Chapter 7
What's up everyone sorry for the wait. Honestly, I thought I would be done with this chapter weeks ago but it kept coming off dry to me. In fact, it still does but I wanted to get something out because I felt like if I didn't I would never get done with it. So, for good or for bad here it is.
With that said let's get to the Q&A real quick.
I do plan on a continuation of the story once it reaches its end. But I am still debating the time frame. As there is a lot of history I could use between then and now.
Markus2994 sadly I am a slow writer and bad at planning.
AlexFalTon I loved him. Most first seasons are generally okay. That goes for tv shows dating back to forever. But great actors like him and the rest brought it all together.
tuvs76 his goals may seem simple, but he is also looking at the bigger picture. He is trying to up life a entire way of life in the middle of the Early Middle Ages. The smartest person in terms of technology is Flóki. While ruling is an option he is ill suited to it but can make use of his brother to push forward.
Guest thanks for the review and write your own story if you don't like mine. And what meta knowledge if you were paying attention things have already changed to the point that most of it is useless at this point.
Now on with the story.
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Later, that night Ragnar or Jarl Ragnar made his way up the steps to the hut that housed what many called the Stones of Kattegat. The history of their village or at least the history that could be remembered was written here. The first stone was dedicated to Jarl Harald the First as he was now known. The man that with the help of his father built the foundations of Kattegat as it was today. The 2nd which he could hear was being worked on now by his younger brother Frode to Harald the Second better known as just Haraldson. The third when it came time for it would be for him.
It was a funny thing if you asked Ragnar. Not that long ago when a new Jarl came to power, even if that Jarl was the son of the previous Jarl, it was not that uncommon to see such things destroyed. As most wanted to be known as better than the last Jarl. What better way to make that happen than to have people forget about the old Jarl? Now, however, times had changed due to his brother. In Frode's words Odin gave us our runes, knowledge, and wisdom to use it. So, we cannot so willingly destroy our history as it often carries knowledge. Instead let it be housed for all to look upon and learn in glory to the All Father. A testament that was backed by the Seer of all things, his own father as well and made law by Harald the Frist.
So, while there was still some bitterness in his heart at his fallen foe, Ragnar would not be the one to shit on the memories of those who came before. Instead, he would let his brother continue, but only after they had a talk about some of his actions. Actions that as far as Ragnar thought didn't make a whole lot of sense.
Walking into the hut he immediately spots Frode working slowly on the stone. There was a strange beauty in the carving. Each hit of the hammer against the iron chisel. The slow pain staking process of not only carving the letters but linking the runes with the images on the stone. It was artisanship of the highest quality. It all looked so perfect to his eyes. Was any wonder that Floki thought of Frode as his rival and hated him with such passion while at the same time loving him like a brother.
"Did you know brother there is no such thing as perfection. No matter how hard you look or how hard you try to find it there is no such thing as perfection. Be it in action, or in love. Yet strangely it is the imperfections that give the illusion of perfection." Ragnar hears his brother say to him.
"Now did you know it was me or what I was thinking?" Ragnar asks in wonder. As it was not the first time his brother said or did something that made him wonder if he really was like the Seer despite what Frode told people.
Smiling as he keeps working Frode says, "Please brother drop the wonderment from your voice. Rollo was here earlier. Between him, you and Floki there is no one else that would visit me while I am working."
For some reason, Ragnar doesn't fully believe him, but takes a seat nonetheless and says, "Brother I have come to talk."
"Of course, you did. I assume you have heard about my upcoming marriage?" Frode asks him.
"I have." Ragnar answers.
"So, then what is your question?" Frode asks.
Taking a moment Ragnar often forgets his younger brother's coldness when discussing subjects that he considers unimportant. Really his brother had already answered any questions he may have had. Still, he had walked in here to hear it with his own ears.
"Why? Why Thyri brother? You could have your choice of women so why the child of my enemy?" Ragnar asks.
"Ex-enemy brother. A dead man is the enemy of no one because he is in fact dead." Frode corrects.
Rolling his eyes Ragnar says, "My question stands nonetheless brother."
"Perhaps I just find her beautiful to look at brother." Frode answers his question but they both know that was untrue.
Something Ragnar voices, "Please brother we both know you would not choose a wife based on that alone."
Nodding his head at this Frode finally puts down his chisel and hammer. Then turns to face his brother. "You are right brother. I would not choose any women based off of looks alone. So, to answer your question I did it at the request of a man you just killed."
"Why?" Is all Ragnar can say at hearing this.
