Chapter 24: Chain of Command
"We've been riding for days, Steapa!" Uhtred snapped as the man came into the stables. They'd just finished caring for their horses and Uhtred fully intended on dragging both Finan and Sihtric to the inn and curling up in bed with them for a few hours. Or a few days. They'd been surrounded for the last few days. No time alone for anything let alone attempting to talk about anything other than the journey. They'd even been forced to sleep a respectable distance from each other and Uhtred was feeling extremely cranky because of it. Sihtric had grown even more somber than his normal quiet self. And Finan was caught in between, trying to deal with both of them and just getting exhausted and agitated himself. Uhtred narrowed his eyes into a glare and pushed around the larger man. He didn't care what anyone said. He was going to sleep. "So go away and fuck off!" He snapped.
Sihtric blinked at him, looking startled, and Finan reached out to grab his shoulder. "Uhtred." The Irishman said, stepping in front of him. "If Alfred has requested yer presence, then ye 'ave t' go. Now. Ye canne keep him waitin'. Ye promised."
Uhtred directed his glare at Finan for blocking his way. But the man's voice, his touch and presence, quickly calmed Uhtred. He closed his eyes and leaned closer to Finan. Finan stiffened but he didn't move away. Uhtred wasn't touching him, just crowding into his space. Any closer and the Lord would be touching him. Finan wouldn't really have minded. They've had very little contact over the last few days and it had been torture. But they still had an audience and Finan would rather wait until they could be alone. Uhtred sighed deeply and nodded after a moment more. He stepped back and turned, looking at Steapa. "I'm sorry." He said honestly, nodding his head. "It has been a long journey and I've barely slept. I haven't had any time to rest and I haven't fully recovered from being held captive. I have been made to train and battle since the moment I was plucked from that beach and I am weary."
Steapa pursed his lips and nodded. The royal guard looked like he was biting his tongue against further comment but he held back whatever was on his mind. "Anyone would understand, Lord." He said in a clipped tone.
"Ask Alfred… the King…" Uhtred quickly corrected himself when Finan jabbed a finger in his side. "Ask the King if he can wait an hour. Let us wash and change and we will meet with him."
Steapa raised an eyebrow. "We?"
Uhtred nodded. "My most trusted men. Finan and Sihtric. They will accompany me. Unless that will also be a problem. In that case, it may take me longer and I may be much more cranky and likely to…"
"Fine." Steapa held up both of his hands and let out a sigh. "I will speak to the King on your behalf on both matters. I will find you when I get his answer. Will you be at the inn?"
Uhtred nodded his head. "We will, after we have procured some clean garments."
Steapa crossed his arms and dipped his head a little. "I am certain the King will gladly send some over if it helps to speed your audience."
Uhtred smiled and stepped closer to the taller man. He clapped him on the shoulder and nodded. "Yes, Steapa. That sounds like a marvelous plan! We shall all have to catch a drink later at the alehouse. For now…" He turned and nodded at Finan. He glanced at Sihtric and quickly looked away. Both fell in step behind him and they wordlessly left the stables and headed to the inn. A room was already ready and waiting for them. Uhtred smiled and thanked the innkeeper and grabbed Finan's hand. "Come on." He said, pulling the older man down the hall.
Finan turned to grab at Sihtric and the boy flinched away. Finan frowned and grabbed for him again, twisting his fingers into the dark leather. Sihtric bit his lip and kept his gaze on the floor as he let Finan pull him along.
Uhtred pushed the door open and let go of Finan the moment he saw the bed. He darted into the room and bounced on the bed. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes. "So… fucking… tired." He mumbled, his head muffled against the bed. "Stupid fucking asshole Alfred." He breathed out and closed his eyes.
Finan pulled Sihtric in and let go of the boy. Then he turned and pulled the door closed behind them. Finan shook his head and stalked towards the bed. "Uhtred!" He snapped. "Get up! Yer mucking up the bed! Get yer armor an' weapons off before ye lie down on it!"
Uhtred let out a groan and pushed himself off. "Fine!" He snapped tiredly and rolled over. He sat up slowly and then pushed himself off the bed. Then he smiled at Finan and stepped closer. He touched his fingers to Finan's sword belt and started pulling it off.
Finan raised an eyebrow. "What are ye doin'?"
