Chapter 22: Traitor In Kattegat

King Asmund got serious, he got to the point and the atmosphere tensed up. Signy felt the pressure in the air and got taken aback by how intense it was without either saying a word.

"King Asmund, do not forget yourself... This is my kingdom and as such, you will obey my rules." Askild threatened despite it being subtle, and Asmund knew that he was in the enemy's territory and had to compose himself. He got emotional for a second there, something he has scolded his son for multiple times. Askild was a tougher man to crack than he thought, he had his emotion in check and he did not even show an ounce of weakness or otherwise, even his eyes were cold.

It was no wonder people feared him, but he kept tapping his finger against the table.

Each time Asmund spoke, Askild tapped his finger on the table continuously only stopping when it was his turn to speak.

"Askild, I am not here for your games. I am here for Egil, so bring out Egil and do not waste my time." Asmund maintained his stance, he knew he could show no weakness in terms of negotiation or the power will shift in the favor of Askild.

"Hahaha! Egil is safe, you do not need to worry about him but I am more interested in what you wish to offer him?" Askild asked smugly. This pissed off Signy but Signy was scared of Askild ever since that brief exchange between them.

"What do you want?" Asmund asked the King of Kattegat.

"2,000 pounds of silver in 2 days or the head of Egil leaves his body," Askild said in a blood curdling, his face looked expressionless as these words escaped his lips, and Signy could not believe the audacity of this man but he dare not speak.

"1,000 pounds of silver, King Askild. I believe this is fair enough." Asmund counter-offered, this was a lot for a single man but it was far less than he anticipated.

"1,500 pounds of silver, that is my final offer King Asmund. If you do not accept it, you may leave." Askild said.

he was not looking impressed with the bargaining that was going on.

"You have a deal, I request proof of life," Asmund spoke while looking right into the eyes of Askild.

This old man was fearless, and this excited Askild. It's been a long time since anyone has looked at him with eyes like that.

"Proof of life? Do you want me to cut off a part of his body and show it to you? I will be more than happy to do that. I know you have spies in Kattegat, do not play the fool, Asmund." Askild mocked him, this was a common theme but this was to be expected as he has the upper hand in this negotiation.

"F-Father, I think we should-!" Signy was cut short by the glare of Askild.

"A boy dare speaks in the presence of Kings, talk one more time and I will have your head on a spike." The voice of Askild reverberated in the ears of Signy and he choked on his words.

The cocky little boy was humbled by a single threat and Asmund told him it was alright, he had it handled.

"I accept your terms, Askild. In two days, we will be back with the silver." Asmund stood, this was his final words before leaving the throne room with a devious smirk creasing on the face of Askild as he watched them leave.

This turned out well, he was glad about the result of this meeting because they just ransomed Vestfold, a kingdom famous for not compromising their morals for anyone but that changed today for Asmund's love for his warriors might soon prove to be a downside.

Asger was waiting outside and greeted Asmund and Signy by keeping his head down until they passed him but Asmund stopped soon after.

"You, did Egil fight well?" Asmund asked Asger and without looking up, Asger replied.

"He is one of the most honorable warriors I have met, King Asmund."

This brought a smile on the face of Asmund as he continued his walk, mounting his horse alongside his son.

"Signy, what do you think of King Askild?" Asmund questioned his son because this was his first meeting of such importance.

"I see why you did not attack him, father. He is a frightening man." Signy said in a fearful voice to the snicker of Asmund, they finished their business in Kattegat and were on their way back to Vestfold.

Egil was in the cell, he was strung up like a pig but he was far from near death.

He gained some weight, they had started feeding him properly when they heard that Asmund wanted to negotiate his release because now he became a valuable asset.

They could not have him dying, Asger's arrogance had once again garnered a positive result and Askild liked that he had an original thought process despite it meaning he frequently challenged him.

Egil knew that Asmund came for him, the whispers were quite loud, and it was all anyone was talking about. Egil's loyalty was paying off after all he has been through as he sobbed quietly.

A year in captivity was coming to an end, and footsteps could soon be heard.

It got closer and closer until it stopped right in front of him, the walls felt like they absorbed the sound and a bucket was there.

"That's right. Clean up my shit. I will be with my king soon enough." Egil teased as the chain that locked his cage opened up.

The darkness made it impossible to see but whoever this was opened the wooden window that blocked out the light and the moment Egil set his eyes on the person in front of him, he gasped.

What he felt next was a sharp pain right through his chest, someone stabbed him right in the heart, and the last words that escaped his barely parted lips were not audible as his lungs collapsed.