When he arrived there, he spotted his brothers, who were sitting on one of the benches around a place where they used to put firewood, although it was currently out. It didn’t take long for him to sit beside them.
“You left the meeting in quite a… fiery way, brother.” Hvitserk said when he saw the youngest sit down, who gave a small smile before looking at him.
“You know that Lagertha and I have very different views on things. If I had stayed there, the conversation wouldn’t have ended well, I guarantee it.”
“Understand, Ivar, my mother isn’t saying that the idea of expansion is wrong, just that we should wait until Kattegat is stable,” Hvitserk said, seeing him roll his eyes. It was obvious to him that Björn would side with their mother. So he looked at the other two brothers for their opinions.
“I understand your point, Ivar, but Lagertha isn’t wrong in thinking about the safety of the city. You both have different ways of doing things, but you’re both heading toward the same goal.”
“Hvitserk?” He asked, looking for the opinion of the last brother.
“I agree with you. I’m all in for any new attack that comes our way. I don’t like the idea of just sitting around waiting for death to come to me,” he said, excited by the idea of exploring new lands, making the youngest laugh.
“And that’s why you’re my favorite.” He said, seeing the other brother laugh now, while Ubbe and Björn just rolled their eyes. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you guys about this exploration and all. I’m planning to raise an army, but with people further to the north. Allies outside of Kattegat, warriors who are loyal to me, to have the strength necessary to conquer England once and for all.” This made Hvitserk curious and the other two hesitant.
“And what warriors are these that you have in mind?” Ubbe asked.
“When we were in York, I overheard some warriors talking about islands further north where vikings are known to be very strong and intelligent, and that’s where I plan to go.”
“I don’t know, Ivar, I understand that you want new warriors, but the northern peoples are known to be very isolated. They’re unlikely to want anything to do with people who aren’t from their own kind,” Ubbe said, with Björn nodding in agreement. They were clearly skeptical of the youngest’s decision, which wasn’t the case for Hvitserk.
“Well, if there’s anyone persuasive enough to make them change their mind, it’s Ivar.” Hvitserk said, making the youngest smile.
“I knew you’d understand, Hvitserk. Anyway, my decision is made, so there’s really nothing you could say to change my mind. I just wanted to inform you.”
“You really aim for the extreme.” Björn said, crossing his arms, drawing attention to himself. “Those islands are indeed made up of strong vikings and great warriors, but they’re also known for not being very friendly with outsiders. My advice? Don’t try to manipulate them like you do with everyone else, or you might end up dead, and everyone with you.”
He then left the area, as, just as Ivar had said, there was nothing that would change his mind, implicitly meaning the others would stay in Kattegat to protect the territory and strengthen their position. Hvitserk asked if Ivar wanted him to go with him, but the youngest declined, saying that it was his destiny.
For the rest of the day, Ivar thought about the best way to bring soldiers to join him on this journey, but mostly about ensuring their loyalty to him, which didn’t take long—after all, he wasn’t known for being smart for nothing.
When dinner arrived, they were all gathered at one of the many feasts the viking people held, when Ivar decided it was time to make his announcement. With that in mind, he stood up, drawing everyone’s attention by asking for it, in his own way.
YOU ARE READING
Ivar Heart
Fantasy→ After the conquest of York, Ivar the Boneless returned to Kattegat with his brothers, making a firm promise to his allies: he would not abandon England. He only needed more warriors, loyal warriors who would accept his leadership and be brave enou...
