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Snow pelted down heavily, turning the blood soaked ground into a sludgy red mess. Uhtred just caught himself from hitting the ground hard as he slipped backwards pulling his blade from the body in front of him. He wiped his hand across his face to clear the blood splattered across his eyes while he gasped in some air. His men had been locked in battle for what felt like hours. They were outnumbered, taken by surprise and completely overwhelmed by the Dane’s that had launched at them with unchecked ferocity.
He spared a second to look around at the fight raging in all directions. His men were flagging, they were tired and disheartened by the noticeable loss of their comrades. Uhtred started forward in horror as he saw a horse kick Sihtric to the ground as he slew its rider. He quickened his pace, slashing widely at the Dane’s who stood between him and the still, crumpled body on the ground. He wasn’t surprised when Finan reached Sihtric’s side at the same time he did. His two lovers always tried to keep each other in eyesight through every fight they found themselves in.
Relief was palpable when Sihtric opened his eyes as they crouched beside him calling his name. The younger man grimaced in pain as they pulled him up into a sitting position. He was struggling to suck in breaths after being winded so hard and holding the side of chest protectively. Uhtred and Finan shared a hard look over the younger man’s head. They both had blood covering their faces. Finan looked to have a nasty cut across his forehead that looked like a shield had been pushed in his face. Uthred knew he didn’t look any better. They were losing this fight and needed to end it quickly.
The two men reached out at the same time, quickly squeezing their hands gently on the back of each other’s necks. They moved their hands down to grip Sihtric, each wrapping their hands around an arm and hauling him to his feet. He staggered slightly and they held him tight while he caught his footing. As they loosened their hold on him they slipped a hand each into Sihtric’s own and gave a reassuring squeeze. He squeezed back before letting go and taking the sword and seax Finan had bent down to retrieve for him.
Finan and Sihtric clinked their weapons together as they did for every battle and turned with Uhtred as he shouted orders to rally the men. They would stand together, and face whatever came their way for as long as they had each other.