Which only gets him a funny look from his Frode. "Why? Brother, despite how things have ended I never stopped thinking of Harald as a friend. So, when he came to me last night to ask me to marry his child if he should fall, I could not refuse him."
This somewhat deflates Ragnar. Honestly, he had guessed as much. To all those who didn't know his brother well he may have come off as cold as ice but under that ice was a kind man. A man who loved his friends and his family. Willing to do whatever it took to see them flourish. The fact that things had ended the way they did for Haraldson most likely cut him deeper than any knife could have.
Still Ragnar felt the need to point out something, "People will think that you have desires on being Jarl with this action brother?"
"And what do you think?" Frode asks.
"That if you wanted to be Jarl you would have taken the position long ago." Ragnar says.
"Then do not worry about what others think. You have bigger worries to think about then what your own people think about me." Frode says.
Narrowing his eyes Ragnar asks, "What do you mean brother?"
"The alliance that has seen a time of relative peace and prosperity for Kattegat was with Harald the First and his son. Not with Kattegat itself. Now that you are Jarl brother there is danger that the alliance will end." Frode says.
Ragnar was no fool, he understood all too well what his brother was saying. At the end of the alliance Kattegat would become a fat pig in many people's eyes, instead of the bear it was. Being too rich to pass up there were many Jarls who would love nothing more than to be the first to sack it. Including some of their own allies.
"What do you suggest we do brother?" Ragnar asks.
"For now, go get some sleep brother, make love to your wife. Tomorrow we will worry about what is to be done." Frode says then turns back around and starts to work again.
Seeing that his younger brother is done talking Ragnar stands. Thinking only for a moment was he really the Jarl or was his brother?
-A few days later-
Inside the longhouse sitting on her own throne next to her husband Lagertha watched on as Rollo slowly went over the books of the late Earl Haraldson. And a passing thought comes to mind as she watches on. "Better him than me."
While in no way stupid or incompetent when it came to the numbers that Frode had invented she never much liked using them. At least no more than she had to. She was a warrior, a Shield-maiden, and mother. Not a merchant like Rollo who seemed to take some type of strange pleasure in using them. Perhaps it had something to do with his natural greed for things. After all the more they added up the more he had. Or perhaps in a way he could control them but whatever it was he was good at it. Still, this was taking too long for her liking.
"Are you done yet?" Lagertha asks in a bored tone.
Letting out a grunt of displeasure Rollo lifts his head and looks at her. His eyes showed his annoyance as this wasn't the first time or even the second time, she had asked him that. "I already told you Lagertha this will take time. So, if you what this to go quickly then shut up."
Lagertha is about to get up from her seat and say something but Ragnar steps in between his wife and brother before things get out of hand. As even a blind man could see that tempers were starting to rise, but who could blame the two. They had been at this all morning, and they were all tired of going over the books at this point.
"That is enough both of you. Brother can you at least tell us something?" Ragnar asks Rollo.
While still feeling annoyed, angry, even Rollo leaned back in the chair he was sitting in and looked at his younger brother. Now his Jarl, something that still rubbed him the wrong way and answers, "Yes, well to put it simply things are not as bad as Frode or me first fear. Nor are they good, however. From what I can see before me Haraldson was losing coin hand over fist. Everything from bribes to bad harvesters, to failed attempts at opening new mines, was sucking away at the tits of Kattegat till it was nearly dry. Even with the gold we took from the last raid wouldn't have made him whole again."
Looking up Ragnar didn't like what he was hearing and gave voice to it, "By the Gods how in the Hel did things get so bad. Siggy how did this happen?"
At his question everyone looks at the widow of Earl Haraldson. A woman they had all gotten to know in some form or the other over the years. And was now destined to become family by her daughter's marriage to Frode. Something none of them except Siggy saw coming. Though that had more to do with the fact that her husband had told her of his plan to keep them safe if he were to die at the hands of Ragnar. A plan had sadly proven to be necessary but had fortunately worked. Now she didn't have to worry about dying at the hands of Ragnar or one of his supporters. Nor whore herself to take care of her daughter. Though she would have preferred if her husband had lived, and Ragnar had died instead.
"I don't know." Siggy answers but sees no one believes her, "Look, my husband didn't exactly tell me everything in the final years of his rule."
Which was true, as his rule weakened her husband had pushed her increasingly to the side. It hurt Siggy at the time, but the more Rollo went over the books the more she understood why. In the end he wanted to protect not only her, but their child from the cold reality that his rule was ending. Be it Ragnar's hand or someone else's. Still, she would have preferred that he told her what was going on. Maybe she could have helped, even if she didn't truly believe that she could have.
