A week passed since that fateful attack and things had settled down, the day of the expedition was in less than four days now, and everyone had assembled their army.
Rogaland was contributing fifteen men, Kattegat was contributing twenty, a drop in what they initially said they would provide but this was understandable as they were reminded of the threats that still existed in these parts, and Vestfold also reduced their allocated men to twenty in light of the threat that lurked bringing the total number to fifty-five.
If the expedition was as Askild said then they did not need to worry too much about the numbers but rather the size of the boat that they would use to cart away the potential goods they would make off with, that was what they prioritized.
Kattegat gave the command to Bjorn Ironside, Askild thought it wise as he knew the sons of Ragnar would be the ones to shape the future and he had no intention of standing in their way and Bjorn was going with both Ivan and Viggo, he also decided to take Magnus because this would be a give the spoiled man a taste of the world he was stepping into.
What better way than an expedition that had a very low-level threat but who was going to lead Vestfold?
The man known as Gudleif was given that responsibility alongside multiple warriors that showed promise but lacked overall experience in terms of combat. Ragnar was trying to usher in a new generation as this expedition was not just for goods but a message to other Kingdoms that demonstrated the strength of their alliance. This should halt any planned assault from external forces in the meantime but the Kings of these Kingdoms knew that this was just the beginning.
Everyone was ready but this did not just mean those planning the expedition but the enemies that lurked in the shadows.
-
King Signy had fortified his new Kingdom, he did not even know if he still wanted Vestfold but he knew for certain he wanted King Ragnar's head.
The buzz of the new warrior that was to join him unsettled his men as they could not comprehend why King Signy would seek to recruit a warrior that he did not know.
The throne room opened and in walked Jan, he sought to talk with Signy and Signy granted him that request.
They were still working together despite Jan losing the title he sought the most.
"What is it Jan?" Signy asked and like always, Jan was composed as he got on one knee to show that he had accepted Signy as his King but also respected him.
"King Signy, I heard you have been quite busy…" Jan said in a tone that sounded condescending but Signy did not mind this.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Signy asked sternly, Jan was amazed by his growth but he could not let his excitement get the best of him.
King Signy was a lot sterner than he was four years ago and this included Signy's analysation skills.
He could see things that most could not, including Jan.
"Ghosts are meant to remain dead, my King…" Jan responded.
"Jan, what is your ambition?" Signy asked out of the blue, this was not even related to the ongoing conversation so Jan was a bit surprised as to where this was coming from but he knew better than to question it, all he could do was give Signy an answer.
"My ambition? My ambition is to help you achieve yours, my King…" Jan said but both knew that this was bullshit because Signy never forgot that Jan had a hand to play in the invasion.
"Is that so?" Signy was disappointed with his answer as he got up to his feet.
"Jan, the commoner that rose to a King did so because he had no ambition?" Signy asked rhetorically as Jan knew exactly what Signy was getting at but before both men could proceed any further with their conversation, Kåre walked in.
Kåre had to be the strongest warrior under Signy followed by Jan. Kjell's fighting style allowed him to excel even with an arm.
"He is here, My King…" Kåre said the moment he got in as he too got on a knee.
"Excellent. Let him in…" Signy responded, he sounded excited and that was rare in itself.
Jan heaved a frustrated sigh, disappointed that he could not change the mind of his King.
The door opened once more but there was no one.
"What is the meaning of this?" Signy asked and the look in Jan's eyes was that of amusement.
Of course, there was no way he would come to Vingulmark, he was called a Ghost for a reason.
"It seems you have been stood up, King Signy…" Jan joked but Signy was unmoved by his ploy.
"How dare I stand up to the great King Signy…" A voice said behind the door.
"That voice…." Jan thought to himself as he jerked his head backwards.
"You… So the rumours were true…" Jan muttered as a man with a helmet came into view.
"Birger Helvig, King Signy's Uncle…" Jan said.
Birger had stayed in Kattegat for so long that people forget that he once originated from Vestfold and shared blood with Signy.
Right now, Signy reunited with his uncle to bring about the change he sought.
"Take off your helmet…" Jan commanded him, he knew how sneaky Birger was.
"There is no need for that, the less people know, the better. That is without a doubt, my uncle…." Signy vouched for the man before him because this was not the first time he had made contact with Birger over the years.
"Is everything in order?" Signy asked. Both Kåre and Jan were confused as to what he meant but they now understood why Signy was confident in killing King Ragnar. It was because of Birger.
"Yes, My King…" Birger responded as a grin creased Signy's tired face.
