Tyr and Bjorn knew that their father was in danger, from what Birger had done so far they could only assume the worst. Tyr knew something was up but he could not wrap his fingers around it.
They had to sneak into Kattegat but with their numbers, it was impossible, they had no choice but to gain entry through the main gate.
It was a gamble because they were certain that if they entered this time, there was no coming out. Tyr and Bjorn were the first to come into sight, and the guards picked them up immediately.
Tyr was topless, he had on black trousers, unlike his brother that was fully dressed.
"I-It is the sons of Ragnar!" A guard shouted and the moment their presence was registered, Ulrik emerged behind them with his men and the remnants of Herfjötur warriors.
They numbered a measly hundred in total, they knew they could not be forceful or they would be slaughtered even though they would put up a good fight.
Killing Ragnar would set off a chain of events that would not only affect Kattegat, but Norway itself.
Tyr and Bjorn, however, were the only ones that stepped forward to enter Kattegat, Ulrik and the rest remained outside and their presence alone made them divide their forces as more men were stationed on the walls to keep watch on Ulrik.
Tyr and Bjorn were high-priority targets, they would be allowed into Kattegat and everyone knew why they were there but these two have proven to be troublesome.
They underwent a search and we were disarmed, they were surrounded by armed guards but they were not escorted to see Birger. They would not be stupid enough to bring these two boys where their father was, not without explicit orders from Birger.
Tyr and Birger knew that they could not be reckless right now, they were both injured and were not as nimble as they were a day or two ago.
"What are you people doing!?" A guard screamed; he gestured for them to bring the boys in his direction but that was the direction of the throne room.
"Birger has requested you bring the sons of Ragnar to him should they come after hearing of their father's arrival!" The guard was their superior. Tyr was no longer surprised, Birger had predicted they would come, maybe that was why he was not bothered by their escape because he knew they would come to him themselves once Ragnar came to Kattegat.
Like flies to a moth, they were all drawn to Kattegat by Ragnar's presence.
-
Askild arrived at the gate shortly after, Ulrik was relieved to see that his King was still alive, he could not believe it as he had already thought of the worst possible scenario regarding him.
Askild, however, did not acknowledge his existence, despite Asger and Hagen greeting Ulrik with a nod. Ulrik knew he had failed Askild, this only happened because of his incompetence and he was facing the consequences of that action.
"Askild and Asger! Both of you may step forward! King Birger is expecting you!" A man screamed at the top of his lungs informing these two men that they had authorized entry.
"The sons of Ragnar are already inside!" Ulrik informed them and Askild was not surprised by this, Ragnar was in Kattegat after all.
He accepted the invitation and walked to the gates alongside Asger, who walked slowly behind his King, in case he should fall.
It felt like Birger was hosting a meeting with high-ranking officials, if he wanted to kill them, he could have easily rounded them up the moment they arrived.
Askild wondered about the fate his wife had experienced, he had not heard anything regarding her, making him wonder if she had gone through the most traumatic moment in her life.
Asild knew whatever it is Birger had in mind, everything was coming to an end today.
Like the sons of Ragnar, Askild, and Asger were disarmed.
-
"Erik! You bastard!" Reidar cussed at The Berserker, Arild's lifeless body was sprawled on the floor and Erik smirked. He was back to a familiar feeling, he was satisfied with the look on Reidar's face. Reidar clutched his sword but he was stopped by a group of guards approaching the cell.
"Erik The Berserker, King Birger has requested your presence in the throne room. He also said he would consider a duel with you should you come without incident," A man said, Reidar bit his tongue when he saw this man, no one knew who he was but he was the only one that Birger trusted.
He had no name, the only thing that stood out was the necklace across his neck.
It was a rope with a lion's tooth as the pendent, he looked relatively normal and did not stand out whatsoever.
Erik liked what he heard, the man looked at the lifeless body of Arild and looked at Reidar.
"Bury her," The man said, he recognized Reidar's anger and did not dismiss it but Birger's needs supersede everything else, their emotions included.
"Y-Yes sir…" Reidar responded; Erik was allowed out of his cell, he was placed in shackles but these were not your everyday shackles, they were a lot more durable and made of a special material that even Erik could not break free from. He was only able to bend the metal bars because they were old and rusty. Erik was not some superhuman god in human form, every feat he had had a logical explanation.
Erik walked out but on his way out, he stepped on Arild's head, crushing it beneath his weight.
"Oops," Erik muttered, the nameless man watched with an indifferent look, guiding Erik to the throne room. Birger had summoned every one of importance.
The only reason this was possible was because of the drastic action Birger took.
He orchestrated everything to absolute perfection and now, the reason why he invaded Kattegat would soon come to light.
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