"Did he ever tell you that he was bribing Jarl Kjotve?" Rollo asks.
Upon hearing the name of the most despised man in the Alliance of Jarls everyone's eyes narrowed. Even Frode's, who up to this point, had neither spoken nor made his presence really known. Fading into the background as he often did. Yet even he couldn't ignore that name. Jarl Kjotve was in many ways the weakest of the Jarls in the alliance, but at the same time one of the strongest. As his brutality made him more feared than the other Jarls but at the same time didn't have the military force needed to fight a straight up battle. Which saw him adopt what modern warfare would call guerrilla warfare with a heavy emphasis on the physiological side. In other words, he was terrorist who didn't care about what he had to do to win. Committing the worth atrocities imaginable all for victory.
Which to the Vikings wouldn't have been so bad if that man didn't have a habit of avoiding the bigger battles. Whenever it was time to fight a stand-up battle during the Salt War he was never to be found or would join when victory was assured. It left a bad taste in everyone's mouth and made him few friends among the main ally members. Yet to call him a coward for doing this wouldn't do the man justice. Kjotve was as brave as any Viking but knew his limits well and fought with in them. Unlike others who stupidly charged into hopeless situations.
Scowling at hearing this Siggy says, "No, I didn't and can't see why my husband would do such a thing."
Truly Siggy couldn't as she had met the man once long ago with her husband. Who nearly came to blows with him after he insulted her. Only being held back by his father's men at the time till he calmed down. For all the good it did as her husband as far as she knew never forgot or forgave the insult. So, to her the knowledge that he was even in communication with the man was shocking. None the less that he was bribing him.
It is Ragnar who provides a possible answer. "Perhaps he was bribing him to keep the Alliance together."
"What do you mean Ragnar?" Lagertha asks.
Looking at his wife Ragnar says bluntly, "The Alliance even during the height of the Salt War was weak. Held together only by the promises of gain. However, after the war it cannot be denied that some gained more than others."
Looking over to Rollo who was the most familiar with the politics of the different Jarls due to his travels between them Lagertha asks, "Rollo is this true?"
Letting out a sigh Rollo answers, "Yes, Lagertha it is true. After the war many walked away with slaves, treasure and even additional land. But those were all what Frode calls short-term gains. They are good for the moment but did nothing for you in the long run. Most of the land taken turned out to be next to worthless or didn't give anyone anything they didn't already have. In truth only Kattegat, the Raven Clan, and Jarl Borg came out of the war richer in the following years."
Looking over at Frode, Lagertha asks, "I thought you said you help our allies with your inventions Frode."
Shrugging his shoulders Frode says, "I did what I could do, but you must remember Lagertha by the end of the war the Alliance that was once made up of only a handful of Jarls grew to over ten. Most of whom didn't even participate in the final battle. So, at the time it was felt that giving them too much or helping them was not the right move."
"That and most of those Jarls were brought in by Kjotve. Most likely to bolster his position in the alliance." Siggy says remembering quite well what had happened after the war was won. After all it was right when her husband took over the Earlship after his father died in battle. It still left a bad taste in her mouth when she thought about how helpless her husband felt at being unable to prevent giving Kjotve a bigger part of the loot at the end of the war then the man deserves.
Nodding his head Ragnar says, "That explains why Haraldson was bribing him. To keep him in check less he breaks the Alliance."
"So, what do we do now?" Lagertha asks.
Thinking about it for a bit Ragnar remembers something Frode says. Sheep can befriend a hungry wolf but only briefly. While he didn't like to think of himself as a sheep the words fit the moment. "We sure up the Alliance, find new trading partners and if needed kill Kjotve."
"If that is your decision brother, I have some suggestions." Frode says.
-A few weeks later-
Leaning against a post in the harbor with his arms crossed, Ragnar watched as the ships were prepared once more for a trip to England. After much talking and planning it was time for the faithful day that in his mind would see the rise or fall of Kattegat. They were taking a significant risk sailing this close to the end of the raiding season. Soon the sea would become too dangerous to sail but it was agreed that it was a risk they needed to take. As it stood, he had already done much, sailing to a new land and raiding it successfully, but that was overshadowed somewhat. With Haraldson still being Earl at the time he got some of the credit, especially on the 2nd raid.
As the new Jarl he needed to strengthen his rule. Though in truth it was strong already with support from the strongest warriors and their families. But it was not towards them that he was looking to show strength too. It was to their allies who as of yet didn't know Haraldson was dead. If he wanted to keep those allies, he would have do what his brother had suggested. He needed another victory and more importantly trade lanes for their goods. England was the answer to both the victory he needed and the new trade routes.
