The Son Of Ragnar

Chapter 38 Traitor

?The traitor was revealed to be Arvid and Asger was surprised because he never expected this from one of his loyal warriors but it happened regardless.

He had to digest this information as he knew his spear could not spare the blood of traitors, and he had taken the lives of his fellow Vikings, betraying the arm ring that he wore and as such betrayed Asger in return.

King Askild kept the punishment he handed out to Arvid from Asger and the reason why as well so far as Asger was concerned, Arvid had no motives for these atrocities.

"Why did you do this, Arvid?" Asger's voice was calm and collected, the betrayal hurt him but he knew it was his responsibility to clean up this mess.

Arvid did not answer or it would be more accurate to say he could not but with Asger not in possession of his spear, he was left with his dagger to defend himself against Arvid.

Then he saw it, Arvid opened his mouth to reveal his tongue and Asger's eyes widened in horror.

This told Arvid that King Askild did not tell him about his betrayal or punishment but regardless, Arvid completed his task and that task was setting the kingdom of Vestfold against Kattegat.

He came here for a warrior's death, he failed to kill Ragnar and ran but he was not running against Asger because he deemed this a duel.

One of them was going to see Valhalla today, and Arvid stood a decent chance because he had seen Asger in battle numerous times before and thus, knew his tricks like the back of his hand.

But he was so used to seeing Asger fight with a spear that seeing him with a dagger was a rare sight but Asger went from having the longer reach to having the shorter one in the blink of an eye.

Arvid closed the distance but this time did not try to take the head of Asger like his previous attempts but instead went for the wrist of the hand holding the dagger, all Asger did was toss the dagger in his right hand into his left hand whilst simultaneously moving that right hand out of the way of the attack.

This left Arvid open and Asger proceeded to sever Arvid's hand holding the blade, disarming him in the process. Arvid fell to the ground in pain, looking up at Asger as he muffled his scream for a warrior should not scream when Valhalla is near.

"Dzzzo eeet." Arvid's speech was barely understandable but Asger looked at the man that has fought numerous battles alongside him.

Right now, all Arvid asked for was death for he had been defeated with relative ease but it was no surprise considering the strength of Asger.

"I wish I could, I really wish I could but King Askild has plans for you, Arvid," Asger said and the moment he heard the name of Askild, he frantically reached for his sword clutched in his severed hand but Asger kicked it away.

Asger looked at Arvid with pity in his sorry state, he knew exactly what King Askild would do to him, and not killing him here was virtually the same thing as condemning his soul to an actual death. Other guards soon gathered around them, they saw Asger and an injured clothed enemy instinctively knowing which one of them was hostile.

"Asger!" The Vikings that appeared called out, immediately apprehending Arvid with Asger giving specific instructions to not kill him, or they risk facing King Askild's wrath.

"Fire! Quickly!" A Viking shouted with torches lit already as they patrolled Kattegat so this request was easy as a torch was handed over.

They held down Arvid and burnt his wound to get rid of any infection that might follow as well as stop the bleeding. This could not come at a more perfect time because this should settle the unrest in Kattegat.

Birger was in the city too, a man Asger has vowed to kill for he single-handedly ruined his life to this degree, but he was not sure if Birger got stronger as he was no match for him in the past.

He was helpless.

"Asger, are you okay?" A Viking asked and Asger nodded, raising his hand to see if he had been cut but he was just slightly nicked. He was impressed that Arvid was able to injure him but not surprised when a sudden realization hit him.

"Arvid… He uses poison!" Asger thought the moment he felt himself get light-headed, he had forgotten the very important piece of information as he fell to his knees.

His body was numb, the other Vikings noticed this and gathered around him to see if he was alright but Asger could not even open his mouth to speak.

"P-P…" These words escaped Asger's lips as he gasped for air right before passing out.

Erik was prowling in the dark, like a stealth mercenary but barely, as his enormous body frame gave him away. He noticed Arvid being taken away but he was not interested in why as he was among those on watch and could have easily stepped in to break up the fight but watching the fight between both Vikings was what he used to pass time.

He saw Asger hit the floor soon after only then did he come to light, with all the other Vikings around Asger making way for the much bigger man.

"It is disgraceful that you were done in like this but even you are sentimental," Erik muttered under his breath, showing a level of understanding of how difficult it must have been to bring down your comrade but his voice carried no empathy.

"Sir Erik!" A Viking called out to get his attention but Erik was not interested in him because he knew that King Askild would not want anything to happen to Asger, not with the war brewing and this was the only reason he even bothered to help.

Slinging Asger over his shoulder, he carried him and faded the darkness.