Always Be By My Side - Sequel to Always Return to Me (The Last Kingdom Fan Fic)

Chapter 33

Ragnar

The hair on my neck pricked up as we rode farther away from our small war band. I trusted that Rorik was correct and this was not a trap. The man had good instincts, and I trusted my and my family's life with him. My wife on the other hand, remained tense as we rode on. I noticed her free hand was caressing the hilt of her dagger, a habit she had when she was nervous.

At last we reached the edge of the woods where a clearing awaited. Rorik remained mounted upon his horse, staring at the five dismounted Scots from a distance. Relief crossed his face when we appeared. He rode toward us. "Lord."

"I assume this is important?" I replied.

"They want to call a truce," Rorik answered.

"A truce?" Nadia scoffed. "What's in it for them?" She asked. I looked to Rorik expectantly.

"Lord Ragnar," one of the Scots approached on foot. He was not an old man, but he was not a young one either. He was well dressed, and his sword was adorned with gemstones. His smile was dangerously welcoming. "I welcome you to Alba," he said in Danish. The surprise must've registered on my face. "I see you have brought my son with you."

"You have the pleasure of knowing my name, but what is yours?" I replied.

"Of course, forgive me lord, I am Constantin, nephew to the King of Alba."

"You're the king's newphew?" I returned, amused.

"Domnal, yes. He's old, his time is coming to an end."

"And you will be king?" I asked.

"If God wills it, yes." Nadia's horse stamped impatiently, mirroring my wife's growing irritation. "Ah, the Lady Ragnarson I presume?" He asked, bowing to her. I bit back at a smile at her tightening jaw and death stare she was giving the poor man. "I assure you lady, this is no trap," he continued, as if reading her mind.

"Then what is it you want?" She asked, her voice cold.

"I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet you both. Did you know your neighbor Wihtgar sends envoys to us?" He replied, looking between the two of us.

Nadia kept her gaze steadily on him, "The coward needs your help?"

Constantin smiled at this. "He has offered us one thousand silver marks to bring men this summer to attack you."

"And why would you attack us?" I asked, making him refocus his gaze on me.

"Because you will be busy attacking Bebbanburg with his cousin of course," he smiled like this was some sort of game. "But Wihtgar is not a very generous man. A thousand silver marks is welcomed in our coffers, but it feels a small price to wage war on you. I would propose a different arrangement."

"Which is?" I asked.

"You pay me three thousand silver marks, and I will keep all of Alba's soldiers home this summer," Constantin replied, still smiling. Greedy bastard.

"Let me suggest, for four thousand silver marks you keep your warriors out of all of Northumbira for an entire year," I offered.

The man pondered over this offer. I watched him think, calculating what this offer meant. At last he spoke, "I could accept that."

"Your king will accept this?" I asked.

"He will do as I say," Constantin replied confidently.

"How do we know you will keep your word?" Rorik, ever protective, interjected.

Constantin smiled at this. He ushered to two of his men, who brought two that were tied up over to us. "I present you with a gift. These two men led the raids on your lands. Do with them as you will. I will also return the women and children that were taken. Lastly, I give you my son, Cellach." He indicated towards the prince behind me.