Thanks to the monk Athelstan and his brother questioning that priest back in England they knew about four kingdoms ripe for riding. Yet had agreed to stay north of the kingdom that was known as Essex. Attacking only the lands of Northumbria and according to the information his brother got form the priest a weak Mercia. While a trade expedition would be sent to the Kingdom of Wessex. A land that according to the monk was both rich and strong, with a wise king.
It was a good plan but one he was concerned about and not only due to the weather. While he was busy attacking the lands of Mercia as he felt it would be too risky attacking the now alert Northumbria. His brothers would be south trying to open trade with this King Ecbert. He did not like the thought of risking his brothers, especially as they were going with just a few warriors. Even Thorkell would not be with them as Frode had asked him to take Thorkell with him. As the man's bloodlust was up and needed a good fight. Something he was hopeful they would find in Mercia.
"Brother, again are you sure you don't wish to take more warriors with you? You are packing much wealth?" Ragnar says, trying to sound unworried.
"Do not worry brother all will be well." Frode says to him.
"You do not know that brother." Ragnar says to him.
"That is true." Frode says back with a dull tone.
"Then we should wait till next season. We will send a trade fleet then" Ragnar says.
"We cannot wait brother. If we wish to trade with these people peacefully then we must move now. Word has no doubt already spread about our raids. Options are already being made about us and most likely not for the better. Lucky for us we have not attacked Wessex, so while thoughts about us are most likely not good. I very much doubt they are so poor that they would be unwilling to talk." Frode says to his brother.
That was only half of it, however. With Frode's knowledge of what King Ecbert was like from the show he knew the Wessex king would be interested in what they had to offer and not just for the salt that they could produce great quantity. But also, for their iron ore, fur, and of course the massive amount of high-quality wool they had. Frode doubted the whole of England could supply the amount of wool they could. Even though he knew that in the timeline he was from England would become the biggest exporter of high-quality wool in a few hundred years.
"Then I should go to Wessex. This King Ecbert would no doubt be more willing to barter with a Jarl than just a freeman." Ragnar says while trying to not sound insulting.
There was no need to try, however, as Frode wouldn't have taken offense even if he did mean it as an insult. As shown when he says, "No doubt he would but a successful raid will look better to our allies then a successful trade voyage."
Letting out a deep breath Ragnar says, "Just be careful brother. We do not know these strange men. I would prefer not to lose either you or Rollo if the worst was to happen."
Hearing this Frode thinks. "That is why I am going."
Frode would have had to be a fool to not see the slow resentment that was taking hold of Rollo. While Rollo had accomplished much as both a warrior and a merchant, those for him were blunted by Ragnar becoming Jarl. He had to jump on this and quickly if he didn't wish for those feeling to fester. A new trade route and successful dealing with a foreign kingdom would go a long way to keeping Rollo's pride in check. True, it wouldn't be held in as high esteem as another successful raid, but it was more necessary than a raid. Something Rollo understood a bit more than Ragnar.
"Do not worry about us brother we will be fine." Frode says to him.
Giving his younger brother a huge Ragnar says, "Sail with the Gods brother."
"You as well brother." Frode says in turn then watches him leave.
Hearing footsteps behind him Frode doesn't turn around when he hears his oldest brother speak, "Still trying to convince you to not go on this journey with me?"
"Yes," Is all Frode says.
With a frown on his face Rollo asks, "Does he not trust us that much?
"Take no offense brother. This is the first time we have truly sailed to different places. We may have traveled on different boats from time to time, but all headed towards the same destination. And you have only ever traveled on your own to the lands of our allies. This time now ever we are going towards hostile lands where we won't be together to watch each other's backs." Frode says, trying to calm Rollo's temper.
Letting out a deep breath followed by a hum Rollo says, "I guess you are right, but Ragnar needs to understand that this needs to be done. I just finished the books last night and we have a year at most before we have to start using our own personal fortunes to keep Kattegat afloat."
"I am going to assume you are going to blame me for that?" Frode asks good naturally.
Hearing a small laugh from Rollo, Frode hears him say, "Partly, while you have had an effect on Kattegat with all your ideas it was Haraldson who went along with them. He moved to quickly and should have paced himself more."
"He went at the pace of a man who felt the wolves biting at his heels brother. It all goes back to that first raid west and the loss of those ships. If that hadn't happened, he would never have gone along with my ideas like he did." Frode says.
Scratching his beard Rollo says, "It matters little now. We will just have to fix it. Come brother let us be on our way."
