The Promises We Make- Uhtred of Bebbanburg

Chapter Fourteen

My stomach gurgled, voicing its need for food as we continued to follow our new acquaintance to his home. Antoine kept talking and telling stories of his family, only taking small breaks in between to drink from his flask. I have yet to hear him be quiet for longer than a moment, but his voice is a welcoming distraction from my thoughts. Lord Uhtred kept close by to me, circling the unknown surroundings with every chance he could. He was on high alert and become cautious with every movement and sound that emerged in the forest. He was becoming paranoid. Knuckles turning white from the strong grip he had around his dagger that hung close to his hip. Rest is what he desperately needed. A small rest to plan our next move.

"And that is why my mother, god rest her soul, bathed in summers old goats milk." Antoine soured his face, shaking his head in disgust.

I listened at the wrong moment and become confused as to what I just heard. The rounded man turned to smile, showing is pearly white teeth. All I could muster was a forced grin at the jolly man.

I didn't realise how dark it had become. The sun was no longer awake to keep us from freezing. The short moments of warmth was quickly missed as it was time for the star to sleep.

"We should make camp." Uhtred voiced as he dropped his bag to the floor in an instant. Keeping to himself, he took one look at me and left with only his sword strapped to his back. Guilt was now making its home within me, as I forced the feeling down my throat

"Your husband is right." Antoine agreed. He began to stable his cart into place, close by to him as he began to make himself more comfortable. He placed an old blanket on some fallen branches and sat against a tree. He breathed out a sigh of relief before he removed a half filled leather bottle.

"A nice little treat." He smiled, sniffing the fumes of the contained liquid. "I've been looking forward to this all day." With one large sip, he became more relaxed.

"Would you like some miss?" The bottle was offered to me. "It's freshly brewed ale, straight from my farm."

"Sure." I easily gave in, drinking a small amount and wincing in disgust. As horrid as the ale was, it did warm me up and dull down the worries. I took another, longer drink.

"Slow down miss." Antoine laughed. "There is plenty there to drink."

Embarrassed, I handed back the bottle. "I am sorry." I coughed.

"You must of needed it miss." He took another sip. "Come, warm yourself up. Your husband will be back with wood for a fire and I wouldn't want him to find that you have frozen to death."

Without saying a word, I took his advice and made myself comfortable against a tress next to his. He passed the bottle again and I gladly accepted.

*

I sat alone, quietly eating food and filling myself with sweet wine by the jug. The other lords and their men excused themselves early to attend to the ladies of the night they had invited. Moans, screams and laughter filled my ears as I tried to enjoy my time alone away from these disgusting men. I could not wait for the day they will gone but I desperately needed their help.

Finishing off my meal, I gracefully wiped my mouth with a cloth before leaving the servants to clean up the mess. I had important business to attend to. Word arrived of some of my men returned with news. Though I am told it was not the news I wanted.

Arriving at the main hall, I harshly pushed the doors, sending the decorated wood smashing against the stone walls. Four soldiers shake and cower in my presence as fear reeks from their bodies.

Without saying a word, I paced close to them, making way down the line. None met my eyes as I studied each man carefully. A tall, lanky boy at the end had a wet patch forming in his trousers.