Warriors at Heart (The Last Kingdom Fanfic)

Chapter 52

The three of us stood in silence for a while. Uhtred and Mildreth stood on one side while I stood opposite them. At last Mildreth broke the silence. "Why are you unable to reason? To have patience?"

"All I expect is justice," Uhtred replied.

"And it comes to those who have faith."

"Now is not the time to talk of faith."

"Now is precisely the time, now is when it's needed," she pleaded.

"I'll have none of it!" Uhtred raised his voice at her.

"You're too ready with anger. There's a bad spirt in you that needs to be exorcised. You should look to God. Humility is what you need. I shall pray for you."

"What I need woman is justice!" He shouted, walking away from her towards where I stood. He turned his back on her and stared at the wall. Mildreth looked in disbelief at him.

"I understand you're upset, but you probably shouldn't have drawn your sword in Alfred's presence. You do see how that could've been misconstrued as a threat?" I whispered.

"I meant him no harm," Uhtred replied.

"But the Saxons didn't know that."

"They should. If they don't trust me, respect me, then what am I to them?"

"A pawn in Alfred's game." He didn't respond so I continued, "You're his sword Uhtred. He's offered you an impossible position. Be the sword he needs and be a man of his God. The two don't go hand in hand. You're a warrior Uhtred Ragnarson."

"I'm a pagan," Uhtred replied.

"Try to not get killed before your oath is up."

Before Uhtred could respond, the Alderman Wulfhere appeared with the sniveling baby Aethelwold trailing behind him. Uhtred turned to face them.

"I believe you know this wretch?" Wulfhere asked.

"We've met." Uhtred eyed Aethelwold.

"The king has sent me to punish you alongside Aethelwold. What his wife would like is for me to pull your guts through your smelly arse."

"Aelswith is forever inventive," commented Aethelwold.

"Lady you are to go to Aelswith for comfort, she waits in the chapel." Wulfhere directed Mildreth who took her leave. Wulfhere waited until she was gone. "Do you know what the punishment is for drawing your sword before the king?"

"A fine, payable to the church no doubt?" Uhtred replied.

"Death." Wulfhere's words fell heavily. Uhtred tensed. "But Alfred is feeling merciful. You will not dangle, not today. He wants your assurance you will keep the peace."

"What peace?" Uhtred asked.

"His peace you fool. And he wants your assurance as well," Wulfhere addressed me.

"I haven't done anything," I protested.

"Yet," Aethelwold helpfully commented.

Wulfhere eyed me. "I will keep Alfred's peace," I relented under his gaze.

"Good." Wulfhere stepped closer to Uhtred and leaned in. "I know what you did. Men know what you did, but Odda is a prick, and it doesn't matter to Alfred who killed Ubba. He only cares that Ubba is dead, and unfortunately for you, Odda the Younger has claimed the credit, while you pissed on Alfred's God."

"It's not fair," Uhtred tried to protest.

"You pissed on Alfred's God. And should Odda's father die from his wounds, he becomes one of the richest men in Wessex and men will want to praise his bravery."