#shieldwall

The battle was nearing, Uhtred and his band of rag tags were heading to Beamfleot. They had drawn Haesten and his men from the fortress and now they sat waiting for Ælfred and his army.

They had been waiting for what seemed like hours in the snow.

“It’s been half a day” Uhtred stated , turning round to face all of you.

“Maybe they are scared of the priest.” Finan replied, glancing at Osferth to see him smirking from where he was knelt down with his sword. At this you smiled. Anything Osferth did could make you smile.

“No but seriously Finan, where are they?” Sihtric grumbled.

“They will come.” You said, your voice ringing through the frosty air. “Haesten does not like to be humiliated, so he will come.”

The others nodded in agreement before turning back to what they had been doing. You were leaning against your shield, that you had balanced as a seat, when Osferth approached.

“How are you feeling (y/n)?” he asked sincerely, giving you another dazzling smile that made your heart melt. If you could you would have kissed him right there and then. Those soft lips that were tantalisingly close had featured in many of your fantasies.

Before you could reply Finan came up behind Osferth and gave him a pat of the back.

“Don’t worry Baby Monk. I’ll look after her.” He grinned.

To this Osferth nodded, looking at the floor. “Right. Of course.” He mumbled, retreating.

You were confused by this and almost went to follow him when Finan grabbed your arm. “Told ya he likes ya.” Finan teased.

“Finan please stop. He doesn’t ok. Just leave it. Stop giving me false hope.” You hissed, standing up straight and grabbing your shield.

“We leave!” Uhtred declared.

You all began to make a move when Osferth shouted from behind you.

“LORD! LORD! LORD!”

You all turned round and were faced with Haesten’s large army, far larger than the group of men Uhtred had.

“RUN!”

You all took off through the snow running as fast as you could whilst trying to carry a shield that was almost the same size as you.

When you had reached the others further up the field Uhtred shouted again.

“HALT! Form two lines.”

You began to get into formation against the approaching army.

“SHIELDS UP!”

You were near the front of the line and held your shield up as all the men locked their shields together.

Haesten’s men were closing in, creating an ominous barrier in front of you. Skade was with him and she gave you all a devilish smile. You could never understand why Uhtred hadn’t killed her while he had the chance. She really wasn’t worth all the trouble she caused in your eyes.

This would not be a fair fight and if Ælfred’s men did not turn up soon no one would walk away from Beamfleot.

“SURROUND THEM GIVE THEM NO ESCAPE!” Haesten’s rough voice called out. “AND I WILL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF THE BASTARDS!”

“TURN!” Uhtred instructed, as you all began to shuffle round in an attempt to form a protective circle. Behind you Osferth was praying for you all. He mentioned your name but you didn’t hear exactly what he said. That didn’t make you special, he prayed for everyone before battle. Right?

“WE HOLD.” Uhtred cried “WE GIVE THEM NO GROUND!”

“There’s no ground to give, Lord.” Finan admitted.

“What are we going to do? Where’s Ælfred’s men?” You asked fearing the worst. “Without them no one will walk away from this Uhtred.”

“Don’t worry (y/n).” Sihtric tried to reassure you. “ we are good warriors and we haven’t failed yet.” His last comment made you laugh a little, although it was more a nervous laugh than anything else.

“Quit your whining.” Haesten shouted. “Give up Uhtred and the rest of you will live. All I want is the Dane Slayer.”

“What you will get Haesten is my sword up your hairy arse.” Finan threatened, in his usual comical tone.

Haesten laughed, mockingly. “As you wish. You will die on your knees.”

The Danes around you cheered getting closer and closer. You had never been scared in battle before but this time you truly were frightened. You had never had a real loving family but Uhtred’s men had become that family to you and now you were going to lose them because of the bastard Dane Haesten.

The men around you pushed and shoved as the circle became tighter. You and a few others were pushed into the middle of the circle. You looked around wide eyed and panicked until you felt a familiar warmth in your hand. You looked down to were your fingers were laced with Osferth’s and he gave you a reassuring smile.

