Chapter 3

Hi everyone and think you for reading. I am really happy to see more and more people follow this story. While not the best writer out there just the fact that so many people are following makes this worthwhile.

Anyways before we get to the Q&A I have a question of my own. While I know iron and wood is one of Norway's biggest natural resources I what to know doesn't anyone know what else is. I am doing as much research as I can but I suck at it so any help would be wonderful.

Now Q&A

The Dark Revan I am not sure. I am not even sure if Rollo will get baptized at this point. But if so yes Frode would be against it seeing as it would form a split in the family as a hole.

Vansmoke I do my best but really I am poor at it. But I do try cleaning it up as much as I can.

Gingi71 I would highly recommend it. Honestly from season 1 to the end I never found anything I didn't like about the show.

Pedro52 kind of but not really. Any suggestions are welcomed.

Graymar1 yes, yes and I am not sure about bring in more characters. Really I never like the manga myself but my beta and shadow writer suggested them so give a big shout out to Wraithwalker who had been very helpful in not just this story but all of my stories.

Relvain Jenafuse Frode for now and while I have think Thyri will be a good first wife seeing as like you said I can do whatever I like with her I am not sure if that will stay. Yidu could be helpful in a lot of ways Thyri is not so it's a thought as well.

yesboss21 blacksmithing will come next and as for farming well the MC is not a know-it-all character and while he understands things like chemistry, modern medicine and stuff of that natural he is not much of a farmer. Having little to do with it in his past life except for what history has told him and documentaries. So, a lot of guess work and trial and error. As for sparing I should show something shouldn't I. But to make it clear right now MC is not as good a warrior as Thorkell or even his brothers for that matter but deadly in his own ways.

Now on with the story. And as always leave a review if you have an idea, have a comment or just what to say whats up. Stay safe everyone.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

-Ragnar Farm-

As she stood there and watched her son and young Thorfinn train with each other, Lagertha had to give some credit to the two idiots who raised the boy. While Thorfinn had all the social graces of a rock the boy definitely knew how to fight. You only had to look at the ass kicking he was currently giving her son to see that much. Fast and agile with no fear of getting in close to finish off his opponents he reminded her of Floki's way of fighting just more aggressive. No doubt a result of Thorkill's influence. Yet she could also spot some of Frode's own style in how he did not rush in and often thought his actions through before acting. It was utterly amazing to see one so young show so much promise.

Now if only she could knock some manners into the boy, he would make a fine Viking and man one day. Sadly, that would never happen with the two idiots. Frode's way of dealing with people was to avoid them unless necessary and Thorkell was well Thorkell. If the boy didn't get away from them soon well, she didn't wish to even think about what he would become.

-Flashback-

It was the day after her husband Ragnar had just left to sail west and Lagertha was still pissed as she watched from a distance as Frode, and his fool rowed towards her home. While she had long since realized that her anger towards Frode was misplaced she was still not happy to see him. He was a reminder of what close friends they use to be and how her immaturity had cost them that friendship and many others to break or strain. She hated herself for she acted like little more than a little girl lashing out at someone for something they had nothing to do with. Of course, she placed that hate straight at Frode's feet again because he never came to see her or her family after she had cursed his name.

How many times she wished to apologize to him for what she had said only for him to never show up. She had even thought and practiced what she would say to him for Gods sake. Yet he did exactly as she told him to do and never came to visit again. So, when he got off the boat and walked towards her, she wondered what he wanted. Neither said a word as he walked up to her and for a time, they just looked at each other not saying a word. That is till she pulled back her fist and punched him straight in the face, snapping his head to the side with a hard right hook.

Frode stumbled back a bit and again he wondered not for the first time if he should not have taught her how to throw a proper hook. If he didn't see it coming and turned his head at the point of impact, she definitely would have broken his jaw.

Rubbing his jaw and making sure it's not dislocated, Frode says, "It good to see you Lagertha. Well, that be all our would you like to hit me some more."

"No, I think I am good Frode." She says angrily but starts to settle down after taking her shot.

