The day arrived, and the sun shone brighter than it had in a long time. The clouds had cleared, with sun rays illuminating the streets of Kattegat. However, a neutral location was chosen for the meeting.
Asger, Erik, and Ragnar were to accompany King Askild to the location of the meeting, it was at the border of both Kattegat and Vestfold, ensuring neither side held a position of power..
"Father! Father!" Voices called out and Ragnar looked down from the black horse he just mounted only to see his two sons giving him puppy eyes.
They wanted to come along, but this was impossible due to the gravity of the meeting. It was far too important.
"I will be back, boys! Protect your mother in my absence." Ragnar gave the boys a task that would make them feel involved. However, this trick did not work.
"Mother is the strongest shield maiden in Kattegat! I fear for anyone that incurs her wrath!" Bjorn praised his mother and for good reasons, Lagertha was a renowned warrior just like her husband.
Ragnar chuckled the moment Bjorn said this, he was right.
Tyr, on the other hand, was more intrigued by Erik the Berserker's imposing figure. Sitting atop his black horse, Erik's unique appearance and strength left an impression on the boy.
"Ragnar now is not the time for delays. Tell your kids goodbye so we can get a move on," Asger, who was also mounted on a black horse, said firmly.
Erik noticed Tyr staring at him. It was the first time Erik had seen the boy, not realizing he was Ragnar's son. Still, Tyr's complexion intrigued Erik, though such diversity was not entirely unfamiliar to him. Erik wondered how such a boy had come to Kattegat.
The group departed, and Kattegat's security was heightened. The gates were shut, and no one was allowed to leave or enter while they were gone.
"King Askild, what is the plan?" Asger questioned the King on the black horse, but Askild was focused on the journey ahead of him.
-
They journeyed in silence, it was clear that their king was in no mood to talk and they did not want to risk him getting angry at such a crucial time because they knew the situation would be a lot worse if he was angry.
"Ragnar, do not let your guard down, not even for a second." Asger directed his dialogue to his other traveling companion.
"Understood Asger," Ragnar gave a simple response to Asger's simple piece of advice.
"Hey! What about me? Any advice for good ol' Erik?" Erik teased, mocking the seriousness of the conversation.
"Erik the Berserker, there is no way anyone could catch you off guard. Even Loki would find it difficult," Asger quipped, praising Erik. While he did not always approve of Erik's methods, there was no denying his skill in battle.
Erik chuckled, it has been a long time since all three of them have been gathered up like this and he was glad that this day came but he would rather be killing people right now
-
They journeyed for a couple of hours, it was one with little to no hindrances despite such a high-profile figure traveling with only three Vikings. It was the ideal scenario for any mischief or bandit to have a shot at Askild yet none attempted as even the dangerous routes were made safe just by the presence of Askild.
Eventually, they arrived at a heavily secured house standing alone in the wilderness. They noticed the horses belonging to Asmund and his son tied up nearby. Unlike Askild, King Asmund had arrived early and secured the area, indicating familiarity with the terrain.
The Viking warriors watched as King Askild unmounted his horse alongside his men, this was the first time most had seen him. The grassy ground welcomed their descent, Askild was in no mood for small talk and the Vikings around could sense this and instinctively stood down.
"Where is Asmund?" Askild asked. The men hesitated, unwilling to act without explicit orders.
"Welcome, King Askild! My father is over here," a voice called out. It was Signy, Asmund's son, beckoning from the door.
Askild instructed his men to stay outside, there was a high chance that word reached Asmund and this was an ambush, the same way word reached Asmund about the botched execution of Egil Iversen.
"King Askild, are you sure this is wise?" Ragnar questioned his king but this only made him halt in his tracks upon hearing this.
"Do you question my decisions now?" Askild asked, his tone sharp. Despite the possibility that Asmund might know of Egil's fate, there was also a chance he did not. Based on their reception, the latter seemed more likely. Askild could not afford to display weakness.
He needed to maintain the illusion of an upper hand and this was the best way to do so.
Ragnar swallowed his words and remained silent as they watched Askild enter the building. Erik's towering height and unique appearance drew the attention of those outside. Envy filled their eyes, as his physique was one every warrior des
"Welcome King Askild, I hope your journey here was not too rough." Asmund started the conversation, getting up from his chair the moment Askild walked in to not only show his respect but welcome him as an equal.
Signy closed the door behind him and left the building, leaving just Askild and Asmund in the room.
Signy closed the door behind them, leaving only Askild and Asmund in the room. Askild's eyes scanned the space, noting a treasure box in the corner. While it seemed to indicate Asmund's intent to honor their agreement, Askild remained wary, it was no guarantee.
Taking a seat opposite Asmund, Askild locked eyes with him. Asmund appeared much calmer than during his time in Kattegat, likely because he was on neutral ground and had more men at his disposal.
"I do not see Egil, King Askild." Asmund's voice was one of suspicion, and Askild knew he had two options.
Take the head of Asmund while his guard was down, or tell him what has happened to Egil.
Either of these decisions will determine the fate of Kattegat.