Chapter 2
Osferth was muttering under his breath as he took his time to get around the village. He had to travel away from the town a few times to avoid sinkholes or an area too steep for his horse. It took him a little longer than he thought it would, and as he finally made his way to the end of the village, which he still found odd that Finan wanted him to do so, he then heard the distinct sound of yelling. Something flushed through the pit of his stomach as he suddenly had a very uneasy feeling that came over him. If anything, Osferth had learned being with warriors such as Finan, Uhtred, and Sihtric was that you trust your gut instincts, for they were telling you something primal. Thinking he possibly heard Finan's voice shouting, he realized he had only two options to make at that very moment in time.
He could throw caution to the wind and run with the sword out into the village and hope he could help Finan and the other men. Or he could wait, stay and do as instructed, which was to remain at the edge of the village on the opposite side.
All Osferth could hear in his head at that very moment was Finan's voice telling him not to charge ahead, to think through his battle strategy. You only had one life to live, so you might as well be smart about it. Try not and be the hero. If given instructions do not change the plan and think he will be a hero. But above all, listen to your instincts. With that final thought, Osferth knew he would not show himself yet stay to the edge of the village and see if he could get closer. So he jumped from his horse, which it then took off to happily graze in the fields, not to be bothered or have a care in the world until its master summoned it again. He hid amongst the huts as he got closer, distinctively hearing other voices that sounded nothing like Finan or the other men that had been with him. Osferth was careful not to be loud and make sure he was not spotted, finally got a view of Finan and the rest of the men. They were surrounded, and Finan stood in the middle of the men with blood seeping down from an ugly head wound. It looked as though he was struggling to stand in position. Osferth then recognized Haesten the Dane, who they always seemed to run into in the most inconvenient times.
"You will not have him heathen." Osferth, hearing one of the men trying to put up a brave front and shouting to Haesten. He heard Haesten say something and could only watch, horrified as all the ones trying to protect Finan went down. Osferth closed his eyes and said a prayer for each of those just lost. He opened them up and saw that Finan was now standing. The two men squared off at one another. Osferth watched as another Dane walked up behind and kicked Finan's legs out from under him, his legs collapsing underneath him and hitting the ground hard. Another Dane appeared with rope in his hand as they manhandled Finan until his hands were immobilized. Then one of the Danes handed Haesten something, and even from Osferth's hiding spot, could see Haesten had such a shit-eating grin, the same grin when he had left them hanging in the woods. A noose was placed around Finan's neck, which Haesten tightened the rope, and then slightly tugged on it. For half a second, Osferth felt the fear that rose in him, at the very thought he was about to watch Finan's death, until he saw Haesten tug on the rope again, speaking loud enough even for Osferth to overhear still.
"Come, Irishman, that's a good boy." From where Osferth was standing, he could see the pure hatred in Finan's eyes. To treat Finan as though he was some type of dog needed to be trained by tugging on the leash. Finan slowly climbed to his feet as then Haesten started walking with Finan behind and the rest of the Danes moving to incircle them, with Finan trapped in the middle. Osferth now had no idea what to do. Should he follow them? Should he race back to get help? He was at a loss. If he left to get Uhtred, they might lose the trail, and Finan would be lost to them forever. Or he could follow for a while, maybe even have a chance to rescue the Irishman and perhaps even overhear where they plan to go and why take Finan captive in the first place? So many ideas and thoughts raced through Osferth's mind. He wasn't the one who came up with the plans typically. He was the one who followed and looked to the older men to guide him. He was all on his own on this one. Though he would never admit it to anyone, it scared him a bit.
He waited quietly and stayed hidden as the Danes moved out of the village and into the tree lines on the tiny village's outskirts. Once Osferth was sure he was not at risk of anyone spotting him, and he no longer could see movement, he raced to his horse that was still grazing out in the field. He could feel his hand shaking from the adrenaline and nerves of what he had seen as he quickly wrote something out on the piece of parchment. He then slapped the horse on the back of the behind, sending it on its way, knowing they trained the horse well. It would run back to Coccham without its rider and hopefully get the help he was going to need rather quickly. Osferth then headed in the Danes' direction, with Finan captured within their ranks.
(Coccham)
Uhtred walked around the small village that made up Coccham, checking on the many daily workings as his mind wandered from thought to thought. So much had changed over the years it was hard to imagine how far he had come. Brida was his first thought.