-A few days later-
"Land," One of the men that was sailing with Rollo and Frode cried out in an excited voice. Not that either Rollo or Frode could blame him. Since most of the men with them were not warriors they had not gone on the raids with them. Sure, they were capable of fighting, but they were not Vikings. They were traders who made their living selling and buying goods. So, this was their first time seeing this strange new land.
For Frode, however, it was no big deal, since he already knew about England and how big the world really was. So, he just says to the man who was steering the ship, "Keep the course south till we find a settlement with some kind with a harbor."
They keep sailing for another couple of hours till they spot a settlement of some kind with a small harbor. Now Frode didn't remember a lot about England's history so he couldn't place where they were exactly, but if the white cliffs were anything to go by, they were close what was or would be Dover. Looking at his brother he nods his head and Rollo stands up and starts to give orders to the men and signals the other ships that had come with them. Making it clear, they were to approach the settlement in a slow and steady manner. They didn't wish to give the people of this settlement any reason to think they were hostile.
It took the better part of 30 minutes to reach the harbor because of the pace they were going at, but it seemed to have the right effect. As while they were pulling into the harbor, they saw men, armed but clearly relaxed waiting for them. Taking a line one of the men tosses it to some of the people on the dock. Who in turn grabs it and helps bring the ship in.
"Greetings strangers, what bring you to the town of Dover." A better dressed man then most calls out to us.
Stepping forward and getting off the boat Rollo greets the man in turn, "Well meant stranger, I am Rollo Sigurdson, and we are merchants from the east."
"Earl Aldhelm, merchants huh? May I see you wares?" The now named Aldhelm asks somewhat suspicious of the men before him.
While he was not like his father who was a great warrior Aldhelm knew a warrior when he sees one- and this-man Rollo was a warrior. His build, height, and overall presence screamed it. As did several of the other men with him but at the same time he saw the boats loaded down with goods. Perhaps he doubles as a merchant, it would not be the strangest thing he had ever heard of.
"Of course," Rollo answers and has his men toss up some crates to him which he in turn opens. Taking out a bunder of cloth then handing it to the man.
Taking the cloth from the man Aldhelm inspects it and while no trader himself he could tell it was very fine. Fit for a king even if he were being honest. If this was what they had to trade, they would definitely find a market here. When they bring more crates up and open them now ever, he is a little taken aback by what he saw. Smelted iron bars ready for the forge, tin tableware, furs, hides, amber and several large bags of salt. Oh yes, these men, who were clearly pagan as he didn't see the cross on any of them would definitely find a market here.
While the priest would no doubt be troubled by having pagans in their mists, Aldhelm upon seeing their goods would not turn them away. Dover was one of the largest settlements outside of Winchester who traded with the Franks. But trade had died down somewhat as of late as the death of Charlemagne had shaken the Frankish Empire. So, he would welcome these strangers but first had to send a message to his king to get permission to trade with them.
"Well Rollo Sigurdson, I believe we could do business with each other. But first I have to send a message to my king before any trading can take place." Aldhelm says to the man with a smile.
Smiling back at the man Rollo says, "Of course Earl Aldhelm I understand, and, on that note, I carry a message for your King on behalf of my Jarl."
"A message?" Earl Aldhelm says with a rise eyebrow.
"Yes, you see my Jarl wishes to establish a trade agreement with you King. For you see we have heard of this King Ecbert and that he is a wise king. Who better to come to an agreement with then him." Rollo says, lying on flattery. As he had learned long ago such words could easily sway the emotions of lesser men.
As shown as the man just smiles and nods his head, "This is true friend Rollo. Come, I will send a messenger to my king tomorrow. Then celebrate a hopefully long and prospers friendship,"
Frode just watches and shakes his head at the skill of his big brother. Now he could lie and keep things from people. Hel, he did it every day, but he couldn't just bullshit people with such little effort. As would come out as disingenuous at best and completely false at worst. Honestly, he admired his brother's ability to do so. Since Rollo was typically a very blunt person, and not the type to lie or say something he didn't mean. Regardless, the first step had been taken. Tomorrow would see if they could successfully bind Ecbert hands. At least for a while.
-Elsewhere-
Running his blade though another warrior Ragnar had to say the monk wasn't wrong. Mercia was indeed a weakened land. Even more so than he had believed it would have been. As their so-called warriors fell with far greater ease than those from Northumbria. Which was saying something as the ones in Northumbria were of little challenge. But they at least fought while the men they were killing right now either ran or gave up the fight with barely a contest. Which wasn't good as this fight if you could even call it that would hardly satisfy the bloodlust that was currently taking hold of Thorkell.
