Chapter 95: Forgotten Things

As Thorfinn sets out, Einar argues there is no reason to risk his neck for the farm and reminds him Ketil is Arnheid's killer. Thorfinn counters that they still owe a debt to Pater and Sverkel, and that after swearing their oath to build a peaceful world, they cannot ignore the suffering of those nearby. When Einar asks what two unarmed men can do against a royal army, Thorfinn reveals he never intends to fight: he is acquainted with King Canute and believes talking to him could accomplish something. Einar is stunned that Thorfinn knows the king.

At the guard post, Thorfinn asks to see Canute on Ketil's behalf, but the soldiers dismiss him as a slave and repeat that only Ketil's family may surrender. He gives his name as Thorfinn, son of Thors, and claims he once served four years ago as the king's temporary bodyguard. Drott, unconvinced by his small frame, punches him without warning and refuses to pass the message along. Meanwhile Wulf reports the disturbance to Canute and Floki, relaying the messenger's name. Canute's eyes widen, and touching the scar on his cheek he asks whether the man is short and young, then declines to meet him. Floki briefly notes the name but tells himself Thors is common enough.

Surrounded by jeering soldiers, Drott swings again and again while Thorfinn dodges every blow, repeating that he only wants to speak with the king. A soldier complains they cannot see who won their wager on how many hits Thorfinn will take before fleeing, dying or dropping. Distracted, Thorfinn is knocked down, then asks to join the bet himself, staking not money but an audience with the king. Told he must wager on long odds, he accepts the challenge that he can endure one hundred blows, with his life forfeit if he fails. Einar calls it insane, but Thorfinn assures him there is a trick to taking a beating, and Drott, stung by the mockery, moves in to begin. On the boat, Bug-Eyes wonders aloud why the pair are taking so long.

Thorfinn reveals to Einar that he knows King Canute and intends peaceful negotiation rather than combat. Canute's guards refuse him entry, disbelieving his claim of once being a royal bodyguard, and Drott begins striking him. Wulf informs Canute that the messenger is Thorfinn, son of Thors, but the king declines to meet him. Thorfinn joins the soldiers' wager, betting his life that he can survive one hundred hits in exchange for an audience with the king.

The chapter runs in Volume 14 and adapts to Episode 45 of the anime. Its Japanese title, Wasuremono, translates as a forgotten thing or something left behind, referencing the unfinished business Thorfinn returns to settle. The featured quote is Thorfinn's request to join the bet, staking a meeting with the king rather than any prize of money.