King Asmund became serious; he got straight to the point, and the atmosphere grew tense. Signy felt the pressure in the air and was taken aback by how intense it was, even without either man saying a word.
"King Asmund, do not forget yourself. This is my kingdom, and as such, you will obey my rules," Askild said, his tone threatening despite its subtlety. Asmund knew he was in the enemy's territory and needed to compose himself. He had allowed his emotions to get the better of him for a moment, something he had scolded his son for many times. Askild was tougher to crack than he had anticipated. The man had his emotions firmly in check, showing not an ounce of weakness or vulnerability. Even his eyes were cold.
It was no wonder people feared him, but Askild kept tapping his finger against the table. Each time Asmund spoke, Askild tapped continuously, only stopping when it was his turn to speak.
"Askild, I am not here for your games. I am here for Egil. Bring him out and do not waste my time," Asmund demanded, maintaining his stance. He knew he could not afford to show weakness in these negotiations, or the balance of power would shift in Askild's favor.
"Hahaha! Egil is safe; you do not need to worry about him. But I am more interested in what you wish to offer for his return," Askild asked smugly. This infuriated Signy, though he was too scared of Askild to voice his anger after their earlier exchange.
"What do you want?" Asmund asked the King of Kattegat.
"2,000 pounds of silver in two days, or Egil's head leaves his body," Askild said in a blood-curdling tone. His face was expressionless as he spoke these words, and Signy could not believe the man's audacity. Still, he dared not speak.
"1,000 pounds of silver, King Askild. I believe this is fair enough." Asmund counter-offered, this was a lot for a single man but it was far less than he anticipated.
"1,500 pounds of silver, that is my final offer, King Asmund. If you do not accept it, you may leave." Askild said, unimpressed with the ongoing bargaining.
"You have a deal. I request proof of life," Asmund replied, locking eyes with Askild.
This fearless display excited Askild. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to look at him with eyes like that.
"Proof of life? Do you want me to cut off a part of his body and show it to you? I will be more than happy to do that. I know you have spies in Kattegat, do not play the fool, Asmund." Askild mocked him, this was a common theme but this was to be expected as he has the upper hand in this negotiation.
"F-Father, I think we should—!" Signy began, but he was cut short by Askild's glare.
"A boy dares to speak in the presence of kings? Speak one more time, and I will have your head on a spike." The voice of Askild reverberated in the ears of Signy and he choked on his words.
The cocky little boy was humbled by a single threat and Asmund told him it was alright, he had it under control.
"I accept your terms, Askild. In two days, we will be back with the silver." Asmund stood, these were his final words before leaving the throne room with a devious smirk creasing on the face of Askild as he watched them leave.
This turned out well, he was glad about the result of this meeting because they just ransomed Vestfold, a kingdom famous for not compromising their morals for anyone but that changed today, but as for Asmund, his love for his warriors might soon prove to be a downside.
Asger was waiting outside and greeted Asmund and Signy by keeping his head down until they passed him but Asmund stopped soon after.
"You. Did Egil fight well?" Asmund asked. Without looking up, Asger replied, "He is one of the most honorable warriors I have met, King Asmund."
This brought a smile on the face of Asmund as he continued his walk, mounting his horse alongside his son.
"Signy, what do you think of King Askild?" Asmund questioned his son because this was his first meeting of such importance.
"I see why you did not attack him, Father. He is a frightening man," Signy admitted, his voice tinged with fear. Asmund chuckled softly. Their business in Kattegat was done, and they began their journey back to Vestfold.
-
Egil was in the cell, he was strung up like a pig but he was far from near death.
He had gained weight; they had begun feeding him properly after hearing that Asmund wanted to negotiate his release. Egil had become a valuable asset.
They could not have him dying, Asger's arrogance had once again garnered a positive result and Askild liked that he had an original thought process despite it meaning he frequently challenged him.
Egil knew that Asmund came for him, the whispers were quite loud, and it was all anyone was talking about. Egil's loyalty was paying off after all he had been through as he sobbed quietly.
A year in captivity was coming to an end, and footsteps could soon be heard.
They echoed closer and closer until they stopped outside his cell. The walls seemed to absorb the sound. A bucket lay nearby.
"That's right. Clean up my mess. I will be with my king soon enough," Egil taunted as the lock on his cage clicked open.
The darkness made it impossible to see clearly. The figure opened the wooden window, allowing light to flood in. Egil's eyes widened in recognition, and he gasped.
The next moment, sharp pain pierced his chest. He had been stabbed in the heart. The last words he tried to speak were inaudible as his lungs collapsed, and silence enveloped the room.