Moon-Heart | The Last Kingdom |

17.

As the winter sun started to shine over the town of Aegelesbrug, every single able body stood in respect for the late Queen of Mercia. Only the crunch of the dirt and the hushed prayers could be heard. Leading the presession,  Lord Aldhelm proudly carried the lady on her pyre to lay in state. It was tradition, for the ruler of a kingdom to lay in the hall for the public to say goodbye and pray their respects before they were put in the crypt. King Edward and trusted members of the guard followed behind. In the middle, Saehild stayed with Eadith. The two walked side by side, with their hands in front and heads down, among the crowd.  While walking the girl tried to stay calm. She tried to remember ever word they had ever exchanged, but at the same time she thought of how Aethelflaed would miss out on so much of her life. She had been there for small, yet mighty milestones, but she would never see Saehild and Aelfwynn become greater. She wouldn't be there to guide them anymore.

Lifting her head for a moment, Saehild met the gave of Aethelstan. He offered a small head nod in solitude. A small part of him wished he could be walking beside her and offer a shoulder to cry on, but he would stay with Uhtred, and grieve in his own. The only time he had seen her this sadden, was back when they were travelling to Bedywn. She was so sad to be taken away from her father, and now her mother was being taken away.

Reaching the steps of the palace, Eadith and Saehild waited their turn to properly say farewell. There was a rotation in the hall, making sure that everyone had a chance to mourn. To some the routine seemed familiar, also attending the funeral of Lord Aethelred years ago. Not a word was spoken between the ladies while waiting, Saehild was too broken. She kept in mind what Aldhelm had told her, she needed to be strong, now was not the time to crumbly. But, for a short time Saehild allowed herself to be sorrow filled.

Finally gaining access inside, as the line moved, it was Eadith and Saehild's turn. Seeing his daughter, Aldhelm stepped out of his post and stood beside Saehild. Together they would say good-bye, just as the day that Saehild was introduce to the lady. Holding his hand, with the both of hers, the father and daughter stood in front of Lady Aethelflaed. Aldhelm bowed his head low, and Saehild placed her left foot behind her right knee bending down. As she rose she took a deep breath holding a stone face. Aldhelm handed Saehild to Eadith, so that he could return to his post. He would guard her until the crypt was sealed. Their story, had come to an end, and he had to forge a new path for him and his daughters.

Existing the large door way, Saehild allowed no more tears to fall. She held her head up straight and looked upon the horror that Edward was already creating. His guard was everywhere, blocking every gate possible. Edward had Mercian blood through his mother, but he had no idea what it meant to be Mercian. As she was told, Saehild returned her chambers rummaging through her clothes. She found her favorite ridging clothes that would be suitable for whatever journey she was about to endure. A deep plum tunic, simple trousers, boots, leather arm guards, and her leather chest guard was all she needed. Looking at her reflection, tying her weapons belt, Saehild told herself something very simple; She was Lady Saehild, daughter of Aldhelm. Born a powerful and willful warrior, and it was about time she used it.

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With the mark of the funeral, the mourning period was over, and life had to continue on. Uhtred and his men had already left back to Rumcofa, before Saehild could say any proper farewell. She did not know when they previously left, but she guessed they left during the ceremony to avoid any wrath of Edward. When she rejoined her father, he informed her that as soon as he said his own farewells and found two suitable horses, they would be leaving. He planed for them to ride to Rumcofa to meet with Uhtred and figure out where Aelfwynn might be and join her and Lady Aelswith. From there it did not matter where they went, as long as they were together, that is what his duty called for.