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

Chapter 6

Ragnar

We returned much later than I had intended, but we had such a nice time out and about, I was fine shirking off my responsibilities for the day. Besides, my normally stress ball wife seemed awfully calm. I didn't want to ruin her moments of peace.

Upon our return to Dunholm, Nadia with our precious daughter in tow began running about to ensure that dinner was on track. Little Ragnar ran into the hall to play some more, and I was left on my own. I climbed up to the wall. The sentry on duty bowed his head at me. I nodded at him and stared out. All was quiet. The chirps of the early crickets sounded on the still night air. I inhaled and closed my eyes a moment.

I sensed someone standing behind me and looked over my shoulder to find my cousin Cnut watching me.

"Cousin," I greeted him with a small smile.

"Cousin," he greeted back. He moved forward and stood beside me. "Lovely evening isn't it?"

"Aye. It is."

"Where's the wife?" he asked.

"Probably in the kitchen giving orders."

"Ah."

We stood in silence for a while. "I want you to know, the defeat at Holme wasn't a complete loss," Cnut broke the silence.

"Wasn't it?"

"The Saxons think we're beaten. This opens much opportunity for us."

"How so?"

Cnut smiled at me and shook his head. "Has homelife made you soft cousin?" I grimaced at him. "I didn't mean it like that," he quickly corrected himself. "The Saxons will expect us to run a full retreat."

"Haven't you already done that?" I goaded him.

"You know what I mean. They'll think we will flee home."

"Uh huh."

"I have news from East Anglia," he eyed me, gaging a reaction.

"What news? How?" I asked, my interest peaked.

"I have my ways. Or rather, two rambunctious scamps who wanted to make themselves useful.

"Who?"

"Your young kin," Cnut smiled at me. "They've been here a few months now, spying on the Saxons for me.

"Young Cnut and Esgar are here, and you didn't tell me?"

"They've been making themselves useful in East Anglia. They should arrive here any day now," he paused. "I assume they are welcome here?"

"Of course, they are most welcome cousin."

"They have news. And from the information they have gathered, we will plan, and we will crush the Saxons once and for all," Cnut smiled at me.

"This is most welcomed news," I replied, a spark of joy igniting in my heart.

"It is indeed cousin," Cnut smacked me on my back. "Though, I do wonder how your dear wife will take it."

"How do you mean?"

"She seems content having you here. Will she not protest at your leaving?"

I frowned at him. "She will not. If anything, I'll be the one protesting that she stays here."

A smile crossed his face and he chuckled, "I do wish you luck. She is a free-spirited woman."

"Aye she is. Though, if you treat her with respect and as an equal, you will find her loyal to the death."