“We will be alright (y/n) I swear. I promise to protect you.” He paused. “I’d protect you with my life because your life is worth far more than mine.”

Before you could reply Haesten’s voice rang through the chaos again.

“I WANT THE HEAD OF UHTRED RAGNASON!”

The Danes around you cheered again as they began to advance. You squeezed Osferth’s hand tightly one last time before it slipped from his grasp and you picked up your shield again.

You could hear the cries of the men around the as the Danes charged at your shield wall. One of the Danes hit Finan’s shield and rolled over it into the middle of the circle where Osferth and you stood. You charged at him, slicing through his leather armour. Gurgling with blood pouring out of his mouth, the Dane fell at you feet. You stabbed his again. Pulling your sword from his lifeless body you tired to shout over the commotion.

“WHERE IS ÆLFRED’S MEN!?”

“HE WILL BE HERE,” Uhtred replied. “HOLD STEADY!” He turned back, slashing at another approaching Dane.

You turned to see Osferth stabbing another Dane that had breached the shield wall. When he met your eyes,he gave you a wolffish grin before turning back to they battle. Your men were falling like flies and if Ælfred did not intervene soon all would be lost. You prayed to the Gods to keep your friends safe as the battle raged on.

Hesten’s men had outnumbered you at least 10 to 1 but now as you tried to step back over bodies as you fought, you began to think that this would be your final battle.

You were fighting like a women who was possessed, lunging and slashing, lunging and slashing. Until you weren’t.

A shield collided with the back of your head, sending you off balance as you fell forwards onto the carpet of bodies. The snow that had once been crisp white was now a murky brown colour as blood ran thick across the field. You panted as a wave of nausea hit you. Your vision was blurry but you could just make out the menacing figure in front of you. He was a brute of a man, with a mane of black, tangled hair. You could see the fire burning in his eyes as he approached you.

Scrabbling frantically, you tried to get up, feet sinking into the body laden floor.

The Dane sneered at you, reaching out and grabbing your arm. You struggled relentlessly as he pinned you down.

“After this is over I will ride you until you carry my pup.” The Dane jeered.

“No! No!” You fought, hitting him in the face. He didn’t budge, only furthering his advance.

All of sudden, the Dane stopped looking downwards. You followed his eyes to see a large sword embedded in his stomach. The Dane looked at you wide eyes as his attacker pulled the weapon free. He fell to the ground, gurgling and coughing.

You looked up to see your saviour. Osferth. He looked at you concerned as he gave you his hand. You took it gratefully, enjoying the familiar feeling.

“Osferth I can’t thank you enough. I... no no. OSFERTH NO!” You cried.

Osferth stood in front of you, the colour draining from his face as the realisation hit him. Blood began to seep through his robes, turning the pale fabric crimson. His eyes flashed with fear but his face remained like stone, trying to stay strong. You launched yourself at the Dane, plunging your sword into his heart.

“NEVER TOUCH HIM AGAIN!” You screamed, pulling your sword from his chest. The Dane fell to the floor reaching out for his sword. You kicked it away.

“You do not deserve Valhalla.” You turned back to Osferth who had fallen to the floor beside you.

“Osferth?” You cradled his face in your hands. You run your thumb across his muddy cheek as his body collapsed into you. Frantically you began ripping off the bottom of your shirt, pressing it firmly against Osferth’s wound. The fabric was soon sodden with blood but you kept repeating the same process, trying to stem the bleeding.

“Osferth? Come on. Osferth stay with me. I need you Osferth. Please don’t do this. Osferth.” You sobbed.

“It’s ok (y/n).” He said, reaching up his shaking hand to hold your cheek. You cried, leaning into his touch. You couldn’t loose him. You loved him. “ I don’t fear death.”

“Your not going to die Osferth. I won’t let you. I can’t let you go.”

Osferth smiled sadly at you.

