Erik the Berserker was the most ruthless Viking in Kattegat, and Askild often struggled to keep him under control. To manage this, Askild assigned him the most dangerous tasks, secretly hoping that one day Erik might meet his end. Yet, Erik always returned.
Erik never stayed too long in Kattegat, and this struck a balance because he proved to be an invaluable warrior to Askild.
Liv stood frozen in fear, though she sensed Erik meant no harm. Forcing a faint approving smile, she hoped to appease him. Erik appreciated the gesture but paid her little mind, he had not come to see her.
Erik sought King Askild for urgent business, an unusual occurrence. His arrival was a welcome one, considering the precarious situation in Kattegat and the impending visit from King Asmund. Timing was critical.
"Where is King Askild, my lady?" Erik asked. Despite his barbaric reputation, he displayed courtesy when the situation required it.
Though a madman in many respects, Askild had tamed Erik long ago, becoming the only person Erik considered his superior. Erik respected no one else and was willing to lay down his life for Askild.
"Erik, I see you've returned," said Askild, clad in traditional Viking attire and a cloak made of animal skins. Erik immediately bowed his head, not daring to meet Askild's gaze. Though Erik was physically larger, Askild commanded immense respect, embodying the Viking ideal of strength.
Askild's eyes fell on the severed heads Erik had brought, recognizing one as a renowned warrior from Agdesiden. This puzzled him, as Agdesiden was allied with Kattegat. Why had this warrior been killed? Had Erik disobeyed orders?
No, Erik was a loyal dog that obeyed his orders right down to the bone, unlike Asger that used more of his brain than instinct.
Erik was given a task to curb an extreme faction in a neighboring village. These Vikings were not humans or so the rumors went as they ate the flesh of their fallen enemies as a tradition because they believed it multiplied their strength.
All a warrior needs to be unstoppable is a strong belief, regardless of how delusional it may seem and they had such a belief, they thought themselves an embodiment of mortals turned gods.
This was not a problem for Erik, he charged at the challenge head on but it was not easy and took years to emerge victorious and now he knew why.
The kingdom of Agdesiden had a hand in this but it was one of those things, it was unfortunate that the warrior met Erik as he would have had a better chance at survival with Asger in charge.
He thought nothing of the involvement of the Kingdom of Adger, they were far too weak in military might to prove a threat and King Asmund remained his priority.
"Raise your head, Erik. You've earned the right to address me," King Askild commanded, crossing his legs. Liv averted her gaze, barely holding back her disgust at the gruesome scene.
"Thank you, my lord," Erik said, looking right at Askild. He was like a god on a throne, this was how Erik's mind perceived him.
"I wish to join the expedition, my king!" Said Erik but Askild was surprised by this request considering Erik has been satisfied until now with going to cause carnage because an expedition was far more delicate as it could easily shift the balance scale.
"An expedition? The only one currently underway is led by Ragnar Lothbrok, and I doubt you would be a suitable fit," Askild replied firmly. Erik's face briefly clouded with sadness.
"But I won't deny your request. Convince Ragnar Lothbrok to take you," Askild added. Erik's expression lit up with childlike excitement. Though his smile was far from pretty, it was genuine, he was like a child that found a new toy.
His business with the king concluded, Erik gathered the severed heads he had presented and left the throne room. Askild had given him explicit instructions: the head of the Agdesiden warrior was to be displayed on a spike at Kattegat's entrance, a stark warning to King Asmund and any other would-be challengers.
Meanwhile, in Vestfold, King Asmund prepared for his journey to Kattegat. Accompanying him was his son, Signy, the heir apparent. This trip was a valuable opportunity for Signy to gain firsthand experience in diplomacy and leadership, and he knew Signy was not reckless enough to lose his head and risk making Vestfold look frail.
Everything was ready, they were ready for the journey tomorrow. The downpour of rain was heavy moments earlier but it lightened up.
-
"Father, I heard King Askild has accepted your audience, but I have a few concerns," Signy said, this was at the diner table with his father but his mother was nowhere to be seen for she died in childbirth.
"I know what you're going to say," Asmund interrupted. "You think it's foolish to enter enemy territory. A king must be protected at all costs."
Losing a king means forfeit and the worst-case scenario was King Asmund getting captured and humiliated for the pride of Vestfold would fall if this happened.
"Yes father, I know but let me go. We cannot risk your safety! "Signy said but Asmund took a deep sigh,
"I am the King. A King leads by example," Asmund said. Signy understood this but he hated that it had come to this, he also knew it was a necessary step.
"Kattegat will face my wrath if harm comes to Egil. This, I promise you, Signy."Asmund said, washing down his meal with a cup of water