Uhtred smiled coyly and tilted his head. "Just helping."
Finan rolled his eyes and attempted a look of disdain but he failed. He couldn't stop the smile spreading across his face. "I can undress meself."
Uhtred smiled and leaned closer. "I know. But I'd rather undress you." He pressed his chest against Finan's as he pulled the man's belt off. He dropped it carelessly to the floor and returned his hands to Finan's waist. He started pulling at the laces and working his hands under the Irishman's armor. Finan sucked in a breath and leaned closer, touching his forehead to Uhtred's. The Lord let out a light giggle as he eased the leather slowly off Finan. Once Finan was down to his undershirt, Uhtred stepped back and started working on his own. Finan followed and returned the favor, helping the Lord to rid himself of his weapons and armor. Uhtred giggled again and wrapped his arms around Finan's neck once he was down to his undershirt. "Kiss me."
Finan leaned away and stared at him. "Uhtred." He said softly, reaching up to pry the Lord's hands off. He gripped Uhtred's wrists tightly and pushed him back.
Uhtred stuck his bottom lip out, pouting. He pushed against Finan's hold but the older man held him tightly. Uhtred considered fighting harder against him. He thought maybe he could get loose. But he was tired and just wanted to feel Finan up just a little before they had to meet with Alfred. "What?" He whined loudly.
Finan tightened his grip and shook his head. "Uhtred!" He hissed the man's name softly. He inclined his head back and narrowed his eyes at Uhtred. Uhtred frowned again and tilted his head. Then his eyes widened and he leaned around Finan and caught sight of Sihtric.
The boy hadn't moved. He remained near the door, exactly where Finan had left him. Sihtric bit his lip and stared at the floor. He honestly didn't know what to think about anything anymore. His Lord may have requested his presence at the meeting with the King. And Uhtred had said the three of them were still sharing a room. But they had hardly looked at him or touched him in days. And there they were, finally alone, and Sihtric couldn't help feeling unwanted and he wanted to cry because of it.
"Sihtric." Uhtred said the boy's name softly and he saw the way the younger man flinched. "What's wrong?"
Finan's eyes widened. "What's wrong?" He snapped, pushing Uhtred away. "Ye know exactly what's wrong wit' 'im!" He said angrily, throwing up his arms.
Uhtred stumbled back, his eyes wide and his mouth open. He had no idea what Finan was getting at. Or accusing him of. Uhtred had a feeling Finan was blaming him for whatever was wrong with Sihtric. Uhtred's mind raced for a moment, trying to remember if he had somehow offended their boy over their days of travel to Wessex. But he couldn't remember anything. They hadn't had any time alone. There was literally nothing he had done. "I haven't done anything to him! I haven't even touched him!" Uhtred hissed, trying to keep his voice low but it was of no use. The room was small and Sihtric had heard him. He could hear them both perfectly.
"Exactly!" Finan snapped, pushing him back again. "Uhtred! Ye can't jus' stop!"
Uhtred blinked, completely confused and lost. He had no idea what Finan was yelling at him about. "Stop what?"
"Ye canne stop touchin' him!" Finan snapped again, his voice rising.
Uhtred blinked at him again for a moment. "That is what this is about?" He asked slowly and when Finan nodded, he rolled his eyes and threw up his arms. "You said to!"
Sihtric lifted his head, looking up at them for the first time since they entered the room. He gasped at Uhtred's words and for a moment, wondered if he was mishearing his Lord. Why would Finan tell Uhtred not to touch him? And why would Uhtred listen to him? "You… what?" He tried but his voice came out barely a whisper and neither seemed to hear him.
"I meant t' stop pawin' at him e'ery chance ye get!" Finan continued. "Ye canne stop touchin' him completely! He's miserable!"
"I… I'm not…" Sihtric tried again but they still didn't seem to hear him and he swallowed.
Uhtred rolled his eyes again and shook his head. He stepped closer to Finan and pushed back against him. "You can't have it both ways, Fin! You can't tell me not to touch him and then tell me to touch him! Fucking Hel, Fin! I want him so bad that I can't touch him without it meaning more! Fuck!" He threw up both his arms again. "Every time I touch either of you, it means more!" He pressed even closer to Finan and touched his fingers to the man's chest. He tangled his fingers in the fabric of the man's undershirt and pulled him closer. "The only way I can control myself… is to just stop."
