———— 20 minutes earlier ————
Ragnar ambled beside his father, thoughts of the plan lingering in his mind. It was dangerous, but killing their leader would be the best way to get rid of the Danes without having to fight all of them.
If this operation went well, it would allow the Barony to save most of their men while still retaining the ability to fight the Duke next summer. Then they'd be able to capture a tonne of Danes and put them into the men-at-arms under his father.
As soon as the Danes realized that their leader was dead, they'd have two options. To fight to the death or to surrender and become slaves.
"Thorkell, you know the plan, right. We kill this Danish leader as soon as father gives the signal. My guess is that he's a well known Sea king for him to be commanding so many men."
Sea king was a title given to powerful Viking Chieftain in the Norse Sagas. Such men without roofs could at times be so powerful that they could subdue a country and crown themselves a king.
Thorkell was trying hard to control the excited expression on his face but failed as a smile broke out, stretching the scar on his face. "You have a loose nut, brother. This plan of ours is insanely risky. We have to kill their leader, light their main tent on fire and manage to stay alive until our entire army comes running down the hill to slaughter the Danes?"
Ragnar listened to Thorkell repeat his plan with satisfaction. "On the surface, yes, it sounds stupid. But if we can scare the Danes into submission, we might last long enough. High risk, for a high reward, eh? The chaos from within the camp should be able to create a distraction large enough for the main army to move in unimpeded."
Thorkell chuckled at the thought. "Yes! My brother, high-risk, high reward. I swear I'm starting to like you more and more every day. The leader is for me to end, though. I will crush his insignificant life with this axe of mine. You can take whoever else is in the camp."
Harald, who was overhearing the entire conversation, broke in as they approached the camp, "Hush now, boys. On my signal, remember."
Before turning to face the sentry on the gate and proclaiming out loud, "We're here to parlay on behalf of The Baron of these lands. We wish to speak to your leader!"
————— Present Time ———————
Marshal Harald smirked before snapping his fingers, "What happens if I told you that they were charging in right now?"
Ragnar watched as Earl Sigfried's eyes went wide in shock, turning on his feet to call the guards before his entire body was split in half by the unparalleled speed of Thorkell's axe.
Ragnar turned his gaze to the woman by his side. The Earl was stupid enough to bring his daughter into the negotiation tent as he probably wanted to marry her off and bind the mighty Sigvald family.
Noticing Erika watery eyes about to scream, his athletic figure powered forward and clamped her mouth shut before staring deep into her eyes. A silent command to ensure she kept quiet.
Ragnar looked around in thought. Miraculously, everything had been quiet up until then, and their situation would be the most dangerous from this point onward.
Noticing Erika's bizarre obedience, he started to take in her figure. It was one of unique beauty. Those ruby-red eyes, along with her elegantly straight nose, were striking and contrasted well with her silver hair and enticing figure.
The thought of claiming her was alluring, and if he wanted her, he'd have to state his intention for her immediately. If either his father or brother had an objection to it, then he'd have to fight them.
As such, to stake his claim, Ragnar broke away from the girl's gaze and stared into the eyes of his family as he stated. "This one is mine."
Harald immediately nodded, smiling as his son took his first prize from war. Thorkell, on the other hand, wasn't so compliant as he growled in displeasure.
"That is an Earl's daughter you have laid claim to, my dear brother. The head of whose would bring a fortune in the market.
He walked up close to Ragnar before snarling in a low breath. "We will discuss this later!"
Before he turned to the charcoal lamp, taking one of the rags in the corner of the tent and lighting it on fire.
"Once this fire breaks out, all hell will break loose, and our countdown for survival begins. Make sure that girl doesn't kill you, brother." Thorkell asserted as he threw the lit rag in the corner of the tent. Quickly catching as the flames built up in ferocity.
Ragnar looked down at the girl he had captive, wondering what he would do with her while they fought for survival. He noticed her fierce gaze and knew she would not remain quiet.
"If you don't remain silent, Erika, I'll knock you out," Ragnar divulged as he threw her on his back effortlessly like a sack of potatoes.
The impact onto Ragnar's muscular shoulder knocked the wind out of her lungs as she exclaimed. "Ow! Ragnar, treat me like a woman then!"
Ragnar roared in laughter, "Treat you like a woman? Sure then, shieldmaiden." He mocked as he gave her plump arse a squeeze.
Erika squealed as she started resisting like the vixen she truly was, "You inhuman brute! The devil has sent your entire family! I knew there was something wrong with you the moment I caught sight of your wicked green eyes."
Ragnar spanked the woman once more to end the tirade and grinned when he finally received silence.
With the fire growing in the last 30 seconds, it was time to kill their way out now.
Ragnar turned on his heels to look at his father and brother. All of them stared into each other's eyes. It may well be the last time they see each other alive, and what a wild ride it would be.
The three of them nodded before storming out of the tent in different directions roaring with their axes raised in determination.
Ragnar burst out of the tent, to the surprise of two Danes attempting to rush in to check on their lord.
Within an instant of catching sight of them, Ragnar powered the hefty axe like a baseball bat. Smashing both their faces, killing them instantly as the impact sent them hurtling into a nearby firepit.
The loud clattering of the pots woke up all the nearby fighters as they stood up in shock, drawing their arms in response.
Ragnar smirked at the sight in front of him. Looked like the gods were in his favor on this day. He'd have to deal with ten men, all armed with axes, while he had a conscious shield maiden slung across his shoulder.
"For Glory!" He bellowed out in challenge as he burst forward to meet his first opponent.
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