English Vikings

Plot
The series introduces us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ishmael Venables a English Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore—and raid—the distant shores across the ocean. His ambition puts him at odds with local chieftain Earl Haraldson who insists on sending his raiders to the impoverished east rather than the uncharted west. When Ishmael teams up with his boat builder friend Floki to craft a new generation of intrepid ships capable of conquering the rough northern seas, the stage is set for conflict.

But for all its warfare and bloodshed, English Vikings is also a story of family and brotherhood, capturing the love and affection between Ragnar and his wife, Caterina, a respected warrior in her own right. It is the tale of Ishmael’s brother Ryan Venables, a fierce fighter who simmers with jealously; of Earl Haraldson’s wife Siggy a dutiful beauty who may be less than loyal; and of the monk Athelstan  whose Christian morals clash with the Vikings’ pagan society. As ambition and innovation rattle a civilization, these characters will be put to the test—and their way of life will never be the same again.

Chapter I: Rites of Passage
The world of the Vikings is brought to life through the journey of Ishmael Venables, the first Viking to emerge from English legend and onto the pages of history – a man on the edge of myth. Our story begins in 1744 Nassau where Ishmael Venables is a warrior and a farmer who dreams of finding riches by bucking the tradition of raiding to the east. Ishmael has been working in secret on a project that will turn the Viking world on its head. But first, Ishmael must convince the leader of his community, the powerful Earl Haraldson, who is none too happy to share in the renown that this journey could bring to Ishmael if it’s successful.

In the Kingshead, Ishmael Venables and his brother Ryan had just survived a battle against Spanish Brigade when, after everyone else is lying dead on the ground, Ishmael sees, or at least envisions, Valkyries taking the fallen warriors to Valhalla and a raven.

In Ishmael's home and farm in Nassau, Ishmael is honing the fighting skills of his son, Bjorn. Meanwhile, his wife Caterina, and daughter, Margeant, has just come home from fishing. When Caterina finds Ishmael preparing their son for the Thing in Nassau, Lagertha tries to convince Ishmael to delay making a man out of their young, 12-year-old son. Caterina is not able to change her husband's mind.

After the men of the house leave, two men appear, hoping to rape Lagertha. Lagertha displays her prowess as a shield-maiden and effortlessly kills them with their fire iron.

Meanwhile, Ishmael is lecturing his son, preparing him for his manhood. He tells him how he earned his mother's hand in marriage. When asked by Ishmael Jr, he tells him that a man fights and protects his family.

Later, Ishmael meets with Ryan and shows him what he calls a "sun-board", shown to him by a wanderer whom he met some time ago, telling him that it is indeed possible to travel to the West. Ishmael explains how the device would help guide them on the trip, Ryan is still skeptical and disbelieving.

At the Thing, Earl Haraldson is presiding over problems of his people, and some criminal offenses. Later, his speaker, Svein, introduces to the crowd Eric Trygavsson, a man accused of murdering Sigvald Strut. He pleads to have only killed the man in self-defense, but since he had not followed the normal procedure of declaring the death to the first person he sees, Haraldson proclaimed him guilty after a unanimous decision from the spectators. Upon his request, his execution the following day will be through beheading.

The next day, the man walks to his death with a smile, wanting to die well without fear. The crowd then watches as the man is beheaded. Haraldson curses him to never enter Valhalla, the glorious afterlife of warriors. Ragnar tells Ishmael Jr that he did not need to do it, but Haraldson had wanted the land Trygavsson had claim to, suggesting that the verdict Haraldson had cast upon the man was personal.

Later at the great feast, Haraldson officially recognizes Ishmael Jr. and another boy as men by giving them their arm rings, and both receive a kiss from the Earl's wife, Siggy. Delaying the discussion of the summer raids for the feast, Ishmael interrupts and asks him to discuss it first. Ishmael uses the opportunity to again talk about his plan to plunder the potentially more fruitful lands of the West, but Haraldson denies this, saying he shall not risk his ships or his reputation on a potentially fruitless and dangerous endeavor.

He later summons Ishmael to his private quarters and chastises him for daring to speak out against him in his own halls. He warns Ishmael that as a farmer, he should be content with his lot, as his land is valuable and that there are many who would take it from him, likely referring to how he executed Eric Trygavsson to possess his land.