That is till she hears a small voice say, "Uncle why that bitch hit Frode."

Her head snapping to the side to look at the boy who just called her a bitch Lagertha says, "What did you just call me."

Not noticing or not caring that he had just step into the path of a she-wolf the boy just repeats himself. "A bitch. It's what uncle says all women are deep down inside."

Hearing Thorkell laugh aloud Lagertha eyes turn to those of cold fury. She is not amused in the least and pushes Frode out of the way. Then walks straight toward the boy but steps quickly to the side and before Thorkell can realize what she is doing Lagertha knees him in the balls than give him a strong left hook to the face. Knocking the giant of a man down. Something young Thorfinn was not used to seeing.

Grabbing the boy by the neck of his shirt Lagertha pulls the boy close to her face and says sweetly, "Call me a bitch one more time boy and I will remove your cock before you even have a chance to use it. Understand?"

Thorfinn, feeling an unbelievable amount of fear towards this lady, quickly shakes his head up and down.

Letting go of the boy, Lagertha steps away from the boy and back towards Frode but not before giving Thorkell one last kick to the balls seeing as he was still laughing in good humor despite the pain, he was clearly in. Then says, "Now why are you here Frode? If I am not mistaken, shouldn't you be with that husband of mine and sailing west by now."

Looking down at Thorkell before he answers, Frode just shakes his head at the man. While they both knew, he had this coming the man really needed to stop laughing. It was disturbing to listen to since it was mixed with no small amount of pain.

"That I am, but first I needed to see you for a favor." Frode says to her.

"What favor do you need?" Lagertha asks knowing there was not much she could give a man like Frode. Anything he wanted he could get himself with his wealth.

Walking over to the boy that she just threatened Frode grabs the boy by his shoulders and pushes him forward. "I need you to watch young Thorfinn here for me."

Looking down at the boy for a moment Lagertha thinks on this, then looks back up at Frode and asks, "Why, you have thralls and the other families that live at the salt pools for that."

"To put it simply, I don't trust any of them. While loyal to me for the time being that will only remain so long as it proves profitable to them. With Ragnar sailing west against the Earl's wishes and me going along with him many will question if they should remain loyal to me. Seeing as a clash between us and the Earl is unavoidable at this point it would be better to keep my only real weakness with someone, I know won't betray me. I made a promise to young Thorfinn's father to look after him till he is a man. So, I can't let anything happen to him least I become a liar and a oath breaker." Frode says to her.

Standing there looking at him for a while Lagertha asks, "You really believe a fight is coming."

"It can't be stopped, any more than Ragnarök can." Frode says to her, making her narrow her eyes.

If you were to ask her Lagertha would tell you she never believed that Frode could see the future like some thought. Oh, sure he was smarter than most, but she was not like her husband who had complete faith in Frode. Yet he was rarely ever wrong which led her to believe that he knew people and if he said a fight was coming than it was going to happen.

Letting out a sigh Lagertha says, "Fine I will look after the boy but if the Earl truly aims to take the boy I will not be able to stop them on my own."

She was arrogant and sure of her skill in combat, but she was not stupid. If the Earl came in force to take the boy, she could not stop them on her own.

"That is why I will be leaving some of my most loyal men here to watch over you and yours." Frode says to her.

-End Flashback-

And Frode was as good as his words as he left the brothers Lambi, Grani, Hreitharr and their sister and follow shieldmaiden Thorgunna. All of whom were idiots but were loyal to Frode for saving their mother's life some years ago from sickness. A debt they themselves said they would never be able to repay except with their deaths. Words that they had held true to since they did anything Frode asked. Even a boring task like standing guard over her family.

Hearing a grunt coming from the boys' direction Lagertha sees her son once more on his back and sighs.

"Do not look so disappointed in your boy Lagertha. He is doing better than most boys his age when facing Thorfinn." The voice of Thorgunna says.

