raven ↠ vikings

TWENTY-SEVEN

The air in Wessex was bitter. My body shivers as I wrapped my cloak tighter around my body. In the distance, I spotted King Ecbert's villa. My journey hadn't been easy. The waves were rough and cold. I didn't think I was going to make it, but there I was; standing on the top of a small hill ready to face the demons lurking in the back of my mind. I knew Bjorn had seen my letter by now. I wondered what he thought of me. Did he hate me? Would he ever forgive me for leaving him? A dull ache overwhelmed my chest; an ache only Bjorn could soothe, but he wasn't with me. 

I gripped the sheath on my belt that held my sword as I made my way to a simple house at the bottom of the hill. There was one thing I had to take care of before I met with King Ecbert; one person I was anxious to see. I arrived at the house, stopping at the door and lightly knocked against it. Seconds later, it was pulled open quickly. 

Nathaniel stood in front of me; Wren's husband. His brown eyes scanned over me with surprise, and maybe even a hint of alarm. I kept a calm look on my face as he smiled nervously. 

"Raven, what are you doing here?" He asked.

I shrugged, "I was in the area, so I wanted to check-in and see how you're doing."

He still hadn't invited me inside, "I'm doing better. I still miss Wren every day."

I looked at him for a few moments, observing how he kept glancing behind me to see if I was alone, "Me too," I finally said. "Tell me, Nathaniel, in this great time of mourning for you, how did you manage to already find another wife?" I stepped forward, causing him to back into his house, "I was surprised to hear it, especially that you had moved out of the villa. Does Ecbert even know about your new marriage?"

I closed the door behind me as Nathaniel had fear in his eyes, "I loved Wren, but I wasn't just going to be sad forever. I had to move on."

"Oh, I understand," I leaned back against the door, "but three weeks? Come on, doesn't she deserve a little more time than that?" I didn't let him talk as I smiled. "You see, I had a lot of time to think on my journey here by myself," I pushed myself off the door, walking closer to him as he stood against his dining room table. "One thing that I just couldn't get my mind off of was Wren's murder, and how it happened."

Nathaniel began to sweat nervously, "The servant-"

I cut him off, "We both know King Aella came up with the plot, obviously, but who put the poison in her glass?" I stopped inches away from him with a calm look in my eyes that scared him even more. "The pitcher of wine wasn't poisoned because you and I didn't die, so there were only two people close enough to Wren that night to put the poison in her glass only," Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him reaching for a fork. "Do you know who those two people were, Nathaniel? Me and you, and I know I didn't kill her, so tell me, what did Aella offer you that was important enough to kill your wife for?"

He grabbed the fork and tried to stab me in the neck, but I caught his hand, twisted it at an ugly angle, and heard his wrist snap. He cried out in pain as he held his broken wrist, "Please, please don't kill me."

"You didn't answer my question," I pulled out my sword, and pressed it against his throat. "What did Aella give you in return for killing Wren?"

He breathed heavily, finally giving in, "I lost all my money gambling. I was in horrible debt, and he paid it off. He bought me this house and gave me enough money to last the rest of my life."

I shook my head. Money? That was all Aella needed to bribe Nathaniel? "You're a disgusting man," in one swift motion, I sliced my blade against his throat, crimson blood flowing from his veins as he fell over gasping. "That was for Wren and her unborn baby, you coward."

I watched as the life faded from his eyes. Blood pooled around my feet as I stepped away, pulling the hood of my cloak over my head. I cleaned Nathaniel's blood off my sword, and I gave the sorry excuse for a man one last look before walking out of the house. 

• • •

Once I arrived at Ecbert's villa, I got cold stares from almost everyone I passed. Guards escorted me through the courtyard, grabbing the attention of every person in our path. They all tensed, looking at me like I could explode at any moment. I kept my gaze forward, focusing on the reason why I was there. 

Ecbert was waiting for me in the Throne Room. He talked lowly with his son, Aethelwulf, who turned when he heard someone enter the room. Aethelwulf's eyes looked me up and down as he patted his father on the shoulder. He walked towards me, caution in his gaze, and he gave me a small nod.

"Welcome back."

Ecbert turned around, "Leave us," he announced to the room. 

Moments later, everyone was gone except Ecbert and me. I stood with confidence in my stance as he gave me a welcoming smile, "I was beginning to think you weren't coming back."

"Well, here I am," I answered taking a few steps closer to him. "So tell me, King Ecbert, are you still prepared to honor our alliance?"

Ecbert adjusted the golden crown on his head, "I've thought it all over, and it's a risky plan."

"Risk doesn't matter to me," I said. "This is a move you can easily take; a move that could give you power over Wessex and Northumbria," I observed his expression as he pondered my words. "But, maybe I was wrong about you. Maybe you're just like every other King I've ever known: a coward."

I could tell my words struck him as a clever grin appeared on his face, "You're bold, Raven; much like Ragnar. He's taught you well."

"Ragnar taught me to fight; to be a warrior," I answered. "But everything else, I already had in me, including the strength to kill my enemies."

Ecbert nodded, "I don't doubt your abilities or your strength. I'm concerned about how people will react."

"People will say Aella had it coming," I knew hardly anyone liked Aella. "The church will be glad to see him off the Throne, and you know it."

Ecbert stayed silent in his thoughts for a moment. He sighed as he turned around with his back to me, "This will take more than just a simple assassination plan. We have to be strategic."

"You're right," he turned his head. "It won't be easy to take him down."

But, I already had a plan in mind. 

Ecbert faced me fully, "Tell me, Raven. How far are you willing to go for your revenge?"

I looked him right in the eyes, "As far as it takes."

"Good," he replied. "Then we have an understanding because I will go as far it takes for my kingdom."

"All you have to do is give me a name," I said in a low voice. "Give me the name of Aelle's son, and I'll take care of everything."

Ecbert nodded, "Osberht," he replied. "His name is Osberht." I didn't feel like hesitating to start my journey to Northumbria, but right when I turned to leave, Ecbert spoke up again. "There's something else."

I stopped, "What?"

"I have an old friend who is a wanderer of sorts," Ecbert said. "He travels all over the world, and well, I asked a favor of him... for you."

"What are you saying?" 

"He found your father," Ecbert answered. My breath caught in my throat.

 My father? He really was alive?

"Where?"

Ecbert's eyes caught mine as he said, "A place they call... Africa."

• • •

sorry for the wait, but i hope you guys enjoyed! there's only two chapters left!