The man while no berserker was a warrior who craved war and battle. To fight the strongest was his greatest desire and peace a poison to his body. It was why Thorkell had come with him instead of going with Frode. He needed a satisfying battle after two massive letdowns. Sadly, it would seem no great battle or warrior would make himself known on this raid either. So, his temper and dissatisfaction were at an all-time high.
"Ragnar!" He hears one of his men call out to him.
Looking over at who it is he sees one eye run up to him.
"What is it One Eye?" Ragnar asks as the last of the men that were guarding the caravan, they had by chance ran into falls.
"We caught up to ones that were fleeing the battle." One Eye answers him.
"Good, we can't have anyone escaping to warn any of the towns that we are here." Ragnar says to him.
"That is the thing Ragnar I don't think this was a trade caravan." One Eye says to him.
"What do you mean?" Ragnar asks.
"Follower me." One Eye says and leads him to a group of people who were covered with hoods. Then pulls the hood down of the one who is sitting in the middle of the group.
What Ragnar sees is a beautiful young woman with long black hair, gray eyes and ivory skin. Yet as beautiful as she was it was by her dress and eyes that she was not like the others. Her clothes were not the clothes of a common free women, and her eyes held a spark of madness. Much like Floki's but different.
"Women who are you?" Ragnar asks bluntly.
Things were not going well, Kwenthrith thought to herself as she sat among her handmaids and servants captured by what she at first thought were common brigands. There were quite a lot of them nowadays after all as her uncle's idiotic rule had seen them grow like weeds. However, her mind quickly changes after she saw now easily her guards were killed. These people were not mere brigands. Their dress style, looks, and weapons were far too good to that of brigands. Where these perhaps the men from the east she had heard her uncle talk about before she had made a run for it. If so, this was not good or at least she thought so till she heard one of them speak her language.
Narrowing her eyes at the man before her she had to admit he was very handsome. If that was a good enough word to describe the sheer barbarity of his looks. Standing up from her seated position she looks him right in the eye and says, "Princess Kwenthrith of Mercia."
It was a risk standing up to this man before her. She knew that and if life had taught her one thing, it was men were pigs with fragile egos. Standing up and looking this man in the eye could end badly for her but she wasn't stupid despite what some thought. She saw the women that stood among the men, armed with swords and shields in hand. They clearly held a different opinion on women and their place in life. So, if she guessed right standing up and addressing the man before her could work more to her befit then not.
Taking a moment to just look at the women Ragnar was at a loss for words. Before coming here, he had made sure to get all the information he could from the monk about who ruled this land. So, he knew the names of the ruling family. But he did not think he would run into one or capture one. It was unexpected to say the least but not unwelcome. For in the unexpected there was opportunity.
"Princess Kwenthrith huh? Now do I know you speak the truth women?" Ragnar asks.
Not taking her eyes off the man before her Kwenthrith answers, "Perhaps this will do."
She then shows him a ring with her family crest on it. Which in truth meant nothing to Ragnar, but it does help to prove if nothing else she was rich. Perhaps even if she was not who she said she was she could still be ransomed for a fortune. And if she was who she said she was even better.
"Very well, then consider yourself under my protection." Ragnar says making his decision on the matter quicky.
"And who are you exactly?" Kwenthrith asks him.
"Jarl Ragnar." Ragnar says to her before turning to walk away.
Kwenthrith had no idea what a Jarl was, but whatever it was must have been important because no one was challenging him.
"And my servants?" She asked, not really caring about them but curious about what was going to happen to them.
"What about them?" Is all Ragnar saying before walking off. Giving her the answer, she sought before she and her servants bound with rope and lead away. Under some protest from said servants, but not her for she understood all too well that there was no escape. Best make good out of an unpleasant situation.
-Back in Wessex-
Over the next few weeks things had more or less gone as Frode had predicted. The amount of goods they bought had generated a huge amount of interest from the local population. So much in fact that they were nearly demanding the opportunity to trade with them. Which came a few days after their landing. Along with a message that thankfully let us know that the king would allow us to trade locally and would meet with us in a week's time. It was a clear power play as he was basically saying he would meet us when he decided to. A predictable move that both Rollo and Frode saw coming a mile away.