Looking over at the women who had just walked up to her, Lagertha's first thoughts of her are those of respect. While Thorgunna or Thorgunna the Ox as she was called was not an attractive woman by any means she was one Hel of a warrior. Standing as tall as her husband she with a hefty body and a pig's face she was a site to behold. Some say that on the day of her birth the Gods cursed her to be ugly, but in exchange gifted her to be a great warrior. A trade the woman herself said she would never trade back for she loved to fight just as much as her brothers and Thorkell himself.

"That maybe but he needs to stop letting Thorfinn get in close so easily." Lagertha says not willing to let him soon off the hook so easily. Björn was almost a head taller than Thorfinn and stronger. Yet he was not using that to his full of advantage and not learning from his mistakes. Continuously falling for the same traps Thorfinn puts out.

"Easier said than done, Lagertha. You have trained with the boy yourself, so you know how much harder that is to do than say." Thorgunna says to her.

That she did indeed know. While a good amount taller and more experienced than Thorfinn he was still nothing short of exceptional with his twin daggers. During her training sessions with him he quickly proved to be a pain in the ass to deal with. She could push him around easily enough due to his smaller size, so she always won but he never made the same mistake twice or if he did it was to bait you. If one way of attacking did not work, he would try another, and another till he found something that worked. None of which ever did work on her, but it showed a keen mind that other children his age did not have. Yet if you poked in the right places, you could get him to lose his temper just like any other child.

"True, but he still loses his temper if you poke fun at him in the right way. He will have to get control of that or learn to use it the right way if he wants to be a truly frightening warrior." Lagertha says to her.

Nodding her head Thorgunna says, "Yes I have to agree. While rage is a good thing for a warrior, even a berserker knows how to guide his rage towards a target."

Both remain silent for a bit after Thorgunna says that till finally she speaks again. "You think they will return?"

"Yes." Lagertha's says knowing what she is talking about even without Thorgunna coming out and saying it.

"You sound so sure." Thorgunna comments.

Shrugging her shoulders Lagertha says, "Between believing my husband is alive and will return to me and not I choose to the first. What about you do you think they will return."

"Oh, I have little doubt. Frode is not the type to risk his life on something he doesn't fully believe will work out." Thorgunna says to her.

"True…. well I should get the kids inside. It is getting late and it's time for dinner. Will you and your brothers be joining us tonight Thorgunna?" Lagertha asks.

Chuckling a bit at her question Thorgunna says, "Do you really want us to join you?"

Despite her looks Thorgunna was not a slob like her brothers. She had some manners even if she was still an idiot at times. Unlike her brother she knew not every meal needed to be a feast that ended up with them drunk and passed out on the floor the next day.

Laughing a bit to herself Lagertha says, "Of course you are always welcome, Thorgunna. As for your brothers, well I will leave that up to you."

Later on, inside her home Lagertha with the help of her daughter Gyda and Thorfinn made dinner. While Bjorn's ability to help out around the fire was as limited as his father's, Thorfinn had proven to be a very welcomed help. Especially as like Frode, Thorfinn had a very meticulous way of doing things around the house. Something Lagertha herself had picked up a bit as well as a girl and had tried with limited success to pass to her children.

Gyda took well to what she was trying to teach them, but outside of weapon maintenance and training Bjorn was dreadful at housework. Yet he was picking up some of Thorfinn's habits as they started to develop a type of rivalry between each other. Or Bjorn had developed one with Thorfinn. It was hard to tell if Thorfinn thought of Bjorn as a rival or not. His quiet demeanor made him hard to read like Frode but unlike Frode the boy was easily led around by a pretty face. As proven when Gyda asked him to do something for her. It was kind of funny to see the boy who had no manners whatsoever be led around by the nose by her daughter.

When they sat out the food to eat, Bjorn, who was already at the table, asked, "Mother, when do you think father will return?"

"Soon, remember they have gone on a dangerous journey so it will take time for them to return but when they do, they will no doubt bring riches the likes we have never seen." Lagertha says, grabbing the boy's attention.

