Chapter 26: Between Two Worlds

"She is coming with us and that is final, Uhtred!" Gisela snapped as she pulled herself up into the saddle. Sihtric stepped closer and held up the bundled Young Uhtred. Gisela smiled down at him as she took her son. She cradled him against her for a moment, smiling down at the giggling baby, before she looked down at her husband again, narrowing her eyes into a glare and silently challenging him to contradict her words.

Uhtred held up his hands and backed a step away from her, her contempt radiating off her. He smiled and shook his head quickly. "Whatever you want, Gisela." He said, a hint of laughter in his voice. "I did promise to find someone to help you with the twins. If you want Ealhswith…"

"I do!" Gisela interrupted, nodding her head. "I do want her." Then she turned and smiled at the young woman on the horse beside her. Ealhswith was already mounted and holding on to baby Stiorra. She smiled nervously and nodded at Gisela.

Uhtred stepped around Gisela's horse and moved closer to Ealhswith. "My wife isn't forcing you to come with us, right?" He asked softly.

Gisela scoffed and shook her head. "Like I would, Uhtred!"

Ealhswith shook her head quickly. "No, Lord. I… I have nothing here." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can just as easily have nothing in Coccham."

Uhtred smiled and nodded. "Alright. Then… I am pleased you will be joining us. I am sure Sihtric is as well." He added, glancing sideways at his puppy. Sihtric heard his name and shrank back. He let out a squeak and hid himself completely behind Gisela's horse.

Gisela looked down at him and shook her head. Then she turned and glared down at her husband. "Uhtred! Stop interfering!" She snapped.

Uhtred smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, yes. My apologies, Ladies." He turned and looked back at Gisela. "Alfred has asked for me to get there as soon as possible. I assume traveling with the twins will require frequent stops and take an extra day or two so I will ride ahead with Sihtric and Finan. Clapa, Steapa, and everyone else will be keeping to your pace. You will be well protected on your trip."

Gisela raised an eyebrow, her demeanor changing immediately. "Steapa?"

Uhtred nodded his head. "Alfred is sending a few of his men along. No doubt to keep their eyes on me to report back." He sighed deeply and crossed his arms. "I am surprised Alfred himself isn't tagging along." He mumbled half under his breath.

"He is."

Uhtred visibly flinched and clenched his jaw as he heard the King's voice right behind him. Of course the man was coming with them. Why didn't he see it coming? Honestly, he should have. If for nothing more than to annoy him. Uhtred forced a smile before he turned to the King. "Lord!" He tilted his head and stepped closer, looking up at the man. "I am glad to see you are doing well enough today to leave your castle."

Alfred nodded his head, looking amused, as he leaned forward a bit to pat his horse's neck. "I am feeling very well today, thank you. Better than I have in months. I will be accompanying you to Coccham and help ease the transition."

Uhtred nodded stiffly. "Of course, Lord King. We are happy for you to join."

"Good." Alfred sat up taller in his saddle. "I will also be leaving my nephew with you. He seems… to be doing well under your guidance. He has… spoken highly… of his accomplishments." The King said, speaking his words slowly.

Uhtred bit his tongue and nodded again. Sihtric was suddenly at his side and Uhtred was certain the boy was attempting to keep him from bad-mouthing Aethelwold. And he couldn't blame him. It seemed that everyone knew of his distaste for the King's nephew. Although he was certain everyone shared the same opinion of the young man. None of them, least of all him, wanted the braggart wannabe King around. Uhtred kept his eyes on Alfred as he nodded again. "We will be happy to have Aethelwold with us for the time being." He tried hard to force sincerity in his words. "Until you request him to return." He added.

Alfred nodded his head. "Of course."

Uhtred grabbed a handful of Sihtric's leathers and dipped his head to Alfred. "If you'll excuse us, Lord King, we need to finish preparing to leave if we are to get there today."

Alfred nodded again and smiled. "Yes. I will see you in Coccham when we arrive. I will be riding with your wife."

Uhtred breathed out as relief washed over him. He had feared the King would be traveling with him and his boys. And dragging his own men along, getting in his way when he just wanted to be alone with Finan and Sihtric. Even if it wasn't exactly the type of alone he really desired. "Yes." He said, nodding his head. "Traveling with babies does… slow… down…" Uhtred rolled his eyes at himself and shook his head. He started around Alfred, pulling Sihtric with him. The boy attempted to smile and bow at Alfred and Uhtred yanked on him harder. "Come on." He hissed and didn't slow until they were well out of hearing distance of the excruciatingly annoying King. He sighed deeply and shook his head. "I can't believe he's coming with us!" Uhtred whined loudly.

