Chapter 2
I have to say I am pleasantly surprised that I got as many followers as I did with just the first chapter. So thank you all who followed it and thank you for the reviews. I really like the Vikings TV show and it was one of those few shows in my option that was good from start to finish. So I really have no idea how to do this story with out fucking it up lol
With that said lets more on to the reviews.
Tashawng don't worry too much. Largatha will be shown in the next chapter. Other than Ragnar who was my fav character I liked her most. Mostly because she was hot and kicked ass. I like that lol
Vansmoke thank you and I try working on my grammar with the help of edit software but really there is only so much it can do for me sadly. Never did well in my English classes when I was young and had not really improved much over time.
Aconitum613 I know but I am not going to go around fixing historical inaccuracy. I don't know why it was Earl Haraldson's and not Jarl but I am not going to fix it. If I went around fixing everything that or fav crazy Ivar would never have been allowed to live.
Guest your kind of in the wrong place but I do like that idea and will be working on that story next.
As always leave a review for ideas or suggestions. Have a good day or night everyone.
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-Frode POV-
As I walked through the town of Kattegat the next day as Ragnar went to see Rollo, I took everything in around me. While nowhere near as big as it would be someday, it was still impressive how far it had come from what it was in season one. What was once a small village of only about 700 to 800 souls when I awoke here was now a small town of three thousand and growing steadily as the years passed by. At the rate it was growing it would exceed five thousand within the next few years so long as new wealth was brought in, which with my brother's planned raid west it would.
But the population size was not the only thing that had changed from the TV show. With my help Kattegat was without a doubt one of if not the most advanced town in the west. While not on the level of say ancient Rome it was still better than it otherwise would have been before I helped out. Stone roads lined the streets instead of muddy pathways and underneath them was a limited network of pipes that functioned as a prototype sewer system that helped take care of waste. So, the plague that had happen may never happen at all but even if did, I had plans for it. There was also a sizable water tower to help store about 5,000 gallons of fresh water and one steam bath that I owned that could hold up to a hundred people at a time.
Yet the single greatest improvement of all was slow change over from a bullion weight trading system the Vikings used to a more coin-based system and paper for record keeping. Now while that may not seem like much of a change or that big of a deal to most it was in fact a vast improvement. Just from a practical point of view it was easier to carry around coins as opposed to bars, ingots, or trinkets. As for paper well it went without saying why it was useful. Even in limited supply it was still invaluable for tracking how much the town was making. But the main reason for the changeover was again due to the salt. Because of the abundance of salt now available to trade it became increasingly hard to judge how much it should be traded for. For example, one day a bag of salt could go for anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds of silver or gold but the next cost up to fifty if there was a shortage.
This unstable system was not working and again Earl Haraldson's father had realized the problem and moved quickly to fix it. With my father's and I's help, he called for a gathering of the same neighboring Jarls who would fought alongside us during the Salt War to produce a solution. That solution was an agreement to sell salt only with coins from then on and set the price of salt to a constant amount for six months at a time. To make sure no one felt butt fuck the coins were made of gold and silver with an image of Odin the All Father for gold coins and silver for Thor. Now there were some bumps in the road here and there but overall, the change was success.
Nowadays it was the preferred way of payment to most traders in both parts of Norway and Denmark. And not just for salt anymore but for pretty much anything at this point. I had to wonder if this change, was the fuel needed to unite the Nordic people. Well only time would tell I guess and for now I had to concentrate more on helping my family in the tough times that were coming.
As I said before I was now an important member of Kattegat. So, when I walked down the road people were inclined to make way for me and show me a lot of respect. But that was only natural since I and by extension my family owned a large number of businesses in town. From the salt pools, steam bath, to a few trade ships and one blacksmith we were well established. To make sure no jealousy would break out between my brothers and me everything was divided between us. I ran the pools, Ragnar the old family farm our father left him, and Rollo watched over our interests in Kattegat. Which surprisingly he was actually good at. Whether that was because he had a mind for it or because he did not like the ideal of someone swindling our family, I was not sure. But things were going well on the surface for now for both my family and Kattegat.
