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He holds himself up to his full height. He tips his head back and puffs his chest out and he struts through the gates like he’s someone important. He’s told he is now and it’s a weird feeling. But he’s trying. He hears some murmurs and shocked gasps as the older residents recognize him. He tries to keep up the facade but it feels weirder to him every second that ticks by and he laughs, more at himself than anything else.
“Lord Sihtric!”
He stops and turns and thinks he might recognize the elderly man. He nods his head as the man ambles closer. Then the man stumbles and Sihtric immediately moves to catch him. “Are you alright?”
The man blinks and nods. “I should ask that of you, Lord.”
Sihtric is too stunned for a moment. He swallows and shakes his head. It had been a few months since word reached him that he was being named Lord of Dunholm. Uhtred and Finan teased him relentlessly and he secretly quite enjoyed their attention. But hearing the title given to him by anyone else still sounds weird and off. He’s not sure if it’s something he wants. He hasn’t been back inside Dunholm’s gates since the battle in which his father and brother died. He steps back and shakes his head. “I am quite fine.”
The man smiles and nods. “You are, son. I remember you from before.” He steps closer and drops his voice. “I remember what your father did to you, what he made of you. You’re turned into a fine young man. A great warrior and I have faith you will be a wise ruler.”
Sihtric is too stunned again and doesn’t say anything. He just stands there, gawking at the old man until the stranger laughs, claps him on the shoulder, and ambles off. He turns and watches as the man moves away and he sucks in a sharp breath.
“Who was that?”
Sihtric shifts his weight from one foot to the other as he hears Uhtred’s voice. He tilts his head to the side and shrugs, not taking his eyes off the man. “Someone who remembers me from before.” He mumbles. “Who knew my father.” He adds softly. Uhtred and Finan move closer to him. Each stand on either side of him, boxing him in. They brush against him and he sucks in a sharp breath as he takes strength from their presence. They’ve been together now for a few years longer than his age when he’d first met them.
“Ye okay?” Finan asks softly.
Sihtric nods his head quickly. “Yes.”
Uhtred turns and leans his head against the younger man’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” He repeats Finan’s question.
Sihtric smiles and nods, relaxing a bit between them. “I am. They’ve been dead longer than I knew them. It’s been a long time since they ruled my life and plagued my dreams.”
Finan grunts and nods his head. “Aye, it has. Ye seemed so small when I first seen ye, when ye showed up on that beach wit’ Ragnar t’ free us.”
Uhtred nods, rubbing against him. “He was. Just this scared little thing, looking like he was gonna piss himself when he threatened Halig.”
Sihtric smiles and nods. “I might have a little.” He admits with a laugh. “I didn’t want to come back here… I wanted to stay with you.”
“Oh yes, boy.” Uhtred wraps his arms around Sihtric’s waist and pulls him tight against him. “I’m glad I kept you.”
Sihtric giggles and pushes him away. “Lord!” He blushes.
“No, boy.” Uhtred shakes his head. “You’re the Lord here.”
“Our pretty ‘lil Lord.” Finan whispers against him. “Ye’ve grown so much.”
Sihtric swallows and licks his lips. “Have I?”
Finan smirks. “Cheeky ‘lil shit. Ye know ye have.”
Sihtric giggles again and nods. “I do. You make me… stronger. More… confident. Around you… I feel safe and powerful… like I can do anything with you two by my sides. I like me better with you.”
Uhtred hums and nods. “I like you a lot with us.” He tilts his head. “Between us… under us… around us…”
“Lord!”
“C’mon.” Finan says, glancing around. “Before we need a room.”
“I always need a room.”