sihtric sucked in a breath and flinched immediately. He swallowed and that hurt just as bad. But he didn't care. He didn't care about the pain anymore or about everything that had happened over the last couple days. Because Uhtred and Finan had come for him. And he saw both of their reluctance at walking away from him now. He felt like he wanted to cry and he smiled. He turned to the side and sniffed and wiped at his eyes, trying to stanch the wetness before they got out of control.

Hild gave him a moment before she stepped closer to Sihtric. "Do you want to watch?" She asked softly.

Sihtric wiped at his eyes again before he turned to her. He nodded his head and breathed in deeply. "Yes, I think I do." He grabbed her hand and the two moved through the crowd until they found a spot where they could stand and see.

Uhtred found Brida and stood beside her. Thyra smiled at Brida and the woman nodded at her stiffly. Uhtred glared and opened his mouth but before he had a chance to snap at Brida, he heard Kjartan's pained voice.

"My sword!" Kjartan wailed as Ragnar leaned harder against his own sword. The weapon was embedded in the vile man's shoulder, keeping him impaled against the ground. "For Valhalla!" He yelled. "I won't beg you!"

Ragnar smiled as he leaned on the sword again, causing the man that took everything from him to cry out again. Then he stepped away and bent down to grab Kjartan's sword. He held it up and returned to Kjartan's side. "You didn't give my father the same respect. He died without his sword in hand, didn't he brother?" He said, glancing up as Uhtred returned to the circle.

Uhtred nodded, his lips curling into a snarl. "He did! You pushed him to the ground as he burned to death, his sword stuck in the ground several feet from him."

Ragnar nodded his head and looked back down at Kjartan. "So why should I?" Kjartan didn't answer and looked away. Ragnar glared at the man and threw the sword away. Kjartan's eyes followed it but again, he said nothing. Ragnar grabbed the hilt of his sword and yanked it free from Kjartan's shoulder. The man let out a scream and looked up at him. Fear flashed across his eyes as Ragnar raised his sword. Kjartan held up his other hand and Ragnar brought his sword down, slicing clean through him. Then he lifted it again and again, hacking into the man. Over and over, he dragged his blade across the man until there was nothing left.

The crowd around him had died down, their cheers and jeers turning to a stunned silence as Ragnar continued to hack into the man. Many turned away completely or stepped away from the crowd. Some yelled to stop, some begged him to. But Ragnar couldn't hear them. All he could hear was his own blood rushing through his veins as his anger continued to boil over. He dropped to his knees and pulled out his dagger and began plunging it into the dead man's chest.

"Ragnar!" Uhtred called his name but Ragnar didn't hear him until Uhtred was beside him. "Ragnar! Stop!" Uhtred knelt down and wrapped his arms around his brother. "It is done, Ragnar. He is dead." Ragnar fought against his hold for a moment but Uhtred held on tightly. He pulled Ragnar away and finally Ragnar dropped his dagger and let Uhtred move him. Uhtred collapsed back on the ground but he still held tightly to Ragnar and hugged him from behind. "It is done." He whispered again.

Ragnar leaned back against Uhtred and sighed deeply. He nodded his head and closed his eyes. Finally, after years, their family had been avenged and they could rest peacefully.

Uhtred closed his eyes and hugged Ragnar harder against him. Ragnar reached up and gripped Uhtred, holding his wrists tightly. Uhtred felt his brother sigh and sink back against him and Uhtred rocked back a bit, pulling Ragnar with him. A few silent moments passed as the brothers just sat together, both lost in thoughts of the family they had lost.

Finally, Ragnar opened his eyes and breathed out. "Thyra?" He asked softly.

Uhtred nodded and released him. "She is okay." He said as he scooted back away from his brother.

Ragnar stood up and turned. He held his arm out to Uhtred and pulled him up. Then he leaned forward and gripped his little brother's neck. "Thank you for stopping me. I don't know what came over me."

Uhtred smiled and nodded. He clapped Ragnar on the shoulder and pulled away. "Thyra!" He waved her forward.

Ragnar turned in time to see her running towards him. He smiled and laughed and held open his arms. She threw herself at him and he hugged her tightly. "I am so sorry it took us so long." He said after releasing her.

Thyra nodded and stepped back. She turned to the side and tilted her head. "My Little Raven said you didn't know… I told Uhtred I thought you abandoned me… and I hated you for a long time… but I am glad to know I was wrong." She said softly.

Ragnar glanced at Uhtred and stepped closer. "Little Raven?" He whispered.

Uhtred shrugged. "Sihtric did say her mind wasn't all there."

Ragnar nodded and then his eyes widened. "Did you find him? Is he okay?"

Uhtred smiled and nodded. "I didn't get to talk to him but I did see him. I do not know the story yet but he and Hild seemed to have escaped themselves. And I think they saved Thyra, too."

Thyra's eyes widened and she turned. "I am supposed to stay with Hild!" She gasped. "That's what he said!" Then she dropped her gaze down to the whatever it was called she was wearing and gasped again. There were smudges of blood and dirt on it from where she'd hugged Ragnar. "Oh no! Hild!" She called out, turning. "I've ruined your nun dress!" She grabbed the skirt and lifted it to run, cutting through the crowd of milling people.

Ragnar's gaze followed her for a moment. He breathed out and shook his head slowly. "I wish we had known. We could have saved her much sooner."

Uhtred stepped closer and clapped him on the shoulder. "In time, she will be fine. I hope." He added softly.

Ragnar breathed out and nodded. Then he turned to Uhtred. "Go. Check on your boys. I know you are dying to." He smirked. "I will start cleaning this up."

Uhtred smiled and reached towards Ragnar again. He hugged him quickly before darting away. He found Finan quickly and the Irishman fell in step behind him without a word. Then they weaved through the crowd until they found their boy, once again with Hild and Thyra.

Thyra was showing Hild the mess she'd made and apologizing but the nun just smiled and shook her head. Thyra smiled and looked at Uhtred as he came near. "Brother, I like your nun."

Uhtred tilted his head and nodded. "I… do too." He said with a chuckle. He glanced at Hild and she just shrugged. He stepped closer to her, concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?" He asked softly.

Hild turned towards him and stood up straighter. She nodded her head. "I am fine, Lord. It was nothing I couldn't handle."

"You are sure?" Uhtred pressed and she nodded again. He sighed and hugged her, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "I can never thank you enough for offering yourself, Hild. For coming into Dunholm with no fear."

Hild laughed as she pushed him away. "Oh I was terrified. But I had faith, Lord. Faith in God and you and Sihtric. I knew I would be okay."

Sihtric smiled and shifted closer to her. He touched her shoulder and she smiled at him.

Finan, standing just behind Uhtred, leaned closer and peered around the Lord at her. "Ye are an amazin' woman, Hild."

Uhtred laughed and leaned back against Finan for a moment as he nodded. "Too good a woman for God."

Hild rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "You say that far too often, Lord."

Uhtred laughed and stepped back, Finan moving with him. "It is still just as true as the first time." His eyes shifted to Sihtric and the boy smiled. He didn't take his eyes off his puppy as he spoke to the two women. "Will you two be alright if we borrow Sihtric for a moment? We… have a matter to discuss."

Hild smirked at him knowingly and Thyra just nodded her head.