Sihtric smiled and laughed. "Lord, stop being so dramatic." He said, playing pushing the older man. "It's good that he's coming." Uhtred spun around and glared at him and Sihtric bit his lip and stumbled over his next words. "I… I mean… b-b-because… he can see you taking it seriously… and he can… go back to Winchester… and leave you alone?" The boy finished awkwardly and shrunk down.

"Aye." Finan was walking towards them with their horses in tow, catching the tail end of the conversation. "Boy 'as a point, Lord. Keep yer King 'appy an' 'e'll leave us alone."

Uhtred's eyes widened for a moment before a sly smirk spread across his face. Alone was actually what he wanted most. "Alone sounds fucking good right now." He moved closer to Finan, pulling Sihtric along behind him. "I need to be alone with both of you. Right now." He said, dropping his voice.

Finan rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Ye canne right now. We gotta ride." He held the reins to their horses out to them.

Uhtred smiled again as he let go of the boy and took the reins. He patted the stallion on the flank as the beast danced closer to him, nudging him for hidden snacks. Uhtred chuckled and pushed the horse's muzzle away playfully. "I don't have anything for you, Ísabrot." Then he turned his gaze back on Finan and smirked at the Irishman. "I know someone else I'd rather be riding."

Finan's eyes darkened and he let out a growl. He shook his head and glared at the smirking Lord. "Uhtred."

The man leaned closer, keeping his voice low. They still had an audience even if everyone around them was preparing to leave. Uhtred was almost certain no one was paying them any mind. "I know how much you want me in your lap again." He said smugly.

"Uhtred…" Finan's eyes widened. "What did we jus' discuss last night?"

Uhtred just smirked more and continued. "You even told the boy about it." He glanced over his shoulder at Sihtric and delighted in the way the boy was biting his lip. "I do wonder what our good boy was doing in your fantasy, Fin. Did he tell you that, boy?"

Sihtric swallowed and opened his mouth. But no words came out and he shook his head. Finan hadn't shared that with him. At the time, Sihtric assumed he wasn't part of the older man's fantasy. Finan had only spoken of Uhtred.

Uhtred turned his gaze back on Finan and tilted his head. "Tell us, Fin. What is the boy doing in your fantasy while I'm in your lap?" He grabbed the man's collar and pulled him closer, dropping his voice even lower.

Finan growled again and leaned forward. He caught Uhtred completely by surprise with a hard, possessive, messy kiss. He licked, bit, and forced his way into the Lord's mouth. He let go of his horse's reins to wrap his arm around Uhtred's waist. He pulled on the man tightly, eliciting a moan that he greedily swallowed.

Sihtric glanced around quickly but between everyone being distracted and the two men being obscured by the bulk of their horses, it didn't appear as if anyone had noticed. He sucked in a sharp breath and moved closer to them, equally to help keep them shielded and to be closer. His eyes darkened as he watched and listened to them. He would be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying the thrill of engaging in such activities while the chance to be caught was so high. He bit his lip and couldn't stop the breathy whine that escaped him as he stepped even closer.

Uhtred detached himself and leaned his head away from Finan as far as he could. The man was still holding too tightly to him and the Lord couldn't move very far. Uhtred tilted his head back and panted for a moment. And then Finan's teeth were on his neck and Uhtred bit his lip against moaning again. Because he really wanted to. "Fuck, Fin!" He hissed out, trying to keep his voice low.

Finan pulled away enough to nod his head before he attacked the man's neck again. He glanced over Uhtred's shoulder to meet Sihtric's dark gaze and he smiled. They said nothing but Sihtric stepped even closer and pressed himself against Uhtred's back. Their Lord sucked in a breath and Sihtric leaned in and attached his mouth to the other side of the man's neck.

Uhtred bit back another moan as he leaned against Sihtric and pulled on Finan. He felt the boy's tongue on his ear and he knew he was almost gone. And then he felt the annoyed shifting of his horse beside him. The creature was getting impatient as he waited. Uhtred exhaled out a shaky breath and tried to push Finan away. "Stop." He practically moaned the word and bit his lip. "Fuck, stop!" He snapped louder than he meant to but he got his point across as both men quickly detached themselves and stepped back. "Fuck!" He hissed and turned away from them.

