A Saint To A Sinner

5.13

Determination had started to arouse between all of them when they entered the throne room with high hopes as Uhtred set forth his brilliant plan.
"Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg, just as you always wanted. And you hold it alone?" Edward questioned, thinking about it.
"Not alone." The Lady Ælswith surprisingly stepped forward. "You would have the men to return Ælfwynn. Uhtreds men."
"Yes. Thank you for that. So, then, when you are dead who holds the north after you?" Edward taunted. "Your seedless son or a child of Stiorra the Dane?"
"I cannot speak for my daughter-"
"No you cannot." Edward said before he walked back to his throne. "Uhtreds plan has much to commend, but still this is not the correct course of action."
"You're going to allow the marriage to take place?" Eadith questioned.
"I am going to make Constantine an offer in exchange for Æthelhelms head. He is the greater threat to our kingdom." Edward argued, making it difficult for all of them. He was putting too many obstacles in place as he shut down Uhtreds plan.
"I will come to an agreement with him. In exchange for marrying Ælfwynn and isolating Lord Æthelhelm we will divide Northumbria in two, to create an area of fortification around the Scottish border." Edward stated. Y/N looked worriedly at her husband's. Uhtred stepped forward in confusion, "you would split Northumbria. These are lands my forebears died for. Saxon lands!"
"Now, finally, you're a Saxon?" Edward taunted. He would not have it. Even Ælswith argued that it was a fools plan and at the sacrifice of her granddaughter.

This argument carried on, back and forth as they argued between them, until Lord Aldhelm stepped up to defend Uhtred. Arguing the benefit along with the defiance of Ætheflaeds wishes.
"With respect, Lord King..." Father Pyrlig appeared, walking past them with a positive look, "it is not only Lord Aldhelm who believes you to be wrong. There are good people in Northumbria. They are your people. You owe them your protection. We stand with Uhtred."
"It is not that you are wrong, my son. It is that you simply mistaken on this occasion. Whilst your arguments are considered, I would urge you to follow the counsel of Lord Uhtred. Your father trusted his judgement, as should you." Ælswith said as she stood beside them making Y/N smile. Edward looked at them, eyeing each one of them carefully, before asking Æthelstan his opinion , making them all frown.
"You do not have to answer, Æthelstan." Uhtred said softly.
"And yet he should. Since Ælfweard has shown himself to be disloyal. Æthelstan could be the King to face the Scots. What do you say Æthelstan?" Y/N was confused. Since when was Æthelstan the next heir? This confused all of them. Æthelstan looked at Y/N, then to his father, "our faith reached us to speak the truth. It teaches us to seek peace. And that all Christians must unite. To abandon those in your Kingdom and divide their lands that is not unity... I will follow Lord Uhtred."
"Not sure things are going yur way, Lord King." Finan joked with laughter, just as the guards grabbed hold of them.   One grabbed Y/N and the other threw Finan to the floor, pointing their swords at him.
"I will brook no more defiance. I am a just King, but think on those who I have crushed. Think on the ealdormen. Think of Sigtryggr." Edward said.  Y/N looked around to see the Lady Ælswith holding onto Eir to protect her. "The gates will be closed to all. No one will leave on penalty of execution."
"Then the Mercian guard will be ordered to ram the gate down." Lord Aldhelm stated.
"You can try to fight us, Lord King, but we will fight back. You delay and we lose the advantage. So you can join our mission or you can flounder. But we will be gone by sunrise. Chose!" Uhtred shouted. Uhtred had made his peace and there was no more they could do except for leaving Eoferwic and going to Bebbanburg.