Finan sighed and stepped back. He pried the man's hands off and shook his head. He turned slightly, avoiding Uhtred's gaze, and shook himself. He ran a hand over his face and through his hair. "Uhtred… we agreed." He said softly. "No more until we all 'ave a chance t' talk."
Uhtred nodded quickly and breathed out. "We said we'll talk when we have a place to rest. I do not think the inn is a suitable place for this, Fin." He said softly, dropping his voice.
Finan sighed deeply and nodded. "No, it's not. Yer right. But Uhtred… jus' look at 'im! He's miserable!"
Sihtric narrowed his eyes, glaring at them. "Stop talking about me like I'm not here!" He snapped and then his eyes widened, realizing he said it out loud. Both turned to look at him and he flinched and dropped his gaze to the floor again. "Sorry." He mumbled and bit his lip.
Uhtred sighed deeply and shook his head. He lifted his arm and waved at Sihtric. "Come here, boy." Sihtric swallowed and didn't look up as he shuffled over, dragging his feet and hanging his shoulders. Uhtred reached out and touched the boy's neck. Sihtric breathed out and closed his eyes. He leaned into the Lord's touch and Uhtred couldn't help but smile. It had only been a few days but he missed having his hands on the boy. Even if it was just a simple touch. He rubbed his fingers along the boy's tattoo and up to his ear. Then Uhtred cupped the back of Sihtric's neck and pulled him closer. "Can I kiss you?" The Lord asked softly.
Sihtric's eyes snapped open and he looked at Uhtred. He frowned and gawked at the Lord, completely shocked that Uhtred was even asking. He glanced at Finan for a moment before turning back to Uhtred. He opened his mouth slowly and then closed it, still looking just as confused. He wasn't sure what was going on or what he should say.
Uhtred glanced over his shoulder at Finan. "Can I kiss him?"
Finan crossed his arms and nodded his head. "If 'e says so."
Uhtred nodded and looked back at Sihtric. "Sitty, you never have to do anything you don't want to. Ever." He repeated, emphasising the word. "Ever! We will never…" He paused and sucked in a sharp breath. He swallowed and shook his head and hated that he even had to say it. He hated knowing that the boy expected that from him. "Sihtric… we don't want anything from you that you don't want to give us… that you don't want to do… we don't want you to feel like you have to do anything… we don't want to… force… you… to do anything."
Sihtric's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. The stared blankly at Uhtred for a moment before he cleared his throat and looked away. A blush spread across his face and he shook his head quickly. "You… you uh…" He swallowed and licked his lips. "You never… you never have…" He said softly, his voice barely a whisper.
Uhtred breathed out a sigh of relief and glanced over his shoulder at Finan. The Irishman still wasn't convinced. He tilted his head and shook it. Uhtred nodded his head, understanding Finan's meaning and he agreed. They could still touch and kiss their boy, if he wanted. But nothing further until they had a chance to really talk and relax. And Uhtred was perfectly fine with that. He was entirely too tired anyways. He really just wanted to sleep. He turned back to Sihtric and rubbed at the boy's neck again. "Sihtric…" He said the boy's name softly and smiled.
Sihtric trembled at his name on Uhtred's lips. It had been days since the Lord had spoken his name in that tone that he loved. He looked at his Lord and nodded his head quickly. "Yes." He said softly. "Please! Kiss me, touch me… just… don't…" He stopped and bit his lip.
"Don't what?" Finan prompted, stepping closer.
Sihtric's gaze flitted to him and he sucked in a breath. He blinked and turned away as tears threatened his eyes. He didn't want to say it, he didn't mean to start. He still wasn't completely sure what his Lord and Finan were getting at. He clearly had done something to upset them and he was terrified of what they would do because of it. The last few months with them had been the happiest of his life and he couldn't stand the idea of not having them anymore.
"Sihtric." Uhtred sighed and pulled his hand away.
Sihtric gasped and turned back to them. He choked back a sob and shook his head. "No!" Desperation entered his voice and panic flashed across his face. He stepped closer and reached towards them both. He grabbed Uhtred's undershirt and reached for Finan's. The Irishman stepped even closer and the boy gripped him just as tightly as tears spilled down his face. "Don't!" His voice came out thin and they could hardly hear him.