"I can't wait till I go on my first raid. I wish to fight with my father and my uncles." Bjorn says to his mother impatiently.

A smile makes its way to Lagertha's face, "You will Bjorn when you are ready."

"But I am ready. I have an arm ring. I am a man." Bjorn says to her like the child he is.

"An arm ring does not make you a man Bjorn." The soft voice of Thorfinn says to him.

Looking over at the boy who for lack of a better word kicked his ass during training Bjorn glares at him and says, "Big talk from someone who doesn't even have an arm ring."

With a calm face Thorfinn says, "I don't want an arm ring. At least not one from the Earl."

Seeing the puzzled look on his Bjorn face Thorfinn takes a drink from his horn and says, "An arm ring is given to those who swear loyalty to the Earl. I am loyal to your uncle and no other."

Hearing the dead seriousness in his voice Bjorn does not know what to say. In fact, no one does but Lagertha looks at the boy with a hit of pride on her face. While not her son it was good to see one so young clearly know where his loyalty laid. As for Gyda she looks at Thorfinn with a slight blush that is thankfully hidden by how dark the room was. She was not used to being around other boys outside her father and brother. But to hear Thorfinn talk with such a self-insured tone was very attractive to her.

Being uncomfortable with the silence Bjorn says, "Yes well regardless a man fights. How can I prove I am a man if I cannot fight and go raiding?"

"A man does more than fight Bjorn. My father one told me before he died that while a man fights, he most know what he is fighting for. For if he doesn't then he can never be a great warrior." Thorfinn says to him

Before Bjorn can say something back to him Lagertha says, "Wise words Thorfinn, but I expect nothing less from the Troll of Jom. However, tell me, do you know what those words mean?"

Looking at Lagertha, Thorfinn shakes his head no. Showing he was still indeed a boy who had yet to fully grow up but was still incredibly wise for his age.

"The Troll of Jom mother? Isn't he the one who father said was the most feared warrior of the Salt War?" Gyda asks remembering her father's tales of the man. While like her brother she had never heard of the man known as Thorkell the Tall till she met the man the other day she had heard many stories about the Troll of Jom from both her mother and father.

"This is right my child, but he was much more than that. He was both a great warrior and a wise man." Lagertha says thinking fondly of the man who she both respected and feared during the Salt War. The very war that she too took part in and gained her own small amount of fame.

They had all heard the stories of the Troll of Jom and they never failed to bring a smile to Thorfinn's face. Especially when his uncle admitted to having never bested his father in combat. Something that no one else had ever accomplished. It was like Frode had said once to him. When you fought against Thorkell you were not looking to win but to survive but against his father you were already dead.

Sadly, his father was also a tale of how even the greatest warrior can die by sheer bad luck. When his uncle's ex-Jarl betrayed him, his uncle called on his father to fight with him. His father who was a Jarl himself of a small amount of land next to his uncle's Jarl had been more or less been bullied in to attacking Kattegat. So, when he found out about this betrayal he was already sore at his so called allies and happily switched sides. For he could not side with a fellow Jarl who had no honor. The switch had proven fatal for the enemies of Kattegat because according to Frode without his father and uncle any hope of victory for their enemies was lost.

In the decisive battle his uncle and father tore through the enemy's shield wall with ease. Which caused the enemy to rout and lose the battle, but it was when victory was assured then the Valkyries called his father to Odin's Hall. An arrow from an unknown archer had struck his father in the chest right below his heart. Too close for Frode to save his father's life. Yet even in death his father never stopped being a warrior and held his sword close to his chest and died with a smile on his face according to all who saw his body.

After his father's death his mother had gone back to her father's hall with his sister. As for him he was taken in by his uncle and Frode instead of joining his mother and sister. The reason being that while his grandfather was a Jarl of some respect, he was not powerful enough to keep those who lost the war from taking their vengeance out on him. Believing that regardless of his uncle's ex-Jarl betraying him that did not give his father the right to switch sides. Sore losers are what they were, but regardless they still wanted him dead and when they could not have that they settled for taking his land. Something Thorfinn planned to get back one day and something Frode had promised him he would help out with when he was older.

