The Dawn of the Lost

17

Aethelwold stumbled back that evening, most of the men mocked him and pushed him over. I hid in Ragnars tent cleaning my blade. "Where is she?" he yelled.

"Who?" Ragnar asked approaching him.

"Astrid, the one whose horse kicked me!" he exclaimed.

"Not here," Ragnar replied.

"Then where is she, because she hasn't left your side since she has got here. You can't lie to me!" he yelled. "I know she's here, show yourself!" I laughed and emerged.

"What do you want?" I asked, his eyes locked onto me and pulled his sword.

"I am not going to fight you," I said.

"Pull your sword!" He exclaimed.

"No," I said and shook my head. He charged at me, but Ragnar jumped in front of me and struck his blade away.

"You're both cowards!" He exclaimed.

"I shan't fight over something so silly," I replied walking off to find some peace. I sat by the river throwing rocks into the water, watching them splash.

"You have to ignore the young," Cnut said settling himself next to me.

"I know, I'm not risking a wound or death for something so trivial," I said turning to him.

"I can see why Uhtred wanted you at his side," he said, he rested a hand on my thigh.

"I think any man would be lucky to have you as his mate," Cnut said.

"Like I've said before I'm a lone wolf," I replied.

"But every wolf gets lonely," he said and ran his hand up my thigh.

"Enough," I said and pushed it away.

"Just think you and I could rule over this clan together," he said.

"No, I will stand with Ragnar and Ragnar alone," I growled.

"Just think how envious it would make Uhtred if he knew I claimed you," he said pushing me on my back.

"No," I said trying to push him away.

"Oh come on Astrid, you know you want to," he said kissing my neck and pinning my arms down.

"No," I said and tried to kick him off.

"She said no," Ragnar said standing over him with his sword pointed at him. He huffed and hauled himself off the ground.

"Are you okay?" Ragnar asked collapsing next to me.

"Yes," I said. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into him.

"Just stay by my side and you'll be fine," he said.

"Ragnar..." I began.

"Hush," he said, "we're alone no one can see." We laid listening to the birds singing, and the soft pitter patter of the rain on the leaves above us. "Do you have any plans to return to Uhtred?"

"Not unless he's in a dire situation, but if he thinks I'm going to defend him, his wife and child he can forget it," I spat.

"Don't be so harsh," he replied. "He may need you, and Astrid I know you will answer his call."

"I think you're wrong," I replied turning to look at him.

"Only time will tell," he said and pulled me closer trying to cure the shivers that plagued my being.