A Saint To A Sinner

2.16

Over the days, they travelled to Droitwich, where the Lady Æthelflaed once lived. Never once did Y/N speak. Not to Uhtred, nor to Osferth. She was angry inside, and she was hurt. She did not know how to form the words, but she would not speak them either. Finan tried over the journey to talk to her, but she avoided his presence, and he knew it. None of them knew what to say. They had never seen either of them react to each other in such a way, but left them to it. Sihtric had tried to approach after a day with food, but she refused to sit with him, so he chose to leave her at peace. Leaving Osferth as the only one who could approach her.
"Do you think, Finan, will want to train me today." Y/N looked at Osferth. A sarcastic look formed on her face as she sat on the steps.
"Go and ask him." Y/N said as she stared into space.
"Maybe Sihtric could join." Osferth ran to step in front of her, holding his hands out to stop her from moving. "I meant no harm, but you have not trained in a while." Y/N nodded, a smirk formed on her face.
"Or I can train you." Osferths face dropped. Osferth looked over to the table where Sihtric and Finan was.
"Finan! I really need your help." Osferth called, feeling slightly threatened by her now.

Y/N grabbed Osferth by his collar, pulling him outside of the gate.
"Come on then." Y/N threw the wooden sword towards Osferth, waiting for him to strike. Osferth jumped when she flinched, causing him to lift the sword, but she ignored it, striking at him again. Her wrist flicked the wooden sword in her hands as she waited for him to get up before she hit him again and again.
"What are yu trying to do. Kill him woman." Finan grabbed the sword from her as she huffed. Glaring at him.
"Oh. Come on, Y/N!" Finan called, almost pleading with her.
"Osferth needs training." Osferth stood awkwardly, trying not to get between them. "I'll talk to you when you finish training Osferth." Finan nodded, accepting her answer, a gentle smile forming on his face.
"What?" Y/N asked, as she noticed Finan walk carefully towards her. Trying his best not to upset her.
"Please just tell Sihtric yu love him. Yu don't have to talk to him yet, but he needs to hear it." Finan begged, almost afraid she would ignore him. "That's all I ask." Finan said quickly as he watched her leave.
"Sihtric has really her hurt her Fin." Osferth said, causing her to stop by the gate. Listening in from the other side.
"I know. I know. I've tried talking to Sihtric, but all he blames is that damn curse."
"But she really is rid of it."
"I know she is. I believe her."
"Have you told her that... properly Finan..." Y/N shook her head, not wishing to listen in to their conversation anymore.

With a sigh, she approached Uhtred, asking to speak to him.
"Uhtred. Do you think I will be allowed to return to Cookham. I wish to stay there for a while." Y/N asked, knowing they were still banished from Wessex, but she had hoped she would be allowed to at least return to Cookham. Uhtred placed his hand on her arm, a gentle smile on his face.
"I am not your husband." Y/N looked down, almost shameful. "But I can not stop you either. If that is your wish, then I will be sad to see you go, but I do hope you will talk to Finan and Sihtric first before you make any decision. And if you do return to Cookham you will have to enter Wessex alone. Father Beocca and your sister may be able to bargain your stay."
"Thank you. Uhtred. I will talk to them." Y/N said, as she looked back at Sihtric, who watched her. His eyes made contact with hers. Sihtric got up about to approach when Osferth called them.
"There is a woman. Lord." Y/N frowned at Osferth.
"A woman?" Uhtred asked.
"Finan said to call you." Osferth panted.
"Why does Finan need help with a woman?" Uhtred asked before he realised. "Brida?!"

Y/N climbed on her horse with a grunt but managed to do it without any help.
"Did she say anything?" Uhtred asked.
"No, Lord." Finan confirmed. Y/N looked at Finan. A confused look formed on her face as she saw the anger on Brida's face. Something had happened. Why else would Brida ride alone.
"I knew you'd be with your princess." Brida spoke as Uhtred got off his horse. Y/N watched Uhtred carefully approach Brida. Speaking to her softly.
"He's dead. Ragnar is dead." Y/N breathed in heavily. Her eyes flicked to Finan, whose face showed suprise.

None of them moved, only watching the silence between Uhtred and Ragnar. Neither wanted to interfere.
"He doesn't feast in Vallhallah." Brida spat, as she marched towards Uhtred. "Instead, he lies under a pile of stones at a lake near Loidis." Y/N looked to right of her as she heard Sihtric's horse shuffle.
"No, Sihtric." Finan said, as Sihtric reached for his sword.
"Fin. Go to him." Y/N said. A gentle smile on his face. "We will head back." Y/N looked at Osferth and then to Sihtric, motioning them to follow her back to Æthelflaeds estate, where they could leave Uhtred with his thoughts.