Moon-Heart | The Last Kingdom |

20.

After a moment of silence for the king, the camp was dismantled and all were off to Eoferwic. The Danes were released from their ropes, and were the only ones to prepare Sigtryggr's body for travel. They did not want any Saxon hands ruining their King. With both parties ready, they rode before sundown in order to avoid the night. Preorder, King Edward and Lord Aldhelm led the march, with Lord Uhtred and Lord Aethelstan behind them. Following was Sihtric, Saehild, and Finan, with the rest after. Lady Saehild had not said much to anyone. She had let down her hair to cover her ears from the winds, and her mouth had stop bleeding, but there was nothing to better the moment. Only the crunch of the dirt and the neigh of the horse filled the air. Why speak? What was there to be said? Since anyone could remember, Christian and Pagan seemed to be natural enemies. Put here on this earth to battle, while the gods watched and cheered. As a child Saehild dreamed of being in battle, fighting for Mercia, now she wished that she never left Lundene.

When Uhtred moved out of the line and dismounted his horse, Saehild took the opportunity to ride next to Aethelstan. Both looked to each other then looked ahead, "I'm sorry about Osferth." she turned back and whispered just loud enough for him to hear.

"Yeah, me too." Aethelstan responded in a low voice, "He was a good uncle and a better warrior."

Saehild flashed a small sad smile remembering the last time she saw him. She would always remember his warm hugs and his nickname for her "little lady". Through eavesdropping, she found out, that Ingirth had brought his body back to Wessex. There he could have a proper Christian burial, ending his circle of life. Hopefully, this would be the last of the deaths that would followed.

The image of her and Aethelstan now leading armies, it felt right in all the wrong ways. She wanted to be a leader since the time she could remember, but leading an army to kill the unknowing, it is not what she had imagined. She didn't want to believe what the seer had said, but once that raven fell, life starting to fall.

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By the time they arrived to Eoferwic, the sun was gone and the moon was shown. A great ceremony was being prepare outside the gates of Jorvik, to send Sigtryggr to Valhalla. In death came something beautiful, everyone had the right to mourn, but after, came the celebrations of life. King Sigtryggr of Jorvik, nee Sigtryggr of Irland, life would be praised by those who walked in battle with him, those who he made sure had a peaceful land to live. His horse was sacrificed, all the ale that could be mustered up was brought, and a small boat was prepared to aid him on his journey. He sacrificed everything for his people, in turn they would give there all to make his trip to the great hall one to remember. During the solemn ride, Saehild was also informed of the Danes from Rumcofa that were brought by Father Benedict and young Uhtred, for salvation. They thought that here they may find somewhere safe after what happened. Unfortunately that was not the reality. On the other end, it warmed Saehild's heart knowing that there would be people there that share in faith to truly honor Sigtryggr.

Before joining the others, Saehild was given a small chamber in the fortress, which she felt she did not deserve. Why should she be given a proper room, while others were meant to sleep in tents in the cold. But Edward's servants reminded her that, she is a daughter of a Lord, making her a Lady. The room was hers, wither she wanted it or not. There she cleaned the dirt and blood off her face and hands. She did not wish to taste or smell blood for the rest of the night. When she was finished, Saehild found her cloak and went to join the others for the send off. Accordingly, she was meant to stand with her father, along the ramparts, but she could not stomach the thought. Not after what he had shown her.

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The yard was filled with many, to Saehild's welcome. Hopefully the crowd would mask her and hide her from the sight of her father. While the inhabitants of Eoferwic were forced outside the the gates, and King Edward, Lord Aldhelm, Lord Aethelstan, and his guard stood atop the ramparts to watch. At the edge of the camp, Saehild looked up, with a wave of disappointment coming over her. They watched over the crowd as if it where a crowd of children. Shaking off her thoughts, she easily found Finan and Sihtric stationed against a barrel, with a cup of ale in each of their hands. When she approached Finan, he put down his cup, walking over to her.