Haraldson then has a bad dream of his worst memory: finding the dismembered corpses of his sons barely buried in a shallow grave, their faces against each other's backside. Waking up, Siggy tries to comfort him.

Elsewhere, Ishmael and his son meet with the Seer. Ishmael asks the Seer what the gods have in store for him. The Seer gives him good news, saying the gods desire him to have a great future, but that they can withdraw their goodwill anytime. When Ishmael asks if he should challenge the law, the Seer gives him vague answers, leaving a dissatisfied Ishmael to ponder the Seer's words.

Ishmael then takes Ishmael Jr to see his eccentric ship-building friend Floki, who Ishmael commissions to making the boat he will be taking to the West.

Soon, Ragnar and Bjorn come home. While Ragnar and Caterina are cooking Ryan arrives and is greeted by Ishmael Jr. . At dinner, Ishmael asks Margeant if she is learning to use a shield, like her shield-maiden mother. Caterina then orders the children to bed to give the brothers some time alone, much to Ishmael Jr's frustration, who claims to be a man that should no longer be ordered around. Ishmael and Ryan discuss their voyage to the left, and Ryan insists that he will not agree to being a subordinate to him. Ishmael asserts that, as brothers, they are equals. They decide to form their crew next. As soon as Ishmael steps out of the house, Ryan shows his affections for Caterina, unsuccessfully trying to seduce her, much to her disgust; Caterina calls him a great warrior who is not as good a man.

Outside, Ishmael sees the raven again, which he takes as a sign to his confusion regarding the Seer's advice. Ishmael comes in to tell his brother the good news, and he does not notice the tension in the room that he has interrupted.

Floki, Ishmael, and Ryan are then seen testing the boat Floki has made. While initially, Floki does not think the boat will be capable of surviving the trip, he is proven wrong and celebrates.

Chapter II: Wrath of the Northmen
The stage is set for the first journey west by Ishmael Venables as he gathers a crew willing to risk their lives to travel into the unknown. Earl Haraldson’s paranoia reaches new heights as it becomes apparent that trust is hard to come by in this dark era.

Ishmael and Ryan arrives at a secret meeting with their crew about their journey to the west, including Torstein, Leif and Arne. Ryan points out they will be all equals and thus the profits will be equally shared as well. One man named Knut sceptically asks if there will be any, as Ishmael's dream is just based on stories. Ishmael tells everything start with stories. When Erik warns about Earl Haraldson's order to go East, Mel assures him the Earl does not know about their boat. Mel further convinces the men that this journey will be an opportunity to shine in battle, to impress the Gods and return with more plunder than they have ever seen. Mel personally asks Knut if he is coming, which he agrees to so he can tell his children a good story.

The housecarl, Olafur, notifies Earl Haraldson of the meeting and the presence of Ragnar Lothbrok. The Earl thinks that they should watch first, even though he is tempted to execute Ishmael right away. When the Earl notices the glancing of the housecarl at Siggy, his wife, he asked him if he wants to sleep with her and if so, it can be arranged.

Ishmael arrives at home. Caterina wants to join him on their journey to the West, but Ishmael declines, as someone needs to keep an eye on the children as Earl Haraldson might claim their home if he discovers the defiance of his orders.

Olafur attempts to sleep with Siggy, but it turns out to be a trap, as Earl Haraldson only wanted to test his loyalty. As a result, Svein kills him by stabbing him in the gut before he is finished with axes.

Caterina, angry with Ishmael's refusal to take her with him, attacks her husband viciously with a shield before their son, Ishmael Jr, stops them.

Siggy remarks she is surprised that of all Haraldson's men, Olafur is the one to behave in disloyalty. She says that honour is a rare commodity, to which Haraldson replies that men in who he can trust are rare as well. When Siggy remarks their enemies are everywhere, Haraldson agrees with a concerned tone, indicating he is wary in who he can trust, even his own men.

At Floki's home, where the crew for the journey to the West assembles the shipwright is waiting for the anchor to be delivered by the blacksmith. As a ransom, he was given a lock of the hair of the blacksmith's daughter.

Knut, who is Earl Haraldson's half-brother and who was supposed to join Ishmael on his journey, informs the Earl of their departure.

With the sunboard, Ishmael navigates the open sea. They go through a storm forcing them to lower the sail and proceed rowing. Thunder and lightning surrounds the ship, to which Ryan replies Thor is angry with them and strikes his hammer to sink them. Floki however sees it as Thor celebrating because he love the ship he built.

