Meeting

“Thank you, I know you are in great pain” Sigurd spoke calmly with the senior village members of the clan helping Ernak to a seat, “Feels like I have been sawn in half” Ernak grumbled and receiving another herbal mixture from Leif Sigurd began, “I had been thinking about this decision for the last few months, after everything that has happened these last few years, some things have to change for the sake of the Clan. This last war just proved my point, it was pointless and we gained very little from it and you should be dead Ernak” “Yeah I can’t even die without someone refusing my wish” Ernak joked to which Ragnor laughed with him, “Hasn’t stopped your quick tongue brother” “That is a valid thought. Shouldn’t we bring Astrid in. She is part of this family even if none of us really care” Björn shrugged before saying, “Does her being here effect anything?” “Not really except Ernak and her are separating for reasons I will explain. Either way I don’t trust Erik’s judgement anymore and furthermore I was questioning my own leadership. Over these last 5 years we have achieved practically nothing and worse than that have lost a lot more. Every time we have listened to your advice Erik we have lost or suffered great casualties and even yesterday if Ernak hadn’t came to aid us more of us would be dead. We need a changed!” Alfhild nodded and having still not forgiven Erik for Ernak’s injuries said, “Get rid of him for the start!” “I have apologised multiple times to you two, Ernak is a great warrior, even I wouldn’t sacrifice him for a war if I didn’t have to. I have a better use for him!” “I’m going to hurt you soo bad!” Alfhild yelled storming towards him but being pulled back by Ivar and Björn who butted in with, “And we won’t make no treaty if Erik is part of the negotiations” Sigurd sighed as he now stood in the middle of the conflict and stated, “Calm everyone. I have a solution.”

He returned to his seat as he said, “I will name my successor because then it will give me time to train him in the role of a Jarl” “I’m ready father, me and Lagertha will aim to continue your work” Ragnor boasted and Lagertha scoffing hating the fact that she was **** to stand next to Ragnor and Erik for this, “Go ahead and take it Ragnor. I don’t care, do what you want with the clan. You have everything else why not take this!” Ernak glumly replied nursing his arm. “Ragnor as Jarl it means by bloodline continues, Ragnor is better with people, is married and therefore would likely produce an heir to stop any future conflict however you haven’t actually proven yourself in any activity you have undertaken, you can fight yes but your raiding’s have been miscalculated and has caused us unnecessary conflict. You also aren’t currently popular and your decision making is not your own; most of the time it’s Erik speaking through you! However you are my son!” Ragnor to tried to counter Sigurd’s arguments but ignoring him Sigurd now addressed Ernak, “You have proven yourself as an businessman, a man with new ideas, loved by the villagers, a proven strategist and are a legend in folklore. You are strong-willed, argumentative, damn right stubborn but you also listen to people. However, you don’t want it, you hate the Clan, the people in it and can’t stand the family. You aren’t married, wounded and not my blood son” “That doesn’t matter! It isn’t passed on to the next blood kin, it’s up to the Jarl to decide” Ivar barked and nodding Sigurd stated, “That’s is why your next Jarl is Ernak” Ragnor’s eyes widened in shock with Erik as they glared at Sigurd before turning to Ernak who got up pissed off by the situation yelled, “I don’t want it. I hate the clan!” “It doesn’t matter. As Jarl it is my decision on who I want to rule next. Your lack of care for us specifically is the best thing that the Clan could hope for!” “Exactly!” the Seer spoke explaining it to Ragnor, “You see for the last three Jarls were your family blood Ragnor and nothings changed. Perhaps someone not blood related to your family will do a better job!” Ernak nodded before saying, “If I have ****; you will make me Jarl and I will immediately pass it on to Ragnor like he always wanted!” “If you do that then Erik will be his advisor and he would influence all the decisions of Ragnor. Passing it on means Erik has more power than you and you’d be powerless to stop it! Would you really let Erik have that much control over your life and Lagertha’s?” Sigurd challenged and growling Ernak spat, “I want the clan to burn to the ground!” “See father it’s a stupid decision not because he would be bad but because he doesn’t care!” “Exactly. He is ruthless and that, for once could be better for the Clan” Ernak growled but feeling Lagertha’s soothing arms around his back she muttered, “You make any decision you want!” Ernak paused and contemplating it said, “Fine!” he pissed Sigurd out of the way and sitting down on the seat ordered, “First up I want Lagertha divorced and sat next to me as my wife, I want Erik executed and body fed to the wolves and Ivar come and sit down let’s talk terms for this new deal.”

“Not soo fast Ernak, I am still Jarl and there are terms to this role” Ernak groaned hearing this and Ragnor challenging his father yelled, “My sister, the village whore as Freu?!” “No they are definitely separating. She is never going to be Freu material” “I just know I’m going to get screwed over, what are these terms to ruling? I have to keep Erik on as advisor? I have got to kiss Ragnors ass every time I see him! I have to carry every single member of the village to Valhalla on my back?!” Sigurd shook his head before saying the simple terms, “You can’t exile or execute Ragnor unless you have just cause, your can’t separate Lagertha and Ragnor” “Why not?!” Sigurd looked down before explaining, “A good Jarl needs to know of sacrifice. It will harden you” “This. This is all an lesson!” Ernak spat and looking down Sigurd said, “I know son. However, if you can get Ragnor and Erik both agree to a separation” “No chance this is my only means to keeping my advice in a position that can be listened to” Ernak growled and calming Ernak Sigurd cunningly said, “Calm Ernak I assumed this. So in five years after ascending if Erik hasn’t made up for everything he has done to you then you and do what you wish to him. Maybe granting a divorce to Lagertha would definitely appease you!” Ernak growled before pointing at Erik snapped, “5 years and I will be at your door ready to execute you!” “The only question is whether you will rule alone or with a wife to support you in your burden?”