Sihtric looked worried for a moment while Finan just looked amused. "Ye started it." The Irishman said smugly. Sihtric glared at him and Finan blew him a kiss.

"We are in a very public place!" Uhtred hissed as he pressed against his horse's side. He was equally attempting to calm the irritated creature as he was himself.

Finan glanced around, nodding. But they were still mostly obscured by the horses and the stables they were near. As well as everyone was still very much occupied. What was a minute or two of weakness? "No one saw. No 'arm done."

Uhtred clenched his jaw as he turned and glared at Finan over his shoulder. "Oh you've done harm, alright." He brought his hand to his crotch and attempted to discreetly adjust himself. His pants were very tight at the moment and he solely blamed Finan. He was not looking forward to climbing on his horse now.

Finan just smiled as he turned and reached up to grab the saddle horn. He pulled himself into the saddle effortlessly and grabbed the reins in each hand. "C'mon, Lord. We need t' get goin'."

"I hate you." Uhtred hissed lowly.

Finan laughed and pulled back on the reins. His mare turned, sweeping her head side to side and letting out a huff. She was becoming just as impatient to leave as Uhtred's mount. Finan leaned over and patted her neck, trying to placate her. He clicked his tongue and kicked her side lightly and she started off at a healthy trot towards the gate. "No ye don't." He called after them.

Sihtric stepped closer to his horse and bit his lip. He watched Uhtred as his Lord let out a groan and pulled himself up onto his horse. He sucked in a sharp breath and shook his head. Then he turned his horse and followed Finan somberly. Sihtric was quick to mount his horse and catch up. The boy caught another groan from the Lord as he pulled up beside him, letting his horse fall in step with Uhtred's. "Lord. Are you okay?" He asked softly.

Uhtred nodded his head sharply. "I am fine." He said, his jaw clenched.

Sihtric dropped his gaze to his lap and bit his lip. "I… I'm sorry… for uh…" He trailed off and didn't finish.

Uhtred glanced sideways at him and smiled. "Sihtric." The boy looked at him slowly and Uhtred smiled again. "Never be sorry. If we weren't being watched, I would lean over and kiss you right now."

Sihtric smiled and nodded. "I would let you." He said softly.

Uhtred sighed and tilted his head. "You're so fucking beautiful, boy. The way the sunlight is hitting you, making your pale skin glow. Gods, boy. I want to cover you in bites and scratches. I want to mark up that perfect skin of yours until everyone knows you are claimed."

Sihtric's eyes widened and he blushed. He wanted nothing more than to be claimed by his Lord and Finan both. His nose wrinkled and he bit his lip and looked away. He breathed out and kicked his horse. She leapt into a canter and the boy looked over his shoulder. "You'll have to catch me first." He called out.


A smile spread across his face as he leaned back in his saddle. His bay mare was itching to run. He could feel her tensing under him. Since the moment he put her saddle on and tightened her cinch, he knew she wanted to run. He could feel her excitement. She pranced to the side, picking her hooves up high and almost dancing. Finan smiled again and pulled on the reins. "Shhhh, Bó." He patted her neck, trying to calm her impatience. He ran his fingers through her black mane and she twitched her skin. "Jus' as soon as they catch up. I promise ye can run." She snorted loudly and tossed her head, as if in answer. She let out a shrill whinny and danced to the side again. Finan pulled on the reins again, trying to get her under control as she continued prancing and tossing her head.

Finan's attention was solely on his spirited mare. She had more energy and personality, it seemed, than any other beast he'd met. He was certain he'd been given her on purpose. Possibly to annoy him. No, he was certain it was to annoy him. He sighed again and shook his head as he patted her neck. "Easy, Bó." He didn't have the boy's talent with horses. He liked to think he was adequate but he couldn't compare with Sihtric's skill to read and control the beasts and he wasn't completely sure what her issue was. He knew she wanted to run but this seemed like something else. She danced to the side again and stamped a hoof and Finan shook his head. And then suddenly, there was a black streak moving past him and racing across the open field. Finan pulled back hard on the reins, trying to keep her from bolting as well as he stared at the black dot getting further and further away. He blinked and tilted his head. He saw a flash of pale skin and realized it was Sihtric. He wondered exactly why the boy was racing off so fast.

