When there is a deadline, time always feels like it went faster than usual and this was the case regarding this situation.

"King Asmund, we have lined up the bodies to burn!" A warrior said but Asmund wanted all their families to be present before the burning commenced.

"We will wait, I owe them this much. They gave up their sons, brothers, and fathers for us." Asmund muttered. He was seated on the throne, with the lamps lighting up the place.

Kjell walked in to approach Asmund because he had about enough, he trusted his judgment but he was growing to doubt it.

"What brings you here, Earl Kjell?" Asmund was quick to ask because he wanted time to himself to weigh his decision.

"King Asmund, I came here because you promised me fame and glory but can glory be gotten if the war is lost? Signy is important for the future of Vestfold, we cannot let him die nor can we let you die," Kjell was upfront with his worries, something that Asmund appreciated.

"I understand your worry, but I have made up my mind.." Asmund said. Kjell looked confused because Asmund had not disclosed this decision to anyone.

"Before you make a decision, I have a suggestion.." Kjell said and Asmund allowed him to speak. He knew he was not above learning and gave every single person a listening ear.

"King Asmund, I want us to attack them in the dark of night but the gate has to be opened for this to happen," Kjell said and Asmund refuted this almost immediately.

"The gates remain shut no matter what," Asmund responded and Kjell was confused because if he intended to free Signy, the gates had to be opened either way.

"King Asmund, do not tell me you are planning to go outside alone?" Kjell blurted out with Asmund nodding to confirm his suspicion.

"Do not be fo-!" Kjell stopped himself from cussing out his king, taking a deep breath before rephrasing.

"You are going to let Signy die?" Kjell asked in a far more composed tone.historical

"Hahaha! I will kill myself, that is my intention!" Asmund said without fear or hesitation.

"You cannot die, King Asmund. I will not allow it.." Kjell muttered, and Asmund raised a brow.

"Allow it? I am not asking for your permission, I am your king. Do not forget your place." Asmund retorted, he sounded a lot more serious.

"Do you think Askild will let the heir to the throne live? There is no way he would let Signy live. He already showed he cannot be trusted when he killed Egil!" Kjell was trying his best to convince Asmund to fight and the points he was making were spot on.

Asmund remained silent as he listened to Kjell state what was troubling him.

"We could have killed them, they were hungry and weak! We could have brought them to their knees and taken Kattegat!" Kjell was frantic and like a father, Asmund listened.

"Taken Kattegat? Hahaha! You speak like a child, Kjell. Do you not know our history?" Amsund asked and Kjell looked confused because he was aware of certain aspects but not all.

"What do you mean?" Kjell questioned and Asmund took his time to explain.

-

"I cannot believe we are both kings! You did it Asmund!" Xenophanes cheered on, but Amsund did not share his excitement despite him being the one crowned.

"Why don't you look happy!? Drink up, you buzz kill!" Xenophanes shouted, he was hammered already but Asmund was trying to calm him down.

"I have been king for over a year already, Xenophanes.." Asmund responded, Xenophanes was a carefree spirit and Asmund tried his best to keep him grounded.

"The Kingdom of Raumarike has made inroads into Vestfold, I am tired of the bloodshed.." Asmund said, averting his gaze.

"YOU ARE VIKING! VIKINGS LIVE FOR KILLING!" Xenophanes shouted, but he was not one to talk considering he rarely even fought. Kattegat did not have any enemies because of the importance they played in trading.

No one wanted to make an enemy of them but their alliance with these kingdoms meant they could not jump to aid Vestfold. This was the condition and Xenophanes did not worry because Asmund was strong enough to protect his kingdom but he knew that Raumarike might just be the kingdom to break through the defenses of Vestfold. They were fairly powerful and were growing rapidly in military prowess, it was going to be a matter of time before they could challenge the other kingdoms.

"You are one to talk, how do you rule Kattegat despite not wanting to be king?" Asmund asked, this was partly due to wanting advice as well.

"I just do whatever I want and don't allow people to do what I would not do myself! They love me over there!" Xenophanes said with a grin, Asmund was not surprised because he had that effect on people, he was genuine.

"Are you scared of Raum The Old?" Xenophanes questioned. Asmund had fought multiple battles but he was worried about this one.

"He is the worst of the worst, he has recorded victories against far more formidable, and I have no idea what he would do.." Asmund muttered to himself, and Xenophanes would yawn in response to this.

"Fine, I will help you!" Xenophanes responded. Asmund was surprised by this because this would threaten the tranquility that Kattegat had managed to maintain for years and it was a decision made without much thought from their king. He did not mind the consequences as he valued friendship and loyalty above all else.

"Xenophanes, are you sure about this!?" Asmund asked and the urgency in his voice was telling.

"Why are you shouting!? I can hear you just fine!" Xenophanes reacted brazenly, almost falling to the ground, but this was an exaggeration to lighten the mood.

"We are brothers! I will always have your back!" Xenophanes said with a goofy smile, and Asmund let out a sigh.

"You are truly a fool.." Asmund teased but the weight off his shoulder was evident.

"You dare speak to a king like the-! Fuck! I think I am going to throw up!" Xenophanes complained.

"HEY! FACE THE OTHER WAY! NO! WHAT THE HELL!" These were the last words of Asmund before he was covered in vomit.