Chapter 36

Everyone started preparing for their second journey to Wessex, King Horik started buttering up to Thor ans his group.But with no sucess he turned his attention Floki

Horik seems to have sunken his talons in Floki, slowly manipulating the shipwright to betray Ragnar.

After setting up camp in Wessex, King Horik notices Torstein riding away on horse.He went to Ragar,who was csually eating his food,about this and Ragnar explained that he had sent him to deliver a message to King Ecbert that they want to negotiate for peace with the King of Wessex.

Horik was angry and said"you did that without consulting with me."

Ragnar simply replied"I thought you would both agree."

King Horik in anger asked"Why should you think that?"

Ragnar nonchalantly replied"Because it is a sensible policy."

Ragnar seeing Lagertha was annoyed after all he was doing this to kill Horik,so Ragnar sighed looking at thr direction of Torstein and said"Fine, I will...Unfortunately, it is too late to recall Torstein."

Lagertha sighed and said"You,should have discussed it with us; King Horik is right."

Ragnar knew Lagertha's station was now bigger than his,so he replied"I try to remember that the next time, Earl Ingstad."

King Horik came and sat in front of Ragnar and said"There is not going to be a next time, Ragnar, unless you agree you will never ever do anything again without consulting with me first.For you and I are not equals."

Ragnar glared at Horik,while Horik added"So, what do you propose now?"

Ragnar still eating and drinking replied"Wait."

Lagertha sighed and asked"For what?"

Ragnar simply replied "The unexpected."

King Horik was annoyed replied"Let me tell you what to expect, hmm?King Ecbert will send some envoy to trick us, or he will send some army to annihilate us."

Thor who was watching all this, while Horik with his son walked away in anger.Thor looking at Ragnar added"Horik is already wary of you,now he will defnietly do something to get back at you."

Ragnar grinned and replied"Then I will be waiting for him."

Thor chuckled and walked away,while Loki walked next to him and said"Horik will not allow this meeting to be peaceful."

Thor nodded and replied"I know."

It did not take long as Æthelwulf and a group of soldiers arrive, and he invites Ragnar to speak with his father.Thor watched as Ragnar dicussed the terms and Thor whispered to Loki and Lagertha"King Ecbert seems to have some sort of plan,I don't know what."

Loki nodded,while Lagertha said"So we have fight on out hands,just like Horik said."

Thor nodded and replied"While Horik has other agendas he seems to have deep hate for their religion,he simply wants to kill them."

Lagertha agreed as she too saw Horik was blood thirsty and wanted more raids.

While just moments later,Loki told Thor"It seems our hunch was right Æthelwulf's group was ambushed by a group led by Erlendur. The entire group is slaughtered except for Æthelwulf who is allowed to escape."

Thor sighed taking his hammer said"Let's get ready."