"Don't what?" Uhtred asked.
"Calm down." Finan uncrossed his arms and reached out to touch the boy's face. He wiped at the tear tracks and stepped closer, brushing his shoulder against Uhtred's. "An' tell us what ye don't want us t' do."
Uhtred nodded. "Whatever it is, we swear to you, baby boy, we will never do it. We will never do anything you don't want. But you have to tell us."
Sihtric closed his eyes and lowered his head. He tried to calm his tears and his heart. He breathed out and licked at his lips slowly. "Leave me." He whispered and flinched against the revelation.
"Leave you?" Finan repeated, speaking slow and clear. "Boy, we'd never leave you."
Uhtred shook his head. "Never, Sihtric. Fucking Hel, boy. I…" He paused when Sihtric opened his eyes and turned his mismatched gaze on him. Uhtred met his gaze and he could read the doubt and fear in his puppy's eyes and it broke his heart to know he was the cause of their good boy's doubts. He was only trying to follow the rules that Finan and he had agreed to. He was trying to keep his libido in check until they could properly talk. He hadn't meant to make the boy feel like they didn't want him. He shook his head again and sighed deeply. "I can't." He said gravely. "I can't ever leave you. Either of you. I can't even fathom the idea."
Finan was quick to shake his head and Sihtric's gaze flitted to him. "I canne either. I canne let you go."
Sihtric gasped again and shook his head. His eyes were wide and he bit his lip. "Don't let me go! Please!"
Finan slid his fingers from the boy's sharp cheekbones down to his neck. Sihtric shivered under his touch and Finan smiled. "Ye don't 'ave t' beg."
Uhtred smiled and tilted his head. He glanced sideways at Finan. "I don't know… I enjoy listening to him beg." He said, his voice light and flirty.
Sihtric gasped again. He swallowed and licked at his lips. His lips parted as he looked at Uhtred. The Lord smirked obscenely at him and he panted a little as he shifted his gaze between them.
Finan frowned as he pulled his hand away from the boy and glared sideways at Uhtred. "Dunne be cruel, Uhtred!" He growled. "Don't ye dare tease 'im now. Ye best gi'e 'im whatever 'e wants or I swear t' God, Uhtred, I will…" Finan didn't get the chance to finish his threat. Sihtric didn't give him warning before he was being kissed. The boy's soft lips touched the corner of Finan's mouth, brushing against his beard. Finan shifted, turning his head from Uhtred to face Sihtric and the boy leaned closer and covered his mouth. Finan was caught completely off guard. He hadn't expected the boy to kiss him first. Uhtred had been the one to ask, the one who seemed to be in control of this little sidestepping dance. He was sure the boy would seek out their Lord first. Finan had assumed he had wounded their boy when Uhtred had named Finan to be the one to halt their escapades. But that thought quickly flew from his mind as Sihtric pulled him closer, twisting his fingers in Finan's undershirt.
Sihtric stilled, his lips just barely touching Finan's. The Irishman hadn't moved or reacted and the boy feared he did something wrong again. Maybe he wasn't as free to kiss Finan as he was Uhtred. The Lord had asked but Finan had not. If that meant the man didn't want to kiss him… Sihtric's heart sank. He flinched and started to pull away. Finan grabbed Sihtric's neck again, keeping the boy from fleeing. He licked at the boy's bottom lip before he pressed closer and nibbled at it. Sihtric opened his mouth and slid his tongue against Finan's and the Irishman pulled him even closer as he licked into the boy's mouth.
Uhtred smiled again, watching them. He quite enjoyed the bold way Sihtric just kissed Finan. That's what he wanted more of, to see their boy growing into himself, taking what he wanted from them, to stop being so shy and nervous. He moved around the boy until he stood at his back. Then he dipped his head forward and touched his lips to Sihtric's neck. He licked at the boy's neck and smiled when he elicited a moan from that lovely delicate throat. He licked his way up to the boy's ear and nibbled at the lobe. "Stop me if you want." He said softly, his lips brushing against Sihtric's ear. "You always can."
Sihtric pulled away from Finan long enough to shake his head. "No!" He gasped out before kissing the Irishman again.