But it worked in their favor as it allowed them to sell quite a bit of their wares. Only stopping when the people of the village could no longer afford to buy. They were not the only ones, however, who were buying things as we also brought a lot of their excess grain, wine, and pottery in turn. Overall, everyone benefited as there was little doubt, they could sell what they brought from use for more than they paid for it. By the time it was time to set out for Winchester, the capital of Wessex, Earl Aldhelm was overjoyed at the new wealth in his coffers. Though the priest of this town was still unhappy about our presence here but could do little about it. As people were only willing to listen to him for so long till got in the way of their personal interests.
They especially stop listening to him when we proved to be non-hostile. Oh, sure there was a hint of hostility towards us as we looked both frightening and well-armed, but that gave way to old-fashioned greed. The cloth alone sold faster than anything else especially as we frankly had too much of it to begin with. So, we sold it at a discount on what would have otherwise cost more than most could afford. We even went as far as to gift some of it to what we called their shaman. An insulting thing to call their priest, but calculated to make them believe that we were fully ignorant of their ways. People were more willing to forgive if they thought you were dumb or didn't understand something that was common knowledge to them. Even the priest at first practice his so-called word of God and forgave our ignorance for a time. Didn't last long, but the gift he accepted from us saw him placated for the most part.
Now coming upon Winchester, they were about to enter a far more difficult game with a far more dangerous foe. Just by going from what Frode could remember about the TV Show, he knew King Ecbert was a cunning man whose word could not be trusted. With that said ambitious men could be incredibly predictable. If things went well long-term trade could be guaranteed for years to come and perhaps an ally for when his brother looked to settle parts of England. Hopeful thinking perhaps, but in the end Frode only wanted him for the trade and coin he could provide. Uplifting the Norsemen to the level need to survive the onslaught of aggressive expansion of Catholicism was extremely expensive.
Once they reach the throne room of the King of Wessex, Frode got his first look at the man he only vaguely remembered from TV show. Who was currently in deep thought himself and why wouldn't he? For of all the thing Ecbert had expected to happen in his lifetime, a peaceful encounter with traders from the North was not one of them. During his time in the court of Charlemagne he had heard of these Northmen, and it was nothing good. So, his surprise when a messenger from Earl Aldhelm about a small trade fleet having arrived on his lands was genuine. As was his surprise at what they had to offer.
Now he was no merchant, but the power of Wessex didn't come just from its military might, but its wealth in trade with their neighbors. Trade that had somewhat lessened as the Frankish Kingdom was in the midst of an internal crisis. As the once mighty Empire had been split in three and Mercia was in turmoil with the death of the last king. A boon here would go a long way to funding his ambitions. Though he was worried about these Northmen. He had little information on them other than what he learned in Charlemagne's court. Which was hardly an unbiased opinion.
Often talked about as poor and barbaric, the image he saw before him gave that impression. As they looked uncivilized and if going by now those in the court were looking at them frighteningly. His own son Æthelwulf was a strongly built young man, who stood at solid 6'1'' in height but was dwarfed by the two men who stood at the front. Both with looks of harden warriors and not those of merchants. Looks aside, what they had brought with them spoke of a rich land, however. As even from where he was sitting, he could see the iron bars, tableware, furs, hides, amber, and bags of what the messenger had led him to believe was salt. A rich bounty to be sure.
Stepping forward the tallest among these people speaks, "Hail King Ecbert of Wessex. I am Rollo Sigurdsson, brother of Jarl Ragnar of Kattegat."
While already knowing that these people could speak their language, Ecbert is taken off balance nonetheless by now clearly the words are spoken. Yet it lasts only for a moment before he smiles and answers, "Greeting Rollo Sigurdsson and welcome to Wessex. I must admit that your arriver has taken me by surprise as I had not expected traders from the North to arrive on our shores."
"Nor us King Ecbert for we did not even know your land existed till just recently. But upon hearing of your kingdom my Jarl and brother Ragnar sent us to hopefully open trade with your kingdom." Rollo answer with a straight face as in truth it was debated if they should just raid his lands, but he didn't need to know that.
"As opposed to attacking it like your people did in Northumbria." Ecbert says though he had no way of proving that these were indeed the same men who attacked Lindisfarne Monastery. It was just an attempt catch the men before him off guard.
Rollo, however, is anything but taken off guard. He was no stranger to spying and using information that one party didn't know he had to his advantage. While personally he may not have liked it, he was smart enough to use his brother's spy ring to get a leg up on others. Though he is surprised that such information had traveled so far so fast.
"That is right King Ecbert and as a show of our desire for peace my Jarl has sent not only me but our younger brother Frode to treat with you. Along with these gifts as a show of our good will." Rollo says not missing a step and while there was some grumbling among the people in the court there was more interest in the wealth before them. It wasn't surprising, as people generally put material gain over just about anything.
