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

Chapter 40

Nadia

Flames and smoke engulfed the dreary town. "I rather think it's an improvement," Brida chuckled.

"Good to see you cheered up," Ragnar slapped her hard on the back.

Brida scowled, "They weren't Saxons but they will do."

"You have blood lust my friend," he smiled at her, attempting to ruffle her hair with his knuckles.

The two tousled. Ragnar was not using his full strength. Brida met his side with her elbow. I was not convinced she was holding anything back.

"Guthred will take offense to what you have done!" Wealdhere scolded.

"Guthred is a turd," Brida spat on the ground.

"He only cares for Eoferwic," I added.

"You have made a mistake. Grimsby is neutral ground," Wealdhere tried again.

Ragnar laughed. "Grimsby was lawless and full of cutthroats. I've done you a favor."

"You've..." Wealdhere's face turned so red I thought it was going to melt off.

"Guthred does not care about feuds and stays out of them. He will not help you," I cut him off, a threatening glint in my eyes.

"Be lucky you're allowed to live," Brida chimed in, running her finger along her axe blade.

Wealdhere looked to Ragnar who shrugged. "I have no quarrel with you or this place."

The man lowered his head. "Understood Lord."

Ragnar reached towards his belt and detached a small pouch, tossing it at Wealdhere. Without another word he held out his arm to me and whistled joyfully as we walked off.

"You gave him silver didn't you?" I chided.

"Perhaps," he smiled.

"Ragnar you're too kind. Some people may think you're soft," I chuckled, poking his arm.

"Soft?" He raised his brow at me and clicked his tongue.

"Like dough," I chuckled.

"Dough?" He squinted at me, a devious smile creeping out.

"Dough," I nodded, feeling his arms wrap around me, his lips pressing against mine.

~~~

Ragnar

We returned to Dunholm with our prize in tow. Aksel was paraded around the village and left to the mercy of my soldiers and the people there. After a few days, he was beheaded and staked outside the village edge.

As my wife had guessed, Guthred cared not for what had occurred at Grimsby. He even sent a messenger to assure us that he wished to keep the peace between our two lands.

"He's a spineless pig," Brida grumbled, winning some laughs from the men gathered in the room.

The room silenced as a man rushed in, running up to table where I sat. He knelt before me and whispered into my ear. I felt my wife's eyes watching me, her free hand mysteriously out of sight.

"Send him in," I told the man who ran off.

"We have company?" she asked.

"Aye," I replied, a grin appearing on my face.

Rorik, sensing something was happening was loyally by my side within moments. His armed presence, threatening to whomever was about to enter our hall.

The doors opened. "My Lord Ragnarson," A youthful man greeted. All eyes turned to the brown-haired Dane and his two travel companions.