-POV Frode-

Things had gone exactly the way I knew they would base off the show. More or less, that was. While things had mostly followed the same path as the show so far there were some changes here and there. One of the most obvious ones being Hakon who was just a throw away character in the show who was still alive and had sworn his allegiance to me. Something that I would have expected him to do with Ragnar, not me, but it would seem he was a very superstitious man. More so in some ways than even Floki who was half crazy himself.

That or Floki was a genius who was too smart for his own good. It was really hard to tell to be honest, since the line between genius and insanity was indeed thin. Regardless I now had another follower who was devoted to me for his own reasons. Which was good because while there was nothing really special about Hakon seeing as he was an average warrior at best and wasn't very smart, he did have one important use. And that being his family which was quite extensive. In fact, he alone had nine brothers and 4 sisters. Along with a whole host of first and second cousins spread-out all-around Norway. I could use that in so many different ways even if his family weren't very important.

Anyways as we slowly approached Kattegat, I had to wonder how Haraldson would play this, this time around. In the show he claimed all treasure as his own, but I had to wonder if he would dare to try such a thing. My belief was that he would not seeing as unlike in the show Ragnar was not some poor farmer. Historically under the law Haraldson had no right to the plunder unlike what he claimed in the show. A historical inaccuracy that really was not if you paid attention to the political environment in the show. In the show Ragnar was just a farmer of some renown who had gone behind his earl's back and raided a land without his blessing. A challenge to Haraldson's power if there ever was one and something he couldn't let stand. To let my brother, keep his plunder without repercussions would have made him look weak and would have invited challenge from those who were more powerful than Ragnar. So, while taking it by force looked bad, it didn't look nearly as bad as letting Ragnar get away with undermining him.

Didn't exactly workout for him in the end as I well knew but this time it wouldn't work out even a little bit. As part of one of the most powerful families in Kattegat if not all of Norway it wasn't the smart move to try and take all of our plunder and Haraldson was a smart man. So, I had to wonder what he would try. Well, I supposed it mattered little overall seeing as things were progressing towards the same ending as the show for him more or less. It begged the question of how much the butterfly effect truly counted for in life. Granted I had been seeing some changes here and there in the world around me due to my actions, but it did seem to affect the overall outcome. Haraldson was still headed for his death even though I had honestly tried to support him. Even going as far as to keep an eye on his boys but still they were taken and killed. It made me wonder with some fear were my brothers headed towards the same ending regardless of what I did? A question that honestly kept me up at night.

Shaking my head, I put such thoughts to the side for now and thought about the here and now. Once I was back home it was time to get back to advancing the civilization of Scandinavia. When my brother became earl, I knew it was only a matter of time before he set his sights on raiding and settling England. A goal that if I didn't do anything would end the same way for him. To keep this from happening I would have to start move along some of my projects and ideas. Something that I had been putting off till I knew for sure he would still become earl. The plunder we had taken would go a long way to achieving these projects.

First on that list was building more salt pools. I don't lie or lie that often anyways so when I told Haraldson that there was a shortage of salt available I was telling the truth. Though I did failure to mention that I had enough salt in reserve to keep our allies off our backs. For now, anyways but when my brother took over, I couldn't allow the shortage of salt to hinder his goals. Especially now after he has opened the west to raiding. It was only a matter of time before others followed him west and got rich off the gold and silver that was in England. More wealth would mean a higher demand for the salt that Kattegat had a monopoly on. Perhaps it was time to offer to build some for our allies. But I would wait till my brother became Earl or Jarl depending on the title he took, to suggest such a thing. Because if I had it my way, if possible, I would like to offer to build one for our strongest ally Jarl Borg.