That was a relationship that he never thought he would lose, and it would go so badly the other way. If he had just known she was pregnant, maybe he could have done more to protect her. Was he wrong by not killing her when she had asked him? Then again, he wasn't so sure he could do it even today. She was and had been a part of his life and the last remaining to the past that had not been ripped away from him violently. He smiled at the idea of rolling around with her and making love to her, never imagining himself with anyone but her. Now he just hoped he never had to see her ever again. It's like she could never forget the past and let it go. To move on with her life. It haunted her and kept her prisoner.
Though he held onto the past, it didn't have such a hold on him like others, or at least he didn't feel as it did. Then again, maybe he was just as bad as Brida, and no one had told him as of yet or had the guts to. Nah, that isn't possible. Finan would have told him sooner. The Irishman was the one on his shoulder, always guiding him to go down the right path whether Uhtred wanted to go down it willingly or not, like a gentleman kicking and screaming. Sometimes Uhtred wondered how he became so lucky to get such a devoted man, never wanting to leave his side even when he had every right. Finan knew everything about Uhtred, but Finan never spoke about his past. So many times, he tried to get the Irishman to talk about it, but he said it was the past for a reason and moved on from it. Uhtred had to respect the man's wishes, but Uhtred wondered what was so bad that Finan couldn't speak about it. He would never admit it, but Sihtric, Osferth, and himself tried to get Finan so piss ass drunk that he would spill, but somehow instead of Finan, they all three got so drunk they passed out with the pigs, and Finan was nowhere to be found. Come to find out, Finan had walked back to his place, leaving them to wake up with the smelly beasts. They all had decided it was Irish trickery, but Finan, with nothing but a laugh and pleasing humor, mocked them and told them to learn how to hold their liquor better. They never did try and get Finan to speak about his past from then on. They figured the man didn't want to talk about it for whatever reason.
From thinking of Finan, it switched to Alfred when he saw young Athelstan running by chasing after a baby goat as Eadith kept a watchful eye on the boy as she walked behind. How much would have changed if Edward had died? How much it would have impacted Alfred if his son had not made it out of the swamps alive. It would probably be safe to say the Danes would own Wessex. Then again, Alfred was not the type of person to give in so quickly; he fought till the bitter end, even when he was on his deathbed. In some ways, he missed the voice of Alfred, he had a calmness about him, and though Uhtred would never admit this to anyone, he truly admired how the King's mind worked. Always thinking a hundred steps ahead, and never brash, always thinking out every single word before he spoke. It was something Uhtred never was great at or had learned the skill as of yet. He was always the type that would instead come in, kick the door down and ask questions later if he stayed long enough even to ask them. Most of the time, he didn't care about even asking questions.
Who would have thought as the years went by that he would be now in charge of Alfred's grandson, the first child to King Edward, and all case and purposes a true heir to the throne of Wessex. Was he destined to be great and be remembered for the things he would accomplish and go down in history, or was he to live a mundane life without anyone knowing who he truly was? Only time would tell, and the Gods would decide his fate in the end.
He gave a smile to Eadith as she walked by, calling after Athelstan and was going to say something when he saw Sihtric come running up, panic in his eyes.
That was a rare sight indeed for the half Dane. He was one of his battle-hardened warriors and dealt out death as efficiently. So for him to have fear in his eyes, something must be wrong.
"What is it Sihtric?"
"Lord, it's Osferth's horse."
Confusion was written all over Uhtred's face. If the horse came back without the rider, where was everyone else, especially Finan and Osferth? Uhtred didn't say another word as he followed Sihtric to where the animal had trotted into the village until someone had stopped the beast. The first thing Uhtred looked for was human blood, to see if something had befallen its rider, yet when he saw nothing on the coat or mane, he knew Osferth had not fallen due to a sword or an arrow, for it would have been on the horse as well. Something guided him to the saddlebags just out of precaution, for Osferth could have sent the horse to them, he thought. Uhtred's hand-dug around until he felt something brush up against his fingers; it felt like parchment. He pulled it out and skimmed it. His heart going into his stomach.
"What does it say, Lord?" Sihtric asked, trying to peer over Uhtred's shoulder into his hands. Not that he could read it if he wanted to. However, the men were working on teaching the half-Dane.
"It's Osferth's handwriting. It says, Haesten. Danes have Finan."