“(Y/N)! OSFERTH!” It was Finan.

“FINAN OVER HERE QUICKLY!” You could see Finan running towards you, fear spreading across his face as he realised the situation.

“Oh god no no Osferth no. Oh god no (y/n) no.”

“Finan help me please.” You sobbed.

Finan helped you lift Osferth so you cradled him in your lap, trying to keep pressure on his wound.

All of a sudden you heard a cry. “Finan what’s happening.”

“It’s Ælfred’s men (y/n). It’s his army. We stand a chance.” Joy spread across his face as the battle turned in our favour.

“Oh thank god. Did you hear that Osferth, it’s Ælfred’s men. We are saved. Osferth?” His eyes were shut and his face was pale. “Osferth! Osferth!” You began shaking him violently. “Finan I don’t think he’s breathing. Please help.”

Finan bent down scooping Osferth into his arm. “(Y/n) cover me, we need to get him back to camp. He needs a healer.”

With that you grabbed Finan’s sword, charging at the nearest Dane. You fought your way through the crowd, guiding Finan to the edge of the field.

You rushed back to camp. “WE NEED A HEALER! HELP US PLEASE!” You cried, you prayed you weren’t too late. One of the women directed you too the nearest tent, were Finan lay Osferth on the bed. Healers rushed around him taking off the temporary bandages and replacing them with fresh ones.

A kind faced women approached you. “Please could i ask you to wait outside. We don’t want it to be crowded, we need room to work. I promise we will take good care of your friend.” She reassured.

“No. No I won’t leave him.” Finan wrapped his arms around you.

“Come on (y/n) he’s in the best hands now. Let’s go outside. We can get some ale and clean up.” Finan guided you out of the tent. As soon as you were outside you fell into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

“I... I can’t... l... lose him. I love him.”

“I know (y/n). I know you do. He loves you too.”

“ I never told him.” You sniffed.

“Well when he wakes up you can tell him. I promise you he will feel the same way. Now come on I need something to drink.” This made you laugh. You dried your tears and followed Finan.

It seemed like forever that you were waiting for news. Uhtred and Sihtric had joined you by this point and although you we’re drinking, all of the men stayed silent. There wasn’t the normal joking and laughing going on when you got together at the Alehouse.

Later that night, you were all still sat there. You had all stopped drinking hours before and now sat silently mourning the days events. You had lost many good men and Haesten had managed to get away with Skade so your Lord Uhtred was still cursed by the witch. But none of that mattered to you, the only thing that matter was Osferth. Your Osferth.

You must have been drifting off to sleep when you felt a soft tap on your shoulder.

“(Y/n)? The healer said Osferth’s awake. Do you want to go and see him?”

You sat bolt upright. “Where is he?”

“They moved him to the hospital tent but I’ve asked for him to be at the end so you have some privacy.” Finan winked at you.

“I have to go see him.” You said getting up and half running half falling out of the tent.

Your heart was pounding as you reached the hospital tent. You hadn’t thought through what you were going to say, you had played this senario through so many times in your head but your mind went blank.

Your stomach churned and as you got to the entrance of the tent you threw up. Gasping, you tried to compose yourself. There was a jug of water resting on a barrel outside the tent and you took a sip, mentally prepared yourself before entering the tent.

The smell of death was everywhere inside the tent. It was lit by small torches dotted around the room. The flames danced, casting shadows over the canvas walls. You scanned the room, searching for a familiar face. Then you spotted him. He was led in the last bed in the row, bare chested with a large bandage wrapped around his middle. You made your way towards him.

“Osferth.” You called softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He looked so peaceful and you reached out to brush some hair away from his face.

Osferth’s eyes flutter open and he looked at you confused. “(Y/n) is that really you? What are you doing here? What happened?”

“You were fighting at Beamfleot. You were injured saving me. Finan and I bought you back here to get help. I thought I was going to loose you.” You confessed.

