The Dawn of the Lost

11

After a bit more encouragement I managed to get Uhtred out of his bed, we walked to the Alfreds palace together, as we stood outside the doors he turned to me. "Let me do the talking," Uhtred said.

"Fine," I said rolling my eyes at him.

"Good girl," he said pecking my lips.

"Oi!" I exclaimed.

"The Kings ready for you," Beocca said, we both nodded and joined him in the hall.

"It's nice to see you both," Alfred said. I leant against the wall, crossed my foot over the other and folded my arms over my chest, I stood at the back of the hall like I always did.

"What can we do for you?" Uhtred asked.

"Uhtred, your tenants...." I interrupted Alfred.

"What about them?" I asked.

"If you would let me finish I will tell you," Alfred replied, Uhtred glanced back at me and gave me a look. "They have taken over your farmstead, they claim it as their own as soon as you went to find Astrid."

"That just adds to everything," Uhtred said.

"So what are we going to do?" I asked.

"Uhtred, Mildriths father gave you that farmstead you need to claim it back I have no say," Alfred said, our conversation was suddenly interrupted by Mildrith and her father.

"What are you doing here?" I asked pushing myself off the wall, Mildrith glanced at me.

"I had to bring my daughter here as the town is out of control. She's safer here and the child is due soon," he said.

"Uhtred, please we must ride now," her father said.

"Astrid you stay here with Mildrith," Uhtred said.

"No, I will not!" I detested, "I am coming with you."

"You're the only person I can trust to take care of her," he said.

"No, I shall not," I said and stormed to the door.

"Astrid, please," he said grabbing my arm and pulled me towards him. He rested his forehead on mine, and placed a hand on my cheek. "Astrid, please," he whispered. I sighed.

"Okay fine," I said, he kissed my head and left without saying a word with Mildriths father. Alfred took us to his own chambers, and we waited. However, I was restless I paced up and down. Mildrith watched me.

"Are you going to settle, you're making me nervous," she said.

"Are you going to make me?" I asked.

"No," Alfred said. "I have something that could help you settle Astrid."

"I will rest when Uhtred gets back," I said. "Ask me again, and I will not be responsible for my actions." Mildrith suddenly gasped as her water broke.

"The baby is coming!" She exclaimed.

"Are you being serious right now?!" I said. Alfred pulled her onto his bed and held her hand. "I am a warrior, not a midwife! Alfred go find the midwives I'll stay here and take care of her," I demanded. Alfred leapt up and raced out.

"I don't want your help!" She cried.

"Well there's no one else here but me so suck it up!" I growled. She gripped my hand tightly as her contractions came and went. I told her of the battles gone by to take her mind off the baby. I also answered her questions on what it was like being a Dane woman. After what seemed like eternity Alfred finally bought the midwives with him, and they began to help deliver the baby.

"Keep pushing, not long to go now," a mid wife said.

A few hours later...

Mildrith was clutching a healthy baby boy, and I was galloping out to deliver the news to Uhtred.