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They rode for Dunholm the next day and arrived at the stronghold in the afternoon, waiting for the cover of darkness before sneaking closer. Yrsa had her bow slung over one shoulder, her sword on her hip and an axe on the other. She was well, and truly, armed to the teeth.
"This is where we part," Ragnar's voice was soft but it drifted down the line towards Yrsa, who stood side by side with the Irishman, Finan. "We will show ourselves only when we know the east door has been opened. We will attack. Then it is up to you to save us. We will be lambs to slaughter."
"Cheerful," Yrsa murmured under her breath, as Finan elbowed her armor with a grin.
"We will see you in Dunholm!" Uhtred called, as he took off with the others falling in behind him. Yrsa tapped Sihtric's helmet over his face as she went past, giggling as he tried to trip her up in response. That earned the pair a sharp glare from Father Beocca, who was not used to their childish antics
They began the long jog around to the east wall, watching the stars overhead.
"Move quickly, we must be in place before dawn," Uhtred growled, as they continued to run up the hill and towards the walls of Dunholm. Yrsa took a shaky breath, having not done this much running in a while.
"This path is fit for goats only," Sihtric huffed, rolling his eyes.
"You be quiet and watch where you're placing your feet," Yrsa snorted at Beocca's words, laughing harder when he fell down mere moments later. That earned her a sharp look from Hild.
Finally, after what felt like hours of running uphill and through trees, they reached a clear crossing place between them and the stronghold. The moon still high in the sky, providing little light.
Hild and Uhtred ran to the wall first, their movements quiet. Sihtric and Beocca went next, though Sihtric tripped on the way and Yrsa bit her lip as she watched the guards before breathing a sigh of relief as they did not notice the teen. The king's guard, Steapa, and his nephew sprinted next, though the latter was rather reluctant.
Finan and Yrsa stayed in the bushes, waiting for this signal. Yrsa's bow was ready, an arrow already poised as she watched Finan. Dawn was upon them now, and Yrsa waited a little longer for Finan's signal.
"Now?"
"No," Finan hissed.
"Now?" Finan nodded, as Yrsa grinned and waited for one of the other soldier's to light her arrow on fire. She aimed high and into the sky, pulling it to her cheek before letting it fly. She watched it soar, a grin on her face, before pulling her bow over her shoulder and hurrying to Finan's side. "Done."
