Chapter 32 Birger Helvig

Vestfold made preparations but unlike Askild that wanted to invade, they were more than happy to sit back and wait for their enemies to venture into their territory because their terrain granted them an advantage. It was their home, with defenses and ditches prepared already.

King Asmund was dressed differently, he did not dress like a king but more like a warrior because he was going to lead his warriors into battle.

Unlike Kattegat, Vestfold was content with the warriors they had because this is what they have been preparing for. Their Vikings were strong than the average Vikings of Kattegat and they were more in numbers too.

​ This meant that they had the advantage in this war, a war that King Asmund was confident in winning because he had stronger warriors than Egil in Vestfold, but he also knew the conclusive battle will be against Askild. He has to kill Askild for this war to end because Askild is a very prideful man that won't stop until either he or his enemy was dead.

However, King Asmund had second thoughts about his son joining this war because of Askild unspoken threat which he hoped he was misinterpreting but his guts told him otherwise.

There was no way Signy could sit it out, not when everyone was willing to put their lives on the line, and should he fall in battle, no one will respect Signy as their king.

This battle was pivotal in showing the other Vikings just what kind of person their next king would be. A man walked into the throne room of King Asmund, the throne room was a lot different from the one in Kattegat as there were tables and chairs for other Vikings to stay in there.

It was more like a family room because Vikings were always present for they ate in this hall, it was never empty for Asmund did not have people after his life.

The murmur and talk of the Vikings, drinking, and dining in front of their king created a strong sense of unity among them.

A man walked in, he has nicknamed the Demon of Vestfold despite his average frame and physique, he did not stand out and looked like the average warrior.

The noise quieted down the moment he walked in as all eyes were on him but he did not look worried or amazed. He was pale-skinned, had lifeless eyes, and a grumpy facial expression, he looked like he was in his mid-twenties but he also looked strong. He had curly black hair and was named Kåre

"King Asmund, I have news from Kattegat...'" The man said in a flat inexpressive tone, Asmund gestured for him to speak but he looked around as if to tell Asmund that too many people were here to give this piece of information but Asmund reassured him that he wanted to hear this news with everyone present.

Kåre did not mind and got closer to King Asmund.

"We have gotten news that Kattegat plans to storm Vestfold, it is going to happen this month but this is not the most disturbing piece of information, my lord..." Kåre said and paused as the silence drowned the room in itself.

"The King of Kattegat has pardoned Birger, Birger Helvig..." Kåre said, this was the only time his voice wavered and Asmund's reaction was one of anger but he calmed down just as fast.

"He has not answered the summon of King Askild, there has been no report of him in Kattegat and there is no proof that he is still alive either so this might be a hoax," Kåre concluded and the panic in the eyes of the Viking around him, this was why he wanted to deliver the news to Asmund in private.

"Birger is alive, there is no way that man will die but he needs to be killed! He cannot be allowed to get to Kattegat," King Asmund said in a distressed tone.

"Is this not a good opportunity to kill him, King Asmund? It is better to get him out in the opening because no one knew where he has been all these eyes despite our hardest to track him down. He is the most cautious man I have ever seen," Kåre's voice was low, but stern.

Before the conversation could proceed further, Signy walked in confidently oblivious to the room setting but the tension was obvious.

Kåre was there, he was surprised that he was because he was not one to mingle with others.

"The war will begin the moment Kattegat has Birger..." Kåre stated bluntly, and a terrified expression crept up on Signy's face.

-

Hagen, the boat builder, kept on perfecting his craft. His body became more toned due to the nature of his work. The clouds darkened and thundered roared in the distance.

Sif came out to see her husband, she came with meals made with love and fruits to show her support.

Hagen stopped briefly to eat, he looked exhausted as the sagging eyebags under his eyes did not do him justice for he has been working like a maniac these past few days.

His wife did not say a word, she just watched her as her husband ate and cherished every bite.

She knew the war was weighing on him and she knew there were no words she could say that could comfort him. Her presence was enough to tell him that she was there for him, now and always.

"Hagen..." A voice called. It was the voice of Ulf, and Hagen immediately dismissed his wife.

This was the first time that Ulf has seen Hagen with a woman, but what was more surprising was why Ulf was there.

He wasn't welcome, and Hagen has made this very clear in the past.

"What do you think you are doing here?" Hagen asked Ulf in a very hostile voice.

"I need your help with something," Ulf responded, but he was hesitant. Something Hagen never saw before.

"I give you points for your arrogance, that is for sure," Hagen said while heaving a dismissive sigh. He had no interest in helping Ulf.

"Hagen! This could win the war, now is not the time for personal scuffles! I still hate you, Hagen but Kattegat comes first." Ulf shouted, sounding more like his usual self.

Hagen was speechless but his curiosity got the better of him.