A sentiment well known to Ecbert who could see the minds of those in his court changing at the rich yet simple gesture of good will. Well played Rollo were Ecbert's thoughts as the man clearly came prepared to sway not only his opinion, but those in his court as well. The only hard liners he could see were his son and a few others.
"I thank you for the gifts, Rollo Sigurdsson and accept them with gratitude. Let it be known you and you men are welcomed in my court." Ecbert says to not only Rollo but the whole court.
Meanwhile Frode thinks the first objective has been cleared. Now all that was left was to convince the man to open up trade throughout his kingdom. A task that shouldn't prove too difficult, but he would have to keep his eye on Prince Æthelwulf who Frode knew hated all pagans with a passion. Such hate for them was almost amusing coming from a supposed Christian. Mostly because it proved that no matter what time period, he was in people would still their beliefs as a shield to justify their wickedness. Which ironically went against their religion if he understood it correctly, not that the Vikings were any better or any other religious sect for that matter.
With things kind of settled they move on to enjoying small talk about nothing really. Ecbert didn't seem over eager to form any kind of trade deal with them and most of the men Rollo and Frode brought couldn't speak the language. Leaving only Rollo and Frode to do all the talking. It was not till that night during a feast Ecbert had prepared that the conversations turned more heated as their priest Bishop Edmund pushes the matter on the attack on Lindisfarne Monastery.
"I do not understand why you are so upset by this priest. Yes, we sacked one of your temples, but it was neither on your land, nor the one you belong to." Rollo says in an uncaring way as he takes a bite of the food set before him with all the manners of a slob.
"That is just my point Rollo Sigurdsson. It was a house of our lord and should not have been attacked in the first place." The man says with a passion.
"Your lord not ours." Rollo points out.
Taking a drink of his ale it is Prince Æthelwulf who says with no small amount of hostility. "All the same pagan. Attacks on our monasteries should not be allowed but then I guess a devil worshipping people like yours could not understand that."
"And tell me Prince Æthelwulf would you not have done the same as us?" Frode asks in a calm voice.
"What?" Æthelwulf asks intelligently.
"Think for a moment prince. Say you attacked our lands, and you came upon what is clearly a temple to one of our Gods and it is filled with any number of valuables. Would you swear on your God that you wouldn't attack it. Would you not loot it for all it was worth and just leave it be or would you attack in the name of personal gain or perhaps in the name of your God?" Frode asks the prince who just looks at the man before him. Not liking the question before him as he felt there was no need to spare a heathen temple, but at the same time would sound hypocritical in front of not only his father, but the nobles around him if he answered in the negative.
Meanwhile Ecbert couldn't help but feel a twinge of respect for the man Frode. The question was well placed and left his son unable to answer. Which was probably the point, but at the same time worked to point out that if his son admitted that he would indeed loot said temple he would admit that he was no better than them. A point of fact that many Christians would ignore, but his son's pride wouldn't let him admit.
So, seeing the trap for what it was Ecbert speaks up. "A good question Frode, but one that makes me wonder did you and yours attack the Lindisfarne Monastery for only personal gain or because did you do it in the name of your Gods."
"Honestly, a bit of both King Ecbert. While raiding is deeply connected to our beliefs, we harbor no dislike or hatred for you God. We do not know him, nor did we know that what we attacked that day was in fact a temple. Would that have kept us from raiding it? Most likely not, but it wasn't done in the name of our Gods for we would sack or own temples if they sat on enemy lands." Frode says to him. Which was not fully true as Floki hated these Christians, but that was because their priests were so cowardly. If they had fought and died for their treasures, he would have held more respect for them.
"So let us say we were enemies would you attack our monasteries." Ecbert says.
"Yes, but if you were our allies or at least friendly towards us we would not." Rollo answers this time.
"And the other Northmen?" Ecbert asks.
"We cannot speak for the other Jarls or Petty Kings of our land, but my brother is part of an alliance with several powerful Jarls. You can be sure that if an agreement is reached today then we will protect our trade routes against any attack. Be it Englander or Viking." Rollo answers in a hard tone that made it clear that if they tried to fuck them, they would be enemies and all bets would be off.
It was a warning that Ecbert clearly understood, but others didn't seem to quite get. All they heard was that their own interests would be protected. It made a point again that he wasn't dealing with fools or barbarians. These were smart men who knew what they were doing. Which led him to believe that there was more going on than just a desire for a trade agreement. What that was he was unsure of but for now it was far more beneficial to trade peacefully with these pagans than not.