Osferth laughed, “ you can’t get rid of me that easily.” He looked into your eyes then and there was something in them you didn’t recognise. Could it be mistaken for love?

“Thank you,” Osferth whispered taking your small hand between his larger ones. “You saved my life. Why would you risk everything for me?”

“Because your my friend Osferth.” He nodded a sad look spreading across your face.

This was your chance. You had to tell him how you felt. You went to open your mouth when Osferth spoke.

“Finan truly is a lucky man.”

You shut your mouth abruptly. What?

“What do you mean Osferth?” You asked, utterly confused.

“Well”, Osferth swallowed.”Finan is lucky to have you as his women.”

“Osferth what are you on about I’m not with Finan. I’m not with anyone. Finan is just my friend.” You assured him.

“Oh”, Osferth’s cheeks went a dark shade of crimson. “So your not in love with him?”

“God no.” You laughed. “Not even if he was the last man on earth. I...”

But before you could continue Osferth pulled you close to him and pressed his lips to yours. They were soft and he kissed you passionately. His fingers laced their way into your hair, as your hand rested on his cheek. You opened your mouth slightly and Osferth took the opportunity to explore your mouth with his tongue. The world around you melted away and in that moment it was just you and Osferth.

When you both came down from your high, you pulled away breathless. Your head resting against Osferth’s.

“I love you (y/n). I love you so much.”

“I love you too Osferth.” You confessed pulling him into another kiss.

Three Years Later

“Finan, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for the forgiveness of your sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Father Beocca declared as everyone clapped.

Osferth smiled down brightly at his new son. His perfect little boy that lay sleeping in his wife’s arms. You were smiling, tears of joy in your eyes as you cradled your baby boy.

“Congratulations to both of you.” Father Beocca said, giving Osferth a pat on the back.

“Thank you father.” You both replied in unison. Your smiles were infectious.

“I can’t believe you went through with it.” Uhtred said coming up behind you. “Seriously Finan out of all the names you could have chosen you chose Finan.”

You laughed, “ it seemed fitting considering everything. And anyway he did help me save Osferth. I could have lost him that day. Without Finan I wouldn’t have this life.” You said, smiling at your husband. Osferth wrapped his arm around you kissing your forehead.

“I thank God everyday for my family. For you (y/n). Your my world.”

“Ok love birds let’s break this up.” A familiar Irish voice rang through the chapel. “What would ya be sayin if I suggested we head to the Alehouse. We have something to celebrate. My little God some.”

All the men around you cheered.

“So will you name the next one after me?” Sihtric asked hopefully.

“No we plan to call him Uhtred.” Osferth jested.

“No you will not!” Uhtred proclaimed.

“Who says we are having another one?”

You questioned Osferth, glaring at him playfully.

“I... well...” Osferth looked around sheepishly. “I don’t know. If you don’t want to I...”

“I’m joking Osferth. Don’t worry.” You smiled softly. “I’d like a little girl.”

“I’d like a little girl too. I’d spoil her rotten. My little princess.” Osferth admitted.

“Girls are hard work. Look at Stiorra.” Uhtred said, pointing at his daughter who glared at him. “Little princesses grow up.”

“Then I will teach her how to be a warrior like her farther and mother.” Osferth said, looking at Uhtred. He nodded.

“You have become a fine warrior Osferth. Your farther would be proud. Now I must join Finan before he gets himself into more trouble.”

You both laughed at this. Osferth took hold of your face and pulled you towards him, kissing you softly.

“Thank you for the life you have given me (y/n). I will forever be grateful that you love me.”

You kissed him again.

“I will love you Osferth now and forever.” You looked around at all the people who were beginning to leave the chapel.

“Do you think they would notice if we happened to disappear for the rest of the day?” You asked giving Osferth a wink.

His face heated up instantly but he nodded. “I like your thinking.”

Giggling, you took your husbands hand and led him out of the church. Your son was fast asleep in your arms and with any luck would stay that way for the next few hours so that your husband could thank you properly.