However, if you looked closely cracks could be seen in the foundation of both. Anyone who had watched the show knew that Rollo had a chip on his shoulder when it came to Ragnar. But it wasn't just some petty jealousy for Ragnar being more accomplished or marrying Lagertha. No things started long before that with our father and mother who always favored Ragnar over Rollo and me. Not that I could blame them for doing so. Despite what parents say to their children there is always a favorite. In our case Ragnar due to his natural intelligence and charismatic personality. Even as children he was always in the sun where the light shined the brightest, and while I was clearly smarter, I was too much of an introvert. I preferred the background and left alone to my own devices. Something our parents recognized and did.
As for Rollo, while he had shown signs of being a peerless warrior from an early age, he was just too impetuous. His brash ways got him in trouble many times with our father and mother. Till a point came that he had to leave the farm at 16 just to keep the peace. Then when our father and mother died leaving the farm to Ragnar it hurt him even more. As the oldest he had thought it would have been his even though he made it clear he did not want it. I tried to keep things together after that and had a bit success, but Ragnar and Rollo's relationship still ended up strained. Just not as much as in the show or at least I believe so.
As for my own relationship with Rollo, it was actually rather good. Surprisingly, that was because of my personally again. Since I hated dealing with people on a daily basis, I needed to depend on someone to run our family's interests in Kattegat. Now while Rollo wouldn't have been my first choice or second if I had any options available to me, he turned out to be quite good at running things in Kattegat for me. I suspected that was because he saw it as looking after his younger brother. Ragnar never needed anything from him, but I could often seem helpless when it came to dealing with people on a day-to-day. Whatever it was, Rollo did his job well and we grew close because of it.
It gave me hope that I could perhaps be the glue that held us all together. But while I had hopes for my family the same didn't go for the power balance in Kattegat. Between my family and the Earl's things were headed for a collision. Blood would be spilled, and people would die. I just hoped that I could keep things from going too far downhill.
-End Frode POV-
"Hello Frode, I didn't expect to see you in Kattegat. You here for the Thing?" Frode hears a female voice speak up from behind him.
Turning around to face who it is Frode gives a soft smile as he spots Siggy Andvettdottir wife of Earl Haraldson. A cunning and politically astute woman who Frode could have honestly call friend. That is if they were not opposite sides of the political landscape in Kattegat. But nor could you call them enemies because during the early years of Haraldson rule they had grown close due to Frode's support of her husband. Then there was also the fact that it was Frode who found out and helped her husband get revenge on the Jarl who murdered her sons. Something she would always be grateful to him for.
"Hello Siggy, and yes I am here for the Thing." Frode answers her but says no more.
Which just makes her narrow her eyes at him. She knew Frode too well to believe he was here for just the Thing. "Planning to raid this year, are you? That is unusual for you."
"True but I have grown bored as of late and thought about joining this year. Besides, Thorkell has grown restless as of late. Best to let him raid and kill some of our neighbors than keeping him chained here till he loses it." Frode says.
It is a good excuse but one Siggy does not believe. While yes, she could easily believe that Thorkell was getting restless as she knew the man quite well too, he would not do anything overly violent. That would put Frode in a poor light and the man was above anything a loyal man to Frode and would not cause any trouble. Then there was Frode himself who she knew didn't do anything if there was not benefit to it. It was no secret that the last few raids were poor to say the least. Frode's pools made more in this past year that the last two raids combine. So, he had no reason to want to go or be here. Unless there was something that was going to happen at the Thing that involved him or his family. Which could be either good or bad for her husband.
Shit she really wished her husband had agreed to having their daughter marry Frode. It was a good match for Thyri and would have ensured her husband's rule. Sadly, while Frode was open to the match her husband was not. Even when Frode had said he would erase the debt he owed him her husband was still willing to agree. Call it pride or bull headedness, but he wanted to give their daughter away from a position of strength not weakness.
"I see well he is quite troublesome to deal with on the best of days." Siggy says good naturally but with a bit of worry in her voice. While she knew the giant of a man that didn't mean she didn't fear him like everyone else and was a bit uncomfortable knowing he was somewhere in town.
There were few who could stand up to the man in battle and was one of the reasons why she had suggestion he should marry Thyri after her plans for Frode fell flat. Sadly, that too didn't work out. As while her husband was more agreeable to that match since it could have taken one of Frode's key supporters away from Frode. It quickly became apparent that Thorkell would remain loyal to Frode above anything else. Plus, he was a bit of a simpleton. Fighting, and drinking were all he really cared about, and a pretty girl was just something of an extra to Thorkell.