And then a white horse zipped past. Uhtred pulled back on his reins and his stallion turned sharply, following his silent commands with practiced ease. Ísabrot had been given to him by the King after his rescue. A horse fit for a Lord, Alfred had said. As if the creature could make up for Alfred's hand in what had happened to him. The fault was mostly on Guthred, of course. Guthred and the Abbot Eadred. But Alfred did have a little of the blame. He had been the one to send Uhtred to save the Pretender King. And he'd been the one to keep the crown on the man's head in the time since. Uhtred shifted his weight on Ísabrot's back and the stallion cut back towards Finan. They circled him and his still dancing mare and Uhtred smiled and laughed. "Come on. He's getting away. We gotta catch him."

Finan frowned as he turned in his saddle to watch the Lord circling him with confusion and maybe a bit of jealous awe. The man and his mount moved as one and Finan wished he could be just as graceful on Bó's back. Though he doubted anyone could look graceful on the cow of a horse's back. "Why?" He asked curiously as his eyes followed him.

Uhtred pulled on his stallion again and swung him closer to Finan's mare. She danced away a few inches as Finan pulled on her reins and tried to keep her still. Uhtred let out an amused laugh as he watched the Irishman struggle. Finan glared at him as the Lord leaned closer to him. Uhtred grabbed the older man's collar and pulled him closer. He touched his lips to Finan's in a quick kiss before pushing him away and kicking his horse. The white stallion jumped into a canter and moved into a gallop fluidly, stretching his legs. "To bite him." He called out after him.

Finan stared at his retreating back for a moment longer, wondering if Uhtred had indeed said they had to catch the boy to bite him. But then again, it was Uhtred and Finan was certain that was exactly what the man had said. Finan rolled his eyes but he was smiling as he flicked the reins and kicked his horse. The bay mare let out a shrill whinny and danced to the side before she raced off to join them.

Sihtric glanced over his shoulder after he flew past Finan. He leaned over his mare and rocked with her movements, keeping time with her gait. He laughed loudly and shook his head, seeing the space between him and Uhtred widening. He could see that Finan had caught up with Uhtred and both were still chasing him. But neither of their horses were a match for his Kráka. She had been a gift from Ragnar, paid with the silver King Alfred had given him to help in their quest to save Uhtred. Ragnar said the boy needed a good, quality horse that wouldn't shy away from every little thing or collapse from exhaustion when they needed to travel for days while they searched.

The boy laughed again as he leaned even closer to Kráka's withers. The saddlehorn dug uncomfortably into his still bruised stomach but he pushed the pain aside as they practically flew over the terrain. He reveled in the way the wind pulled at his braids and caressed his exposed skin. He felt free and wild and like he didn't have a care in the world. He let the race take over his mind, pushing all other thoughts from his head. For those moments, as horse and rider moved as if flying, he forgot about his Lord and Finan's weird words, about their insistence that they all needed to talk before anything else happened between them. Sihtric wasn't big on talking. He was used to being silent. Sticking to the back or the dark and being as quiet as he could to not be noticed. He was one of few words, of not speaking unless spoken to, unless he needed to. He was dreading this talk, whatever it was to be about. He honestly had no idea. All he knew was that they kept bringing it up and kept insisting that it needed to happen. But at least they had assured him he wasn't in trouble and that they weren't leaving him. Anything else they threw at him he thought he could deal with. Just as long as they were both near.

Sihtric sighed deeply as he realized his thoughts had lapsed. Of course they did. He couldn't just enjoy the moment and the race and the way Uhtred had so obviously and shamelessly flirted with him. After the countlessly long and depressing days on the road from Dunholm, he craved attention from both of them. He hadn't even realized how much he needed it, how much he needed them until they had backed off. Had it only been a handful of months since they became such a big part of his life? He straightened up in the saddle and sighed again. Kráka felt him shifting on her back and she slowed, dropping down to a canter and then to a trot. They were still well in front of the others and he should stop, he knew, and wait for them to catch up with him. He honestly had no clue where they were going anyways. He'd never been there before. He'd hardly been anywhere except for when he traveled with Ragnar and Hild and Coccham wasn't on the way. He knew just from Alfred's directions that it was northeast and near the river Thames. But the river was long and he'd never seen it either. He glanced over his shoulder again and could just make out Finan and Uhtred and their horses. But he still knew they would never catch up with him unless he let them. Sihtric pulled and twisted, turning his mare. She shifted without complaint or pause. They circled back towards Uhtred and Finan. They slowed until he turned towards them and his mare fell in step with the other horses, on Finan's other side.

