A Saint To A Sinner

3.3

A new journey was to embark, and it was one that filled Y/N with excitement but also nervousness. She worried how Cynlæf would cope without her in Mercia or if something were to happen to him. For now, Y/N did not have to worry as they where to go to Winchester with Cynlæf before sending him to Mercia.
"He will be alright." Uhtred came to stand next to Y/N as they watched Cynlæf help his fathers load the horses up. "I know what it is like to leave your children behind, but I can say one thing. Cynlæf is old enough to understand, and he is a clever boy. He was lucky enough to grow up with the three of you. And that is where I went wrong as a father." Uhtred reassured as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"I do not think you did wrong by your children, Uhtred. They were different times." Y/N looked at Uhtred with a small smile. It was a different time back then. They had been through so much all those years.
"Sometimes you remind me of Hild, and then I remember how you were kicked out by God." Y/N shoved Uhtred with a laugh. It had become a joke all these years when the people found out Y/N had become a Pagan.

Y/N approached Finan, gently brushing her hands across his shoulder as she gave him a kiss on his cheek. Finan grinned at her, turning his neck to the side so he could kiss her. Finan chuckled when she slapped his bum before walking towards Sihtric.
"The horse is too big for him." Y/N laughed as Sihtric lifted Cynlæf onto the horse, who looked unsure of the horse.
"And that is why I am riding with him." Y/N nodded at Sihtric, a sarcastic looked formed on her face as she squeezed her sons leg.
"And what did you bribe him with to get him to ride with you?" Sihtric laughed at his wife's words.
"I told him that when we would return, I would gift him his first arm ring, but for now, he can keep my knife for protection. I know what you are going to say but he is only a boy, and he will be without his parents." Sihtric grabbed her wrist a pleading look on his face. Y/N accepted his answer with a nod before climbing onto her horse.

The journey to Winchester to deemed different for Y/N. It was a strange feeling. She was not unsettled by Winchester, nor did she feel comfortable. For Cynlæf he hated the journey. The poor boy was bored and had no amusement, except for changing between horses, until he got sent to Uhtred. The journey was too long for him, and he did not like it. Luckily for Y/N, Uhtred managed to amuse Cynlæf with all kinds of stories. Telling him the stories of battles and how Uhtred came to be a Pagan.

By the time they reached Winchester, Cynlæf had fallen asleep on the horse. Uhtred carefully climbed off of his horse carrying Cynlæf to Finan, who took him in his arms.
"Say hello to Hild for me, ay?" Finan winked at Y/N as he took Cynlæf off with Sihtric to an inn.
"Oh I will." Y/N said as she followed Uhtred inside the church to find Beocca, only to be greated by Hild.
"I will fetch Beocca." Hild told them. Y/N and Uhtred smiled at her as they waited, watching the novices go past with giggle. Y/N shook her head in amusement.
"Uhtred! Y/N!" Beocca said, pulling them into a hug.
"I have good news, but it needs wine." Y/N laughed as she followed them, holding her sisters arm.

Uhtred informed Beocca of the weakened forces in Bebbanburg and is ready to take it back, with the hopes Beocca and Hild join them.
"Oh, I think my fighting days are over, Uhtred." Hild declined. She was an Abbess now. Her life was different to a few years ago.
"You, then?" Uhtred looked at Beocca, who laughed. "You don't want an old man."
"You are not old, Beocca." Y/N said as she drank from the cup in front of her.
"You have Y/N." Beocca said sadly, "I'm sure she will fight."
"You, Beocca, have mourned Thyra long enough. She would not want this sadness for you. Throw it off and return to Bebbanburg with me." Uhtred begged, but Beocca still declined. That the nuns would need him for sacraments. Uhtred understood Beocca's duty, promising he would hold a feast in honour of him once they reclaimed Bebbanburg.

"How is the children? Are they well?" Hild asked, looking at Uhtred and Y/N. Y/N looked at Uhtred to go first.
"What?" Hild asked as she noticed Y/Ns amused expression.
"Stiorra is well, but Uhtred does not wish to see me. He has become a Holy man."
"A very Holy man." Y/N added, almost laughing. It wasn't the fact that Young Uhtred was a Christian man. It was the fact that Young Uhtred was a strong believer and a preacher.
"He only wishes to see Uhtred if he can accept him as a good Christian boy." Y/N said as she looked at Uhtred, who placed his head in his hands. "Or if Uhtred gives up the Pagan part."
"He is stubborn, like his father," Hild said with laughter. It was true Young Uhtred was more like his father than he realised.
"And what of little Cynlæf." Beocca asked. "Is he still chasing chickens."
"He is Finans son alright." Y/N said with a huff.
"He does look like Sihtric." Hild said, nudging her sisters hand. Beocca agreed, "he looks like a Dane with blonde hair." Y/N looked at Uhtred, who held his hands up in defence.
"Though I do need to check on him." Y/N said as she downed the rest of the drink.
"Cynlæf or your husbands?" Beocca asked, causing them to laugh.
"Both." Y/N said with a laugh as she left to go and find her husbands.