Chapter 26: Artorius

With his men watching from the road below, Askeladd lays his heritage before Asser: he is Lydia's son and a direct descendant of the storied British commander Artorius, a claim Gratianus vouches for, having first met the boy at fourteen as he carried his dying mother ashore. Askeladd explains that his blended Welsh and Norse blood let him climb within Danish ranks, and that by becoming a leading figure in Canute's faction he could tip the succession against the first prince and, should Canute take the crown, guide the direction of Danish politics.

Asser delights in the audacious scheme but wonders how a Dane-raised man can be trusted to favor his British side; Askeladd answers plainly that he despises the Danes, and Asser agrees to help. To let Brycheiniog save face, Askeladd has his men stack their weapons and pose as captives escorted across the kingdom, a bloodless compromise that spares both sides a pointless battle. Ragnar marvels that the raiders would disarm on command, and Thorfinn alone refuses to surrender his blades, declaring that Askeladd is his enemy rather than his leader.

Meanwhile Bjorn sulks that after more than a decade at Askeladd's side he still knows almost nothing about the guarded man. On the march, Canute keeps stealing glances at Thorfinn, who taunts him until the prince unexpectedly snaps back, startling Ragnar and the nearby men who had never heard him raise his voice. Eventually Canute signs the treaty document, the band recovers its weapons past the border, and snow begins to fall as they press onward.

Askeladd discloses his descent from Artorius and his ambition to shape the Danish succession. Convinced by Gratianus, Asser agrees to aid the plan. The band disarms and poses as prisoners to cross Brycheiniog peacefully. Thorfinn refuses to give up his weapons and names Askeladd his enemy. Canute finally shouts back at Thorfinn, surprising everyone.

The twenty-sixth chapter belongs to Volume 4 and was adapted in Episode 13 of the anime. It was published on October 25, 2006. The featured quote, spoken by Askeladd, appeals to Asser's trust while confessing his contempt for the Danes. A flashback shows a fourteen-year-old Askeladd bringing his dying mother Lydia home to Wales.