Hidden and Patient - Vikings (Ubbe)

chapter 8

"You have to promise me that you'll stay at camp." Ubbe began as the pair followed the rest of the Great Heathen Army to their new destination - York. His blue eyes were filled with fear at the thought of finding her somewhere in York. If she was caught in the midst of conflict, there would be nothing that he could do to save her. "You can't just walk off, not here. The men will kill you if you go into York during battle."

" if I die, then God has decided my fate. " Althena shrugged, a small smile tugging up her lips. But as she looked over at Ubbe, she noticed the fear in his eyes. Genuine fear. Fear for her safety. Her features softened and she smiled gently, placing her hand on his to stop him in his tracks. "I promise." She answered. " You don't have to worry about me just... Try not to die. "

"Is that your way of telling me you care, wife?" He smiled, noting the tension that rose within her at his words.

" No. " She retorted quickly, her eyes trailing to the floor. "But someone has to tell you not to be an idiot. And who's meant to get me out of trouble when you're dead, hm? You can't leave me here surrounded by Heathens, I won't have it."

"You'll still have Hvitserk." Ubbe grinned at her response, making her laugh softly and gently hit his arm.

"He's no good as my backup." She answered. "Besides, you're the only one who will put up with me so I suppose that means you'll have to stay so long as I'm stuck here."

As the two smiled, they continued to walk. It was a long trek North to York, but one they were more than willing to make. Althena was glad that she'd no longer be alone in York. Though the prospect of seeing her brother was a foul one, she'd be surrounded by her people oncemore. She'd be around the people that she had sacrificed everything for, the people she loved with all her heart.

When the city of York appeared upon the horizon, it was almost dark again. It had been days of making camp and resting rough. Althena wasn't used to this nomadic lifestyle. She'd spent her whole life in luxury, and going from servants and royal quarters to sleeping in a tent and marching for days was quite the difference. So, when the hillside of warriors became visible, Althena felt a joy like few others. Finally, rest, at least for a little while.

"Do you think my brother came?" Althena's eyes glittered in the dimming light, the sunset reflecting on her tired gaze.

" He made a deal with Ivar that he would. " Ubbe shrugged, looking down at her reassuringly. "So I suppose if he doesn't, we'll be going to eat again."

"Don't you get tired of it?" She questioned, her usually stone cold features shifting into a frown. Her brows furrowed, soft strands of blonde hair cascading down her cheek. In that moment, her tired face seemed so much more real than ever before. Sometimes, it was difficult to understand who the real Althena was; the stubborn fool, the devilish genius etc. But when the night grew closer, her yawns growing more frequent, Ubbe saw glimpses of the white rose that her people adored. Sure, she had thorns enough to cut men down, but her heart was pure. " the fighting, I mean. Always being at war? How is that a way to live? "

"Maybe after this is over," Ubbe answered calmly, never breaking eye contact with the fierce princess. " Our people can make peace finally. I mean, we already have. "

As Althena looked up at him, his bright blue eyes like sapphires, she couldn't help but feel hope. A sense of peace washed over her. She shouldn't trust him, she knew that. But his words seemed so genuine, so real. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps the two of them were the start of something, something prosperous for both their people. Maybe one day, they could be allies and being a peace to their people that benefited them both - a peace that had not lasted in generations.

"Althena!" A familiar voice dragged the girl from her thoughts, her eyes tearing away from her husband and towards her friend - someone she'd not at all expected to see here or ever again for that matter.

" Edith! " Althena's eyes lot up as she ran into her friend's arms, a bright smile present on her features - the likes of which the rehearsals had ever seen her wear before. "What are you doing here?"

" I came for you! " Edith explained, examining Althena closely as if checking that no harm had come to her in her absence. She was fine, of course she was fine, the girl was stronger than Alwin had ever been. They all knew she would've made a far greater ruler, and of course she could've done. Edith had read many tales of great queens across England, and saw no reason why Althenq could not be similar. But Alain was greedy and selfish, and would kill her if he had to. However, it seemed the solution of sending her to live among pagans, where they'd likely kill her and martyr her due to her stubborn beliefs, had failed. Althena was alive and well. And the people would surely only adore her even more for such strength. "Alwin couldn't keep me away even if he'd thrown me down the stairs!"

" has he hurt you? " Althena's face grew brave at the thought. It wasn't unlike the childish King to lash out and she supposed it was only a matter of time before Edith experienced it too.

"I'm fine!" Edith chuckled at the girl's compassion. " I'm not the one locked up with heathens! Tell me what happened, did anyone hurt you? "

Althena's gaze slowly turned back towards Ubbe, a small smile pulling up at her lips as she considered all the times he'd likely saved her from being battered to death. "No." She answered. "No, I'm fine."

Of course, Edith couldn't help but notice this action, smiling as she followed Althena's line of sight. Knowing that she was safe, that she was content, filled the brunette with joy. At least that made one of them.