Chapter 8 Politics
Crackle*
The dry wood crackled as Bjorn faced him with a cold face that sent chills down his spine. He saw how ruthless he was throughout his life but this time it was different. Unlike his violent expression, this was filled with guilt and sorrow like he couldn't do anything.
" I respect Magnus. He is a great warrior and a great leader to be among us. Moreover, I believe he can truly help us to reach where others couldn't do it."
Bjorn sat down on the chair while leaning on the wall with a heavy expression. Although he had ulterior movements when he started pulling this, in midway he saw Magnus could change them, but the fate was cruel to them.
No king would want another kingdom to appear next to them. Especially if it was formed by the greatest warriors in the north who they stood as apex warriors despite their internal struggle.
" King Francis wanted to destroy our coalition out of fear. He rallied nearby kingdoms and dukedoms to assemble a mighty army of 10000 warriors who were clad in steel. Not only do they have superior weapons, but they also have the support of Roma."
Hearing his words made others draw their breaths with fear. Even though they were great warriors, they never heard anything from Bjorn and the other chiefs because they hid it intentionally from them to ensure the secrecy behind the matter.
" Besides, I need their fertile land after all these years of plundering. I want to live my rest of life in peace while baking bread with my women and children."
Bjorn didn't deny that he still had the thoughts of his first goal.
" But why? Although we plunder others, they never bothered fighting us after the great conqueror. They know our power."
Horton asked with a hint of anger in his tone. Vikings occasionally clashed with other armies and soldiers but they weren't united under one banner and they possessed no ill intent toward Francis.
" They believe we will have another William at this rate. He was already a threat to Roma during his lifetime, so they couldn't afford the second one to appear in their vicinity."
Bjorn mocked Roma for being a cowards in his words. They had vast fertile land, great soldiers, and scholars, yet they feared little nations like them, but Bjorn couldn't do anything due to the existence of the knights and paladins.
Meanwhile in the mountain ranges
Halfdan was sweating profoundly after helping Erik to move the rafts. They moved the rafts to the northern river which was connected to the ocean after sailing for 3 days.
" There is a tribe near the mouth of the river. As long as we can reach there, we can get boats from them and leave our land."
Erik spoke with a calm voice while chugging some water down to his parched throat. They had been working for a long time, so he was tired since he was the main workforce behind this plan.
" Are they friendly to us? No one would willing to help outcasts without benefit."
Halfdan doubted that people would help them if they really fled their home. No fool would dare to hide them under the eyes of other chiefs.
" You are right, child. However, this tribe is a little bit special case in our alliance. They were the first tribe to reach the shores of the isles of farland and they went through many things. Furthermore, your father has a deep friendship with their chief after he lost his arm. They wouldn't chase us away even if we are actively hunted by Bjorn."
Erik smiled softly while rubbing his head to ensure everything was alright. During their youth, Erik and Magnus visited many places along with other warriors in the tribe to find where they belonged. Among them, one tribe almost became their home after the incident which led them to fight against that time's strongest tribe.
The leader of the tribe near the ocean fought with them until the end which ultimately resulted in the death of the strongest chief and the loss of the other chief's arm.
After that, Magnus became indebted to him and called him his non-blood brother. They still had a good relationship to this day and Halfdan knew Vikings valued brotherhood.