At the Monastery in the Kingdom of Madrid, monks are watching out of a window at the raging storm. In the flashes of lightning, a cloud resembling the shape of the prow of a English Viking ship can be seen. Concerned, one of the monks named Athelstan goes to the Father of the monastery to tell him Judgment Day has come. The Father does not want to hear of it and orders Athelstan to go back to his dormitory to pray God for forgiveness, as everything will be well when the storm passes.

In Nassau, the blacksmith who forged the anchor of Ishmael's ship is confronted by Earl Haraldson and his men. At first he denies forging any anchor, but when Svein is about to seize his daughter, he gives in. Earl Haraldson orders him to look at the flames in the firepit and asks what he sees. When the blacksmith answers he sees his death, Svein pushes his face in the fire despite the blacksmith's daughter pleading to leave her father be.

On the sea, one of the men onboard of the ships loses faith and accuses Ishmael to be a madman sending them to their doom. Unable to calm him, Ishmael has no choice but to kill the man and throw him overboard. Ishmael orders the ravens they took with them to be released. If they return quickly there is no land, if they don't come back they have found land. When they hear the flapping of bird wings, Ishmael thinks the ravens returned and his journey is in vain. However, the birds turn out to be seagulls, indicating they are close to the shores of Spain.

A monk notices the arriving Viking ship and alarms the Monastery. Hearing the bells, Ishmael realizes their presence is noticed. The monks takes refuge in the church. Hearing their prayers, Ragnar forces open the doors of the monestary and he and the Vikings enter. As the monks continue with their prayers, Ryan suddenly kills the Father causing panic under the monks of which many are slaughtered by the Norsemen, while Ragnar solemnly looks. Seeking through the buildings, Ragnar, Leif and Erik find the treasury room. Surprised the treasures are left in the open, Leif wonders if their God protects it somehow. Ishmael discovers they are not alone and drags Athelstan out of his hiding place. When the monk pleads for his life, Ishmael is surprised he can speak the English language, to which Athelstan says he has travelled to Nassau in the past. Ishmael asks Athelstan about the book he hold in his hands. It is the Gospel of St. John. When Ishamel asks why the monk chose to protect that instead of any treasures, Athelstan replies that without the word of God there can be only darkness.Ryan enters the room, remarking it is a strange place with only men. When he notices Athelstan, he insists on killing him but Ishmael forbids it as the monk is worth more alive than death. Surprised, Ryan reminds his brother they are equals and attempts to kill Athelstan anyway.

However, Ishmael pushes his brother back, causing Ryan to angrily chop the Crucifix in the room in pieces and telling Athelstan that is how much he respects his God before storming off. Meanwhile, Floki enters a room with many holy papers. Unable to read them, Floki burns one of them eventually setting the Monastery on fire. The Norsemen returns to their ship with treasure and some monks having survived the onslaught, including Athelstan, taken as slaves.

Chapter III: Dispossessed
A monastery in Lindesfarne is about to get a firsthand look at how the English Vikings operate. In and out in a flurry of violence and terror, Ishmael and his crew raid the monastery for everything it contains from treasure to monks who can be sold as slaves. Unable to ignore the riches this unsanctioned journey has returned, Earl Haraldson has no choice but to agree to let these warriors undertake a second trip out. The west has now been opened for the taking by Ishmael Venables and the world of the Vikings will never be the same.

Act II
The hit scripted drama series centers on Ishmael, a restless young warrior and family man who longs to find and conquer new lands across the sea and claim the spoils as his own. Now he is an Earl, allied with British General Smith. With more power than ever before, his desire to sail west and explore new kingdoms remains unquenchable.

Yet there's a heavy price to pay for Ishmael's ascent to greatness. Act II brings crises of faith, of power, of relationships. Brothers rise up against one another. Loyalties shift from friend to foe, and unlikely alliances are formed in the name of supremacy. Mel's indiscretions threaten his marriage to Caterina, tearing him and his beloved son apart. Plots are hatched, scores are settled, blood is spilled... all under the watchful eyes of the gods.

Chapter X: Brother's War
The battle begins between Ishmael and his Allies's forces against Bartholomew Swordfury. Swordfury is joined by Ryan, and this Viking clash pits brother against brother. There can only be one victor. Meanwhile, Rosanna Venables makes her way to Nassau and brings with her a surprise that leaves Ishmael in a difficult predicament.