The Irishman straightened up in his saddle and turned to frown at the boy. "Somethin' wrong?" He asked with concern. He'd been enjoying the impromptu race and Uhtred's excitement over it. He didn't want to stop.

Sihtric shook his head and leaned over to look at Uhtred. "Lord." He breathed out, straightening up in his saddle. "I did not think this through. I don't know where we are going. I fear getting us lost if you follow me and I know you want to get there before the King."

Uhtred's own puzzlement slid off his face and he smiled widely. He tilted his head and licked his lips obscenely slowly before he opened his mouth. "So by default, I win." He said with a smug tone. "Since I have been to Coccham."

Sihtric breathed out sharply and looked away. He bit his bottom lip and nodded. "Yes, Lord." He conceded softly. "For now, you win. But we will race for real and I will beat you." He said defiantly and kicked at his mare. She darted off and the other two were quick to follow. Uhtred pulled ahead and Finan fell in behind. They moved in a line as they sped across the countryside.

The sun had barely moved in the sky when Uhtred slowed and raised his hand. He pulled back on the reins and Ísabrot stopped and snorted loudly. He shook his head and stamped his hoof and looked annoyed at being stopped. Uhtred smiled and patted him as Finan and Sihtric fell in on either side of him. The small town was laid out before them. Uhtred leaned back in his saddle and nodded. "That is Coccham. That'll be our home. For now, at least." He added. "As long as you both want it to be."

Finan eyed the small settlement for a moment before he shrugged and let out a grunt. "Already told ye. My home is wit' ye. Wit' both of ye. I dunne care where we are. Jus' as long as we're together."

Sihtric sucked in a breath and nodded his head. "Me too. I will follow you both forever, no matter where you go." He said softly, his voice wavering a little. He bit his lip and looked away. He hated how unsure he sounded because he wasn't at all. He swore himself to Uhtred without a second thought and he fully planned to follow the Lord for the rest of his life. He didn't care where they called home, just as long as Uhtred and Finan were with him. He just still wasn't sure where he stood with them.

Uhtred smiled and glanced over at him, completely unaware of his puppy's inner turmoil. "We will get settled in. Then tonight, we shall talk. And I shall claim my prize." He announced loudly, sitting up in his saddle and looking rather happy with himself and smug about it.

Sihtric turned back towards him and tilted his head. "Prize, Lord?" He asked, confusion on his face. He'd been so deep in thought, he'd completely forgotten about their race attempt.

Uhtred nodded. "You conceded that I won." He said with a filthy smirk, straightening up in his saddle even more. "I get to bite that perfect skin of yours and mark you up like you did to me."

Sihtric's eyes widened and his eyes dropped to the Lord's neck. The bite mark he'd inflicted a couple weeks ago had healed. He couldn't see a trace of it anymore but he wanted to do it again. He wanted to bite Uhtred and Finan both and he wanted them to do it to him as well. A blush spread across his face and he nodded and looked away. "Yes, Lord." He said softly.

"Uhtred!" Finan snapped, leaning towards him to touch the man's leg. He squeezed Uhtred's knee and glared at him, trying to get his attention.

The Lord let out a laugh as he turned to smirk at Finan. "I said after, Finan." He emphasized, leaning closer. He touched his fingers to Finan's forehead gently. He traced the man's hairline down to where his beard started and he smiled. "You're so pretty." Finan scowled and rolled his eyes. He was smiling but he still attempted to fake annoyance and pushed the Lord's hands away. Uhtred laughed and tried to grab at him again. Finan leaned forward and grabbed both his hands.

Sihtric breathed out and glanced sideways at them. He bit his lip as he watched them tussling on top of their horses. But then Finan's mare snorted in clear annoyance at her rider's antics and snapped her blunt teeth at Uhtred's stallion. Ísabrot lifted his head and let out an angry snort. Sihtric could see the powerful stallion tense and leaned closer and grabbed Ísabrot's reins. "Easy, boy." He said softly and pulled the horse's head away from the mare.