Uhtred smiled against his ear and continued to run his tongue over the boy's neck, coating his skin with his saliva. He was mindful of the bruise, keeping his touch light. It had continued to darken that first day after but it was starting to lighten and the boy said it didn't hurt anymore. Sihtric moaned again and leaned back against Uhtred while still keeping himself pressed hard against Finan. Uhtred's hands went to Sihtric's waist and he started attempting to pull at the boy's armor. Finan pulled away from Sihtric long enough to fill his lungs with much needed air before he returned to the boy's lips.
There was a knock and all three tensed. Uhtred was the first to pull away and he glanced at the door. "Yes?" He called out, his voice wavering a bit.
"Lord? Are you… occupied?" Clapa's voice was full of amusement.
Uhtred breathed out a sigh of relief and stepped towards the door. He reached for the knob and glanced over his shoulder at Finan and Sihtric. Both had turned and stood beside each other. Finan crossed his arms and looked annoyed and the boy bit his lip and looked at the ground, his face completely flushed. Uhtred smiled at them before he turned and pulled the door open. "Hey, Clapa."
The oversized Viking framed the doorway, holding a pile of clothes in his hands. He smirked down at Uhtred for a moment before looking past him at the other two. He continued smirking and tilted his head. "I do hope I am not… interrupting something, Lord."
Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You did not. We were just waiting for Steapa."
Clapa smirked again and tilted his head. "I know. I ran into him. Convinced him to let me find you, just in case… you were doing something to interrupt."
Uhtred rolled his eyes again and grabbed the pile of clothes from him. He turned and thrust them at Sihtric. The boy was blushing still but he stepped forward and nodded, taking the clothes. Then he stepped back beside Finan. Uhtred turned back to Clapa. "Thanks." He said with a nod.
Clapa let out a chuckle before nodding. "You're welcome, Lord. Steapa said the King will give you long enough to wash and change but then he expects you today without question."
Uhtred sighed deeply and crossed his arms. He shook his head and glanced over his shoulder at Finan and Sihtric. "What of Finan and Sihtric?" He asked, turning back to Clapa.
The large Dane nodded his head. "The King said they were welcome to join."
Uhtred breathed out a sigh of relief and nodded. "Thanks, Clapa."
Clapa nodded and then smirked again. "If you guys aren't distracted afterwards, perhaps we can meet at the alehouse for a drink."
Uhtred scowled and pushed against Clapa. "Alright, that's enough. Go away, you stupid giant." Clapa just laughed as he backed away and down the hall. Uhtred pushed the door shut and shook his head. "Alright. I'll go get some water from the innkeeper. Sihtric, armor off." The Lord left and returned as quickly as possible. They all undressed and washed, keeping their hands mostly to themselves. Uhtred crowded against the boy's back after pulling his shirt off, saying it was his turn to thoroughly wash him as Finan had nearly a week before and making Sihtric blush darker. But Finan had peeled the Lord's hands off their boy and shook his head, saying they couldn't keep the King waiting. They finished and dressed and Finan pulled out the hair comb and worked it through both of their hair.
"Oh good." Steapa smiled at them less than an hour later when they walked through the front doors. "I have to admit I am surprised that you made it on time, Lord." There was an amused tone to his voice.
Uhtred narrowed his eyes at the guard and bit his tongue. He felt Finan and Sihtric shifting behind him, moving to stand close to him. He nodded his head quickly. "Thank you, Steapa. I assume you will be accompanying us."
Steapa nodded and turned. "Follow me. The King is waiting in his study." He led them through the halls in silence until they reached the study. He opened the door and stepped back, holding the door for them. Uhtred nodded stiffly at the man and slipped inside. Finan and Sihtric fell in behind him and the three walked into the room.
"Uhtred." Alfred was standing on the other side of the large room, in front of the window. The low light filtered in, lighting him up and making him seem to glow. His back was to them and his hands were clasped behind him. He turned slowly and glanced over his shoulder at them. He regarded them as they drew closer. His eyes met Steapa's and he nodded at the guard. Steapa quickly pulled the door shut and turned. He crossed his arms and stood in front of it, as if guarding or blocking the only viable exit from the room. There were always the windows but they were a few flights up.
Uhtred stopped a few feet from the King. He nodded his head curtly and breathed out evenly. "Lord. I hope you are well."