In Bahamas, 1745, Earl Venables, Major-General Smith and their men await the return of Ryan from his stay with Swordfury. Everyone believes that Ryan has chosen to betray Mel to fight with Swordfury, but Ryan refuses to believe it. Soon after, Ryan arrives, along with Swordfury and his myriad of men. Floki, who warned Mel that his brother was a traitor, rubs the fact in Mel's face.

Swordfury and Ryan perform a ceremony in preparation for battle as Arne rides towards them. Swordfury lets Arne speak to Ryan, but not in private. Arne tries to persuade Ryan to return to them and not betray them, which Ryan refuses. Much to Mel's dismay, the two forces soon face each other in battle. However, both sides take up the same defensive and offensive stance and are equally matched.

In the ensuing bloodbath, several lives are lost. When Ryan jumps through the wall of the Northmen, Floki engages him in battle and is overpowered, even more so when Rollo is joined by Bart Swordfury. Floki is gravely wounded but saved from the battle by Ishmael, Torstein, and Arne. Arne stays behind and fights Ryan. Ryan impales Arne on a spear and is raised in the air to be seen by his comrades. It is at the moment when Ryan kills Arne that he begins to realize the gravity of his actions. Along with a few others, Ishmael rushes over. Ryan takes up arms against him as the others watch one, but realizes that he cannot bring himself to fight Ishmael. Ryan drops to his knees in defeat.

The battle ends, and both sides meet at a camp in a more civil manner. General Smith discusses his terms with Swordfury, and Swordfury still rejects his offer. Frustrated, Mel exclaimed that they should all focus on raiding the West together instead of fighting. All sides come to an agreement, and Bart finally accepts Smith's offer. Before stating that it was time to go home. A recovering Floki spits blood in Ryan's direction.

They sail back to Nassau and are greeted by their usual crowd of anxious family and followers. They are grief-stricken to see the wounded Floki and the crowd jeers at the tied-up Rollo. In the Earl's hall, Mel tells the select few of recent events. Caterina lectures Mel, and the pair begin to argue until Ishmael Jr stops them.

Ishmael Jr expresses his concern for their relationship to his father, and Mel says he has nothing to be concerned about. Mel then asks about Ryan, and Mel says that since he is his brother, he cannot judge him himself, so a Lawgiver will be the judge, and Ryan's fate will be decided at Law Rock. Elsewhere, the restrained Ryan, guarded by Torstein, is visited by Siggy, who tries to warm him. Ryan tells her that she "cannot warm up a dead man," thinking he has no chance.

Ryan is then brought up to Law Rock, where the citizens of Nassau, most of whom see him as a traitor, await to watch him be brought to justice. The Lawgiver, although agreeing that Ryan deserves to die, decides that Ryan be set free, much to the dismay of the spectators, believing that Ryan's surprising behavior proves that the gods themselves have made their judgment and chose to spare him from death in the battle. Torstein tells Ishmael that, as Earl, he can still have Ryan killed. Mel refuses, saying the lawgiver is the law when he stands on the Sacred Stone. In truth, Mel had bribed the lawgiver with a gold coin from Spain.

At the docks, Ryan tells Ishmael that he merely wanted to step out of his shadow, but upon doing so, realized that their was no sunlight beyond it. Siggy returns home and finds Ryan packing his things. Ryan tells her that he is leaving, believing that it would have been better for everyone if he had been executed. Siggy tells him that the lawgiver was right, that the gods wanted him alive, offering him a chance at redemption and Valhalla. Siggy convinces him to stay.

Ishmael sits on the shore of his land and mourns for Gyda, wanting to properly bid her farewell, reminiscing about her youth and energy. While usually appearing obsessed with having sons, it becomes evident that Ishmael dearly loved his departed daughter, and is heartbroken as he sits alone in the spot where her funeral pyre burned on the shore of the fjord, speaking of her as if she were physically present.

Lagertha and Rosanna discuss their parents over a meal, and when Rosanna tries to talk to Ishmael Jr about having a bond, Ishmael Jr retorts that they have none. Later, Rosanna is picking out food from the marketplace, and Ishmael Jr tells Ishmael to let her leave. Mel refuses because Aslaug is his sister. When Bjorn says she brings "unhappiness and difficulty", Mel tells him that unhappiness is a part of life, and that he is of age to accept that. Elsewhere, Caterina is weaving, and Siggy tries to talk to her about Rosanna and what is to come.