"Only if you're his enemy. Otherwise, he is perfectly agreeable." Frode says to her.
They remain silent for a bit after that. Siggy had long learned when it came to Frode that if he liked you just being in the same room or general area was a show of affection. Even if he didn't say anything to you.
The silence does not last however as Frode says, "The winds are changing. Summer is here and with it the raids. I fear what another bad season could mean for your husband's position. I cannot keep those who wish to replace him at bay much longer."
Siggy just bites on her lips as she hears that. While yes, they were on opposite sides of the political landscape, Frode was not their enemy. It only appeared that way due to the position he held and the wealth he had. Her husband's real enemies were those closest to him. Those who whispered to him that Frode was his enemy and should look to remove him. Knowing full well to try and fail would end his time as Earl. Lucky enough while the relationship wasn't as strong as it was it hadn't gotten to the point where he acted on those whispers.
"I will keep an eye on them as best I can, but I feel my words do not carry as much weight as they once did with my husband." Siggy admits sadly. She would do as much as she could to save her husband's rule but there was only so much, she could do if he would not listen to her.
-Later at the Thing-
The Thing had just begun when Earl Haraldson saw Frode walk into the hall. While a part of him was happy to see his old friend here tonight after nearly a year since last seeing him it was unusual. Frode never came to Kattegat without reason, preferring to leave any business here to his older brother Rollo. So, if he was here tonight that meant it was for a reason. Whether that reason was good or bad was yet to be known. But the last time he was here it ended with Svein losing an eye and him having to remove him from stewardship for bearing false witness against him.
Fool should have known better than to do something like that. Because of the debt he owed Frode he couldn't judge on the case. Which left it to the Lawgiver to judge and all Frode had to do was produce a witness to discredit Svein. After words because of what Svein had done Frode challenged him to a Holmgang were he preceded to torture Svein. It was one of the few times Frode showed everyone what he already knew. Frode was a Viking, just a very odd Viking. As for Svein he was just lucky it was not a fight to the death.
But as far as he knew no one had insulted Frode and nothing of any importance had happened to bring him here. His plot against Eric Trygvasson and the summer raids being the only things he could think of that may have brought him here. Yet he was not there the night of Eric's trial nor did the man care for raiding, so it left him wondering and feeling uneasy.
"My lord we would all love to feat. But first we wish to know where we are raiding this year." Ragnar speaks up above everyone else.
"Can it not wait." Earl Haraldson says to him bitterly because this was not the first time Ragnar had disrespected him in his own halls.
"No, it cannot. We want to know. We have a right to know." His brother Rollo speaks up as well.
Seeing that everyone is watching him and waiting for his answer Haraldson knows he has no choice but to answer. "Fine, we will be going east this year into the Barents and then into Rus's territory."
Standing up Ragnar says, something about going west again. It is not the first time he had done such a thing. But it is what follows that changes everything.
"I agree with my brother." Everyone hears the soft voice of Frode speak up.
When everyone turns to look at him, Frode continues speaking, "Every year the raiding parties go east for little gain. Perhaps it is time we try our luck west. If needed I am willing to risk, my own ships for such an endeavor."
Shit Haraldson thinks to himself. Now he knew why Frode was here or part of the reason. "And tell me, Frode Sigurdsson, your boats are they not mine to command as I see fit per our agreement."
"That they are." Frode answers flatly like he didn't really care about that fact which told Haraldson more about why he was here.
"Then we will sail east and that if final." Haraldson says then gets up and head to the back with his wife.
A while later as he sits in his chair after finishing talking with Ragnar, Haraldson watches as Frode walks in. Knowing he cannot speak the same way he just did to Ragnar with Frode, Haraldson puts on a smile that does not quite reach his eyes.
"Frode welcome. Come sit with me and eat." He says to him.
But instead of sitting Frode eyes go to Svein and he says, "I will not eat or talk with this rat in the same room as me."
Letting out a sigh Haraldson looks at Svein who looks angry and dismisses him with a wave of his hand. Looking even more angry than he already was, Svein nonetheless leaves them and Frode takes a seat. For a while Haraldson, Siggy and Frode eat in a comfortable type of quietness. Something they used to do a lot before Haraldson found himself in debt to Frode but sadly this pleasantness has to end.
