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

Chapter 19

AND WE ARE BACK!! I deeply apologize for the long hiatus. Life plus having to figure out which direction to go with this! I hope you enjoy and thanks for hanging around with me.

~O

Ragnar

Our escape was difficult. The storm that started in Bebbanburg was only the beginning. Our flimsy craft bowed and eventually broke against the turbulent waves. We were dashed against the rocks and we all staggered for shore. I felt my tired and cold body scream, as I fought to keep my wife's head above the water. Nearby Uhtred was struggling against the current towards us. A wave washed over him and I lost sight of him. "Uhtred?!" I shouted over the fury of the waves.

My heart calmed slightly as I saw him resurface several feet away. The shore was in sight and I used all my strength to guide us there. Another wave swelled and crashed over us. I clung tightly to Nadia as it violently tossed us about. When it passed I fought for the surface, pulling her head back above the water. A part of me was relieved she was not awake for this. Very few things scared my wife. She could stand fearlessly in a shield wall and fight men three or four times her size, but drowning was something she fiercely dreaded and feared.

Another wave came at us and I braced for impact as it pummeled us downward, narrowly missing smashing us against a rock. When we resurfaced, the shore was still several yards out. I kicked towards it, holding Nadia tightly in one arm. "Lord!" I turned to see the Irishman had made his way toward us. I accepted his help and together we managed to make it to the shore. He didn't stay long as he went back into the water to haul the baby monk out.

I scanned around me watching fewer men than we left with dragging themselves ashore. Uhtred stumbled forward looking lost and full of despair. My attention was taken by Nadia violently coughing. I quickly pushed her onto her side as water poured out of her mouth. She gazed at me briefly. She was far away, terror was in her eyes and my heart ached. She closed her eyes again, but to my relief her heart continued to beat.

Dawn began to settle and a few of the missing men washed ashore, drowned. I stared at the carnage and felt my heart sink. Uhtred had wandered off and the Irishman went to find him. My nephew cautiously approached and silently offered his sopping wet cloak. I draped it over my wife who was shivering. A fire was made and I laid her close.

"We need horses, and provisions," The Irishman said, taking charge when it was clear that both Uhtred and I were useless. I watched as he, Kjartan's bastard, and several other men took off some of their rings and armbands. I offered an arm ring but the Irishman shook his head no.

After a while, Kjartan's bastard returned with horses and supplies. The Irishman went to find Uhtred and soon we were off. He wanted to return south, but I insisted we all return to Dunholm to rest. With the Irishman and Kjartan's bastard's convincing Uhtred relented and returned with us.

~~~~~

I anxiously paced the hallway, waiting. I peered over the railing and saw Little Ragnar playing in the hall below with my nephew, who was clearly still in shock. Uhtred and the Irishman were standing below watching me pace. I pulled back and stared at the heavy wooden door. How long had it been since the medicine woman had gone in? I continued to pace and rushed into the room when the door opened.

"She is sleeping soundly lord," the kindly old woman assured me.

"Is she in pain?"

"No lord, I've given her something for that."

"Will she live?"

"She's fighting for her life my lord. There is no more I can do. It's up to her now," the woman bowed her head. "I will be back tomorrow to change the dressings."