Mel and Ishamel Jr visit a recovering Floki, who is pleased when Mel tells him that he must regain his strength if he is to build a fleet of boats for their journey. Floki gleefully tells them that he had dreamed of the places they were to sail to.

At a banquet later that evening, Floki arrives with Torstein and Helga. At the head table, Mel is seen holding the uncomfortable Caterina. They are soon served with food cooked by the lady servants of Rosanna, who joins them and sits on the table.

The next day, Caterina prepares to leave, and Floki arrives to find out himself. Torstein takes Ishmael Jr to the side to tell him that he must stay with his father, else he will regret it. Ishmael Jr is torn between his parents. As Caterina is almost ready to leave, she calls for Ishmael Jr and asks him about his choice. He chooses his father, and she painfully bids him farewell. Caterina bids Siggy goodbye, and mounts her cart. The townspeople watch and gossip, Caterina's friends look on sadly, and Ishmael Jr tearfully walks away with Torstein. They come across Ishmael, unaware of his wife's departure, and chases after her on horseback.

Ishmael stops Caterina, hurt that she would abandon him without warning him. Caterina confronts him, saying he left her no choice. She has been insulted and humiliated.mIshmael tells her to stay, and Caterina tells him it is fate. Moments later, Ishmael Jr arrives, changing his mind and choosing his mother. Ishmael despondently accepts their decision, telling Mel Jr to look after Lagertha. Ishmael Jr mounts the cart with Caterina, and the mother and son leave as a tearful Ishmael looks on. Ishmael, dejected and forlorn, woefully comes home to Rosanna.

Chapter XI: Invasion
Four peaceful years have since passed with Mel as Earl. The time has come for an unlikely alliance to band together in pursuit of a common goal—a new raid on Spain. A storm pushes the Viking fleet to a new destination, and on the beaches of Portugal, Ishmael and his men may have met their match.

1748 Four years after Caterina return settled into Nassau, she has given birth to two sons for Mel, and is pregnant with another. At the mead hall, people are gathered, including Athelstan and Torstein who are discussing weapons and strategy. Floki arrives with Helga and is welcomed warmly, missed due to his being occupied building their boats. Floki calls Athelstan "priest", and he replies in English, amusing those around them.

They tell Ishamel to tell his people about his plans for the summer raids to the West, and that, since it has been years since his last raid, his people are beginning to see him like Earl Haraldson. Mel does just this, announcing that they will return to Spain with Smith and Bart Swordfury, possibly for an extended sojourn. Siggy witnessed his speech and returned home, only to find Ryan asleep outside in the snow. She awakens him with a bucket of half-frozen water.

Aslaug notices Mel take notice of the new servant, Hild. Displeased, Caterina calls the servant back and warns her to be careful of whom she becomes familiar with. In their quarters, a drunk Ragnar tries to calm his wife and promises that he is with her, and she claiming herself sort of a völva. To prove it, she tells him that she knows that their next child will be another boy, this time, bearing the image of the serpent Fafnir, the one her father slayed, in his eye. This catches Ishmael's attention...

... enough to make him consult the Seer. Ishmael asks him the fate of his sons. When he is told that his sons will enjoy fame, Mel initially seems threatened.

Elsewhere, Siggy tells Ryan that he is a disgrace, though she refuses to give up on him because she has lost too much: her two sons, her husband, and finally her daughter. She tells him of Mel's plans to go back West with Smith for the summer's raid. She tells him that he should ask Ishmael to take him with him, as it would be something that would give him the drive to keep going. Otherwise, Siggy thinks that he should just end his own life and rot in Hel, handing him the blade she had stuck into the coals. Rollo takes it and instead, burns his hand.

They soon go to Mel's home, interrupting play time with their children. Mel tells everyone, including the reluctant Siggy, to leave, leaving him and Ryan alone.Ryan practically begs his brother to be brought back in his good graces. Mel brings up Rollo's betrayal.Ryan defends himself by saying brothers "hate and love each other all the time," and that he could not have killed Mel if it came down to it. He asks him another chance to prove himself trustworthy and to regain his respect, enough to fight beside him in battle once again. Ishmael reminds him that though he has suffered, several others suffered because of him. Despite this, he tells Ryan that he will think on it.

