Moon-Heart | The Last Kingdom |

...goodbye, Mercia.

The Ealdormen were long gone, and Aelfwynn fell to Cynlaef for her own safety. Saehild stood at her father's side as he remained loyal to the house of Wessex. Although the history, her and Aethelstan grew distant with time. She still held deep care for him, but she had other issues to deal with. After Bebbanburg she had hoped that her life would settle down, and that she could return to a fulfilling life. However, it seemed that the gods had a different plan for her. Because of her father's loyalty, it required her to move to Wessex, which wasn't awful at first, since Aethelstan was at her side. But the less time she spent in Mercia, the less she felt like herself. Unfortunately, this would be a feeling she would have to live with. Her home was now Wessex. She severed the house of Wessex. It was what her life had become.

Damn Edward, damn him! He left Mercia to rot, like it was a forgotten apple. Aegelesburg, the place many loved and cherished, was gone. The once great hall she would run about and play in with Aelfwynn was taken over by strangers.

Life was no longer filled with laughs and gratitude. Instead, it was full of fear and watchful eyes.

*****

"Aelfwynn, hurry!" Saehild urged holding her hand.

The Princess tried her best to follow quickly, watching her footing in the dark, cradling her belly with her free hand. In front of them, Aldhelm lead the way the best he knew, while Cynlaef was the last clutching a sword in his hand. The only safe passage time was at night, covered by the darkness. It made the journey extremely hard, but if it meant that their safety would be ensured it was a risk that Saehild and Aldhelm would be willing to take. The woods were dense at this time of year, slowing them down. Aldhelm tried to cut down most of the path as he could, making his sword dull. The three warriors made sure to keep their eyes and ears open, no one could catch them, or else everything would be ruined. When they reached the end, nearing the riverbank, Aldhelm and Saehild sighed in relief to see Stiorra.

"Thank the gods." Saehild ran to hug her.

Everyone exchanged quick greetings, moving as fast as they could. Saehild and Cynlaef found the chest that they had hidden days before, putting them in the boat. Placing the light chest down, the lady looked to the distance seeing a ship waiting for its captain. For a split second, she ponders about what would happen if her and Aldhelm joined that ship, join Aelfwynn and Cynlaef, so that they may remain a family. But, as always, there was no time. They must leave now before they are found. Many a man had tried to come for Aelfwynn in the past months. The threats started with letters and protest, but when a paid man tried breaking into their home at Slatwic, that is when Lord Aldhelm draw the line. No one, but family, knew that Aelfwynn was with child. He started to fear that the news had gotten to these greedy men. Kill Aelfwynn, and her hire, then Merica was yours. Aldhelm would no longer fight the threat, but end to completely. By sending her away, no one could harm her.

"What is happening?" Aelfwynn asked watching everyone, franticly move. She had stood still while everyone already seemed to know. What was she to do when her father wakes her in the middle of the night, saying that they needed to leave immediately.

In his haste, Aldhelm caught a glimpse of the worry that Aelfwynn's face held. With a quivering sigh, he stopped his movements to comfort and tell his daughter the real reason for the odd trip. "You must leave." Aldhelm explained.

"No! No, I told you I will not!" Aelfwynn exclaimed.

"Aelfwynn," Aldhelm stepped closer, and took her hands, "I promised your mother that I would protect you, this is what I am doing. Aegelesburg...Mercia is no longer safe for you. Mercenaries will try to find you and kill you, and your child." the princess eyes started to swell with tears. She had to leave her home once again. Mercia was hers by birth right, and thanks to Edward no one seemed to remember that. "I know you are scared, but you have your mother's strength. You must go." Aldhelm pleaded.