Sihtric stepped back and looked around, trying to comprehend what he had just heard. His mind moved quickly, and without even asking what Uhtred's move was or what he wanted to do, he backed up and started yelling. He began shouting for every man near to get their gear; they were to mount up and ready to leave. Uhtred was staring at the letter until he felt piercing eyes on him as he looked up and saw Eadith looking at him with fear in her own eyes. She knew something was wrong, that it had to do with Finan and the way everyone was starting to react and get ready for battle. Her hand instinctively went down to her tummy as she closed her eyes. Uhtred hoped that when he sent Finan and Osferth out to find out some of the raidings close to their village, that was not the very last time he saw them alive.
Osferth tripped for what felt like the hundredth time as he continued to trek through the forest. He was certain someone would hear him by now and confront him as he tried to keep up with the Danes who held Finan within their group. He was still trying to figure out what he would do once they stopped. Would he sit there all night, or would he risk trying to get to Finan from his position? He was just making it up as he went. It always seemed to work for Uhtred; why not him? Then again, Osferth may have God on his side, but he didn't have the type of luck Uhtred seemed to have any time he made up a plan.
As he kept his eyes up and around, always making sure no one snuck upon him, his mind played out various scenarios as to why they kept Finan but could not come up with much. What was the purpose of the ambush? Why not just kill Finan as they had done to the rest of the men? Though Osferth was happy Finan was very much alive, what was the gain from keeping him alive? There were just too many questions, and unfortunately, Osferth knew he would not receive the type of answer that burned at his very soul.
Looking up at the sky, he realized the sun would start setting soon. When he heard the shouting, he realized they were stopping for the night. He got as close as he dared, finding a great spot that concealed him from any prying eyes but gave him an excellent overview of the entire camp. He saw Finan dragged to a tree, pushed to the ground. They cut his bindings, pulled his arms back behind the tree, and retired his hands. They also tied his feet as well. He also could see Haesten standing in front of Finan, but the conversation was utterly lost on Osferth's ears. He was, unfortunately, too far away. Osferth settled in for the night. He would go by his gut instincts. If he thought he had a chance to rescue Finan, he would try and not hesitate. But he would wait until the Danes all fell asleep and left a few on guard before he would access the situation to see if he had even a chance. He didn't need to become a prisoner in the process and caused more problems for Uhtred and Sihtric. No, he would wait and see what the night brought him. He sent a silent prayer asking for guidance and to protect Finan and all those that needed prayer, including himself.
(The Village)
Uhtred rode in headfirst, Sihtric only a few feet behind as they tore into the village. They quickly began looking for clues as to what could have transpired earlier on the day, which left them scrambling to find more answers to their questions. Sihtric got off his horse and started looking at the ground, and then something caught his eye. He ran over to a felled beast.
"Lord, it's Finan's horse." He called out to Uhtred.
Sihtric knew Finan's horse just like he could spot his own amongst a hundred. Each horse was unique to the rider, and Finan's horse was no different. He could see where a spear went right through the skin and killed the horse instantly, probably throwing Finan. Sihtric had been thrown from his horses more than he liked to care to admit, and no one could ever get used to it. He just hoped that Finan did not get hurt too badly when he was abruptly dumped from his mount.
Sihtric eyes glancing looking for any more clues did his eyes caught something shinning. Almost hidden as though it wanted to be found by its rightful owner was medal gleaming in the sunlight. Walking up, he bent down and found Finan's sword. He knew it was his by the little cross right before the hilt.
He looked at all the footprints and ground traffic and followed with his eyes to see where they led. Then, turning around, he picked up the sword to go back to Uhtred, who was checking the bodies of the men who had ridden with Finan and Osferth and had met their demise earlier that day. Sihtric came next to Uhtred and showed him Finan's sword, his expression giving nothing away.
"Lord, the sun is setting, and the trail leads out the village and looks to head to the tree line." Sihtric spoke at Uhtred, who stared off in the distance as though he was trying to think his next move out.
"Then we are to follow, leave a few men to bury the villagers and our men. Make sure they are buried to their beliefs, they deserve that much."
Uhtred walked back to his horse without another word as Sihtric followed close. "Why do you think they didn't kill Finan if they killed everyone else?"
Uhtred wished he had an answer to that question, but quite frankly, he had yet to think of the reasoning behind all this senseless ambush and the purpose. That was one thing Uhtred hated more than anything, was being caught on aware and not prepared and not knowing what his enemy was thinking and why.
(The Dane Camp)
Haesten desired to get a little further, yet he could see the men grew tired, and he would need them if Uhtred came for his Irishman, which he did not doubt in his mind Uhtred would. It was only a matter of time he would make his appearance. As the camp finally set up, he walked over, grabbed some mead, and walked over to where Finan was tied up. He sat down on the stump that had been of a tree that had fallen many years beforehand.
