Warriors at Heart (The Last Kingdom Fanfic)

Chapter 63

As winter began its retreat, I grew restless. There had been no attacks by the Danes. Guthrum, as bloodthirsty for Uhtred's head as he was, returned to the shelter of Wessex. He kept a few men patrolling the borders of the marshes, but not a soul dared to get lost in the tangle of reeds and unpredictable tides.

Alfred ordered they be kept under watch, however no interaction was permitted. Uhtred had scowled at this order, but did as he was bid. It probably helped that Uhtred didn't truly have a love for killing Danes, and Leofric of course, tailed him like an irritable disease. The three of us made our own mischief far away from the Danes. We hunted in the marsh, and on the other side where there were no sentries posted. We ate and drank too much. But even drink could only keep our restless souls at bay for so long.

On the day that green returned to the reeds of the marsh, and creatures of the salty kingdom began to make their return, we stumbled across a most troubling scene. Uhtred and I were bringing back our catch of small fish when he pulled me down quickly into the bottom of the punt. I began to protest when Uhtred put his finger to his lips to silence me. He peered over the punt's edge and pointed out. I looked to where he directed through the reeds and saw three Danish ships grounded on the bank.

"How many do you suppose there are?" Uhtred asked.

"At least forty," I replied.

"I was afraid you were going to say that.

"It's Svein of Denmark," I whispered.

"How do you know that?"

"His banner," I replied, looking at the standard that bore Svein's white horse.

"If Svein has come, we are in trouble."

"He hates Guthrum though."

"I would guess he hates Alfred more," Uhtred sighed.

"Do you think he's here to kill Alfred now?"

"Could be."

"Would that be the worst thing?"

"Tara!" Uhtred lightly scolded me, a smile tugging at his lips.

I shrugged at him and we continued to watch the band of Danes on the shore as our punt silently drifted past.

~~~~~

After waiting a few hours for the godly Alfred to finish his prayers we were at last summoned to his dwellings. His hut in contrast to ours, was well lined with furs, keeping in the warmth. The platform was larger, and broken into two rooms. It even came with real furniture inclusive of a bed, chairs, and table. I frowned at the sight, but held my tongue under Uhtred's warning eye.

Alfred was seated at the table with parchment and quills before him. He did not look up at our entry. He was deeply engrossed in whatever he was writing and put up a finger for us to wait when Uhtred cleared his throat to ensure Alfred knew we were there.

I glanced around the dwelling and caught Aelswith's watchful eye. She quickly dove behind the fur wall into the shelter of the second "room". Though I knew she could hear perfectly well what was happening on our side of the fur wall.

"Uhtred," Alfred spoke, his focus still on his parchment.

"Lord."

Alfred made one last scribble before looking up. "I believe you have news for me?"

"Danes are lurking dangerously near."

"I see." If Alfred was bothered by this news he did not show it.

"They are most likely here to kill you," I blurted out.

"That does seem to be a reasonable assumption," Alfred replied, his demeanor eerily calm.

"What do you want to do about it Lord?" Uhtred asked.

Alfred sat back in his chair and put his hands in prayer position before his face. "Let me pray on it."

"You're not serious?" I protested.

"I am quite serious."

I looked at Leofric who diverted his eyes elsewhere. I looked at Uhtred who shrugged. "Fine." I stalked out of Alfred's shelter and through the maze of docks towards where the punts were moored.

"Where are you going?" Uhtred asked, trying to not laugh.

"To talk to Svein," I replied, undoing the rope.

"Why?" He looked amused.

"I want to know if he's here for Guthrum or for himself," I replied, grabbing a hold of the pole.

"Be careful," Uhtred replied, waving me off.

"You're not going to stop me?" I asked confused. I had been ready to defend my going.

"I have learned there is no stopping you," he chuckled. "Besides, someone ought to talk to him. Find out what he wants. Just promise to come back in one piece." His face grew serious.

"Svein won't kill me," I replied.

"I know, he wants to plow you," Uhtred laughed.

"Uhtred!" My face began to burn red, and as much as I wanted to smack him, that was no longer possible for he had already pushed my punt away from the dock with his foot. "This isn't over," I called back to him.

"Counting on it," he laughed heartily.

"Where are you going?" Leofric barked, short of breath.

"Into the lion's den," I shouted back, not turning to look at him.

"Is she insane?" I heard him ask Uhtred.

"She is Tara," he replied proudly.

I smiled at this and carried on my way. To my surprise Leofric did nothing to stop me.

~~~~~

My heart began to race as I drew nearer to Svein's camp. I prayed quickly to the gods to keep me safe, and as I drew closer, I shouted out in Danish that I was there to speak with Svein. The men on the shore watched me with suspicion. Upon landing my punt on the shore, I slowly stepped out, hands nowhere near my weapons. How I longed for the comfort of Naegling in my hand, but I knew better than to have her in hand. "I am here to speak to Svein," I repeated as his men slowly began to circle me. I glanced over my shoulder and bit back the fear pulsing through my veins. A burly Dane appeared in front of me. He wasn't Svein, but he clearly held rank. The men looked to him for direction as he studied me.

"And what does a lone shield maiden want with my lord?" His icy eyes attempting to read my face. His nose, almost sniffing out my fear.

"That's between me and him," I smiled.

The Dane's brow furrowed as he continued to consider me. He pursed his lips in a crooked manner before indicating with his head that I should follow him. The men parted as we passed. I felt a small wave of relief flood through me as he led the way to the center tent of the encampment. He motioned for me to wait and I watched him vanish inside. A few moments later he returned.

"You may go in."

"You don't want to seize my weapons?" I asked.

"Is there any reason I should?" And with that he strode away, assumedly back to the group of men on the bank.

I watched after him, ensuring he was a good distance away before turning my attention to the haunting flaps of the tent. I sent up a quick prayer to the gods that Svein was not with Guthrum, or at the very least knew not of Uhtred's treachery. With one quick caress of the dagger hidden in my sleeve, I entered the white horse's dwelling.