They are near enough to Winchester that Hild is comfortable calling it a night a few hours before dawn.
"If we set camp here, we can rest for a few hours before riding the rest of the way into town and reach the gate by late morning or early afternoon."
Hild sets about starting a small fire to cook over after settling her horse. Without hesitation, Hild sets out her bedroll beside Revna's.
Her mood is subdued by worry, and Hild has a hard time finding anything to chat about, lost in her thoughts. Concern for Coccham, concern and worry for Uhtred and Finan, and Revna. What could Alfred possibly want her for? Or was he using her as leverage over Finan?
Alfred is smart, always plotting, and as Leofric had once said, "you'll never better him because the bastard thinks."
Hild sighed deeply as she gazed at the small fire. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands together before her, and began to softly recite the midnight Liturgy to herself.
"Heavenly Father, I come before You in this midnight hour, surrendering my life, my desires, and my burdens to You. I acknowledge that You are the source of all breakthroughs. I lay down my plans and trust in Your divine guidance.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace."
I watch Hild as she says her prayers. Even though I don’t believe in her God, I still find a little comfort in her words. We could use all the help we can get, from her God as well as mine. I touch my Mjölnir around my neck as I ask Thor for protection from what’s to come, for me and my new family.
After eating a small meal, we both turn in, hoping to get a little rest before morning. I close my eyes and will sleep to claim me, but thoughts of what we might be up against when we arrive in Winchester keep playing out in my mind. I feel a nervous anxiety being this close to Winchester, worried that the King’s men might stumble on us and take us captive for whatever scheme Alfred has planned.
Like Hild, I clutch my seax against my chest, my hand gripping the hilt tightly. I start to lightly fall asleep, comforted by having Hild beside me. A noise startles me awake. I slow my breathing as I concentrate on the sound. It sounds like horse hooves. My heart starts pounding as I quickly reach out to Hild. My fingers softly grabbing her wrist to wake her.
When I look at Hild, her eyes are open and she holds a finger to her lips, telling me to be quiet as we wait to see if whoever it is approaches us….
@warriorabbesshild @thedarkprinceofulaid
