Always Be By My Side - Sequel to Always Return to Me (The Last Kingdom Fan Fic)

Chapter 1

Nadia

The winter fled as quickly as it had arrived to Dunholm. Springtime brought the preparing of the fields and the need to hunt and raid. The gods answered my many prayers, and we passed the spring in peace. The crops were planted, and the nearby villages sacked. Our grain supply was once again full. Summer came. The trees sprouted leaves, and though we were north, the days were oftentimes warm. The birds sang and the fish were plenty. The livestock was pastured and there was still no news of what had happened to the great third army.

It was that dreaded day of their return that the peace I and my family had so enjoyed was once again usurped. It was midsummer when a scout came calling into the clearing that my son, not so little, Little Ragnar played. The clearing that I sat holding my few month-old daughter Hilda, named after Hild, a woman we owe a great deal to, and my dear husband Ragnar, reclined next to us, making silly faces for Hilda's amusement.

"My lord, lady, forgive me for the intrusion but the army marches back." He dropped to his knee. They're a day's ride from here," he said hurriedly through heavy breaths.

"So, they've returned," Ragnar mused, his face growing grim.

"Who leads them?" I asked.

"His lord's cousin, Cnut," the scout replied.

"They are a day's march from here?" Ragnar asked, sitting upright from his reclined position.

"Yes lord."

"Take Tokhill and meet them. March back with them, but remember," Ragnar raised his finger, "speak nothing of me."

"Yes, my lord," the scout replied, standing.

"Tell them Lady Ragnarson sent you to meet them," I added.

"Yes, my lady," the scout nodded before tearing off out of the clearing.

Ragnar stood and held his arms out for Hilda. I handed her to him. Using his free hand, he helped me stand. "So, Cnut returns with my army," Ragnar said, almost amused.

"It appears he does," I replied, taking Hilda back into my arms.

Ragnar wrangled Little Ragnar and the four of us slowly made our way back to our home, the stronghold called Dunholm.

~~~~~

Ragnar

The way back to Dunholm I couldn't help but be on high alert. My son ran ahead of us, and I would recall him each time he left my sight. My wife cradled our beautiful daughter in her arms and walked as calm as I'd ever seen her. I oftentimes ask myself how she remains so calm in trying situations. It is her strength that unites us, her strength that guides me and gives me hope when none can be found. There is a fierce love and loyalty in her heart that few men find in their women. I don't know what the gods were thinking when they brought us together, for, I don't deserve her, I never have. But I am thankful every day that they did bring us together.

I remember our first meeting. She was a curious thing. Not frightened, cursing in Danish at the Saxon filth that held her captive. She barely blinked an eye as they brought a red-hot brand towards her face. She didn't flinch as she watched the head of her husband sliced off. She smiled. That was the moment she intrigued me most. I decided to cut her loose and she sat up slowly, staring into my face. I searched for fear in her eyes but found none. She was a puzzle to me and though I was intrigued by her I didn't fall in love her until she had with no hesitation freed a small knife from my belt and sent it flying through the air into a man's throat. That was the moment she stole my heart.

I looked down at my wife and the precious bundle she carried. She didn't seem to notice; her eyes were ahead watching our rambunctious son smacking the ground with a stick he'd picked up. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close to me. She attempted to pry me off with not much success.