(no subject)

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan has got used to snatching a few hours of restless sleep most nights, and going back to the work room as soon as he wakes. He very rarely sleeps in Milliways, unless Sinric is there.

This night is unusual, not least because he has fallen asleep alone in their room upstairs - and the dream is different too.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

Suddenly, Athelstan misses them all very sharply. Even the living. Even Floki.

"Have you come to remind me of that?"

[nalebound_pups]

"That we know your worth, and have known for a long time?" Leif says. "No. I mostly just came to say hello, because I can. And to tell you not to worry so much."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan smiles a little.

"If you can see me from Valhalla, you know that is easier said than done."

[nalebound_pups]

"You are a good man," Leif says, "and Ragnar knows your worth. He's coming for you, and woe betide those who did this to you."

Pause.

"And to me. It probably started with me. Ragnar has a list the length of my" --- "arm to bring to Horik, in the end."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks confused.

"How can he lay your death at Horik's feet?"

[nalebound_pups]

"Did you not see who cut my throat?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"But he was only officiating. He held the knife, but he did not choose for you to die."

[nalebound_pups]

"Not for me," Leif says. "But do you think it would have been suggested that a big sacrifice would be required to shore up Ragnar's position and line without his knowledge? Do you think any of that was purely personal? Sons are never just personal, for an earl."

Beat.

"As one who gives sacrifice, the gods would accept him as what he now is. No longer just a farmer. The higher the position, the greater the offering. The blood of a man, a free good man you'd bitterly miss -- that is what makes the gods notice!"

He shakes his head.

"You're so clever, Athelstan. So clever. But sometimes, people are still too harsh and mean for your understanding."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Still", Athelstan says quietly. "I don't think Horik can be held responsible for your death - though I do not absolve him of others."

[nalebound_pups]

"It's hard to hold the man responsible for anything," Leif shrugs. "I'm sure Ragnar will, in the end, though. You know what that means?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"That he will rise once again", Athelstan says quietly. "Yes, I know. He won't want it."

[nalebound_pups]

"No, but he'll have to, after he deals with Horik," Leif says. "And you'll rise with him."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I won't leave him. So I suppose I must... when I'm home again."

[nalebound_pups]

"Which won't be long," Leif says. "He needs you for that."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks at him strangely.

"It will happen with or without me, when he's ready to make his move."

[nalebound_pups]

"It will be easier for him with you," Leif says. "Another pair of sharp eyes."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Perhaps." He nods. "Someone has to watch Erlendur."

[nalebound_pups]

"A vicious whelp," Leif says. "I heard stories."

[athelstanthescribe]

"A shame his brother died. He might have made a better king."

But really, he hardly knew the dead boy.

[nalebound_pups]

"It would have been harder for Ragnar to end him," Leif says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"But perhaps if he was more reasonable than his father, Ragnar wouldn't have had to."

[nalebound_pups]

"He wouldn't want a king obligated to avenge his father on him," Leif says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"There are ways around obligation. And the way Horik is going, someone may see to him before Ragnar gets the chance." He shakes his head. "But the elder prince is dead."

[nalebound_pups]

"And Erlendur can't possibly be allowed to be king," Leif nods.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It would be a disaster", Athelstan says flatly. "For us all."