Bo, the captive Alfred had let go, arrived at the main camp. His ride had been quick and the whole time he had been debating on what he should do. Did he go to Helga and report Alfred's arrival in the South? He may be able to get her favour and rise up the ranks. Or did he go to the others and betray her? Hopefully securing a lifeline for his people.
It was a dilemma which he ran through his mind. If he told Helga and she lost to Alfred's army it would see the death of all his people, and he was sure he would meet a gruesome death at his hands. If he went to Knut and others and his involvement in betraying Helga came to light, he knew that Helga wouldn't just kill him, but make a grand spectacle of it, not letting him die an easy death.
The weight on his shoulders was heavy. Seeing the large camp surrounding the castle walls. He rode through, not being stopped by the watchers, recognising that it was one of their people. He gritted his teeth and rode to Knut's area. Getting off his horse, he walked through the camp with a stern face. He ignored all those around him and walked through. Two warriors put their hands out stopping Bo in his track.
"I must see King Knut now. It is urgent." They looked at him but nodded letting him through. Knut had taken extra measures after Helga's rise and there was a list of people who weren't allowed near him anymore. Bo wasn't one of them and they deemed it was fine. Bo walked through, into the room, lit by a fireplace. Knut sat alone, reading a book trying to learn the language of the new world.
"King Knut. I come with news." Getting his attention, Knut turned around, looking at Bo not recognising him. Bo realised, "I'm from one of the forces left behind." Opening his mouth going 'Ah', he wished for Bo to continue. Bo looked behind him closing the door tightly. He didn't know who he could trust and was banking on Knut's mixed loyalties to Helga.
"I met the King of this land." Bo bluntly came out with it. His words got Knut's undivided attention. Putting the book down, he rested his chin on his hands. "He could speak our language and he offered me a deal to bring back. He knows about the fractured leadership within our camp, and wishes to make a deal."
Knut eyed the man, his eyes piercing. "Why have you come to me about this then? Helga, Frode or Halfdan would have more say than me."
"I came to you because you understand what Helga is to our people. She will be our death. The king of this land is offering to give us land if we swear loyalty to him. It is what we want. Stable food for our people and a place to settle for when our homeland is no longer livable."
Knut's finger tapped on the table as he thought about it. He thought about the entire purpose of the Great Adventure that seemed to have been lost on the people. But it made him wonder. If the King wished to end the war why didn't he just attack them? Was he too weak to fight them or was it another reason?
"What did you make of this King?" It had intrigued him since he first saw the portrait on the coin. He looked weak and the lack of reaction from the invasion reinforced it. But when he attacked each castle and the resistance became stronger it cast doubt. His people fought fiercely even against the overwhelming odds, killing numerous of them before they fell. The craftsmanship of each castle became grander and better, something his people had never created, still stuck with wooden walls surrounding their settlements.
Bo stood, thinking about his encounter with Alfred. "He's a young man but has the support of many strong warriors. He has many plans behind his eyes and is ruthless enough to kill those who are of no use to him. As a warrior, I have no clue, but if he was taught by any of those around, he may be formidable."
Bo wasn't shy about giving his praise. He wanted Knut to take the deal. "Tell me more about this deal." Bo smiled, explaining the entire encounter with Alfred, not missing a detail. Knut listened keenly. "Give me time to think on this. Helga is a woman who will use us as an example if we are found out, and I don't wish to have my heart eaten in another ritual." With mixed feelings he dismissed Bo. It was a dangerous thing and he knew he wasn't safe if Erik could be killed.
Bo understood his hesitance, he was the same. He just silently nodded taking his leave. Walking through the camp, he went to find Halfdan. If he could play on Knut's dislike for Helga, he hoped to appeal to Halfdan's greed and ambition.
Making his way through the feast he found the small man, eating amongst others telling stories. "Evening Jarl, I hope I can have a word with you in private." Bo gave a polite nod towards the turning man. Halfdan looked at him with squinted eyes, before opening them fully, realising who he was. Excusing himself, he led Bo away to a quiet area.
