Warriors at Heart (The Last Kingdom Fanfic)

Chapter 44

We drew nearer to Werham, and stopped at the edge of the wood between us and the fortress. Alfred order we make camp here and set up a perimeter of men to watch the tree-line. I glanced about us and whispered to Uhtred that this was stupid and Alfred would surely get us all killed. Uhtred warned me to hold my tongue and warmly greeted Beocca who came trotting over.

"Uhtred, good to see you," he greeted, arms stretched out.

"Father Beocca," Uhtred smiled, accepting the hug.

The two pulled apart. "I was glad to see you with your wife, and that you are expecting your first child," Beocca continued to smile.

"It is good," Uhtred replied.

"Alfred wishes to speak to you," Beocca said, his tone growing more serious. "Alone," he eyed me.

Uhtred looked at me. "I won't make any trouble," I smiled sweetly at him, though he knew better and told Leofric to stick near me.

I wandered the camp, daring anyone who looked at me funny to come and fight me. I almost managed to enter a confrontation with a large Saxon, except Leofric stepped in and ended it before it could even begin.

"You're no fun," I growled at him.

"We are here to fight Danes," he replied calmly.

I raised my eyebrow at him. "I'm a Dane."

"You know what I meant," he grumbled back.

"Since when did you become Uhtred's servant," I chuckled.

Leofric glared at me. "I do not serve the arseling. I serve Alfred."

"And Alfred wants you to do whatever Uhtred tells you to?"

"I keep my eye on the arseling. Nothing more. He can die in battle for all I care."

"Then why do you care what I do? You could be drinking. Why follow me around?"

"Because you are trouble."

"Trouble?" I scoffed, partially amused that Leofric was closer to seeing me as a worthy adversary. "Little me?"

"You may be little, but a fire burns in you. Besides, I can't have you killing all my men before we get to the fort," he laughed, walking off.

I smiled at his back and continued walking through the chaotic campsite to the edge of the wood. I stayed within the cover of the trees and looked at the great fort. Uhtred joined me.

"They'll never get in," I smiled.

"They'll starve them out then," he replied, not looking at me.

"What did Alfred want?"

"Nothing."

"Sure," I responded, rolling my eyes.

"Do you think he's in there?" Uhtred asked, his tone serious.

"Yup," I replied.

"Do you think they will surrender?"

"Now that's a dumb question Uhtred. They're Danes, through and through. Danes do not surrender."

"I know," he sighed deeply. His mind clearly troubled.

I gently placed my hand in his and gave it a squeeze. He looked down at me and squeezed my hand back. "Promise me something?" he asked.

"What?"

"Protect Ragnar."

"And what if he's the one trying to kill you?"

"Let him."

I stared at Uhtred in shock. I opened my mouth, ready to protest, but Uhtred beat me to it. "Promise me."

"Uhtred, I..."

"Promise me."

Though everything inch of me was screaming in protest, I exhaled hard and in a somewhat cracked voice said, "I promise."

~~~~~

Early the next morning we marched out of the tree cover and faced the great fort. Alfred gave his men a rousing speech about his God and showing the Danes that they did not fear them. I wasn't really paying it too much attention, for the promise I had made Uhtred the night before was weighing heavily on me.

As was customary in battle, the leaders of the two sides met at the center of the field to give the other one last chance to surrender. Alfred, Leofric, and Ealdorman Odda, and a couple other of Alfred's men rode forward. Uhtred and I stayed back, but as the Danes drew closer, my breath hitched in my throat as Ragnar's eyes met mine. He was indeed here.

We patiently waited for what felt like forever, as the two sides spoke. At last, they broke away from one another and Alfred ordered Uhtred to join him after prayer, leaving all of us wondering what had occurred and what was next.

~~~~~

"He wants you to do what?" I screamed, drawing eyes towards us. Uhtred hushed me and ushered me away from the main crowds of men. "They'll kill you!" I protested again, still not keeping my voice down.

"Will you lower your voice woman?" Uhtred chuckled.

"No," I replied, throwing my hands on my hips.

"They won't kill me," Uhtred replied, too calmly for my comfort.

"What makes you think that? Didn't Guthrum swear he'd kill you the next time he saw you?"

"Ragnar will be there. He will not let Guthrum kill me."

"And what if he can't stop it?"

Uhtred, still smiling like an idiot, turned to face me. "Will you let them kill me Tara?"

"Oh, that's not fair Uhtred. You know I'd go to my grave protecting you."

"See? I am perfectly safe then."

I rolled my eyes at Uhtred's relaxed response to Alfred basically asking him to go on a suicide mission. "Are you not even a tiny bit upset that Alfred is just using you? Sending you to your grave for what purpose? Are you really so desperate that you are willing to die for him?"

"Alfred is my way to Bebbanburg."

"But is he really?"

"I swore an oath, Tara."

"I know," I replied sadly. It was settled, Uhtred was to be a hostage to the Danes, and I was going with him.