Alfred grimaced and touched his stomach. He breathed out and turned fully towards them. "Some days are better than others. Today is not one of them." He turned and walked across the room towards his desk. "If you will excuse my rudeness, I am afraid I must sit. My energy wanes today. I can have chairs brought in if you care to sit as well." He pulled out his chair and sat down. He leaned on his desk and breathed out.
Uhtred glanced at Finan and Sihtric and both shook their heads. Uhtred turned back to Alfred and shook his head. "We are fine, Lord, but thank you. If we change our minds, the floor is adequate enough."
Alfred raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. But he didn't comment on the polite tone of the usually brusque young Dane. Instead, he nodded his head and smiled. His gaze settled on the two men behind Uhtred and he nodded at each in turn. "Sihtric… right?" He said after a moment, his mind searching for the young man's name. "You came with Hild to request my help in rescuing Uhtred."
Sihtric's eyes widened at the fact that the King remembered his face, let alone his name. He nodded his head quickly and then bent forward, bowing to the man. "Yes, Lord King." He said, trying to keep the waver from his voice.
Alfred's smile only seemed to widen and he tilted his head. "I am impressed at how you've grown since that audience."
Sihtric blinked and looked down at himself for a moment. He certainly didn't feel like he'd grown any in the last year and a half. He looked back up at Alfred and opened his mouth slowly. "Have I, Lord?" Uhtred smiled as he glanced sideways at his puppy. He looked the boy up and down and nodded his head. Sihtric's gaze caught his and he quickly looked away and breathed out.
Alfred watched the exchange for a moment before he continued. "Yes. Steapa has told me of your numerous talents. I am pleased to have you in Uhtred's service."
Sihtric sucked in a breath and dropped his gaze to the floor. "Thank you, Lord." He said softly.
Alfred smiled and looked at Finan. "I have heard of you as well. A fierce warrior from Ireland, rescued with Uhtred."
Finan nodded his head. "Yes, Lord King. I am Finan."
Alfred nodded and tilted his head, watching him for a moment. "Will you be returning to Ireland?" He asked curiously.
Finan was quick to shake his head. "No, Lord. I will not. Ireland isn't home for me anymore. I fear it never will be again. My home is here, with Uhtred." He spoke slowly and carefully, making sure his accent wasn't too thick for the King to understand.
Alfred raised an eyebrow at the man's intensity and he nodded. "I am greatly anticipating seeing you in battle as well as Sihtric. Steapa has told me all about both of you and your loyalty to Uhtred. I am thankful to both of you for all you have done so far. Uhtred, you have always inspired loyalty and trust and drawn in great warriors. Odda, Halig, Leofric…"
Uhtred flinched at the mention of Halig and Leofric both. He cleared his throat and looked away. He still blamed himself for both of their deaths and he missed them both. He cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, Lord." He said softly.
"Halig and Leofric were my men…" Alfred mused, tilting his head. "But even I cannot deny that both of them flocked to you and if they were still alive, they would be here with you, standing behind you just as your new men."
Uhtred flinched again and sucked in a breath. He turned away and rubbed at his eyes, feeling the tears welling up. He blinked and shook his head. Halig's death was still new. He wasn't sure how long it had been since the small Saxon had been killed. He had no real sense of time where the Trader was concerned. Leofric, however, had died a couple years ago. And yet, Uhtred still felt his heart ache for the loss of the first man he loved. Finan stepped closer, looking at him with concern, and Uhtred shook his head. Finan stopped and Uhtred turned back to Alfred. "Lord… please..."
Alfred held up his hand and nodded his head. "My apologies. I understand. I did not intend to dampen the mood. I want to congratulate you on your victories over the Brothers and Dunholm. And in not killing Guthred." He added with a smile.
Uhtred breathed out and nodded his head, appreciating the change of subject. He really didn't want to break down in front of any of the men present, not about his dead ex-lover. "The latter was the hardest." He mumbled and Finan promptly elbowed him. Uhtred rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Well I didn't kill him, Fin! I only threatened him! Just a little!"
Alfred smiled for a moment and nodded. "I am fine with threatening. He deserves it for his hand in what he did to you. But I do want to remind you that you killed the Abbot Eadred, naming him the reason behind your imprisonment."
Uhtred sucked in a breath and nodded his head. "Eadred was whispering into Guthred's ear the entire time. He was responsible for all of Guthred's decisions."