Now I had met the man himself on several separate occasions and had to say he didn't fail to meet my expectations. Like in the show he had proven to be a cunning, intelligent, and manipulative man but also who saw the bigger picture. Unlike King Horik who I had less than a good option of Borg was perfectly able to put his past grudgers aside for the benefit of both his people and himself. It was one of the reasons why he chose to ally with Earl Haraldson's father during the Salt War. While he could have easily joined the other side and beaten Kattegat and her allies, he had realized there was a good chance that the salt pools would be lost during the last battle. Seeing as he was already befitting from trade with Kattegat before the war and salt being such a precious commodity that it was. He didn't want that and instead allied with Kattegat and kept King Horik from taking anyone's side.

After the war, the alliance had only become stronger, and he had benefited greatly from it. To the point that in a few more years he may very well be able to attack King Horik on his own and win. That was till lately anyways seeing as there was a salt shortage right now and prices were going up. Upsetting him greatly, but not to the point where he would be willing to break his oath just yet.

As for King Horik himself he had shown nothing, but contempt for Kattegat and Earl Harald and his son for the wealth we possessed. If it weren't for the land dispute with Borg and the alliance, we had with him Horik would have gladly raided us and destroyed the salt pools. Precious commodity or not the man was too shortsighted to see the befits of long-term trade to short lived gains. So, while we kept an open trade route with him there were no lost feelings between us and him. In fact, it seemed like things between him and us were cooling down somewhat to the average person, but Earl Haraldson suspected he was looking for the right moment to strike. A feeling I to shared.

The only reason suspected Ragnar allied with him in the show in the first place was because of his desire to raid England was greater than his reason. Plus, he needed a big host of men to do so in the first place. That was not the case anymore however and while it would be a boon to have Horik's men with us it was hardly needed. Perhaps when my brother became earl I should try and convince him to help Jarl Borg put an end to Horik now rather than let him become a problem later. It was something to consider.

Seeing that the ship was about to dock I got ready to get off the ship. I could already make out the Earl's men making their way to the dock and gave a small smile. It was time to see what Haraldson would do and if we would have an open war between us or not.

-End POV-

Hearing the horn signal the approach of a ship Earl Haraldson knew it could only mean one thing. Ragnar Lothbrok and his brothers were back and had most likely succeeded where he had failed. He knew from the moment he heard Frode had gone with them that the chances were high that they would, but in his heart, he had hoped that wouldn't be the case even if it meant losing a man who he considered a true friend. Even if he cannot really call him that anymore.

Shaking his head Haraldson had to put those thoughts out of his mind and think on the tough position he now found himself in. As earl he was knowable of the law. He had to be in order to rule effectively. So, he knew all too well that there was really nothing he could do to Ragnar or his men since they were free men and could do as they liked. But as the Earl, blatant disregard of his authority could not be tolerated. But what could he do about it was the question?

It was a question he kept wondering about as he watched Ragnar, his brothers and men enter the hall with a vast amount of treasure. An amount that hadn't been seen in Kattegat in a long time. In fact, Haraldson could only remember one time where such success had been had and that was during one of his more daring raids into Finn lands. Yet even then that time didn't compare to the sheer amount he was looking at now.

"My lord, it was easy to take all these things." Haraldson hears Ragnar begin to say. "The priests in the temple, they had no weapons. They were like babies."

Dragging over a strange looking man Ragnar continues to speak telling everyone that there must be more such places. Places where they can become rich off these strange men. But Haraldson is at this point only half paying attention to Ragnar's words. Instead, his eyes are on the people around him and watches as they become entranced by Ragnar's words. Already he can see his people are dreaming of more or even greater wealth to be had.

Standing up Haraldson asks, "And tell me how was it that you have found what so many before you have failed to find?"

Ragnar of course doesn't answer the question fully. Rather he tells him how they were simply more fortunate than others and how the gods were with them. He was not about to give up his methods after all.

"Yes, then indeed you were fortunate. But you do realize that half of this treasure is mine by right as your Earl." Haraldson says to him.

Narrowing his eyes Ragnar thinks about protesting but Frode walks up and pulls his brother back. Then whispers something into his ears.

Looking at his brother than back at the Earl, Ragnar says, "Very well, but as part of our half we will take the slaves."

