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The boats docked at the shore only an hours walk from the town that settled upon the river. Alfild walked ahead, leading the immeasurable army. It was like nothing these pathetic traitors had ever seen, and it would be the last thing they ever saw.
But Alfild's plan was not to war with them. Too many of her loyal subjects would die if she did so. Besides, Acid's loyalists would only avenge him. No, her plot was to defeat Arvid fair and square for all to see. She would fight him one on one. And, when he was dead, his men would be rounded up and killed by their huge army.
What was the point in losing men to a meaningless war when they were yet to fight Lagertha? No. Alfild knew she could defeat Arvid alone. And there was nothing he could do to stop her. No one would fear a man who refused to fight, for that is what cowards do. And if they didn't fear him, he held no power. So, all he could do was fight. And there was no way he could defeat her in that.
Of course, Ivar had not been informed of Alfild's plan. If he had, she'd have been left by the ships as he stormed the city. It was far too risky to let her fight Arvid alone and it was not a chance he would be willing to take, no matter how good she was. At least in a battle, he knew that he could protect her. But alone? In an honorable duel? There was nothing he could do.
Alfild held up her hand, making all the men stop at the gates. The archers shook, looking over the immense army.
"I'm here to talk to your King." She declared with a thunderous voice. The authority she held was incredible. No fear. No regret. She was a true queen.
"Right away, my Queen." One of the men announced as he scurried off to find the traitor.
"We can only let a few of you in." One of the other archers yelled down. "The rest must remain here."
Alfild looked behind her, eyeing up the men to see who she should take. As her gaze shifted over towards the brothers, both looked to her in confusion. What on earth was she doing now? Could they not just attack? Slowly she walked over to Ivar, pulling him aside. "I need you to lead the army while I'm inside." She decreed.
"Why are you going inside? We could just kill them?" He protested.
"Just trust me. I will explain if I return. If I'm not back by the time the sun reaches those trees, storm the town and avenge me." She spoke calmly.
But such words did not sooth Ivar as her tone may have suggested. He looked to her with fear in his eyes, "You're not going alone. We should just kill them now."
"And how many innocents will die in the process? I won't let that happen. Just promise that you will do as I have asked." She pleaded. Reluctantly, Ivar gave a nod. If she did not return, the streets of this city would be painted red. "Thank you." She smiled, slowly moving away to walk over to his brother. "Hvitserk." She sighed. "Will you accompany me?"
The boy nodded, stepping beside her, "You better not get me killed."
Alfild laughed in response as the pair walked towards the tall metal gates and then slowly inside the city. Guards escorted them through the muddy streets, civilians watching in awe as their hope returned. Alfild had returned! Eventually, they reached the castle. Both Alfild and Hvitserk felt nerves as the doors closed behind them and they were quickly greeted with a room full of loyalists. And, upon Alfild's throne, Arvid sat.
"Alfild The Merciless." He greeted slyly, his eyes narrowing towards the girl. "I thought you were dead."
"And I thought you'd make a better leader than a lover. I suppose we were both wrong." She retorted coldly. Hvitserk couldn't help but grin at her response, using all his might to push back laughter towards the fake king.
Arvid stiffened, quickly changing the topic of conversation. "And what can a humble king like me do for you today, my lady?"
Alfild straightened, her face showing her seriousness and yet also a hint of amusement. "I'm glad you asked." She smiled deviously. "You see, my King. I've read somewhere that you cannot become King without first killing me. I came to offer you that chance."
Arvid's brows furrowed as he looked towards the girl. No one seemed sure how to react. "How generous of you. Should I kill you now?"
"You could." She nodded but soon pulled a face and gave a dramatic sigh. "Oh but the issue with that is that there's an army waiting outside these gates for my return. If Hvitserk and I do not leave here alive, they will surely burn this city to the ground."
"Hm, I see." Arvid answered bitterly, her words like salt in his wounds. What did she want? "So what do you suggest?"
"Well, I am no King like you, my lord. But if I were, I might suggest a duel. Just you and I. Two swords. May the best ruler win, and the other will join the Gods." Alfild suggested. Eyes widened, mutters and gasps soon filling the room. Her proposal was pure insanity. But how could he refuse now?
Arvid went pale, beady eyes staring at her with uncertainty. Meanwhile, Alfild radiated confidence. She seemed totally unafraid by the situation. "Very well. I challenge you to a duel."
"And I accept your challenge." She answered smugly. "Thank you for your time, your grace. I will see you tomorrow at dawn. May the Gods smile upon us both."
And with those simple words, she made her way to the door. Hvitserk followed shortly behind the girl, still smiling at her unwavering arrogance. And soon, the pair were reunited with the Great Heathen Army.
