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"The little lord is getting big," Yrsa swept along beside Uhtred, for once dressed in a pale blue dress and not her usual leather armour. "Maybe taller than you, old man."
"Yrsa, it is too early in the morning for insults." Uhtred knew that Yrsa was not impressed to have been dragged out of the comfort of her bed to come and speak with Alfred. Uhtred's words, asking her to learn from him fell on deaf ears as Yrsa muttered and spat dark curses.
"But he should be practicing with a stick, not a sword. It is unbalanced." Yrsa and Uhtred stopped behind the king and his wife, who turned to look at the smaller girl. She quickly bowed her head, in an effort to maintain politeness.
"Well, what is your opinion of Edward's sword skill then?" Alfred questioned the pair, as Yrsa realised that perhaps she should have kept her mouth shut. Uhtred hid a smirk.
"My opinion, Lord, is that Steapa is wasting his time." Uhtred sighed, before nodding.
"Would you care to explain?" The queen, Lady Aelswith was still not pleased with Yrsa's presence, having not liked her wild hair and eyes. Aethelflaed had laughed her concerns off, adoring Yrsa's blunt nature and the two had become fast friends over the three years.
"I will, Lady." Uhtred nodded. "My daughter is right. Skills are taught with a staff, not a sword."
"I prefer to feel the weight of a sword."
"I bet you would." Yrsa hid her comment about Edward with a cough, apologising to the king and queen as Uhtred sighed. She was trying to get herself killed.
"It is a sign of the atheling's bravery."
"Let us watch, my dear." Alfred nodded, as Yrsa leant back. Her father had taught her to use a sword when she was much younger, but she had preferred the feel of a hatchet. It was hard to make a sword fit for her height and strength, but hatchets were easier. So, she had stuck to them and her bow.
They were fighting, though Yrsa could see that Uhtred was taking it easy on the boy, trying not to embarrass him in front of others. As soon as he began to take it seriously, Uhtred put him on his arse in a matter of seconds.
"Uhtred, we have a visitor. An old friend of yours." Alfred spoke, as Uhtred turned, looking behind Yrsa. Father Beocca must have not thought it wise for Yrsa to go, because Uhtred turned to the smaller girl.
"Yrsa, why don't you help the atheling?" He placed the stick into her hand. "See if you can't teach him some new things."
"I can try." Yrsa nodded. "But I am not in the proper attire."
