Arriving at the palace, Vig was the first of the lords to arrive. He handed the list to Goodwin. After the procedure was completed, Ragnar asked Bjorn about his recent situation: "How is he doing?"
Vig, who was present at the court, was alert and calmly told about the settlement in Iceland.
...
"There has indeed been a legend about the Far West for the last twenty years. I did not expect that Bjorn discovered it."
Discovering routes and unknown islands are two of the most valuable achievements of seafarers. Ragnar was proud of his second son's achievements, but the queen, sitting on his right, suddenly asked:
"Lord Tyneburg, from what you just said, Bjorn returned to Iceland after the deal and did not intend to meet the king?"
Sensing a hint of hostility in his words, Vig remained calm: "Yes, the North Sea is too rough in winter, and the sooner Bjorn sets out, the safer."
"I know the North Sea is rough, and since I cannot come in person, I must ask you to help pay for..." Thora wanted to say something else, but Ragnar stopped her.
"I have not bestowed a title on Bjorn, so I have no right to ask him for an audience." Ragnar raised his left hand, indicating that the matter was closed.
...
About two hours later, the princes arrived one after the other, and a messenger from Mercia sent a warning in the name of Crown Prince Burgred.
The messenger introduced himself as Theowulf, dressed in a bright blue ramie tunic with brooches and armlets of pure gold, and over it a dark red woolen cloak - typical attire of the Anglo-Saxon nobility.
"Listen, filthy Scandinavian barbarians! You have until the beginning of next spring to get out of Britain, otherwise I (Bergran) will lead an army north to restore justice and raze to the ground all the settlements of the villainous Vikings!"
The messenger's words angered many of the nobles. When the argument was almost over, Viger could not resist:
"Bergran is not for justice, otherwise he would not have watched the Vikings conquer Northumbria three years ago. And Prince Aella refused to stay in Mercia and preferred to go into exile in Frankia. He must have seen through your true intentions."
"Right!" Ragnar led the applause, and everyone else applauded as well.
Theowulf was too lazy to argue: "Since we have rejected the grace of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, we can only speak with swords on the battlefield."
…
After the messenger left, a group of nobles discussed the attack on Mercia. Ragnar leaned against the throne and thought for a long time, then gestured for silence.
"Three years ago, a coalition of Vikings captured York. I spoke with Viger. He said that the large number of people moving to Mercia would increase their strength in the long run, but in the short term it would deplete their food supplies and deprive them of the ability to send troops. Three years have passed, and Mercia has fully accepted this group of refugees, its strength has grown considerably, and it is confident that it can begin a war with us.
Mercia's national strength is comparable to that of Northumbria. Ragnar does not intend to absorb it for long and is ready to crush them in one fell swoop.
"To battle! To battle! Take advantage of the enemy's inaction and rush at the capital in one go, lest next spring they gather thousands of recruits to fight us to the death. Compared to Northern Europe, the winter in Britain is not so cold, and we Vikings can withstand it. Everyone return and gather troops at once, and within half a month assemble in Sheffield!"
The king made his decision, and the nobles had to obey the order. They did not even have time to dine, and each rode around his own lands.
Four days later, at the official residence in Tyne Town.
"Fight in winter? Has Ragnar gone mad?" Hearing the news of the war, Geligif came to her husband with a protruding belly and worried eyes.
"Your Majesty's plan is certainly a bit risky, but it can be done. The Angles are not resistant to the cold, and their forces are slow to gather in winter. If we use the border to capture Tamworth (the capital of Mercia), we can perhaps end this war quickly."
Vig helped Geligif back to his place and continued: "There is another advantage to fighting in winter. The North Sea is rough at this time of year and is not suitable for sea voyages. I am leaving and do not worry about Nordic marauders attacking Tyneburg. You are pregnant, so you should rest peacefully during this time. I will ask the shield bearers to call your mother and brother to accompany you."
Having consoled his wife, Vig went to the storehouse to count the supplies. Since the battle was winter, each soldier must be equipped with a thick woolen coat.
"Four hundred and fifty coats, barely enough."
There are currently eighty shield bearers in Tyneburg. Vig plans to leave half to watch over the house and lead the remaining forty to war. He will also recruit four hundred Viking civilians, including a hundred archers.
...
Three days later, in the morning, the dragon flag fluttered in the bitter wind. In the anxiety of the family, this hastily assembled army of Vikings set out.
Compared to the harsh cold of northern Europe, this temperature is still within the range of tolerance. Morale among the crew is normal. Most discuss the riches of Mercia and look forward to sharing the spoils after the war.
As king, Ragnar has the right to recruit nobles and civilians into the army, but only for forty days a year. If the deadline was exceeded, the royal family would be required to pay appropriate wages, and the tribute paid by the nobles in the second year would also be reduced.
Given the cost factor, Vig assumed that Ragnar would end the war no later than the summer harvest of the following year, so that it would not drag on too long, and that the nobles and militia under his command would leave without saying goodbye.
As Vig rode south toward Sheffield, he noticed that the country on either side of the road was becoming increasingly deserted. Every now and then, corpses would appear on the side of the road, and more than a dozen round-bellied ravens would sit on the bodies, enjoying the feast.
Bandits would rush past like combs, and soldiers would rush past like combs.
The various princes led their armies, and they could not help but harass the people along the way. Some even deliberately pampered the soldiers to vent their frustrations.
...
On October 24, Vig led his army to a low hill on the north side of Sheffield, counting the banners of various nobles. Apart from himself, only Ivar had not yet arrived to help.
After the sentry introduced himself, he was allowed to enter the chaotic
and dirty camp. In medieval Europe, armies of different countries did not have systematic logistics, so a group of traders appeared to accompany the army. The modern Viking army is no exception. The camp is full of many unnecessary people: blacksmiths repairing weapons, tailors mending clothes, grocers selling alcohol, bacon and other snacks, women washing clothes, and many prostitutes.
"One day I will lead an army alone and I will definitely eradicate this chaos!"
Saying something secret, Vig turned and dismounted, handed the reins to the groom standing next to him, and headed straight to the central army tent.
Pulling back the curtain, Vig saw only Pascal, who was sitting at a long table and busy with various calculations.
"Where is your majesty?"
Pascal raised his head and weakly pointed towards Sheffield Town. "According to custom, the local lord is obliged to entertain the royal family. Your Majesty and all the nobles are in town. Judging by the time, the banquet is about to begin tonight."