“Your suggestions are invalid” King Conchobar mac Donnchada explained some hours after there conversation started.
“But sir…” Aelfweard began but King Conchobar cut him off.
“No I will not risk the wellbeing of any woman for some child’s idea.” She bowed her head while Aelfweard argued her case.
“But sir she is no little child. She is a grown woman and wants to help us against the Vikings attacks and she is a brilliant fighter.” He added that last part to please Bellatrix which worked. She beamed at him in thanks.
“You are a lady and ladies do not fight, that is that.” King Conchobar shouted angrily, packing up his files.
Aelfweard was about to answer back when Bellatrix shouted “Just because I am a lady, does not mean that I am not brave enough. I do not wish to clean and reproduce like you demand us to, I want to help destroy the Vikings and help our country. Please let me help, I need to do something other than stay cooped up in that hell hole you call a home.” Everybody looked shocked the king, the guards and Aelfweard.
“Get your hands off me” Bellatrix shouted as two guards escorted her outside the castle and Aelfweard started pulling her towards Wexford. “Let go of me Aelfweard, I can walk by myself.” She yelled stomping off away from him towards the village.
He caught up walked beside her without a word. “You shouldn’t have shouted Bella” Aelfweard whispered as they entered the village.
“Well I was angry and he wouldn’t listen” Bellatrix whispered as a line of warriors passed them. The warriors were stationed at each coastal town to keep the Vikings from getting into our village.
“I know but Bella he is the king, he can order your death when you sleep.” He whispered grabbing Bellatrix so a wagon didn’t run her over.
“I know but remember” she whispered quickly as a guard walked towards them “I am a girl.” Aelfweard was about to argue some more but the guard had stopped in front of them. They recognised him immediately Ciar, one of the meanest men they knew. He had trained Aelfweard and had whipped him every time he did something wrong, Aelfweard still had the marks.
“I thought that was you” he pointed at Aelfweard “You were meant to be on patrol, and you” he pointed at Bellatrix, “Are meant to be at home cleaning.” He said with a sneer.
“Sir I was just escorting this lady to her home, from a meeting with the king” Aelfweard said quickly bowing his head.
“Well I’ll take it from here; you go do what you’re meant to” Ciar grabbed Bellatrix’s arm and Aelfweard nodded and left.
“I can walk by myself I know where I live” Bellatrix said trying to pull her arm from his grip, but he held on tight.
“No I will escort you so you do not get hurt milady.” He smiled his most evil smile and started walking her home.
“Bella” Aelfweard called walking into her home.
“She’s out the back” called Serena Bellatrix’s mother.
Aelfweard walked out to the back to see Bellatrix raking leaves, or pretending to at least. Bellatrix was working on her plan to prove her strength and was so preoccupied that she didn’t notice the Aelfweard standing there.
“Bella” he called sneaking up behind her. That brought her back; she was so surprised she whipped the rake around and attacking him.
“Aelfweard what the hell do you think you’re doing.” She tried her best to look stern but ended up laughing at his state. Aelfweard had received many wounds to his face from the rake.
