Warriors at Heart (The Last Kingdom Fanfic)

Chapter 19

"Edmund? Oh Edmund, where's Storri? He's supposed to be here," Ubba called out to a man hanging from the cross that I had failed to notice before. "Can we have some ale?" he laughed, to one of his men. "King Edmund of East Anglia, are you still breathing or dead?" Ubba chuckled.

"With luck he's dead. There's too many of them anyway," another voice responded.

I grabbed Uhtred's arm and stopped him from revealing himself. "It's Earl Guthrum," I whispered.

Uhtred nodded his understanding and crept along the wall to flank Ubba and Guthrum. I bit my lip and despite his order to not move, carefully followed.

"Take him down, and bring ale for Earl Guthrum," Ubba ordered, still unaware of our presence.

"I don't see why we let any of them live. Kill everyone, except the women," Earl Guthrum complained.

"And who would work the fields?" Ubba asked.

"The old women, the pregnant women," Guthrum said very seriously.

Ubba ignored Guthrum and ordered his men to place what was left of the King of East Anglia down and give him ale. Uhtred placed his hand on my shoulder and indicated I should stay put. I nodded and watched as he stepped out. "Earl Ubba," he said gently.

I held my breath as Ubba and Guthrum turned to face Uhtred. Ubba's smile vanished and his hand caressed his battle axe. Earl Guthrum crossed his arms and looked amused at whatever was about to occur.

"If I may speak freely," Uhtred said humbly, as Ubba squared himself up with him.

"I know you," Ubba said calmly.

"I am Uhtred Ragnarson," Uhtred said. "I am here with the truth of how my father died."

"Yes, you are Ragnar's slave and you killed him!" Ubba shouted, walking at Uhtred with his axe drawn.

"I don't know what you've heard, but Earl Ragnar was killed by his own, Danes," Uhtred said, raising his hand in front of him. "His former shipmaster Kjartan and his half-blind son, Sven, they led the attack on a sleeping wedding party," Uhtred continued, desperation appearing in his voice.

I noticed a guard approaching from the other side of where I stood and quickly tackled him. It was a bit louder than I had intended and eyes turned towards me. I jumped up and brushed myself off, bowing slightly, "Earl Ubba, Earl Guthrum," I said politely.

Ubba stared from me to Uhtred. Guthrum looked bored, "Can't you see that we're entertaining a king?" he asked.

"Lord Ubba, I am telling you, Earl Ragnar was killed by Danes," Uhtred tried again.

"Lord Ubba, he speaks the truth!" I cut in.

"You will be quiet boy!" Ubba shouted at Uhtred, "and you will wait," he yelled to me.

"Kill him," Guthrum said calmly, clearly done with the conversation.

"Not another word," Ubba said, lowering his axe. "Bar the doors, they do not leave, Guthrum is right, we are entertaining a king," Ubba ordered.

Uhtred stood with his mouth open, ready to protest again. I felt myself being pushed into the room, and I walked to his side. The doors were shut behind us and Uhtred looked desperately around. I met his eye and I could see something I had not seen before, fear. I gave him a small smile and mouthed the words, be patient. He nodded, though seemed to be plotting his next move. Ubba walked away from us and was yelling at the King that he wanted to know who the man painted on some wooden paneling was.

"His eyes are watching me," Ubba said.

"And me," Guthrum added.

"Who, who is he who?" King Edmund pleaded desperately.