Xenophanes reacted to the news of Kattegat allying with Raum The Old, he was indifferent to the accusation but what broke his heart was Asmund cutting ties with him.
He felt betrayed, if it was so easy to break the bond they had built for years then what was it all for? Xenophanes could not believe this was the man he was ready to lay down his life for in a heartbeat but he also knew this was good because now he knew not to risk the welfare of his kingdom for personal relationships. Asmund put Vestfold first and it was about time he did the same. The personal bond between both men was terminated on both sides.
But the trauma did not leave his head, the trauma of children being cut down because it was ironic that he was just having this conversation with Askild.
A few years passed and Kattegat still struggled to regain the trust of former allies because everyone was wary of them, and their image was smeared all because of Xenophanes' loyalty to Asmund.
Author here, the story's pace is going to be slowed down for a bit to explain past events.
If you have reached this far, you know that this book is plot driven, and not jus a book about about mindless violence and sex but of course, just because we are in the past does not mean it won't be interesting!