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"I came to sit with my sister for a while, my sister the outlaw." Edward said as he joined them at the table with Beocca and Pyrlig. Rúna and Sihtric stand away from the table and she wraps her hands around his arm to lay her head on his shoulder.
The group has all unanimously agreed to not mention why Rúna was clinging to Sihtric as of late, not that Sihtric would complain. Finan had figured it was a coping mechanism due to Sihtric being there for her at every chance since meeting her. Uhtred watched his sister with sad eyes and couldn't help but smile when Sihtric laid his head on hers. He could reluctantly admit they were cute.
"You grow by the day, Edward." Aethelflæd said with a kind smile.
"He grows wiser."
"Slowly, but hopefully." Edward said looking around the table before settling on Osferth. Sihtric moves to sit on a nearby chair and he pulls Rúna to him, his hand resting on her waist allowing her to decide the next move. Rúna hesitated for a moment but decided her need for his comforting touch outweighed her pride. She gave him a small nod as he gently pulled her into his lap, she crossed her ankles as she faced the group and couldn't help but relax against his chest.
"If you would excuse me." Sihtric, Rúna, and Edward watch Osferth leave. She looks at Sihtric and they silently agree to speak with Osferth later. The monk was sweet and shy, he must have taken after his mother and not Alfred.
"I was sorry to hear of Ragnar's death. He was a heathen, but a good man. I shall pray for him." Beocca said looking at Uhtred and her. Sihtric kissed her shoulder when she grimaced in guilt, Uhtred frowned at Rúna knowing this would eat away at her for a while. She was mildly insulted at the mention of her big brother being a heathen and therefore not worthy of condolences had he been anyone else.
"Amen." Edward said.
"He would not thank you for your prayers, Father." Rúna smiled softly imagining Ragnar's face if he knew.
"Well, they are his all the same. I pray for you, too, Uhtred. And I will not stop in spite of your pigheadedness." Beocca said.
"And me, father?" Finan asked playfully to lighten the mood.
Rúna was thankful for it.
"Oh, I'm afraid you belong to the devil already."
"Hmm, you could well be right." Beocca smiled at the Irishman.
"Should we get on with the matter, Father Beocca? The sooner we get back, the better." Pyrlig said looking down at the priest.
"Yes, Edward is here because he had something to say, to ask. For sake of appearance, you all should all try to behave as if you're completely disinterested." Beocca informed them and Rúna wondered if it would be another oath.
"How...how many men does Hæsten have?" Edward asked quietly.
"Maybe as many as one thousand."
"And a fortress." Edward stated.
"Beamfleot."
"I wish to understand why you believe you can defeat him when it appears impossible." Edward questioned.
"Laying siege to the fortress would take three thousand and many would die, but I will use his hatred of me to draw him out. We could feint an attack with a small number of men and then retreat, Hæsten will not be able to resist the opportunity of killing me on open ground, with an army we will have a chance." Uhtred explained and Rúna was still amazed at how his mind worked.
"Men will still die."
"It is war. Men will die at Beamfleot or they will die here and at Winchester. But as I said to the king, defeating Hæsten could well prevent a greater war." Uhtred said looking at the younger man.
Rúna sighs and turns to Sihtric who is already gazing at her, realizing he's been caught looking his face turns a shade of red and she laughs quietly at him. Instead of teasing him, she just snuggled into his chest and laid her head on his shoulder.
"And that is no false claim, lord. Nothing deters a warrior more than the news of defeat. It's a plan that can work, but Uhtred will need men, an army. And I do not wish the devil to take me too easily." Finan smirked at Beocca who smiled back.
Finan and Beocca were an odd duo but it seemed to work.
"There is a thick forest surrounding Beamfleot, a good place to hide an army."
"Yes, lord. A good place to hide five hundred men or more." Uhtred agreed.
"Then you shall have them."
"Is that a promise you can keep, lord?" Beocca asked worriedly.
"Edward, you are certain."
"Set a day for the attack and I will be there. You shall have the men, draw Hæsten out of the fort. Our army will be hidden in the woods, waiting. You have my word, I swear." Edward tells them with confidence.
