Chapter 22: The Troll's Son

Askeladd's raiders drench the forest in oil and set it ablaze, throwing Thorkell's warriors into blind panic as they can no longer tell friend from foe through the smoke. Thorkell alone realizes the blaze was deliberately lit, not by Ragnar's men who are also burning, and reasons that a third party is at work. Rather than waste effort killing Thorkell, Askeladd only wants the prince: he has Thorfinn soaked in water and sent galloping into the inferno, warning him to seize the boy wearing the feathered helm and red cape. Bjorn questions the gamble, and Askeladd coldly notes that should Canute burn, they can simply plead ignorance.

Deep in the smoke, Ragnar barely parries a panicked spear thrust from his own side before Thorkell's men locate the prince. A horse then bursts from the flames with its mane on fire, and Thorfinn leaps clear, killing an attacker and telling Canute he has come to save him. Thorkell strolls out of the haze, thrilled to face Thorfinn again, and displays the two fingers the boy once cut from his hand. He asks whether Thorfinn set the fire, then confirms the youth is the son of Thors, whom he praises as the only man ever stronger than himself.

A burning tree crashes between the two groups, and Thorkell departs laughing, promising to finish their duel once both bands reach Sweyn's army. Thorfinn guides Ragnar's survivors back to Askeladd, and Ragnar, left no choice, reluctantly places Canute's safety in Askeladd's hands. When the prince lifts his helm, Askeladd stares in confusion while Bjorn remarks the youth looks more like a princess.

Askeladd's band sets the forest alight to sow chaos among Thorkell's forces. Thorfinn charges into the flames, kills an enemy, and reaches Prince Canute. Thorkell confronts Thorfinn, reveals he knew and admired Thors, and lets the boy go for a later reckoning. Ragnar entrusts Canute's protection to Askeladd, who is startled by the prince's delicate, girlish face.

The twenty-second chapter belongs to Volume 4 and was adapted as Episode 11 of the anime. It was published on June 24, 2006. The featured quote, spoken by Thorkell, dares Thorfinn to escape his attacks and reach the safety of Sweyn's main force.