"I was surprised to see you here tonight, Frode." Haraldson says to his old friend.
Looking up from his plate with bored eyes, Frode says, "Were you?"
"Yes, I would say it was a pleasant surprise if it was not for what had happened just now." Haraldson says to him a bit angrily, not that Frode seems to care.
"It is the duty of a younger brother to support his elder is it not?" Frode asks.
Nodding his head like he agrees Haraldson says, "Yes this is true. For anyone else, but you that is Frode. Tell me why you really supported your brother?"
"Because he is not fully wrong about sailing west my friend." Frode says much to the frustration of Haraldson.
"There are no lands to the west." Haraldosn states as fact knowing where this is going.
"Perhaps, but at this point something has to be done. The wealth of Kattegat as you know comes from the salt pools. But that is only so long as people can afford to pay for it. The last few seasons have seen an abundance of rain and flooding in the pool area making it harder to make enough salt to keep up with demand. Because of this we during the last six month meeting we had to ask for more coins than normal to make up for the shortage leading to few being able to afford to pay for it. Unless new wealth is introduced into Kattegat soon our own people will not be able to pay for it, nonetheless our neighbors and allies." Frode explains to him.
Rubbing his head at this Haraldson says, "Has it really gotten that bad?"
Looking at him dead in the eyes, Frode says, "As per your own father's agreement with our allies their traders come to the pools directly to buy their salt. From what they have told me their Jarls are unhappy with how the last meeting went. The increase is putting a choke hold on their own treasury since they have had little luck in their own raids. I fear if this keeps up, we will be dealing with more than just one Jarl looking to take out his frustrations on you."
Banging his hand on the table hard at hearing that Haraldson knows all too well what Frode is saying. He will never forget the Jarl who killed his boys. Now Frode was telling him it would be worse than that which could only mean open war. While he had no fear of war Haraldson knew he could not win a war if his allies turned on him.
"Do you truly believe they will turn on me?" Haraldson asks, knowing it was Frode who had the most information concerning other villages and Jarls
"At this point, yes. The only ally we can count on to not turn on us is Jarl Borg who is currently in a land dispute with King Horik. With that said we can't count on him coming to or aid as well." Frode says to him making it clear the situation he found himself in.
"We can build more pools. Make up for the loss we have suffered during the last few seasons." Haraldson says.
"With what coin? As of right now my own is tied up in paying for the roads between us and our allies and yours into paying back the debt you owe me." Frode says much to Haraldson's own frustration for it was true.
To encourage trade between their allies a meeting had been held to agree on a joint project to build roads between them. They had worked so well in Kattegat that the benefits were clear to see even for the most stubborn of Jarls, but they didn't have the silver or gold to pay for it. To get around this problem Frode agreed to give out a loan to each of their allies to build their own. The loan would be paid out over the course of 10 years so for the time being he had very little to spend or other things.
It was also another reason Haraldson couldn't move against Frode. While no one liked being in debt to another for a Viking who swore an oath to Odin to pay back said debt it held a lot of meaning. To not follow through with it would mean not being able to enter Valhalla. If Haraldson were to kill Frode he would have those men coming after him in vengeance to pay back their debt.
"I will not risk my ships to sail west nor yours." Haraldson says in matter-of-fact voice.
"Which is your right. You will get no argument from me on that. I am only here to give my support to my brother. But know this my old friend the time is coming where I can no longer support you. Already I have had to send Thorkell out to collect debts owed to me by lesser men. They say if I am too weak to collect from those who owe me bigger amounts than them why should they pay me. I cannot allow that to happen and while I will not stand against you, nor will I be there if you need me." Frode then stands and leaves.
As for Haraldson he just sits there not knowing quite what to do. If people are really trying to not pay Frode what he is owed, then that doesn't only undermine Frode but him as well. He was not so blind as to not see his enemies in the shadows. The only reason they stayed their hand for now was because of Frode's support but if he stopped then they would start to move. It only made it all the clear that this summer he needed to be successful in his raids.
-A few weeks later-
Standing on the dock near his friend Floki's home Ragnar looks out towards the east ready to go. As were the other men who had chosen to go upon this journey.
"What are we waiting for Ragnar? We are ready to go or are you thinking about not going anymore?" Floki asks from behind him with his typical giggle.
"Patience Floki we are waiting for a very important member or our crew." Ragnar says to him.