"Want some?" Mocking Finan, who obviously could not accept the liquor even if he wanted to, with his hands secured behind him.
"I think this the quietest I've ever heard you be Irishman, didn't think you had it in yeah." Haesten smiled as he took a long drink.
"What do you want Haesten? What is the purpose of all of this?" Nodding to all the other Danes that surrounded the camp.
Finan couldn't help but think back to all the men that had lost their lives today. For what? A warrior was always ready to face uncertain death, but for them to die the way his men died today. It just seemed rather unfair and injustice. Most warriors thought they would die in a battle like Tettenhall, not in a cowardly ambush. All for what to gain him? Nothing made sense.
Haesten took another sip of his mead. Staring Finan down. "Maybe it's just good ole fashion payback. Made me look like a fool when you and Uhtred took Cnut's sons away from me. Or how about when you and Uhtred refuse to die and showed up to Winchester being alive and all." Haesten downed the rest of his drink and smiled again, seeing the confusion behind Finan's eyes. Standing up, he spoke over his shoulder as he left Finan, "Get some sleep Irishman, we have a long way to go."
Finan could not believe how his day had started and ended like this. He closed his eyes and pictured the beautiful smile that Eadith gave him when he first woke up this morning. Finan opened his eyes again and looked around. He could get through this. He had to! Not only could he not leave Eadith, but they had a child on the way. He could not and would not fail this child. He had to be there for her, he had promised he would always be there to take care of her. What if he didn't survive this? What if he had pushed his luck too many times, and this was his fate, to die not in battle but tied to a tree surrounded by Danes. He realized how dark his thoughts were getting and realized he had to shift quickly so as not to lose hope or focus. He had been through hell itself when he was enslaved. He had survived that, barely, but he had done it. He lasted longer than most men lasted. It never broke him. He watched men break in months on coming on board the Trader, yet Finan knew he was destined for more extraordinary things. Finan was not meant to and refused to die on that ship. If he could survive that, he could beat the odds and survive this, hopefully.
What Finan did not like is Haesten had a plan. Now Haesten was not dumb by any means. Probably one of the smarter Danes they had run into. It seemed many wanted to underestimate and willing to dismiss the man, but Haestesn was cunning, intelligent, and would not hesitate to run if that meant self-preservation. This, ambushing them, taking him for some ungodly reason, this was not Haesten. This was someone else working behind the scenes, pulling the wooden marionette of Haesten. He knew that this had to do with being the second command to Uhtred. If you can't get Uhtred, why try and not get the next one in line? Someone that Uhtred leans on day in and day out. Someone who knows how exactly Uhtred thinks. Then again, Finan had been second in command for some time, and even he was surprised in how the last minute, the man would come up with the craziest strategy battleplan right before the swords started clashing. The way the man's mind worked, even Finan didn't think he would ever understand it.
He kept moving his hands to keep circulation going and also to work his bindings. He didn't think he'd get a lazy Norseman that would not tie him correctly, but there was always that one chance. What else did he have to do? He could try and sleep, but how in the hell was he going to sleep? He listened as the camp settled down and hours went by as he realized it was well into the night when something caught his eye. He moved his eyes around and found one of his guards was missing; the other completely knocked out to the world as he was fast asleep. Maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him, and it was just his other guard walking back from going the bathroom. He started to put his head onto his chin to rest his eyes when he saw a slight movement again.
Finan focused his eyes, and he realized with sudden horror that Osferth was in the camp making his way towards him. Though Finan wanted nothing more than to be released and get away from this predicament, he would not be able to live with himself if something happened to the Baby Monk. Finan would rather have Osferth get Uhtred than try something as foolhardy as this. He heard the soft snoring of the man who was supposed to be keeping guard of him. Finan didn't realize he was holding his breath until his body started screaming for it when Osferth made his way even closer. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest when he heard the sounds Osferth was making. How the guard did not wake up was beyond Finan. Yet the man continued to snore. Finan continued to watch the guard and half smiled when Osferth struck the guard hard across the back of the head; either the blow killed the guard or knocked him into the next day.
