Chapter 58 Row!

"Row! Row! Row! The rhythmic command of the Vikings rowing the warship that Hagen had built, was strong enough to traverse these rough seas that have claimed so many other ships.

It was like Jormungandr himself was protecting the seas of Vestfold as the waves moved in the opposite direction making it easy for the ships coming out of Vestfold as they rode the waves but this was not the case for those that tried to make their way into Vestfold.

This naturally acted as a defense against sea invasions because no boat builder has been skilled enough to conquer the forces of nature, not until now.

The waves crashed on the wooden plant of the boat yet it stood just as strong, battling its way through the savage waters.

"Hagen, you mad fucking genius!" Skarde praised him but it was the idea of Ulf that made this possible. Ulf knew there was a chance that his name would resonate in the world of Vikings as he had gained the recognition of King Askild.

But Birger took note of the sudden change in Ulf, he knew that he could not lose him as Ulf was an important figure right now in the eyes of King Askild.

"Ulf…" Birger called out in a low-pitched tone as he noticed Ulf was pulling away from him mentally. All Ulf ever wanted was to be recognized and he was finally getting that recognition.

"Birger, can I help you with something?" Ulf inquired as he moved closer to Birger because he could tell by his tone that he would rather their conversation be heard by only both of them.

Even though he doubted anyone could hear them due to the violent waves, he respected Birger's need for privacy.

"What do you think makes a great warrior?" Birger pulled this question out of the blue but it did not take Ulf by surprise.

"The victories he earns on the field of battle," Ulf said and this brought a hidden smile on Birger's face because he understood that despite this little victory Ulf had gotten, he still understood it was important to make his name on the battlefield.

"What is with the question, do you now mistake me for a child?" Ulf fired back, and a faint chuckle escaped the lips of Birger. This was the first time Ulf had seen him express any form of emotion so this was quite a surprise.

"Did you just laugh?" Ulf had to ask again to confirm what he had just heard but he got no response from Birger, or rather Birger quickly changed the subject.

"Ulf, my promise to you still stands. Do right by me and Ragnar would be the one to be referred to as the brother of Ulf. You will be the famous Lothbrok," Birger began whispering his seductive words into Ulf's ear, and Ulf looked to be hypnotized by these sweet words.

"But what do you think would happen if the famous Ragnar Lothbrok fell in battle?" Birger asked but this question sounded more rhetorical than an actual question.

"Ragnar is favored by the gods, there is no way my brother would fall in battle," Ulf said, almost sounding proud and this did not go unnoticed by Birger.

Despite their rivalry, it seemed that Ulf still held his younger brother in such high regard.

"You are right, that is why you are the lesser Lothbrok," Birger said and this completely changed the mood of Ulf just as Birger intended.

Ulf was reminded of his inferiority but there was nothing he could do, Birger had reminded him of his reality and this was to ensure he does not stray from the course he had set for him.

The thunder was violent and each bolt that descended from the heavens felt like it missed their ship by a very slight margin. It felt like the gods were testing their resolve and this only helped in boosting their confidence as the Vikings were all singing in praise despite the dreadful condition of the water they traversed.

Ragnar had noticed that his brother was talking to Birger, Ulf did not know Birger personally so this troubled Ragnar as he knew just how manipulative he was and that was how he could survive what looked like a certain death sentence.

He was the younger brother of King Asmund and unlike his graceful brother, he was quite the opposite and saw a bit of himself in Ulf as their story was similar.

"Father!" Bjorn called out to Ragnar, breaking his focus as he realized he had been staring at Ulf and Birger the whole time he was lost in thought but luckily none of the men noticed this.

"Hey, little warrior!" Ragnar greeted as he bent down to stroke the hair of Bjorn.

Bjorn looked fired up and that was good considering his mother was left behind in Kattegat alongside Herfjötur to keep an eye out for invaders.

Ragnar knew it fell on Asger, rather than him, to keep his son safe as he nodded in the direction of Asger.

"You should be with him right now, he is the man you swore your arm ring to," Ragnar nudged his son with no hint of judgment.

"He told me I could speak to you if I wished, he is a very honorable man," Bjorn responded to his father, Ragnar was glad he had taken a liking to Asger because even he respected the warrior. He noticed the excitement slowly fade from Bjorn's face and Ragnar knew exactly why.

"You are worried about your brother, aren't you?" Ragnar asked and Bjorn tried to put up a tough act.

"I don't care! If he dies, then it means I am stronger but…" Bjorn's bout of energy dissipated just as fast as it had gotten.

"Tyr is strong, believe in your brother. He knows what it is to be a son of Ragnar. A son of mine," Ragnar spoke with such confidence that it rubbed off on Bjorn.

"I will have more accomplishments than him by the end of this war! Mark my words father!" Bjorn shouted and this brought a smile to Ragnar's face because he liked the healthy rivalry that he and Tyr had going on. It will push both of them both to be stronger.

He watched as Bjorn stormed off in Asger's direction with his renewed resolve.

Hagen had managed to build this ship in such a short time because he was not working alone and the ship could carry all their warriors as with smaller boats, the chances of the waves splitting them up was quite high but this also made them an easier target.

King Askild sat in silence, weathering the rain pellets that beat them and the ship.

"The sea truly is beautiful…" Askild thought to himself.