Warriors, both men and women, are training and sparring, one pair being Mel and Athelstan. During the intense exercise, Ragnar asks him if he misses England. Athelstan admits that he does, slightly, and Mel tells him to join him in their next raid. Athelstan happily agrees, even after Mel teased that they need his "God". Athelstan attacks Mel, to no avail, and Ragnar, having Athelstan at his throat, tells him to kill when he needs to and to not hesitate.

Smith and his party arrive at Nassau early, and by horse, concerning Ragnar. The king explained that he was ecstatic about their trip. He is then brought to face Jarl Borg who arrived before him, and both are not happy to see each other. Even four years since their scuffle, and Smith is still not pleased with their terms. Ryan arrives, and Smith, recognizing him as the traitor, is even less thrilled. Ishmael tells him that his decision was that he now acknowledges him as his brother again, though he forbade him from joining their raid. Ryan reluctantly accepts the judgment.

A feast welcoming their guests is held at the dining hall. Mel chats up Smith's son Ari and is saddened when Ari mentioned his son, while he dine with Floki and others Smith compliments Caterina and soon turns away to tell Ragnar that he does not want Jarl Borg to raid with them as he does not fully trust him, just as Ishmael cannot bring himself to let Ryan join them. He leaves the task of telling the Bart to Mel, much to his frustrations.

Soon enough, Smith's fleet arrives. Mel and Floki watch, and Floki is not intimidated, knowing his ships were better. Mel then breaks from the group to tell an eager Swordfury that he will not be joining them. Bart is obviously angry that their agreement was broken.

Bart Swordfury laments over Mel's injustices and Ryan's fall, seemingly blaming him for both their problems. He offers him another chance to leave Ishmael for good. Ryan refuses, saying he wants to stay and find himself (after his previous realization that he was no one when not under Mel's shadow). Bart mocks him, and Ryan punches him. The jarl calls him a fool, and Ryan sarcastically replies he hopes to be wise.

In preparation for their long journey, Mel bids his family farewell. He says good-bye to his sons and daughters lovingly, and does so as well to his wife Caterina and his unborn son. Caterina says they will make a sacrifice to Thor. Though concerned, she is also confident that they will cross the sea safely.

The warriors then set sail; a woeful Ryan watches them sail away and feeling dejected, throws an axe in their direction. Meanwhile, Mel looks on proudly as the crew gets further into the waters. They soon realize that they should have been near land by then, though there is none in sight. Torstein releases a bird to scout ahead and they wait.

Night has fallen, and the raiders are met with a storm, which they blame on the angry Aesir gods. Mel watches as the men try to control the boat against the waves, laughing at Smith's reaction. However, a sail rips and a huge rock blocks their path, now worrying Ishmael.

Back in Nassau, Rosanna summons Siggy, saying they should be friends, since Ishmael has forgiven Ryan and they are now as good as family. When Siggy agrees, Rosanna states that she knows Siggy would like her status back.Rosanna claims that she does not blame her for wanting that and states that they should at least not be enemies. They agree that women should stick together and rule, and they seem to try and ease into a friendship.

Ishmael's ship had gone off course. Ishmael is more concerned that it seems their numbers have dwindled; he was right: they now only had five ships in their fleet. The mood shifts though when they see land.

The Vikings are watched by soldiers of the land as they disembark their ships and head up the shore. Ragnar looks at their new looting target and is pleased at what his sees. They make their way deeper into the land, and an armored soldier rushes off on horseback. Trekking through the woods, Ishmael decides to make camp when they reach a clearing abundant with fish. The warriors rest and chat and do chores, while they are unwittingly being watched by soldiers, waiting for the right time to strike.

Arrows begin to fly, General Smith's son Ari being the first target. Several men are felled by arrows before their shield formation is made and then they become practically invincible. They realize that they are surrounded and possibly outnumbered. Smith rallies the warriors, telling them to fight well and meet their attackers head on, to consider the fact that it is already determined if they will be dining with the gods at Valhalla soon. With the battle cry "God Save The King!", the armored men of the land charge, and the raiders fight back fiercely, even Athelstan who is fairly new and inexperienced. Athelstan sees that Horik is in trouble and moves away from the shield wall to help him. While Athelstan assists Smith in the fight, Ishmael follows to help him, tasking Floki with helping Smith instead. Floki takes Torstein with him and moves to Smith's shield wall to help them. They turn the battle tide in their favor by surrounding the soldiers, trapping them. Later, Ishmael pins down a guard and was almost struck by an enemy, saved by Athelstan who proceeds to make his first kill. Ishmael grins in pride, and the English cheer their victory.

