Prepare For War

A day had passed since that fateful meeting, and all of Kattegat was aware that war was imminent. There was panic, but the Vikings rejoiced; they were ready to fight to the death and gladly give their lives for the cause.

Kattegat was their home, and they would lay down their lives to protect it. They went about their day as usual, but training and preparation for the inevitable war were in full swing.

"King Askild, I have prepared the defenses." Asger had set up a defense consisting of timber covered with projecting spikes and strung with barbed wire.

Askild raised a brow upon hearing this not because Asmund was unlikely to attack soon, but for another reason entirely.

"Why are we setting up defenses in Kattegat?" King Askild asked but all he got in response were confused looks from Ragnar, and Asger. The only two men present in the throne room.

"It will help us better defend Kattegat, my lord," Asger responded with an unwavering voice.

"Do you think the war will be fought on the shores of Kattegat?" Askild questioned, but Asger did not fully grasp the question, as it felt rhetorical.

"That's what we all thought, King Askild," Ragnar interjected, sensing Asger's unease. Askild turned his attention to Ragnar.

"It will be foolish to allow Vestfold to march here. We are not defending, we are the ones going to desiccate their homes." Askild responded, now was the time to discuss strategies among themselves.

"Is it not advisable to recall the others, King Askild?" Asger suggested, he was very careful with how he phrased his words.

"I have sent word to them, we need all the strength we can get," Askild said, before commanding the men to get up and permitting them to speak freely. He needed that right now, their honest opinion because he knew that they might have ideas to swing the war in their favor.

Ragnar was curious why Askild had not clashed swords with Asmund when the opportunity presented itself. Instead, Askild had taken Asmund's son hostage. 

It was a strange decision but he knew that Askild had far more experience than himself when it came to battle and that is exactly why he was king. He was not only strong but great at politics.

"I think your idea is sound, my king but we do not know the terrain of Vestfold." Ragnar started the moment he got off his knees, shooting Asger a glance before proceeding. 

"Asger nearly lost his life because of this same miscalculation," Ragnar concluded. Askild nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words.

"This is why I have granted Birger amnesty and asked him to return to Kattegat," Askild said and the moment these words left his lips, Ragnar and Asger had a look of dread on their faces.

"K-King Askild, I do not think that is a good idea. He was exiled for a reason!" Asger said but Askild simply smirked because he was the only man that knew the terrain of Vestfold and there was also no denying his skills when it came to combat, skills they were very much in need of right now.

"I think you should reconsider, King Askild," Ragnar suggested. Askild understood their concern. Birger was dangerous the only man to have ever injured Askild. Years ago, before Askild became king, Birger had relentlessly pursued Askild's life, leading to his and his loyalists' exile from Kattegat five years prior. Askild knew Birger had likely grown stronger since then and would undoubtedly attempt to take his life if allowed back into Kattegat.

"Birger should not be allowed into Kattegat," Asger said once more, but Askild was not changing his mind because of Birger.

"I am aware he killed your son and violated your wife before murdering her as well," Askild said. His tone was devoid of sympathy. Asger struggled to maintain his composure but ultimately failed.

"May I be excused, King Askild?" Asger asked. Askild nodded, granting his request.

Asger stormed out and everyone in that room understood his anger but the moment he left, a woman entered.

She wore a bear-fur cloak; she was extremely muscular, and was approximately the same height as Asger. She was bulky and with an axe strapped to her side, she did not wear armor and despite her build, still had a pair of large breasts. One side of her hair was shaven, and her brown eyes complemented her masculine frame. She went by the name Herfjötur, she was named after a Valkyrie.

Ragnar was surprised to see her, but Askild was not because he was the one that summoned her.

She was one of the many people in charge of her unit, the first woman under Askild that he recognized as a leader as well as a formidable warrior.

She dropped to one knee to greet Askild but he gave her the same right he gave Ragnar and Asger.

She has been away from Kattegat for 2 years, she was sent on raids to establish a base in nearby smaller kingdoms where they carry out continuous raids and send the spoils to Kattegat.

Askild explained his strategy to her and sought her input. Herfjötur agreed with Askild's plan. She believed it would be foolish to let their enemies approach Kattegat and equally reckless to march blindly into unfamiliar territory.

"My lord, if we stormed Vestfold it would not matter if we have a million men. If we march in blindly we will be slaughtered. Asmund is a veteran when it comes to warfare and we can not underestimate him." Herfjötur contributed and unlike Ragnar and Asger, she was fine with letting Birger return to Kattegat. This was why Ragnar did not get along with her, her ideal was on the extremist side but it was needed in these trying times.