Osferth had woken to a man peeing beside him. He couldn't believe he had fallen asleep so quickly, but there Osferth was as the man had no idea; he was just a mere few feet away. He stood as quietly as he could and put his hand on the man's mouth as he punched the man's skin and hit the heart, killing the man and dropping him where Osferth had fallen asleep earlier. Looking around, he could see the Danes were fast asleep, and the other guards were too far apart to realize he could get in the camp and free Finan, and no one would know. He moved quietly and swiftly, stopping every few seconds to make sure no one heard him or he was seen. As he got closer, he saw Finan's eyes widen at the sight of him. Probably thought he was going to be with the Danes a lot longer. Finan's eyes shifted to the guard that was near him. Osferth grabbed a rock while still striding towards Finan and the guard, all while looking for anyone who would alert the camp. Then without hesitation slammed the rock as hard as he could muster on top of the Dane's head. Once Osferth was satisfied with his work, he practically ran the final distance to Finan and the tree's back.
"Could you be any louder?" Finan whispered as Osferth moved to the back of the tree.
"Are you really judging my rescue right now Finan?"
"Good point." Finan felt the tug on the ropes, and the snap as his hand became free. Osferth made his way around the tree and gave Finan the knife, who was stronger and could undo the bindings quicker on his feet. A Dane walking the entire camp stopped and looked over to where Finan and Osferth were making their escape. Finan and Osferth both looked at the Dane, who looked back at them. What felt like an eternity but was under half a second before he screamed, alerting everyone around him, waking the camp. The Dane charged with his axe screaming as Finan snapped his bindings on his feet and stood up to his full height.
Finan had one good advantage over the Dane that was charging at him. They wanted him alive, Finan on the other hand, was not held by the same rules and was able to get the upper hand. As the Dane charged, Finan was able to drop and use the momentum to make the man come over his shoulder and use the knife that Osferth had given him, ending the life of the Dane. However, the yelling the Dane had done before he had charged had awakened the camp. Men were stumbling out of their tents as they realized Finan was now free-standing next to Osferth.
"RUN." Finan yelled and shoved Osferth into a run. Finan could hear shouting and screaming behind their backs as the Danes wasted no time to start pursuit. He distinctively heard Haesten yelling.
Finan had made up his mind as they took off into a run. He would never allow Osferth to be captured by the Danes. Osferth was just a kid. He would never survive such an encounter. Not to mention what would they do to Osferth if they caught both of them at the same time? Finan had faced capture before and could face it again, and if he died trying, he could go to his God knowing he protected the Baby Monk from any harm.
Finan slowed down his gait to ensure the Danes would keep sight of him and made sure Osferth was leagues ahead of him. Osferth had not once looked behind him, which Finan was thankful for. Osferth kept all his focus in front of him to make sure he didn't trip on a downed tree branch or a silly rock. He yelled one time, so Osferth thought he was still behind him as he tried to motivate him, "KEEP RUNNING." With that being yelled, Finan switched and changed his direction to lead the Danes after him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw they didn't care for Osferth as he had hoped and charged after him, which Finan was hoping for. Finan sped up when he realized they were much closer than he liked and wondered how one could escape them. Somehow he found more energy and pushed his body harder into a faster sprint. He could do this; he could outrun them.
Haesten had woken up to screaming and wasted no time coming out of his tent to see the Irishman free and taking off with someone in front of him. "AFTER HIM." He screamed. Brida would have his balls if they didn't catch Finan here and now. He watched as the much stronger runners gave chase, who stood a chance to catch up to the Irishman and the one who had freed him. He would not be made a fool again, not this time and certainly not by some loudmouth Irish bastard. Running to his horse, he climbed up on top of her without any issue with no saddle and took off after Finan.
Osferth felt the sweat already trickling down his back, and he heard horses in front of him. He prayed to God it was not somehow the enemy and somehow had outmaneuvered them. He dared not look back for fear he would miss a branch and somehow trip him up. He would never hear the end of it; that's how the Danes caught him.
"God is good." He breathed as he realized the men on horseback were none other than Uhtred and Sihtric.
"Osferth?" Hearing the complete and utter disbelief in Uhtred's voice and questioning as he appeared in front of them. Osferth tried to catch his breath to tell him that the Danes were right behind them and that he had rescued Finan; turning around, he realized with complete and utter horror Finan was nowhere to be found and not behind him as he once believed and thought so foolishly. Osferth turned back around with fear in his eyes to look at Uhtred. Finan had been right behind him. He had heard him! How could he not have known Finan was no longer running behind him. Where was Finan?
