𝐖𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 / / 𝐒𝐈𝐇𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂

CHAPTER 6

Upon arrival at Eoferwic, people parted like the Red Sea, allowing them access to their city and leading a pathway to the Great Hall. Uhtred was well known here, and most looked on in amazement, as though he a ghost, returning from the dead.

"We are here at the request of Alfred of Wessex." Beocca shouted as they marched on with haste. "The King will wish to see us!"

"Open the doors." Uhtred commanded.

"Uhtred, I will speak first." Beocca firmly said, trying to calm the half Dane raised Saxon down, but he was on a rampage with a face like thunder.

"Father, you will say nothing!"

Ragnar took large steps up the stairs, overtaking Beocca and the guards easily let them past with no qualms. The King looked afraid as they approached his table, rising from his chair. Finan and one of Ragnar's men drew their weapons and faced the entrance, refusing to allow anyone else to enter.

She stood next to Brida as Guthrud began to speak. "Uhtred? Father Beocca... I-I had realised you where close... I had not realised how close."

Beocca began, "Lord, King Alfred has sent us here to-"

"Father Beocca!" Uhtred's all but growled at the man, haulting his words. "You will allow King Guthrud to speak first."

The King took that as his attempt to try and dissolve the situation. "I had also heard that you had been recovered, Uhtred. I am glad, believe me." He chuckled nervously. "If you're here to kill me I do not blame you, I would kill me too! But it would be a mistake, another mistake."

"Lord Guthrud," Else couldn't help but roll her eyes when Aethelwold spoke and introduced himself. It seemed as though everyone was ignoring the elephant in the room. The fact that the man in front of them, king or not, had sold Uhtred as a slave. "I come in King Alfred's steed. We have gifts-"

Else grabbed him by the scruff off his neck and pulled him backwards, behind her. "Keep out of this, Aethelcock."

Ragnar unraveled the package in his hands soundlessly before throwing it into the plate of food that Guthrud had been eating. It was Sigefrid's hand.

"Sigefrid's sword hand," Uhtred broke the silence as the King stared at it before him. "The brothers won't trouble you again."

"They are dead?"

"In return you will give me your army, you will ready them to march."

"But-"

"You shall do as I ask Guthrud, or I shall kill you."

"I like that idea better," Else licked her lips. "Kill the turd King."

"They do not know what they are saying Lord!" Beocca interjected with panic, but Uhtred would not listen. He ran forward, leaping onto the King's table. "No!"

Steapa ran forward, but Finan grabbed him before he could take another step. Uhtred cornered the King, leaning over him, watching his pray. "What you did to me... What you did to Halig... I can never forget, I shall never forgive." Uhtred stood straight in anger and quickly turned his back on Guthrud, heading towards the door. "You shall ready your men to march."

The King scrambled to his feet and dared to ask, "How do I know that the brothers are gone? How do I know this hand belongs to Sigefrid?! Like your uncle, I would have preferred a head!"

"The Turd King has a death wish, no?" Else whispered for Brida as Uhtred stopped in his tracks.

"Two hea-"

"Another word, Lord," Ragnar snarled, taking daunting steps towards Guthrud. "And it will be your own head. You will do as my brother asks, or I will take Eoferwic and the army for myself."