"Who?" Floki asks.
"Someone you both love and hate in equal measure." Ragnar says.
With his eyes opening widely Floki says, "No you can't mean him. He would never risk his life on something like this."
"True, but yet he comes nonetheless," Ragnar says and points out towards the water and sees a small boat making its way over to them.
Looking out towards where Ragnar is pointing, Floki sees the shaman come towards them with that giant fool of his. Starting to giggle, Floki cannot help but smile for it can only mean one thing: the Gods are on their side. This trip will be successful, and they will all soon be as rich as dwarves.
When the boat pulls up to the shore Frode jumps off the boat followed closely by Thorkell. Walking up to his older brother Frode says, "Sorry I am late brother. I had to stop by your farm and ask your wife to watch Thorfinn."
Smiling a bit at hearing this Ragnar says, "I'm sure you went well."
"About as well as that busted lip on your face brother." Frode says, rubbing his chin from where Lagertha punched him. Woman had one hell of a hook, but at least he wasn't Thorkell who was, if you looked closely, walking with a bit of a limp from where she kicked him in the balls when she found out how he was raising him.
Ragnar just laughs more as Rollo comes over to greet his little brother. "Frode."
"Rollo it's good to see you again. Sorry I didn't have time to say hello at the Thing I was busy with other matters." Frode says to his older brother before hugging him.
"Think nothing about it brother. You can just buy the drinks when we return." Rollo says to him.
"You mean if we return brother?" Frode says to him.
"Oh, we will return brother of that I have no doubt." Rollo says to him.
"You sound so sure." Frode says, looking at his brother with questioning eyes.
"He believes it because you are here Frode. Rollo, like any fool knows Frode does nothing if he is not sure of the outcome." Floki says walking up to his friend and rival of a sort. Since they were children, they had competed in their respective crafts and while Frode held the advantage for now when his ship sailed across the open sea, he would be in the lead.
Giving a soft laugh Frode says, "Then my brother puts too much faith in me. But he is right nonetheless, we will return for we have no choice. It is either succeed or die and between the two I choose to succeed."
Even Hakon, who had more doubts than everyone else around them, smiled at hearing this. For if their shaman was coming then that could only mean they would succeed. It could have only been better if the Seer had told him so himself
Later on, out to sea everyone is asleep in the boat except for Frode and his brother Rollo who are on watch. To help pass the time, Frode plays a soft song on a pair of panpipes, a popular instrument he made when he was a kid and grew on the people around him.
As the tune starts to finish Rollo goes to sit next to his younger brother. "It's a clear night, it reminds me of when father took us hunting and told us stories of the Gods."
Looking up at the sky, Frode says, "It does, doesn't it?"
"I wonder what he would think of us now?" Rollo says with some regret in his voice. While proud of who their father was, they didn't end things on good terms. In fact, the last words spoken between them were in anger. Leaving bitterness between them that was never resolved.
Giving a small laugh at thinking about their father Frode says, "He most likely would have thought us fools for this. Brave fools but fools none the less, but at the same time if he were alive, I have little doubt he would be right here beside us."
Running his hands through his beard Rollo says, "True, father never believed there were lands to the west like you and Ragnar but then he was always up for trying new things."
"It matters not what he would say or do. The dead don't affect the living and besides, we will get to ask him in Valhalla when we die." Frode says to Rollo
They remain silent for a time till Rollo says what was really on his mind. "You are worried about something brother. And don't tell me you aren't. I have known you too long to believe such a lie."
Smiling Frode says, "Then I won't tell you that."
Waiting a bit for his younger brother to continue Rollo speaks when it is clear he won't, "What is it then?"
Knowing his older brother will not drop it till he answers, Frode makes up his mind to give him a half truth. "I worry about what will happen if we find new lands and riches on our journey."
"You worry about what will happen with the Earl." Rollo states.
"That is right, if we succeed everything will change. I fear that conflict between our family and his will be assured." He tells his brother.
Giving out a sigh Rollo thought of this. While not the most politically sound individual, he didn't run his family's business interests in Kattegat for nothing. He saw the steady political shifts between the Earl's supporters and those who worked for his family. To say they had significant sway among the people was an understatement and while things where peaceful unrest could be felt all around them. Now that he and his brothers were sailing west, if they came back with riches then the peace that had been kept for all these years would be lost.
