The chaos in Kattegat did not go unnoticed by others, the surrounding kingdoms took note of it but they remained silent because they were not aware of what would happen if they were to intervene prematurely.
But a very prominent man was on his way to Kattegat or was it safe to say he was already there? That man was King Ragnar but he did not come alone.
King Rugalf accompanied him with his men, marching over two hundred strong.
Ragnar came with a fury, he came with one thing and one thing only, which was taking his family back to safety.
"K-King Ragnar?" A guard guarding the gate screamed, the two Kings were on horseback with the remaining marching behind them.
"Allow them through!" A senior Viking instructed, Ragnar, to wear a stern face as well as King Rugalf, he knew the seriousness of the situation as this might directly encroach on his plans to wed into Ragnar's family.
Everyone was intimidated by Ruglalf's appearance, he looked a lot scarier than Erik and his size was even bigger than the Berserker.
Ragnar already knew where he had to go, he was headed to the throne room to meet the new King of Kattegat. The fate of everyone was unknown, Ragnar didn't even know what happened to his sons but he knew right now his mind was the last place he needed to be in.
He was glad Rugalf accompanied him, this show of force should send a message to Kattegat.
The whispers were loud, and Ragnar could hear people looking at him with envious gazes.
Ragnar entered the throne room alongside King Rugalf as his men
"Welcome to Kattegat, King Ragnar Lothbrok." The familiar voice of Birger greeted him, Birger was all smiles despite noticing the infuriated gaze from Ragnar, Birger turned to Rugalf.
"Now this is an unexpected truce," Birger said, seated comfortably on the throne that once belonged to Askild.
"Where is my family? What have you done with King Askild?" Ragnar asked, trying his best to stay composed because he knew the moment he lost that composure, Birger would gain the upper hand in the negotiation.
"I am no monster, King Ragnar. I can promise you your family is safe." Birger said, and before long, people walked into the throne room with loads of food and drinks to serve the Kings.
"I welcome you, King Ragnar and King Ruglaf in good faith. We have a lot to talk about!" Birger said excitedly, Rugalf was surprised at how calm Ragnar was but maybe that is because Ragnar knew being emotional would do him no good right now.
"Thank you, King Birger. I see you have taken Kattegat, that is impressive." King Rugalf praised Birger, this was strange considering he came here with Ragnar. Ragnar took note of this, and now he found himself questioning the motive of King Rugalf.
"Hahaha! I do not like to praise myself but it was a lot easier than it sounds," Birger responded, not only insulting Kattegat but its security.
Ragnar bit his tongue, he watched the men jest but Ruglaf dug into the food laid out on the table and drank the ale presented in front of him.
He did not even question if it was poisoned or not, Ragnar was surprised at how free he was in enemy territory but he realized that Rugalf was emotionally disconnected from the ongoing events. Birger proceeded to explain everything that occurred in utmost detail and all Ragnar could do was sit and listen. The only person that was truly interested in this story was Rugalf.
Birger sent a messenger to Vestfold or rather, allowed one 'slip' through his defenses the moment Askild arrived, this was what allowed the current timeframe to be in sync.
-
"King Askild!" Asger called out, he was out of breath and Askild gave him the go-ahead to speak.
"What is it, Asger? What is so important that you would interrupt my rest?" Askild asked.
They were in a rundown building, it looked like it was barely standing, the chipped wood showed that this house was crawling with termites and rats but Askild was not bothered.
They had escaped and slipped into the poorer part of Kattegat, disguised as mere beggars and cripples.
"King Ragnar is in Kattegat!" Asger blurted out and this was enough to make Askild jump up.
ραпdα nᴏνɐ| сom This was good news, if Ragnar was there then there was a fighting chance for them.
Askild hated the state he had been reduced to but he knew what to prioritize at that moment for as long as he lived, Kattegat had not truly fallen.
"We need to get back to Kattegat right now! We do not know why Ragnar is here but one thing is certain, Birger's intentions are not good!" Askild said, but Asger remained silent.
In reality, Askild had become a liability with his injuries and if he fell, then all this would have been in vain.
Asger's hatred burned fiercely, he had his reasons for hating Birger but little did he know the reasons for his hatred were misplaced.
Birger held the matches to burn everything down, Askild knew the threat that man carried.
Hagen had hastily constructed a tool that supported Askild's body, allowing him to walk even though the pain he endured was excruciating.
The arrow had hit a tendon and Askild knew it would take time for him to recover from this blow.
"Everyone! Get ready! We are going to Kattegat!" Askild instructed.
-
"King Ragnar is in Kattegat!" A warrior informed Ulrik, and Ulrik was surprised by this news because he suggested it but Birger had positioned his men to close off the routes.
"F-Father is here!?" Tyr questioned, one would think Tyr would be happy but he looked troubled the moment he heard this.
"T-This is bad! Father cannot be here! It is all part of Birger's plan! He wants Ragnar, Askild was never his target! I do not know why but if father is here! I fear he will never make it out alive!" Tyr was hysterical, and Ulrik did not know how to react.
"If it is as my brother said, then we need to go to Kattegat. Father cannot fall, no matter what. This will be our final stand!" Bjorn said, clutching his torso in discomfort but the look of determination was ironclad.
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