Warriors at Heart (The Last Kingdom Fanfic)

Chapter 66

I followed the blood hungry warlord into the thick of the flames. Svein angrily gazed at the smoking swampland. Another loud bang came from behind us and I knew Uhtred had hit Svein's now poorly protected ships. The utter chaos had worked. Svein motioned for me to follow him back to the main embankment where he stared in pure fury at his burning fleet. "Where are they?" he bellowed, not seeing a soul in sight. "Cowards! Show yourselves!" He turned on me, his blade gleaming orange. I blocked with Naegling. "You did this," he hissed. His eyes meeting mine.

"I did this?" I laughed, shoving him away. "You did this." He looked at me, a puzzled expression on his face. "I warned you. You are the one who ordered your men off in different directions." Realization was creeping into his murderous eyes. I lowered myself into a defensive stance as he roared. I sent a quick prayer up to Odin and parried. The force of his blow vibrated through my body but I managed to recover quick enough to block another. I let him beat down on me until I thought he might explode with rage. He panted heavily, but exhaustion didn't seem to register. A final explosion from where Svein was keeping camp sounded. Alfred's small garrison led by Uhtred emerged from the smoke, slicing down Danes. Leofric's division from the right joined us. Svein was distracted long enough for me to initiate my own attacks. Steel clashed. We were both panting heavily, ignoring the oozing gashes we had managed to inflict on one another.

Svein was more than a formidable opponent. He was three times my size and strength and was pure rage. I began to feel my limbs tire and knew I needed to take him down now or I would be done. You are small, what are you going to do with it?  My father's words popped into my head. I was quicker than Svein and could outpace him. Dodge blows that larger men would not be able to. Get close to him. It was now or never. Svein swung at me in a large arcing motion. I ducked beneath it and flung myself forward. Naegling found her mark with a sickening squelching sound. The warlord was dazed and dropped his sword. I shoved him backwards as I pulled my axe out of his gut. He stared at me, a smile on his face. "I wish we'd had more time," he gasped out. He laid panting heavily on the ground, blood pouring out of his mouth. He desperately grasped around, I knew he was looking for his weapon. I obliged, clasping it tightly in his hand. He manged to speak. "Do it."

A wave of pity swept over me and I nodded. He closed his eyes, the smile not leaving his face. I raised Naegling high and brought her down with a crunching sound. Svein of Denmark rose to Valhalla.

I looked up to find the battle had ceased. All eyes were on me. The remainder of Svein's men had no clue what to do. The snake's head had been cut off. Some fled, left to the fate of the marshes. Others in true Danish form, tossed their weapons aside and surrendered in hopes of living another day.

~~~~~

Alfred stared at the bloody sword I had brought back. "I take it he's dead then?"

"Svein won't be a problem anymore," I replied softly.

"And his men?"

"Yours to do with as you wish."

Alfred nodded. "You have hidden depths don't you?" I frowned at him. He smirked slightly. "You may be a warrior, but you're quite the strategist aren't you?" I continued to stare, clueless. "You read your enemy, developed a plan, and it worked."

"My plan was to kill Svein, simple as that."

It was Alfred's turn to look confused. "Yes..." He paused, studying me.  "Well, you will be rewarded."

"Keep your silver, I didn't do this for you." Before he could respond I turned on my heel and exited his tent. I marched back to my hut and finally let out the breath I had been keeping in. It would not be good for Alfred to think I am clever. I needed to remain the blood thirsty pagan in his eyes.