"It has gotten that bad hasn't it." Rollo more states than asks.
"Yes, and if civil war comes it would weaken Kattegat significantly. Maybe even to the point our own allies may see a chance to attack us." Frode says to him.
"If you are so worried about it then why come with us brother?" Rollo asks.
Giving a small smile Frode says, "Because you and Ragnar would have gone on his journey no matter what. If I had not come, chances are one of you would have tossed the other off the boat by now."
Giving a huff of annoyance Rollo says, "Fuck you."
Laughing a bit, Frode adds, "Besides between risking civil war and the chances of bringing new wealth to Kattegat this was the better choice. Our family has made as much as it can at this point and Kattegat as well as our allies has grown as much as they can. If we can open the door to new lands, then perhaps our family can grow richer still."
Rollo can't help but laugh at that, "That is just like you Frode. Never the type to lead but always thinking what is best for our family. But you are right, I have seen it with my own eyes. Over the last year I have had several fights with our trading partners about the price of salt. Rumors are spreading about how the Earl, and you are hoarding the salt like selfish dwarves. I can only imagine what the Jarls are hearing at this point."
Nodding his head at this Frode says no more and just looks up at the stars. Accepting where this will most likely lead.
-Days later-
A heavy fog had rolled in, and no one could see anything in front of them. No land, no open sea, just a thick ominous fog all around them. After days of travel, and a fierce storm they were all tired and ready to see land. But with none in sight after days of sailing doubt starts to take hold and Hakon who is rowing is whispering something under his breath. Madness is coming to his eyes, and he would have given in already if it weren't for their shaman who is currently smiling. Making everyone wonder why.
"What are you smiling at brother?" Ragnar asks starting to have his own doubts by now.
Looking his brother right in the eyes Frode says with a smile, "The Gods favor you brother."
It takes Ragnar only a moment to understand what his brother is saying, and his eyes open widely, "Release the ravens."
Moving quickly Rollo does as he is told and releases them. For a while nothing happens, and everyone holds their breath and wait. Till they hear the flapping of wings come back. At first everyone despairs at this, but the smile never leaves Frode's face. Then the sound of the seagulls is heard, and it is the most beautiful sound any of them had ever heard. Better even than Frode's pipes which they all loved to hear him play. They quickly break out in cheering and pat each other on the backs.
All except Frode who remains seated. When his eyes meet Ragnar who is smiling, Frode just says, "Congratulation's brother."
With a smile still on his face Ragnar says back, "You knew all along, didn't you?"
Lying with a straight face Frode just says, "No I just had faith you would not fail."
Hearing this Ragnar knows there is more to it than that. Perhaps some vision that told his younger brother he would succeed. Whatever it was, it mattered not now. They made it and now it was time to get rich and explore new lands.
A while later as they pull up to the land, they can hear a bell ringing.
"It would seem they know we are coming." Frode says.
"That it would brother. Let us get ready." Ragnar says and hits his brother's chest.
Frode however is in no rush to get ready. Already knowing there are no guards here. Just riches and the best prize of all, Athelstan. It goes without saying that the Viking needed the monk for while Frode had a lot of knowledge from his past life geography and old languages were not one of them.
Picking up his longbow because it would seem odd if he didn't take his weapon of choice Frode gets out of the boat. His brother says something or the other which he does not care to pay attention to than starts to lead them forward. Quickly, they make their way up the hill and towards the monastery. It takes them little time to break down the gate. Everyone is on guard except Frode who walks side by side with his brother.
"No guards," Frode says to him.
"I don't like it. Keep on guard." Ragnar says not liking this. Thinking it's a trap.
They continue to walk and eventually hear voices. Recognize it as Latin, a language he had only heard in TV shows and movies from his past life, Frode points toward the building. Then along with the rest of them move towards the building it is coming from.
They break in and like in the show a nameless old man is praying. Again, just like the show Rollo is about to kill him, but before he can Frode speaks up, "Rollo don't kill everyone. We may need some of them to give us information later on."
Not liking being told what to do by his younger brother Rollo just looks at him but nods his head none the less understanding what he means. If there is treasure in this place these strange men may know where more located. So, it would be beneficial to take some alive. What follows is the same bloodbath as in the show but more controlled as the men look to keep the younger more fit men alive. Frode does not join in and instead follows Ragnar to where the gold is kept.