It is now Haraldson turn to narrow his eyes as he can feel something is up. Some secret that is at play here but with Ragnar's agreement and Frode's backing he can hardly protest. He could already see several men watching him closely ready to defend Ragnar and his crew if things went badly.

"Very well bring in the weight and measures." Haraldson commands then sits back down.

What follows is a very tense dividing of the treasure. Each side watching the other closely in case one side tries to cheat the other. Unsurprisingly however Frode showed again how little something like this really meant to him and had already left. Only saying before he took off that he expected his share to be delivered to him by the end of tomorrow. He would get much more than that seeing as the payment for what Haraldson owned him was well past due.

When the dividing of the loot was complete Haraldson sat back somewhat satisfied with how things had gone. While not a perfect outcome or the one he would have liked it did help him save face. Plus, he now had enough gold and silver to pay back Frode. Something he needed to do right away if he wished to move on and regain his lost glory.

"Take the gold and silver to the coin maker. Have it melted down and added up what is still owed to Frode then send it to him?" Haraldson says to his steward Olafur.

"Yes, my lord." Olafur answers and starts to walk off to do as told.

Yet before he can his ex-steward Svein steps forward however and says, "My lord a minute before you have Olafur do that. Perhaps it would be best to not pay back Frode and instead keep it for yourself."

Looking at Svein with no small amount of suspicion Haraldson asks, "And why would I do that Svein?"

While still a key supporter of his, Haraldson didn't trust Svein like he used to. Not since Svein's loss and humiliation during his holmgang with Frode. With his honor now stained to the point that no one respected him anymore, Svein had been doing all he could to revenge himself against Frode. Often to the point of undermining Haraldson himself to do so.

"To buy more political power my lord. While it is true that Frode and his family are very rich and influential it is well known their coin is tied up in other things right now. This leaves you an opportunity to gain favor with some of the more approachable people who could be convinced to side with you over them." Svein says.

Before Haraldson can say anything to Svein, Siggy who had been sitting by her husband's side quietly speaks up, "You mean the drags and drunks of society who have not profited from Frode and my husband's partnership. Why should my husband seek their support when his partnership with Frode is clearly the better choice?"

If her husband didn't trust Svein then it could be said that Siggy absolutely detested the man. While at one point like her husband she too had trusted the man he had fallen a long way. With no one of any real honor willing to follow him Svein had turned to the worst of their society to support him. Using them the stupid fuck had antagonized Frode's business interests to the point that Rollo and Thorkell had to remind him not to cross them. More than a handful of men had died at the hands of Rollo by himself. Thorkell had killed over ten, making Svein come running to hide behind her husband lest he ended up dead as well. Fucking coward knew that her husband still saw a use for him. Why she didn't know but nor did she question him.

"You do them a dishonor, my lady. They are all loyal men of the Earl." Svein says as calmly as he can.

"Loyal men that have to be paid to cross Frode are hardly loyal." Siggy says back to him.

"Enough both of you. Olafur go and see to the business of paying Frode what he is owed. As for you Svein, don't ever question my orders again." Haraldson says having had enough of people trying to pit him against his one-time friend Frode. The time where they could be called friends may have come and gone but he wasn't about to start a fight he was no sure he could win.

"Yes, my lord." Svein said not at all happy about his Earl's decision and starts to think of a way to get back at Frode one again.

-Elsewhere-

As Athelstan was led around by his new owner, he could not hide the surprise on his face at the things he was seeing. While he had spent time in Charlemagne's court as a younger man and had seen some amazing things. What he was seeing now was no less surprising. He was taught sense he had entered the monastery that all pagans barbaric and unintelligent. Something that didn't fit with his knowledge of the Roman's who once ruled most of the known world and definitely didn't fit these people. While not on the scale of a place like Paris, Kattegat was far more advance than most of England or Francia. Cobble roads made up every road and back alley of this town. Drains that clearly lead to some kind of sewers much like the Romans lined the streets. And everything and everyone was unbelievably clean. He was not sure, but he thought he even saw a bathhouse of some kind up the road.

