Vestfold made preparations but unlike Askild who sought to invade, they were more than happy to sit back and wait for their enemies to venture into their territory because their terrain granted them a significant advantage. It was their home, with defenses and ditches prepared already.
King Asmund dressed not as a king but as a warrior, ready to lead his people into battle.
Unlike Kattegat, Vestfold was content with the warriors they had because this is what they had been preparing for. Their Vikings were stronger than the average Vikings of Kattegat and they had the numerical advantage as well.
This meant that they had the upper hand in this war, a war that King Asmund was confident in winning because he had stronger warriors than Egil in Vestfold, but he also knew the conclusive battle would be against Askild. He has to kill Askild for this war to end because Askild is a very prideful man that won't stop until either he or his enemy is dead.
However, Asmund hesitated to let his son, Signy, join the war. Askild's unspoken threat lingered in his mind, and though he hoped he was misinterpreting, his instincts told him otherwise.
There was no way Signy could sit it out, not when everyone was willing to put their lives on the line. If Asmund fell in battle, Signy's ability to command respect as king would depend on his actions during this war. This was his chance to prove his worth to the other Vikings.
This battle was pivotal in showing the other Vikings just what kind of person their next king would be. Asmund's throne room was markedly different from Kattegat's. It resembled more of a communal family room, with tables and chairs for other Vikings to gather. Vikings dined and drank there, creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie. Asmund, trusting his people, had no need for constant vigilance against threats to his life.
The murmur and talk of the Vikings, drinking, and dining in front of their king created a strong sense of unity among them.
A man walked in, he was nicknamed the Demon of Vestfold despite his average frame and physique, he did not stand out and looked like the average warrior.
The noise quieted down the moment he walked in as all eyes were on him but he did not look worried or amazed. He was pale-skinned, had lifeless eyes, and a grumpy facial expression. He looked like he was in his mid-twenties but he also looked strong. He had curly black hair and was named Kåre
"King Asmund, I bring news from Kattegat," Kåre said in a flat, expressionless tone. Asmund gestured for him to speak. Kåre hesitated, glancing around as if to indicate that too many people were present for what he had to say. But Asmund reassured him, insisting on hearing the news with everyone present.
Kåre did not mind and got closer to King Asmund.
"We have gotten news that Kattegat plans to storm Vestfold, it is going to happen this month but this is not the most disturbing piece of information, my lord..." Kåre said and paused as the silence drowned the room in itself.
"The King of Kattegat has pardoned Birger—Birger Helvig," Kåre continued. His voice wavered slightly for the first time, and Asmund's expression darkened in anger before he quickly composed himself.
"He has not answered the summon of King Askild, there has been no report of him in Kattegat and there is no proof that he is still alive either so this might be a hoax," Kåre concluded and the panic in the eyes of the Viking around him, this was why he wanted to deliver the news to Asmund in private.
"Birger is alive. There's no way that man would die easily. But he must be killed—he cannot be allowed to reach Kattegat," Asmund said, his tone distressed.
"Couldn't this be an opportunity to eliminate him, King Asmund? It's better to draw him into the open. Despite our best efforts, we've failed to track him down over the years. He's the most cautious man I've ever encountered," Kåre said, his voice low but firm.
Before the conversation could proceed further, Signy entered the room confidently, oblivious to the tension. He noticed Kåre and was surprised by his presence, as Kåre rarely mingled with others.
"The war will begin the moment Kattegat has Birger..." Kåre stated bluntly, and a terrified expression crept up on Signy's face.
-
Hagen, the boat builder, kept on perfecting his craft. His body became more toned due to the nature of his work. The clouds darkened and thunder roared in the distance.
Sif came out to see her husband, she came with meals made with love and fruits to show her support.
Hagen stopped briefly to eat, he looked exhausted as the sagging eye bags under his eyes did not do him justice for he has been working like a maniac these past few days.
His wife did not say a word, she just watched her as her husband ate and cherished every bite.
She knew the war was weighing on him and she knew there were no words she could say that could comfort him. Her presence was enough to tell him that she was there for him, now and always.
"Hagen..." A voice called. It was the voice of Ulf, and Hagen immediately dismissed his wife.
This was the first time that Ulf had seen Hagen with a woman, but what was more surprising was why Ulf was there.
He wasn't welcome, and Hagen has made this very clear in the past.
"What do you think you are doing here?" Hagen asked Ulf in a very hostile voice.
"I need your help with something," Ulf responded, but he was hesitant. Something Hagen never saw before.
"I give you points for arrogance, that's for sure," Hagen said with a dismissive sigh. He had no interest in helping Ulf.
"Hagen! This could win the war, now is not the time for personal scuffles! I still hate you, Hagen but Kattegat comes first." Ulf shouted, sounding more like his usual self.
Hagen was speechless but his curiosity got the better of him.