When he along with Ragnar, Leif and Eric arrive at the room the three of them are surprised by what they find.
"I don't understand. Why would they leave such treasure unprotected? Is there some magic protecting them?" Leif says which makes Ragnar who was reaching for a golden chalice back away.
"Don't be stupid Leif." Frode goes and picks one up the same chalice. "They clearly didn't expect an attack."
"Or perhaps they think their God will protect them." Ragnar says.
"If this is their God then he is dead. He is nailed to a cross." Eric says.
"He can't protect anyone. He is not alive like Odin, Thor or Freyja." Leif says with a confused look on his face.
"What use is he then?" Eric says as Leif laughs.
"Careful who you mock Eric. Dead or not, men are more dangerous when they believe in something than not." Frode warns but then adds, "Anyways there is a simpler explanation. We didn't know about these lands till we arrived here. What are the chances they didn't know about us?"
"That doesn't explain why they would still leave them unguarded." Ragnar says to his little brother.
"Doesn't it?" Frode says to him.
"Ah you think we may be in the lands of a powerful Jarl or King. Someone who others fear to cross and so would not dare to rob." Ragnar says, now understanding why his brother wanted some of these strange men alive.
"Indeed, best not to linger for very long." Frode says but isn't really worried but has to play his part.
Ragnar is about to say something to his brother to the effect of him worrying too much but stops when they hear a squeak of wooden boards. Moving over to hear where the sound is coming from, Frode watches as Ragnar pulls out everyone's favorite monk.
Seeing this and that Ragnar is not going to kill him right away, Frode walks off to find Thorkell who he suspects will not be happy right about now. Finding the man in the main courtyard he sees he is right as Thorkell is sitting down on the ground pouting like a child.
"What is wrong Thorkell? I thought you would be happy that we found some place to raid." Frode says to him.
Looking up at his friend with depressed eyes he says, "What is to be happy about. There is no honor or glory in killing these cowards. They don't even fight back."
Smiling at hearing this, Frode thinks that is why he liked Thorkell. Unlike some Vikings the giant of a man was a true warrior in his option. He would not attack someone who wouldn't at least fight back. Picking on the weak was just not his style.
"Do not worry my friend. True, there is no glory to be found here; but there will be other places where battle will be assured." Frode says to him.
Standing up with hope in his eyes Thorkell says, "You really think so?"
"That I do. My brother Ragnar just found a horde of treasure in one of these buildings. You don't put what he found in a place unguarded unless you don't expect someone to attack it. Which can only mean we are in the lands of some powerful Jarl or King." Frode says much to the joy of Thorkell.
"Yes." Thorkell roars out upon hearing this, making Frode smile.
"Frode, Frode" Frode hears the voice of Floki call out.
Looking over at where he is, Frode says, "What is it Floki?"
"Come here I found something." Floki says holding up one of the Christian bibles.
Walking over to him Frode stops just in front of him as Floki says, "Look…. look it's your paper. Why do these people have it?"
Taking the book from his Floki's hands Frode says, "No Floki it's better than my paper. This is something else. Feel it and you can tell the difference."
It was in fact made of parchment; an awfully expensive writing material made from specially prepared untanned animal skin. Something Frode had no idea how to make, which was fine since his paper while more brittle was still more useful than this stuff. Not for the long term but he really only used it for record keeping. Still perhaps it was time to start making parchment.
"Floki do me a favor and see if you can find who made this. If they are still alive, make sure we take them alive. We could use this for our writing of on the Gods." Frode says to him. If there was one thing, he and Floki agreed on it was giving proper respect to their Gods. So, in a joint effort they were trying to record the stories about the Gods with mixed success. While he could make ink, the paper he was using was unsuited for long term use. He was not stupid enough to believe that there wasn't a chance it would fall out of use after he and Floki died.
Giggling a bit, Floki says, "You got it."
When Floki walk off Frode looks and watches as his fellow Vikings start to lead their new slaves and treasure away. His mind is thinking back to Earl Haraldson. When they returned with all this treasure would he try and claim it all again like in the show or would he not. Whichever he picked a clash was coming and Frode couldn't see a path that led to his old friend living. It was a saddening but perhaps necessary outcome. For if the Vikings wanted a future his brother Ragnar needed to be up front leading them while he stood in the shadows helping push them forward.