Uhtred and Finan stopped and both turned towards the boy. Uhtred leaned forward and patted Ísabrot's neck. "Thanks." He said, his eyes on Sihtric. "I guess I'll have to wait to get my hands on you both until we're done riding." He tilted his head and smiled. "Our horses." He added. "Because I am definitely not done. I could ride for hours." He winked at Sihtric and the boy sucked in a sharp breath and his face darkened a few shades. "Oh yes." Uhtred nodded his head. "I will ride you too, boy."

"Uhtred!" Finan reached over and threaded his fingers into the Lord's hair. Then he yanked the man's head back sharply. Uhtred let out a surprised squeal and then a whimper when Finan didn't let up. "Enough!" The Irishman snapped authoritatively. "Ye will go back t' no touchin' until we are alone. Completely alone an' in private."

Uhtred's eyes widened and he gasped dramatically. He tried to pull away and turn towards Finan but the man still held him tightly. He stuck out his bottom lip, pouting, and whimpered again. "But Fin…"

"No!" Finan snapped, leaning even closer and yanking on the Lord again. "Ye will behave. Or I will punish ye."

A wicked smile appeared on the Lord's face. "Is that a promise?"

Finan narrowed his eyes and let out a growl. "The punishment will be lockin' ye outside all night while the boy an' I talk an'… engage if he wishes."

Uhtred gasped again. "You would exclude me? Again?"

Finan nodded his head and glanced over him at Sihtric. The boy was watching them with amusement and he looked to be enjoying it as much as Finan was. The Irishman tilted his head as his gaze met those lovely mismatched eyes. "Sitty, what do ye think?"

A slow smile spread across the younger man's face. Finan allowed Uhtred enough slack to look at Sihtric and the boy tilted his head and continued to smile at him. "I think our Lo… Uhtred…" He corrected quickly and restarted. "If Uhtred cannot behave, then he deserves to spend the night alone in the dirt."

"Sitty!" Uhtred whined the boy's new nickname.

"No!" Sihtric shook his head and grabbed Kráka's reins. He glared at the Lord for a moment before lifting the reins and shifting atop of his black mare. He tightened his legs around her and she lifted her head and snorted before starting forward at a slow walk. Sihtric glanced over his shoulder and smirked. "Behave or else you will be very cold tonight."

A huge smile spread across Finan's face and he nodded. "Wit'out us t' warm ye."

Uhtred sucked in a sharp breath and nodded as much as Finan's hold would allow. "Yes! I… I will behave! I promise! Just… please don't exclude me again! I… I couldn't stand it… I… I need you both..."

Sihtric shook his head as he glanced over his shoulder. "You will be quiet until we're inside Coccham."

Uhtred frowned. "Hey!" He whined.

"The boy said t' be quiet!" Finan snapped. He let go of Uhtred and pushed him. Then he grabbed Bó's reins and attempted to follow Sihtric with as much grace as the boy. But Bó refused to walk and tried to move into a trot. She outpaced Kráka quickly and Finan pulled back on the reins. "Bloody moran." He mumbled and shook his head.

Sihtric smiled and eased Kráka faster until she caught up with Bó. Then his mare fell in step with her and Sihtric clicked his tongue.

Finan sighed and shook his head as he watched. "I will ne'er understand how ye do that, Sitty. Ye make it look so easy. Ye hardly move an' she jus' listens."

Sihtric smiled at the praise and let out an airy giggle. "It's nothing." He said, downplaying it and shaking his head.

Finan scowled and shook his head. "It ain't nothin', boy."

Sihtric smiled and glanced sideways at him. "You aren't so bad yourself."

Finan opened his mouth and Bó chose that moment to sidestep and dance away from the black mare beside her. She tossed her head and let out a loud snort. Finan sighed and shook his head as he struggled against keeping her in line. "Ye were sayin'?"

Sihtric quickly brought a hand to his mouth, trying to stifle his giggle. He failed miserably but Finan just chuckled as well. Soon both were laughing as Uhtred rode closer to them. He pulled back on Ísabrot's reins, keeping his mount from joining the other two. Instead, he kept his stallion a step behind the other two. And he kept himself quiet. Sihtric glanced behind him at their Lord and he cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head. He was surprised the man was keeping himself quiet. But then again, it had only been a few moments. He highly doubted Uhtred could resist talking until they reached the town entrance.