On the other hand, Finan had successfully led the Danes away from Osferth and was still on his trail. Surprisingly, he was a better runner than all of them as he cleared one hill after the other. He didn't want to count his blessings yet, but he was pretty sure he had escaped them. Just now had to regroup with Osferth and get back to Coccham. A hill was in front of him, and he could still hear the Danes yelling in the distance, searching for his trail and which way he went as he felt his pulse quicken as he ran the hill. Then, as he turned around to see if he could see the Danes from where he was standing, he heard a horse. Spinning around quickly, all he saw was a boot as it connected with his face. He couldn't stop his momentum as he fell to the ground and began tumbling back down the hill. Finan could barely see or hear as the blow to his head dazed him. For him, it felt like an eternity, but it was only mere seconds that he looked up to see Haesten on his horse looking down at him and the other Danes catching up to their position. He felt hands grabbing him and pulling him up from where he had fallen to rest on his knees as they held pressure on his arms, making sure he did not try another escape attempt; Haesten walked his horse down an easy path down the ravine while looking at Finan as he spoke.
"If I weren't instructed to keep you alive, I would kill you right now." Haesten sneered down at Finan, "Stick your head on a pike and let your body to rot in the sun." Finan smiled through a bloody mouth and spat it out near the horse's hoof. Haesten's smile disappeared as he then heard a commotion on top of the ridge as Uhtred, the infamous Dane-Slayer, had finally made his presence known.
"Well, well, well the Dane-Slayer has arrived finally." Haesten said as Uhtred slowly made his way down the ravine with Sihtric at his side and a few other men behind him. Not nearly enough to take on the Danes. The Danes outnumbered them. They would not be able to do this by force. As Uhtred's eyes fell onto Finan, he did a glance over him, looking for any serious injuries but thankfully seeing what looked like nothing but superficial wounds. Haesten maneuvered his horse to block Finan from Uhtred and Sihtric view.
"Haesten, your quarrel is with me, and only me. Not Finan, let him go." The anger in Uhtred's voice was evident. He was ready to charge with energy.
Haesten looked up to the sky as though he considered Uhtred's words and then looked back at him with a smile. "No."
"What do you want Haesten?"
"I got what I want, your Irishman. Leave before I find that little welp that freed him and drag him behind my horse the entire way back."
Uhtred did not like how this was going. But, somewhere in the pit of his stomach, he knew he would not be leaving with Finan tonight. He hated the mere thought of it for even thinking it. He glanced at Sihtric, trying to think quickly and how he could razzle Haesten—trying to gourd him into a fight.
"Then fight me for Finan. Make the square."
"No. There will be no fight." Haesten laughed as though he was enjoying this entire exchange way too much. He knew he held power and the position. Haesten would not be easily goaded into a fight as he had in the past. Haesten had learned from his past mistakes thinking with anger and allowing Uhtred to get the best of him.
"What are you a coward Haesten? Are you so scared I'll add your name to my ever-growing list?" Some of Uhtred's men laughed to try and make Haesten choose out of anger.
"If you keep testing me, I will make you watch as we cut your man piece by piece. How about the blood eagle?"
"You would not." Uhtred knew he was gambling Finan's life. The blood eagle was spoken about, but not many had witnessed it. It was not something you took lightly, and it was not a word you throw around either. Most just threatened it but never actually went through with it. Haesten smiled as though he was Loki himself and up to no good. Moving his horse so Uhtred could now see Finan once again. A Dane was on either side of Finan, holding his arms spread out so he could not move even if he wanted to, as another Dane walked up with a small knife in hand behind him. Uhtred could see that Finan was trying to be strong, not move a muscle or show fear, yet the pain that hit his eyes was evident when the sword was slowly applied and started to cut into Finan's back.
"Stop, just stop," Uhtred knew they were earnest and would do exactly as they said they would. "I ask you again, Haesten, what is it you want? Name your price."
"I told you. We have what we want. Now you can turn around and leave. Or shall we continue?"
A soft sound escaped Finan's lips as the Dane moved the knife down just another hair to cut into his back. Though he had no idea what the blood eagle was, the look from Uhtred and Sihtric had told him he did not want to experience such torture. Yet Finan did not wish Uhtred to leave him in the hands of the Danes. He was too close to freedom, yet he felt so far away from it. He could see the torture in Uhtred's eyes as he took one last look at Finan.
"I will come for you Finan, stay strong."
Uhtred with fire now burning within his eyes he directed it towards Haesten. "Next time we cross paths, you will not survive." Then with nothing else that could be said between the men, Uhtred spurred his horse into a gallop with Sihtric following close behind with the few men they had—turning and leaving Finan in the hands of the Danes. Jeers could be heard at the retreating back of Uhtred, the renown Dane-Slayer.
TBC….
