The Son Of Ragnar

Chapter 365 Faith

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Things had settled in England, the raid was technically over and it ended in a massive success. 

It was exactly as Askild had said, they met zero resistance and if other lands were like this then the Kingdoms of Norway would have no reason to fight among themselves, this was revolutionary.

Thorgard eventually knew he could not keep the kids hidden and brought them to Tyr Ragnarsson. 

Tyr noticed one thing he had in common with them and that was the mark of the slave on various parts of their body. 

Tyr looked at Thorgard because Thorgard was honest that he had hidden them, fearing what Tyr would do to them. 

Tyr was relieved. Finally, someone who was honest and had a mind of his own to act upon.

Tyr knew that this was disobedience but if he had someone like this during Erik's reign then maybe he would not have been so traumatized.

Tyr knew he would need an anchor as he noticed the change in him, Tyr knew he would need that person to keep him grounded and Estrid was turning out to be just as twisted as him. 

Tyr could not help but think that this was Thorgard's way of setting an example for his younger brother. 

Something he could respect but Tyr was not a monster.

He was never going to hurt these kids but he liked that Thorgard entertained the possibility.

Tyr told the Vikings to treat them as one of their own because they very well might be returning with them to Rogaland.

The slave trade was quite popular but Tyr, being a former slave, could sympathize with them to a certain degree. He understood what they were feeling at the moment more than anyone and that was hopelessness.

There was no guarantee that they would not still end up as slaves even if he takes them to Rogaland but they would have a far better life. 

But Tyr soon realized that there was a problem, to accommodate these kids they would have to let some of their share of goods go otherwise the boat would most definitely capsize.

This was a test of Tyr's morality because he had plans to take Wychard with him to Rogaland as he knew a lot more about this region than they do and his information could help them raid deeper.

The Vikings feasted and celebrated, they were glad that this was a successful raid and this created a sense of brotherhood among them even though they hailed from different Kingdoms. 

At that moment, they were brothers but Tyr did not join in the celebration but instead took Wychard to one side to discuss with him. 

"Wychard, I need to find out something from you," Tyr said and Wychard was surprised by the change of tone. 

Tyr no longer sounded authoritative but rather like he wanted a favour, Wychard knew it was in his best interest to comply.

"Yes, sire…" Wychard responded with the utmost respect. 

"Tell me about the lands beyond here…" Tyr questioned. Others were celebrating the success of this conquest yet Tyr had his eyes on much bigger things. 

This was not enough to satisfy him even though they did cart away such valuables. 

Tyr noted one thing about this slave trade and that was what use would slaves serve in the land beyond. 

Whatever it was, it could not be good but Tyr began to suspect that they were not as tame as these monks.

"Northumbria lies ahead, it is a Kingdom ruled by King Ælla and one of the four major Kingdoms in England," Wychard responded without hesitation. 

Tyr was interested, he knew there were other lands but never could he have guessed that these lands were Kingdoms.

"Kingdoms? Tell me more!" Tyr was excited and he let it show, he found himself wanting to explore other lands and warriors. 

"King Ælla is a powerful King with an army that can crush any threat in their way but he is not alone, the four Kingdoms are united in their common goal of serving Christ…" Wychard said; this implied that there was no fighting amongst them.

"Christ? Who is this Christ?" Tyr asked; for the first time, sounding genuinely interested.

He knew that there were other gods as he came from a land with a different god.

"Jesus Christ, the son of Virgin Mary…" Wychard paused upon noticing the confused look on Tyr's face. 

"The son of a virgin?" Tyr asked, scratching his head. 

"Hahaha! I understand your confusion and I will explain later but Jesus Christ died so we may live, he taught us to love our enemies as we do ourselves. Even in death, we would be welcomed in his embrace in paradise and sing his praises. I do not know what kind of false gods you serve but there is only one God… Earthly treasures mean nothing, my true reward is in heaven," Wychard sounded so passionate and it was that passion that intrigued Tyr. 

"Love your enemies? Are you saying you do not hate me for invading your home and killing your friends?" Tyr asked and Wychard looked him right in the eyes. 

"I do not hate you, everything that happened today was ordained by God. If I died today then God wished it so but it seems like he is not done with me just yet," Wychard said and Tyr could tell by the look in his eyes that he meant these words but there was a contradiction. 

"You say this yet the lands beyond here have Kingdoms and an army, why so? If love is the principle for your religion then why do they have an army to kill their enemies? Why not give up these earthly possessions?" Tyr questioned. Wychard was surprised by the quality of questions he was asking. 

He was not belittling his faith but rather trying to truly understand it. Wychard had one thought at that moment and that was winking Tyr over. 

Wychard proceeded to explain what his faith stood for in-depth and Tyr listened attentively.

Hanging onto every word and he was intrigued by the concept that love was the weapon the Christian used to fight but they were also inclined to use force as they thought their God would protect them from the hands of evil; however, he did not like the concept of heaven, it sounded rather dull.

Tyr didn't agree with his faith but he understood why it would exist in such a cruel world.