Then there were the tall structures that he saw in the distance. One of which he thought was some kind of guard tower before he realized there were no guards. From what he could make out it seemed to have pipes connected to the bottom of it as well that lead underground somewhere. The other building was some kind of temple clearly and rivaled or surpassed even the biggest monasteries he had seen. He could not help but wonder who was worshiped there. His natural curiosity all but demanded answers.

He does not ask any questions however and just kept following his new master till they come to a blacksmith's shop. Spotting the one he had learned was Ragnar's younger brother they stop, and Ragnar speaks. "I see you have not gone home yet brother. Good I had wished to speak with you before you left."

"Yes, I had guessed as much. So, I decided to stick around for now. Besides, I have been meaning to look into some of my investments." Frode says to him.

"Oh, and now goes it." Ragnar asks knowing his brother would only check into something if he was looking to try something new. And new meant interesting to him.

"It's going well enough. Ioketill and I have just about got this right for the forge." Frode says and holds up what looks like a gray rock to Ragnar.

"What is it brother?" Ragnar asks no knowing what it is, but knowing it has to have some use for Frode to be interested in it.

"This brother is something I have made with the help of Odin. It's called coke and unless I didn't understand my dreams right then it will burn hotter and help use make better steel than our enemies. Giving us the advantage in battle." Frode tells him much to not only Ragnar's surprise but Athelstan as well.

"That's wonderful brother. It will no doubt come in handy when we raid west again. When can we expect these new weapons?" Ragnar asks, already seeing the benefits of having better steel than everyone else.

Shrugging his shoulders Frode says, "I do not know brother, but soon enough. That however is not the reason sought me out. So, tell me brother what is it you wanted to talk about?"

Getting his head back on straight Ragnar say, "Perhaps it's best we talk inside."

"Of course. Ioketill watch the door for us and don't let anyone inside." Frode says to the man.

"Alright Frode." Ioketill says and stand in front of the door after they go inside.

Taking a seat at the table Frode says, "So what is it brother?"

Sitting down opposite of his brother while the monk stands, Ragnar asks, "Why did you have me agree to giving over half our loot to the Earl."

"It was the best choice of the options given." Frode answers.

"Do you honestly think that Frode. From what I could tell we could have kept all of it as was our right." Ragnar says to him.

"True, we could have, but then that would have had the effect of declaring war on the Earl. Kattegat cannot afford a civil war right now. Not till our enemies are dealt with first at least." Frode says to him.

"So, you would have me do nothing as the Earl more or less steals from us." Ragnar says to his brother a bit frustrated but getting it, nonetheless.

"Do sound so upset brother. Greater and bigger riches are waiting for you in the west including glory. What are some minor trinkets compared to those that await you?" Frode says to him calmly.

Huffing in some frustration Ragnar sits back and just nods his head. "You are right. No need to pick a fight with the Earl just yet. What do you think he will do next?"

"He will most likely sanction another raid west before the season ends and on it, he will most likely send a representative of some kind to protect his interests. This will most likely be his half-brother Knut." Frode answers.

"I didn't know Knut was the Earl's brother." Ragnar says being taken off guard a bit. Especially seeing as he was there at their secret meeting.

"That is because you don't pay attention to the small details brother. Always remember that it is in the small details that you find the greatest weakness." Frode scolds his older brother much to his annoyance and Frode's amusement.

"Anyways brother, will you be coming with us on this next raid when it happens?" Ragnar asks.

"I am not sure brother. I did promise Thorkell a good fight and unless I missed my guess, we will soon have one. Whether it is here at home or west has yet to be seen. We will see for now let us go brother. I have to go with Thorkell to pick up Thorfinn before returning to the salt pools." Frode says then stands up and starts to leave with his brother at his side. One day his brother would be in front where the sun shined but for now, he would have to lead his brother towards his greatness. Till then everything had to be prepared for his rise to power and his family's security in a world full of wolves.