Vinland Saga (ヴィンランド・サガ)

OCTOBER 1013 AD LONDON, ENGLAND

THE BATTLE OF LONDON BRIDGE

That's not really a bridge.

It's more like a fortress.

I'm impressed, London.

The city has survived many attacks over the years.

It has a lot of history.

This isn't the time to be complacent, Askeladd.

This city's going to be trouble.

You said it'd be an easy win. That's why I'm here.

Sorry, sorry.

I never imagined that Thorkell would side with the enemy.

You mean, Thorkell the Tall?

He's in bed with the enemy for the money.

What a traitor.

We're in this for the money too.

We sided with the Army of Denmark, because we thought King Sweyn has a chance to win.

The other clans are all the same.

They're desperate to prove themselves on the battlefield

and increase their share of the spoils.

Well, with so many men here, no one's getting very much.

I don't fight for money.

I like to kill.

I can truly rely on a man like you, Bjorn.

In any case, those bigwigs all want London.

If we can capture the Thames River,

we can set up a supply line to the inland areas in Wessex.

The top leaders all have their eyes on this battleground.

Yeah. This is the place to be if you want to stand out.

What do you mean?

Do you have a plan in mind?

Well,

it's not really a plan.

Thorfinn.

We have some work for you.

Go bring me Thorkell's head.

Promise me you'll give me my reward.

Okay. Okay.

The same as always, right? You're so stubborn.

Getting so worked up about a fight you can't win.

Maybe you get it from your father.

Don't forget, Askeladd.

My only wish as a warrior

is to beat you in a duel.

Our next duel will be your last.

I'm going to carve out your heart,

and offer it to my father's spirit.

Then get to work.

Only those who fight on the battlefield get what they desire.

That's the way of the warrior.

My head's not cheap, you know.

I'll duel you as often as you like.

Go bring me Thorkell's head.

Hey.

Askeladd.

What?

One ship is heading towards the bridge.

It's the Jomsvikings! The Sea Deer!

They're messengers from the regular army.

Are they Floki's men?

I bet he's going to try to win Thorkell over to his side

by saying he'll pay double whatever England pays.

Thorkell will follow the money.

I bet he'll take their offer.

Well, I'm not so sure about that.

They're here.

It's just one ship.

This way. Hurry.

Die. Take that.

Take that.

Fire. Fire.

Don't shoot. We're messengers.

We want to talk to Thorkell.

-You damn bastards. -Die.

We didn't come here to fight.

Where is Thorkell?

Shut up. Die.

Hey.

Stop.

Yes, sir.

Everyone. Cease fire.

Hey, Floki. It's been a while.

You look like you've been doing well.

Enough with the pleasantries.

His Highness, King Sweyn, sends a message, which I am here to deliver.

In the words of His Highness:

"The King of England has escaped to the land of the Franks.

Resistance is futile.

Surrender.

If you surrender, then in the name of Thor,

I shall spare the lives of you and your men,

as well as leave you your fortunes."

Go back to the army, Thorkell.

Those are the wishes of His Highness.

Is King Sweyn here?

He's tough.

For such an old man.

Thorkell.

Why are you drawing your bow against a friend?

For so long, we've fought as warriors, side by side.

You must not misread the flow of the world.

Your brother Sigvaldi is also worried.

Flow of the world?

I see.

I was fighting against the English myself until last year. That's why I know.

They're really weak.

-They're a bunch of sheltered city boys. -What?

-Is that Norse? -They lack spirit.

Maybe.

Prince Edmund was the only general

who could handle the army of Denmark.

This country is finished.

Oh, in that case...

In other words,

it'd be more fun

to fight against you.

What?

That's enough talk.

Let's get to the next part. The next part.

Wait. Thorkell.

I promise you double what England's giving you.

Here I go, Floki.

Veer left. Full speed.

Time for the deadly...

Keel-Buster!!

Oh, I missed.

Full speed.

Withdraw.

Men. Kill them.

Yes, sir.

Retreat. Retreat.

Hey, Floki.

Go ask King Sweyn

whether he's bored of always fighting battles he's going to win.

There's no chance that we'll be able to convince him.

I see.

It was a waste of time.

So, what shall we do?

Attack them now, without delay.

Hey. Damn.

All right.

Damn. They're attacking the pier.

You bastard.

Hurry.

Damn.

-Damn. I missed. -Get more rocks.

Out of my way.

Wow.

Here we go.

How'd you like that? That was my special...

er... Log-Dropper!!

The name says it all.

That was amazing.

Next.

Hurry up.

Yes, sir.

What's wrong with Sweyn's army?

Why don't you come up with something?

I know you can do better if you try.

At this rate, you won't capture London Bridge. Not even in a hundred years...

This is it. This guy looks fun.

Thorfinn. Can you hear me?

The huge man in front with the log.

That's Thorkell.

This is no good. Stop the ship.

He'll hit us if we get any closer.

Steer left.

Just a little further.

All right. That's enough.

Jump.

Don't touch him.

This jolly little fool...