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Organizing the feast did not take more than an hour. Prince Jaksa's men quickly set up tables and benches, and the women began to prepare the meals... Lagetha sat on my right, Hild on my left. Prince Jaksa was sitting in front of me, and his wife and Bojan were sitting next to him, a bit further there was the place of Żerca... Of course, Bojan was supposed to be an interpreter, although I understood what those people were saying, I was a bit rusty when it came to normal conversation.

- I would like to know what brings you to my lands? Usually when people from the north come here, it's just to rob and kidnap people. (Jaksa)

- We both have a common enemy, although you may not know about it yet ... (Ulf)

- The enemy? (Jaksa)

- Christians, have you heard of them? They have already subjugated the saxons, slowly converting them to their faith ... then they will come here. (Ulf)

- Christians ... I've heard something, but I don't know much about them. Is that some tribe west of here? Do they have a lot of warriors? (Jaksa)

How to logically explain it to someone who doesn't know much about the world.

- These are many tribes united by faith in one God. They have two goals, to conquer as many lands as possible and make others believe and pray to their God ... They are very strong and numerous. They have thousands of warriors and maybe even more. Big and rich cities. (Ulf)

- So you have met a strong enemy that you cannot defeat on your own. This is why you are looking for an ally? (Jaksa)

I admit that Jaksa was not stupid, although he misunderstood my intentions, but he was cautious and tried to understand the whole situation.

- No, the Christians do not know yet where my kingdom is, to get there they have to cross the sea. I also fought them several times and although they weren't big battles, I always won. (Ulf)

For a moment I stopped listening to what the Prince was saying, I focused my attention on the busty woman who was serving me food ... suddenly I felt a tight grip on my thigh. I looked down, it was Lagertha's hand. I looked at my wife who was smiling ominously.

- My Love, the prince is asking for your reasons. (Lagertha)

- oh yes ... my reasons. Christians will come here whether you like it or not. Maybe in a year, maybe ten years. Every day they grow stronger, I am not afraid of them right now, but who knows what will happen in the future. That is why I propose to act together, and when it works out and you become stronger, we will form an alliance. (Ulf)

- What do you suggest? (Jaksa)

- Trade first, I'll send more ships here. You will become richer, you will also gain hard to get good. Weapons, food, tools and much more. (Ulf)

- What do you want in return? (Jaksa)

- I have not finished listing the benefits that fall on you. I will send craftsmen here to teach you new construction techniques and many other things. If you wish, I will also send an army, that will conquer the surrounding tribes for you. (Ulf)

- Forgive me, but I don't believe your words. You must want something in return. (Jaksa)

- Of course, in three years you have to deliver me 6,000 people ... women and men, from the east, I don't want saxons... and once we have a permanent alliance, my eldest daughter, Yrsa, will become your son's wife, if you have one. However, it will be many years before that happens. (Ulf)

My sudden announcement surprised everyone ... maybe not everyone, but Lagertha. Though she said nothing, I felt her gaze penetrating my skull ... and her hand was tightening more and more on my leg... We talked for a while longer about the alliance, but then everyone gave themselves up to feasting and having fun. Such important decisions are not made immediately and probably Jaksa will have to consult someone, and it will probably be Żerca.

Two or three hours later, I announced that we were going back to the camp ... I got up from the table and limped to the exit.

- Something happened? (Jaksa)

- My leg was numb from this sitting. I need to get a little moving. (Ulf)

After the pain in my leg, I guessed what hell awaited me in the camp ... All the way my wife did not say a word, it was like the calm before the storm. Now I know why tornadoes or storms have female names.

Upon reaching the camp, I heard a sentence that is the nemesis of every man, it was almost as scary as "I'm pregnant".

- Ulf, we need to talk. (Lagertha)

- If you think we have to ... (Ulf)

I was resigned, I understand she was surprised, she might feel left out, but to make a fuss about it.

- Yrsa ... Why did you decide about it yourself and didn't tell me anything ?! (Lagertha)

It begins ... Women are way too emotional. It's not like I'm selling my daughter for a few goats. Her husband will be Prince or King of Rügen, not some shepherd.

- I am her father and I am the king ... so it's obvious that I have a right to choose her husband... (Ulf)

I saw that my words did not make my wife calm down, rather, they had the opposite effect on her like a red rag on a bull... I had to try a different method and a different approach.

-... Lagertha, think ... have I ever done anything that was bad for our children? Yrsa will be a princess or a Queen, in Norway or England her husband could be Jarl at best. (Ulf)