Closing the door behind him, the two know alone. "What is someone who was left behind doing here?" Halfdan spoke, instantly recognising him and making it clear.
Bo wasn't shocked at the man's intelligence and memory. "I'll cut to the chase. I have met the King of this land, and he has offered me a deal." Bo began to retell the contents of Alfred's conversation with him. Halfdan was instantly interested in this new king and the deal that had been made. "...He will give you a place in his court if you support him and earn his trust."
"An interesting man," Halfdan spoke with a slight smile. "Have you gone to anyone else with this yet?"
"Only King Knut." Halfdan nodded to this showing a genuine smile. "He told me to w...ughh." The breath left his mouth as a knife plunged deep into his stomach. Halfdan quickly covered his mouth and twisted the blade before pulling it out. Not wasting any time, he shoved the blade into the man's heart, letting his body fall. Bo was shocked and scared, not understanding what happened. He looked down at the short man with his final breaths, wondering why he had killed him so quickly.
Paying no attention to the betrayal in Bo's eyes, Halfdan wiped his hands and put his blade back, leaving the body on the floor, and closing the door behind him. Calling one of his men over, he had them stand and watch the door, not allowing anyone in without his direct approval.
Walking through the camp, he made his way to Helga. The woman sat on the castle walls cleaning her weapons, under the moonlight, adorned in numerous jewels, her face having a red pattern painted on it. "I bring interesting news." Halfdan got her attention, speaking in a joyful tone.
Helga turned around, her eyes cold, looking detached from worldly affairs. "What?"
"One of our men has made contact with the King of this land. He is on his way with an army." His words made Helga excited, finally giving her the chance to meet the elusive man. Before she could speak, Halfdan continued, "He also made a deal. He's willing to give us land, in return for swearing fealty to him. Knut already knows about this. Apparently, he was more than willing to take the deal."
The words annoyed Helga, the idea of bending the knee disgusted her. But the thought of another traitor made her mad. "We quarter Knut, offer his body to Floki. Once we are done with him we march to meet this King. Kill him and be done. When he is dead we finally can rule this land."
"I would advise against that." Halfdan stopped Helga's impulsive action getting a glare from her. "From what was told to me, those under him are strong. We also don't know the strength of his forces. Caution would be better. Knut however is a different story. He was already hesitant about swearing for you, but this blatant betrayal can't go unpunished."
"And the one who gave you this news." With an underlining fury in her voice, she asked.
"Dead. I have my men watching his body." Halfdan stopped, "I think you should meet this King first before anything. It will be a good opportunity to see his strength." Halfdan's words got a nod from Helga.
"I was impulsive. But killing that messenger was wrong. He would be a great witness against Knut. We need to make his execution have just cause so his men willing come to my side."
"A nessacary sacfirice. We can't have him spreading the offer of the deal to others before you make a decision. It will fracture the camp."
Helga, although not convinced, nodded. She knew Halfdan's slippery nature and believed there was more to it, but it didn't bother her, she just assumed Halfdan wanted to be the one to bring the information himself.
"Let us meet this King. Send a small force his way to set up a meeting location." Helga gave the order.
"What of Frode?" Halfdan asked, wondering how to deal with the final King in his way.
"That thing is still useful to me. Let him come along, he will be helpful muscle." Helga said with complete disgust in her voice. Halfdan laughed at it, knowing the man was never going to see his dream through.
"When do you wanna deal with him? He and Knut are the main obstacles in your way."
"Soon enough. His men are good followers, the most devout amongst them. We have to have him die in a way that will let his men turn to me." Helga fought about how to get rid of him. Her mind instantly went to the battlefield. His reckless way of fighting would mean no one would bat an eye if he died on the battlefield.
"Of course. If that's all I will prepare for the meeting." Halfdan smiled giving a bow and walking away. He silently laughed to himself, thinking about his competition slowly disappearing.