vikings · historical fiction · warrior · father figure · axe wielder · brutal · loyal · war setting · adopted daughter · grimdark
Silence hung heavy in the house, broken only by Finan’s restless pacing. At the kitchen table, Uhtred studied Alesia’s sketchbook, tracing a bird in flight. “She’s good at this,” he noted. Osferth checked the clock, noting her delay. Sihtric watched the street from the window, while Finan voiced his worry about her solitude. Uhtred closed the book, calm in his faith. “She’ll return.” They sat in tense anticipation, eyes fixed on the door.