"Sitty." Finan said, glancing sideways at him. Sihtric giggled again and rolled his eyes as he looked over at the Irishman. Finan frowned and tilted his head. "What?"

Sihtric quickly shook his head. "Nothing." He dismissed it and tried to stifle another giggle.

"What?" Finan pressed, leaning closer to touch a hand to the boy's knee. "Don't like it? Should we stop?" He asked with concern.

Sihtric shook his head. "No. I like it."

Finan frowned. "Then what was that look fer?"

"Just… made me think…" Sihtric mused and tilted his head. "It made me think that the Lord doesn't have a nickname, Fin."

Finan nodded his head slowly. "Yer right. He don't."

Sihtric sighed and shook his head. "He has such a weird name."

Uhtred's mouth fell open. "Weird?" He snapped before he could stop himself. He frowned and bit his lip, trying to stop himself from continuing. He really didn't want to spend the night alone and he didn't want to test their threat.

"Not really nickname worthy." The boy continued, ignoring the Lord's outburst.

Uhtred frowned again and stuck his bottom lip out, pouting. "I like my name." He mumbled.

"Shush, Lord." Sihtric said, glancing over his shoulder again for a moment. "We're talking. Don't interrupt us." He turned his attention back to Finan. "Fin, any ideas? You named me."

Finan smiled, watching them interact. He already knew he liked the boy's bossy side and Uhtred played passive well when he was told to. Finan couldn't wait until he could explore them both more. He returned his gaze to Sihtric and shrugged. "I was hungover an' yer name is 'ard."

Sihtric stared at him blankly for a moment. "Seriously? It has the same amount of syllables."

"I was really drunk." Finan pointed out slowly.

Sihtric rolled his eyes. "It starts out the same!"

Finan shrugged. "Whatever, Sitty."

The boy giggled and shook his head again and shifted closer. He bumped his leg into Finan's and breathed out. "I wish I had been there, to see you too drunk to say my name."

"I wish ye'd been there, too." Finan turned more towards him in his saddle and reached out. He touched the boy's neck and rubbed his thumb across the black ink of the tattoo. Sihtric's breath hitched and he let out a breathy whine. The boy swallowed and bit his lip and Finan withdrew quickly. "Sorry." He mumbled and attempted to steer Bó away. She jerked and snorted and ended up a little too far away and Finan scowled. He glared at her for a moment before he sighed and glanced at Sihtric. The boy's face was red and Finan cleared his throat and looked away. "Uh… nickname… fer Uhtred… from 'is weird name… uh… Uht… Tred... Red?"

Sihtric wrinkled his nose. "No! Not Red. That's horrible, Fin!"

"Better 'en Uht." The Irishman mumbled. "That's 'is name. All we can git fer it."

"Red?" Uhtred kicked gently at Ísabrot's sides and moved in between them, slotting himself in the space Bó had made. His legs brushed against both of the other men and he shook his head. "No, no, no. You can't call me Red. Or Uht."

Sihtric shook his head and narrowed his eyes. "Lord, I just said no." He snapped.

"We will t'ink of somethin' else." Finan said with a nod as he lifted Bó's reins higher and kept a tight hold on them. He prayed she didn't move. He enjoyed the way Uhtred brushed against him as they walked.

Uthred shook his head again. "If you don't want to call me by name, then just call me Lord."

Finan cocked an eyebrow. "Really? Ye want us t' call ye Lord?"

Uhtred nodded quickly. "Better than Red." He mumbled under his breath. "I had a nickname once… years ago…" He swallowed and bit his lip. It had been so long since he heard that low voice call him Dove. He still never understood the odd nickname but he loved hearing it. He shook himself and tried to push the memories away.

Finan watched the Lord's shift and he frowned. A silence fell over them for a moment and he exchanged a look with Sihtric. The boy looked confused and concerned and Finan just tilted his head, shrugging. He cleared his throat and held Bó's rein's tightly as he leaned closer to Uhtred. There was a sly smile on his lips as he touched the man's neck. Uhtred stiffened a little, more out of surprise than anything else. He bit his lip as he felt Finan's fingers on his skin. Finan continued, trailing his hand down the man's back to the tassets that protected his thighs. He dipped his hand under and touched the Lord's ass. He dug his fingers into the soft flesh as much as he could and cupped the man's cheek. Then he leaned even closer and touched his lips to Uhtred's ear. "Ye want us t' call ye Lord when we're moaning fer ye?"

