Vinland Saga (ヴィンランド・サガ)

Child of a Hero

My mother will die soon.

She said she wanted to return to her hometown.

I brought her here.

NOVEMBER 1013 AD WESSEX, SOUTH OF ENGLAND

Our main army defeated the resistance at Wessex.

It is only a matter of time until we conquer the land.

If all goes well, everything will be done before winter.

What happened to London?

And Canute,

where is he?

Yes.

The besieging army that Canute was leading was attacked by Thorkell.

We haven't heard anything since.

I heard rumors they engaged in battle at Marlborough.

It's possible they joined the local soldiers.

However, we are not yet sure whether they got away safely.

He's my dear son.

As soon as you find out more, tell me immediately.

Yes, sir.

What?

We're surrounded!

It can't be.

See? I told you so!

Damn!

Calm down, men!

Listen well! Don't return fire. Don't touch them!

Messengers of Brycheiniog!

What a rough welcome!

So you speak our language, you barbarian.

I heard that you Danes were just like beasts that can't talk.

Withdraw your troops, Asser.

Making trouble with the Danes is of no benefit to Wales.

Gratianus!

I respect your concern for the future of the kingdoms of Wales.

But our values are different from yours.

What promise are you trying to make with the prince of the Danes?

They're just barbarians! They have no morals!

What is he shouting about?

Are we going to fight or not?

No. This isn't going to turn into a battle.

Do you understand what he's saying?

No, I don't.

But they could have killed one of us with their first shot if they wanted to.

They were trying to intimidate us

so that they could control the negotiations.

I see.

You beasts!

I watched your war with England closely.

You entered three cease-fire agreements in the last ten years,

and violated them all!

We will not make the same foolish mistake as England!

We shall capture the prince and use him as a shield!

Even the king of the devils must still love his own child!

Sorry, Askeladd.

No. It's just an act.

He's just making trouble to see how we'll respond.

These days, a sheep must wear a wolf's skin to graze.

I feel sympathy for them.

Are you going to tell them about your plan?

I could...

but if they want to put up an act, I can go along with them.

Look closely!

The man standing here

is none other than the son of King Sweyn of Denmark,

His Highness Canute.

His Highness will now address you.

Be silent and listen!

All right, Your Highness. Say something spirited.

It can be anything. Like, "I'm going to boil you alive and eat you."

Make those rude scoundrels uncomfortable.

If it comes from you, their balls will shrink and they'll let us through.

Your Highness!

His Highness dislikes talking in front of other people.

I shall do it instead--

No, Ragnar.

What?

He may be young, but he's still a prince.

He has responsibilities he must live up to.

Everyone standing here now

is acting for the prince.

He is a gentle person.

He doesn't like unnecessary fighting.

That's exactly why

I'm asking him to do this. To avoid an unnecessary fight!

Do you think you can handle succeeding

King Sweyn with your mouth clamped up like a clam?

Silence!

You could never understand His Highness!

The palace is a fox nest where parents, children, and siblings eat each other!

Do you have any idea how hard it was for the frail and sickly prince to survive through that?

He silenced his heart, silenced his breath,

and made sure he didn't stand out. That's how he survived!

And even after all that, he's still approached

by bastards like you who want to use him!

Don't step out of line.

It's not your place to try to control how he acts.

What's wrong?

What are you arguing about?

What does Canute say?

Gratianus.

I'm going to tell them the plan.

Very well. I shall go too.

Guys! Wait right there.

I'm going to go talk to their leader.

Okay.

Ragnar.

You are correct.

I was worried about the prince,

and ended up overstepping my bounds.

Your Highness, please forgive me.

You loser. Are you really the same age as me?

That man is named Ragnar, right?

Yes.

He doesn't know that fledglings all leave the nest someday.

What he's doing is actually bad for the chick.

There are many things you have to do to put your plan in motion.

The first is to make the chick leave the nest.

Yes. I know.

Stay back. I don't need any guards.

But...

Don't make me say it again.

It would bring shame to our king if they thought I can't talk without guards.

More! Get five times further away!

Tell the others too!

All right.

You said your name was Askeladd, right?

I understand your situation, but you're putting me in a hard spot.

I heard that he's already agreed.

You're asking for permission for passage through our country and supplies for your men.

I can't agree immediately.

We may be small, but our king also has a reputation.

What's in it for us if we help you?

I need to confirm that this is a transaction between two parties of equal standing.

Or else my men will think that the king is scared of only 100 Danes.

You're right.

It wouldn't look good for you if you just agreed to our demands.

I apologize for not showing more consideration.

I'm the one who wrote the letter to your country.

I thought I wrote in the letter that I can't give details

about your reward in order to maintain secrecy.

Yes. I read that.

Then may I ask about that secret?

Can I ask you something?

Depending on the reward I offer you,

would you consider joining us in the war, Asser?

Don't be silly!

I know that a small country like us

is no match for the king of Denmark!