Painted Blade || sihtric

76.

A day later, Uhtred, Sihtric, and Espen had left with their company, going their own ways to stop a war while Bemia, Finan, and Osferth walked through Romcofa, weapons in hand as they watched townsfolk hurry in the opposite direction.

Moments ago, Bemia was checking on Young Uhtred with Ingrith and the twins when Osferth ran into the house with Finan, telling her that they may need her and her men.

"I do not like this," Bemia quietly admitted, holding her sword tighter in hand, between the two men while they approached a man who stood before a group of men the size of a fyrd.

"Neither do I," Finan whispered. "If something is wrong, then you and your boys must leave, Bemmi. You three must go to Uhtred and Espen."

Bemia stayed quiet, knowing if danger was to strike, then it would be her two sons that would leave at all costs—even if it meant sacrificing her life for theirs.

The three of them came to a stop in front of the strongly built man, the townsfolk crowding around behind them in curiosity.

"Whose men are you?" Bemia questioned, her tone sharp like the blade in her hand that she wouldn't hesitate to use.

The man looked her up and down for a long moment, eyes calculating. "We come from the King," he announced and the men behind him started to slowly push forward with their weapons ready. "Dane murderers are hiding here, and you must hand them over."

Bemia quietly scoffed as Finan slowly nodded, looking around at the men. "Of course," he flatly said. "My men will attend to it." He slightly bowed and then grabbed Bemia's arm, pulling her back while they turned around. "Get your men and your two boys. Now!"

"My boys are with your wife," Bemia reminded him, and they both started jogging back to the house. "Olav!" she called out.

The commander of her army ran toward her, already armed with a weapon and shield, always lurking in her shadow. "The men are already waiting, Queen," he informed her.

"Good. They are under the order to attack if those men do!"

Olav nodded, rushing away from her while townsfolk started to panic at the state of Finan and Bemia.

"Cynlaef!" Finan shouted when they raced down the street to the house, shoving a few people out of their way. "Get your arse out here!"

"Boys!" Bemia yelled, pushing the door to the house open and rushing in with Finan to see a worried Ingrith standing beside Young Uhtred with the twins beside her. "No Cynlaef?"

"No, why?" Young Uhtred asked, sitting up with his brows furrowed, concealing the true pain his body continued to feel.

"What's wrong?" Ingrith questioned, pinching her brows together in worry.

Finan started pacing, turning into a panicked mess. "Uh, I need someone to alert the men downriver. But quietly, so it doesn't look like we want a fight."

"Soldiers have arrived," Bemia cut in, handing her unsheathed sword to Njål. "They say they're from Edward, but we're not sure we believe it."

"I'll go," Ingrith offered, walking toward Finan. "I can raise the men of Rumcofa, and I can take the twins with me, where they will be safe. The men know me, and no one will notice us leave."

"Are you sure you can take the boys?" Bemia questioned, pulling her sons closer to her. She didn't want them away from her, but if they went with Ingrith, then they would survive what she knew was coming. "They know how to fight if something goes wrong."

"Bemia, you should go with them," Finan countered, sending her a firm look to not argue. He knew better than anyone that she would be the first to stay and defend his back, but he also knew that her children need their mother more than he needed her to fight by his side. "Norway still needs their Queen as do your children. Your men will be here to fight with me if need be."