"Oh fuck…" Uhtred closed his eyes and tilted his head back. He leaned against Finan as much as he could while they were both still atop their horses. He bit his lip and couldn't stop the moan rising from his throat. "Yes!"

Sihtric smiled and leaned towards him, pressing against his other side. "Lord." He moaned into the man's ear and Uhtred shivered between them.

Uhtred sucked in a breath and swallowed. "I thought… you said… no touching…"

Finan let out a growl against the Lord's ear. "I said ye canne touch us. Never said we couldn't touch ye or each other." He pulled away and straightened back up in his saddle. Sihtric followed and the Lord let out a whimper at the loss of contact from both of them. Finan turned his attention back on the town and nodded his head towards it. "An' uh… don't want an audience." He said softly.

Uhtred turned to follow his gaze and saw a few people standing at the gate and watching. He saw and felt both men beside him stiffen and he cleared his throat and shook his head. "We are still far away. They wouldn't have been able to see what you were doing." He straightened up in his saddle and lifted his reins. "I uh… did I…" He sucked in a sharp breath and swallowed. "Did I behave enough?" He asked softly. It had only been a few minutes since they told him to behave. But they also only told him to behave until they reached Coccham. He had argued about the nickname but he hadn't tried to touch them. It should count for something.

Finan leaned forward, looking around their Lord to catch the boy's eyes. "What do ye t'ink, Sitty?"

Sihtric tried to keep a straight face but he couldn't stop smiling. He nodded his head as he patted Kráka's neck. "He didn't keep quiet but he did keep his hands to himself." The boy said, mirroring Uhtred's own thoughts. "But it was only a few minutes. I think he needs to continue behaving until we adjourn for the night."

Uhtred's eyes widened and he turned towards the younger man. He opened his mouth, fully intent on telling him that he could not keep quiet until nightfall. But then, that might have gotten him more in trouble and he snapped his mouth shut. He bit his bottom lip hard and turned away, glaring at the town.

"He'll 'ave t' talk." Finan pointed out. "Canne walk 'round town in silence."

Sihtric nodded his head. "And he can't seem to stay completely quiet anyways. It wouldn't be fair. We have to give him a fair chance."

Finan nodded and straightened back up in his saddle. He turned his gaze on Uhtred and tilted his head. "Since we do 'ave an audience that needs t' believe ye are in charge 'ere, I will not yank on ye again but ye best be listening t' me, Lord." Uhtred was quick to look at him and nodded his head. Finan nodded sternly and continued. "Ye can talk freely if it pertains t' this new job of yers but ye will keep yer mouth shut about… uh… us. No flirtin'! And no touchin'!"

Uhtred sighed deeply and nodded his head. "I can do that… or not do that…" He paused and shook his head. "Whichever one it is." He mumbled.

"Good." Finan nodded. "Then we won't have t' lock ye out tonight."

"Please don't." Uhtred said, his voice thin.

Finan shrugged. "Depends on ye. Now git goin' an' lead us."

Uhtred nodded his head as he gripped Ísabrot's reins and shifted forward. The stallion lifted his head and started forward at a faster pace and moved into a trot. Finan and Sihtric both waited a moment before following, keeping a respectful distance between them and their Lord. Bó pranced a little more than necessary and Finan scowled as they reached the town. Uhtred pulled to a stop and smiled down at the townspeople gathered at the gate.

"Lord Uhtred!" One of the men said as he stepped forward, waving his arm. "I am Benwick. We received a letter from King Alfred this morning of your arrival and I'd be honored to give you a tour. You and your men."

Uhtred nodded his head as he leaned to the side, lifted his leg, and swung down off his white stallion's back. He held the reins tightly as he turned back towards the man. "This is Finan and Sihtric." He said as both likewise dismounted.

Benwick smiled and nodded at each as he stepped forward. "Lord, let us take your horses to the stables. They will be well cared for."

Uhtred nodded and they handed them over to a couple of younger boys that split from the crowd. Uhtred waited and watched for a moment as they were led away before he turned to Benwick and nodded again. "Alright. Lead the way."