━━━━━━━☆☆━━━━━━━

There wasn't much to remember of life before Earl Ragnar adopted two Saxon siblings. There wasn't much worth remembering. Even when you're young you can tell when you're not wanted by those around you, you can see the way people treat you differently. Being adopted and brought into the world of the Danes, and given a new name to honor her new mother. Signe spent most of her youth learning sword-skills, anything that Earl Ragnar would show her- the girl made sure to excel.

    "You've gone quiet, sister." The voice pulled her from her thoughts, her head lulling to the side as if to hear better.

    "Don't blame me, I've been staring at the same brick wall for weeks." Signe retorted. Although she couldn't see her oldest brother, she knew he would be snickering at her attitude.

    "We've all been staring at the same wall, Signe." Another voice called, this one was further - Brida. Ragnar's wife always had something to say about Signe's attitude. It was the same attitude that had almost gotten her killed several times while they were with Guthrum and Skorpa. The woman couldn't help but roll her eyes at Brida's words, biting her tongue before she would say something she'd regret. When the only thing you hear day in and day out are the voices of the same two people, no matter how much you love them, they will start to get on your nerves.

    The sound of loud footsteps made Signe sit up straighter against the wall she propped herself up on, watching as a man she knew in passing came down the stairs. "You three, come with me. The King has called for you." Steepa called as guards unlocked the doors to the cells. Signe stepped out of the cell cautiously, her eyes finding Ragnar's as she did so.

    "The king called for us?" Signe asked, looking up to the man before them. Steepa was a tall stocky man, built like the trunk of a tree. Ragnar reached out to nudge his sister, giving her a warning look as he shook his head. It was enough to be hostages of the King's, but to be dead by his sword was a fate Young Ragnar didn't wish to see for his sister.

    Guards walked behind and in front of the three as they walked through the castle. Signe couldn't recall the last time they had been let out of their cells to walk, let alone walk right into the throne room to be in the presence of the King. The green painted doors, chipped and worn, were thrown open with a bang as they stepped over the threshold of the throne room to approach the man who seemed to be most of the undoing in her young life.

    "Young Ragnar, I have a task for you." King Alfred spoke, his eyes floating to Brida and Signe who stood on either side of the man. "And you alone." The King held no sentiments as he told the siblings of their brother's fate of being sold into slavery. The task for Ragnar was to locate the traders and find where Uhtred was, and under any cost bring him back to Winchester.

    "I will not do it without my sister, Lord King." Ragnar finally said, murmurs being heard around them upon the defiance against the king's orders. Alfred allowed his eyes to fall upon Signe, Uhtred spoke of her often when he was sworn to the King. Father Beocca only ever spoke of the young warrior in the highest regard. Signe was the spitting image of Uhtred, she held herself high, her chin tilted up as if in a challenge.

    "Father, would it be so bad?" A voice spoke, Signe's eyes falling to the red-headed girl who stood off to the side. The King looked to his daughter before returning to the once Saxon woman before nodding his head.

    "Very well." The King spoke, his hands folding in front of himself as he stepped closer to the three Dane's. "I expect I have your word that you will return back here, if you would like your dear wife returned to you safely." He said, his eyes floating from Ragnar to Brida.

    "Our swords for our freedom, yes?" Signe asked, stepping into the conversation for the first time.

    "Indeed, Signe. Your swords for your freedom."