Chapter 36 An arm

The people fell into silence while thinking about what should they do next. They weren't sure that they would win them with their tools and numbers weren't the main problem.

The main problem was Bjorn had their children and most of the people already sailed away to give more space to them which meant they had no defensive measures.

" Alright, we agree with your deal but you have to release our children first."

Bjorn looked at Yandal who nodded with a calm face. He gestured his men to release the children but only half of them out of caution.

" This is more than enough. I hope you saw my sincerity."

Bjorn didn't pursue the children, looking at the elders and women with a calm face. His face didn't display what he was thinking and he was keeping his words after all.

" As for these children, I will take hold of them. I hope you make a rational choice because you understand that their lives are in my hands."

Halfdan who was under his arms couldn't move due to the strength difference. His face wrinkled when he felt his raw power, thinking it was similar to his father's power. Perhaps he could escape if Bjorn was a little slower but he saw his move and he wasn't confident enough to outmaneuver him.

Thus, the best thing to do was ensure the lives of his fellow children while being obedient. Only fools make a hasty decision and he was no fool. His weapon mastery and strength are no match for him.

" You are a smart kid. Did you get your mother's wisdom as well?"

Bjorn valued Halfdan highly, knowing he would reach a great height if he lived until his adolescence. However, the most brilliant fire would die from the weakest wind if the conditions are met.

" I am not a fool. You deliberately let them go to lower our morale and keep your men safe. I saw you taking Helena's kit from her belt. If I am correct, Uncle Erik poisoned some of your men, and judging by his disappearance, I think he bode ill rather than well."

Bjorn's eyes lit up when he heard his analysis. Despite being a young child, Halfdan was already equivalent to high-ranking people's minds when it came to reasoning.

" You are a very amusing child. My friend who is standing there promised the safety of the hunter's child."

Halfdan lowered his head silently, guessing what Erik had met before going to the forest. He bit his lips with sorrow, not daring to show it to him because men shouldn't show their tears to their enemies.

" Why are you doing this? We were alliance. The north will crumble if we fought among ourselves."

Bjorn laughed hoarsely, stroking his head with satisfaction. He decided to show mercy to this child and perhaps he could adopt him as his own.

" Child, politics are much different than you think. To survive, we had to sacrifice our men to those southern bastards. Otherwise, they will trample our lands with their mighty armies and taint our land with blood. Your father who was rising in power in the alliance was a thorn in their eyes because they believed only force was enough for the north."

Halfdan's body trembled with rage when he understood his words. This meant neighboring countries forced a civil war among the Vikings to ensure their safety and needs despite his father's willingness for peace.

" Franks, Romans, and Isles people feared us and Nomads because of our ancestors who roamed freely under their reign. They believe our power will be too much if we are united, so they are keeping a tab on us by dividing us constantly and raising food prices."

Bjorn truly despised the nobles and kings for their selfish reasons. They wanted to suppress them for being inherently strong and they saw them as lowly warriors with brains.

" Then why don't you fight? With my father and other leaders, you could gain independence from them?"

Halfdan knew the Vikings were formidable on their own, much less combining their forces.

" Impossible. Your father might be different but most of us are selfish. We won't allow that."

Bjorn who witnessed their true colors, knew their hypocrisy.