Alfred nodded his head. "I have spoken to others who have witnessed similar conversations between the two and I do believe you are right. I have faith that Guthred will become a better King, in time, without the Abbot attempting to puppet him."
Uhtred bit his tongue and crossed his arms. He felt Finan and Sihtric both shift closer to him but he didn't say anything further. He kept his thoughts of the bumbling Pretender King to himself. He had no faith in Guthred and was certain the man's sister would be a better ruler. But maybe Alfred was right. Without Eadred, maybe Guthred could become something. Uhtred still doubted it.
Alfred smiled knowingly, reading the man's expression off him. "I do thank you for your candor, Uhtred. I thank you even more for not voicing it."
Uhtred nodded his head sharply. "I can bite my tongue when necessary, Lord."
Alfred's smile widened and he chuckled softly. "This may be the first time I have seen you do so and I appreciate it." Uhtred nodded and Alfred continued. "I am grateful to you, Uhtred, for everything you have done in the last few weeks and I know the timing has not been easy on you. I know you've barely recovered and being forced into battle not once but twice has put more strain on you, I am sure. But you have secured Northumbria for me and I am… in your debt."
Uhtred's eyes widened and he looked at Alfred. He stepped closer and tilted his head. "Does that mean you will release me from my oath to you?"
Alfred sighed and shook his head. "I cannot, Uhtred. I would like to but as much as I hate to admit it, I need you. Wessex needs you."
Uhtred sighed deeply and looked away. His gaze turned to the window and the row of candles just below it. He stared at the flickering flames and fought against glaring. He knew it wouldn't be that easy. He knew Alfred wouldn't give him up. But still, a spark of hope flared in him for a moment. He was a fool. He would be tethered to Alfred for the rest of his life. He would never be free.
"But…" Alfred continued and Uhtred turned to look at him. "I do have an opportunity for you. A… reward. Or a punishment." He added with a smile. "You might take it as either. Or both."
Uhtred raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. "I am listening, Lord."
"An Ealdorman recently passed away." Alfred leaned forward on his desk. "No wife, no children and leaving his town without leadership. I would like to name you Ealdorman."
Uhtred opened his mouth slowly and tilted his head. "Me." He repeated. "A heathen."
Alfred nodded his head. "Yes. I believe you have earned it. But this isn't a game, Uhtred. It is different then when you were married to Mildrith. If you take on the title of Ealdorman, you take on the responsibilities. Protecting the people, keeping the peace, upholding my laws, holding trials, punishing offenders, maintaining the town. Boring things like bridges, roads, buildings, farming."
Uhtred opened his mouth slowly. "Where?"
"Coccham." Alfred said, leaning back in his chair. "Northeast of here. But I need an answer, Uhtred. Now. The town is without rule and that must be rectified at once. If you agree, we will meet with the Witan early tomorrow and by afternoon, you must be settling in at Coccham."
"A moment, Lord." Uhtred held up his hand and Alfred nodded. He sucked in a breath and turned. He waved for Finan and Sihtric to follow him and he walked over to the window. Then he turned and stepped closer to Finan and Sihtric. He crossed his arms and looked at both of them. "What do you think?" He asked softly, his voice barely a whisper.
"It is your decision, Lord." Sihtric said softly.
Finan nodded. "It is. Yers alone. We will follow ye wherever ye go. Ye are our home."
Uhtred looked from one to the other and he smiled. He hesitated only for a moment because he needed to know for sure that they would come with him. "I did promise you a home."
Finan nodded. "Aye, ye did."
"And Thyra, too." Sihtric added softly. "And a place where Gisela and your kids would be safe."
Uhtred nodded his head and turned back to Alfred. He stepped closer to the King's desk and nodded again. "Alright, Lord King. I will be Ealdorman of Coccham."
Alfred leaned back in his chair and smiled widely. "Excellent, Uhtred. I will assemble the Witan tomorrow and will send for you in the morning. You will be at the Inn, correct?"
Uhtred nodded his head. "We will be."
"This meeting you will have to attend on your own, though." Alfred said, tilting his head and watching Uhtred closely, as if he expected the Dane to object or throw a fit of some sort.
Uhtred clenched his jaw and nodded his head. "Of course, Lord." He said, his voice a little clipped. But he put a smile on his face and kept it as the King excused them and they fled.
