Chương 14: The Execution Of Egil Iversen?

The bells rang in Kattegat that evening, drawing everyone together including Ragnar, Lagertha, and his sons.

The bells only tolled in times of urgency, and this time, they signaled the public execution of Egil. Ragnar was surprised King Askild had kept him alive this long. He assumed whatever political purpose Askild had for Egil had been fulfilled, and now it was time to do away with him.

For Ragnar's sons, this would be their first time witnessing a man's death. They looked forward to it.

This was not unusual for children of this era, because death was not perceived as the end of life but rather as the beginning of it. While Tyr didn't fully understand the Norse traditions, he was familiar with the basics..

"Egil Iversen, on the orders of King Askild you shall be put to death today and you will not be granted a Viking's death." A man said, with the executioner walking up towards him.

Tyr frowned. He thought all warriors were granted a Viking's death so they could reach Valhalla. Otherwise, they'd end up in Niflheim. Turning to his father, he asked for an explanation.

"King Askild is not granting him Valhalla, he does not intend on giving him the honor of dying with dignity or pride. He is condemning his soul to Niflheim so Hel may do as she pleases with it." Ragnar whispered to his inquisitive son.

This was cruel, even for an enemy but it was King Askild's will, and Askild's will was never questioned but the look in Egil's eyes was still far from defeated.

"You think you can deny me Valhalla?" Egil shouted, his voice defiant.

The crowd murmured as the executioner paused. They would grant Egil his final words a small courtesy for a man who had once fought with honor. Many in the crowd had witnessed his valor during Asger's conquests, and an unspoken respect lingered despite his current fate.

"You think these chains and shackles stop me from seeing the halls of the All-Father!?" Egil shouted as he began flexing in a bid to break the chains but to no avail.

"I will see those of you worthy in Valhalla!" Egil shouted, locking eyes with Tyr. A chill ran down the boy's spine. In that moment, Egil became the coolest, most inspiring figure Tyr had ever seen, a man unyielding even in the face of death.

But defiance didn't change destiny. The executioner raised his blade, preparing to strike.

A loud clang rang out. The crowd gasped.

Egil had manipulated his chains, using them to block the executioner's swing. In one swift motion, he slashed the executioner, leaving a shallow but deliberate wound. The crowd stood stunned as Egil seized the sword.

"That is enough!" Asger said, calling off the execution and no one was opposed to it. Ragnar had never seen such a thing happen before but maybe it was because this order was specific and this was a man with a greater warrior's spirit.

If they killed him at this point, he would have earned Valhalla and this goes directly against the order they were given as such, they could not execute Egil and Asger could be seen with a smile the moment Egil's eyes met his.

In his cell, the day he was informed of his execution. Asger told him this was the only way to escape execution and even if it was a technicality, no one had the guts to risk offending the King and he used that to his advantage but everything relied heavily on the skills of Egil himself as none of his men knew of this and the chances of Egil even pulling this off was relatively slim but Asger trusted in him. This was no way for a warrior to die. The crowd's whispers got louder.

"Odin did not permit this execution..." A lady could be heard saying and the crowds' murmur was centered around the fact that the gods did not approve of his execution and wanted him in the Great Hall. This was how things looked to the common man but there was a far more logical explanation behind it and it definitely was not the will of Odin that kept him alive.

Asger wanted him to die an honorable death. Ragnar suspected this much and confronted Asger after the place had cleared.

"Hey Asger, was this your doing?" Ragnar said but Asger gave him the stink eye. These two warriors were not on good terms but they had mutual respect for one another. Ragnar was not looking for a response because his silence gave him the answer he needed.

"I guess he must really be favored by the gods. No Viking should face such humiliation, even if he is an enemy." Ragnar said, walking away and this was his way of telling Asger that he supported the actions he took but if he could discern who was responsible so easily, so could King Askild.

But Asger was ready for it, he knew the consequence this action might bring but he took it regardless as he knew it was the right thing to do. King Askild's options were limited because now the crowd saw it as a sign from the gods and any action that might feel like he is going against these gods must be carefully thought out. He might be an iron clad King but he knew what would happen if Kattegat thought he was going against their gods. A civil war is the last thing he needed.

Askild was no fool. He wouldn't attempt Egil's execution again, not when the people saw it as divine intervention.

Was Egil truly saved by the gods, or was it his own skill and determination?

One thing was certain: this was just the beginning of an intriguing turn of events.