Moon-Heart | The Last Kingdom |

22.

A day had passed, and Stiorra left for the hills, and Uhtred had not yet returned. During his absents, Aethelstan and his men had returned for good, hearing the news of Brida's actions. Sadly, Saehild had not yet had the opportunity to greet him, turning her attention back to Pyrlig's recovery. By the grace of god, he was recovering well, starting to walk around with some assistances. It made Saehild and young Uhtred very happy to see that healers had done a well job. When Saehild was out dealing with everything, young Uhtred, or Oswold his Christian name, helped take care of the priest making sure that all of his dressings were changed when needed. It had been some time since they'd seen each other, the last time, he was bleeding out and half dead. In darkness came the light, and seeing both finally in good health was the small light that she needed.

Even though healing was her calling, the King had her running around like an errand boy. Edward ordered her to do his mundane task, and be his messenger, rather then do anything with the armies. Right as she was starting to think that the men were respecting her, Edward had push her down. Wither it be because of her defiance, or for her simply being Danish, it annoyed Saehild to the core. Seeing Lord Aldhlem stand next to Edward, and command Stiorra to kneel, sat so wrong with her, but when Aldehlm tried to intervene with the king, it stalled her. A part of her still wanted to hate him, but that was her father. The man who almost gave his life for her. If only they where young again and didn't understand the weight of who they were, things would be much more simple.

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Reluctantly, Saehild followed through with her orders, one being to visit the ale house. It was not often that she visited ale houses, back in Aegelesburg Aldhlem forbid her to step foot in one unless order. He knew as well as any, what happened inside those walls. He did not want her subjected to that world. Opening the door, the Lady pushed past the drunken men and ale maids, to get to the owner. He was slumped over the table with a hanging face.

"Water down the ale, commanded by the King." she whispered loud enough for him to hear, adding emphasis on 'the King' part. He nodded in agreement not defying the wishes. Saehild gave him a thankful smile for not auguring with her. Sighing, she turned back to the door ready to leave the dusty air.

"Lady Saehild." Finan called, gaining her attention.

Recognizing the voice, Saehild turned to see the men all sat at the small table, with a genuine smile growing on her face. She walked to the table sat in the back corner, "Lord Uhtred." she bowed her head, "Areslings." she greeted Finan, Sihtric, and Aethelstan.

"Father Pyrlig is making a good recovery." Uhtred commented.

"Yes, he has responded very well to the treatment." Saehild smiled.

"Good." Uhtred nodded his head taking a sip of ale, "You are a good healer, Saehild."

"Thank you, Lord." Saehild slightly giggled, "Being a good healer takes a lot of energy, however, and I have been playing the King's errand boy. I am going to rest, but you all enjoy the last cup, the rest of the ale is to be watered down."

"Let me escort you." Aethelstan spoke, making everyone turn their head towards him.

Without anymore words, he stood from his seat and held out his arm for Saehild to take. Surprised, Saehild hooked her hand over the bend of Aethelstan's elbow. Finan tried to hold in his laugh watching the young ones walk out of the hut. Once they were out of sight, all three of the men laughed and clicked their wooden cups together. Time truly were changing, the least they could do was find something to smile about, even if it seemed silly to them.

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The two walked in silince for a moment entering the fortress up to Saehild's temporary chamber. The sun was coming quickly, and most of the household was still peacefully asleep. Weirdly, the both of them enjoyed the quiet between them, so much happened in the past few days that it was nice to just hear nothing.