In the silence and recovery that followed the battle, Smith and Erlendur tend to the injured Ari, and Ishmael praises a quiet Athelstan for not hesitating. He gives him his arm ring, which Athelstan accepts and wears proudly. Ishmael, holding onto a dismembered head of a soldier, takes Athelstan to interrogate two survivors. Athelstan asks them, in a mutual language, where they are from. Through the soldiers, they learn that they are in Portugal, and their queen is Queen Grace RedSkull, whose reputation is known to Athelstan. When Mel asks about the king, Athelstan tells him that they are similar, and Mel finds himself amused.

Chapter XII: Treachery
The Portugal English Vikings raid is in full swing and Queen Redskull finds herself facing an entirely new kind of foe. While Mel races to dominate in the West, Bart Swordfury has his own plans in store for the future of Nassau.

Ragnar, Smith and the other Northmen approaches the monastary of Portugal, which according to Athelstan holds a big treasury.

Meanwhile, Queen Redskull gives her son Aethelwulf the assignment of building an army and scout the Northmen to seek out their numbers and intentions.

Mel and his raiding party moves towards the Monastary. They are spotted and the townspeople hide inside the building, while defending soldiers take their stand against the Northmen. They are easily defeated by the Vikings. Inside the church, the Northmen find no treasure, but Athelstan reveals that they are hidden underneath a table on the altar. Besides treasures, they find parts of the skeleton of a saint. The Vikings continue seeking other buildings for treasures and kill any civilian they came across. Athelstan enters a room where holy papers are kept. When he is about to write on one with a feather and ink, he is confronted by a monk which Athelstan kills in fright, much to his shock. The main priest of Portugal enters and Athelstan tells him to hide before the Northmen discover him. The priest recognizes him as one of their own and says he will be punished for his betrayal of Christianity. Floki enters and takes the priest with him. The Northmen under King Horik's command takes of his clothes and tortures him by shooting arrows at him, to Athelstan's disgust.

Mel and other Vikings are searching another building when he discovers a boy hiding. He conceals him with a blanket before the others see him to spare his life.

When the Northmen are about to finish of the priest, Athelstan intervenes by standing in front of him before killing the priest himself out of mercy, while Mel looks ashamed about the behaviour of Smith and his men.

In Nassau, Ishmael Jr tells his mother Caterina he will join the Vikings soon.She assures him it will not happen again. He says he misses his father Mel, and she tells him it is logical to be proud of being his son. Bjorn replies she should be proud of being Ishmael's wife.

In Nassau, Caterina has given birth to her son Sigurd, with the image of a serpent in his eye as his mother prophesized.

Redskull is informed about the raid on Winchester. One of his companions expresses the question of some of his people why nothing was done to protect the important site. Redskull coldly replies his kingdom is very large and he cannot defend all of it. He also says it is more important to know where the Northmen would strike first. Redskull's bishop asks if the bishop of Portugal was sacrificed in martyrdom, to which Redskull replies he can have the same honor very soon.

In the camp the Northmen set up in Wessex, Floki gives Athelstan the Bible the monk he killed earlier was holding. Floki does not believe that the former priest has renounced his faith. He mockingly gives Athelstan the skeletal hand of the saint.

Mel tells Smith that if their people were to live in England, they would never be hungry as the earth is fertile enough for farming. Smith expresses his doubts about the Saxons allowing them to live there.

In Germany, Bart has been married to his new wife Torvi. At a feast, he tells his people they will attack Nassau in revenge for Ishmael breaking their agreement of raiding together, as it is left undefended.

The camp of the Northmen in Portugal is visited by Queen Redskull's bishop and a general with her army. The bishop asks Ishmael how long they intend to stay, to which the Earl replies it depends on what the Queen is willing to offer them to leave or to stay. Ishmael says he wants to make peace with Queen Redskull. Smith notices the general is scouting out the numbers of the English. Before they leave, Smith kills the general, to Floki's amusement and Mel's dismay.

In Nassau, a fisher spots several ships approaching the village. Siggy wakes up Ryan, who deduces it must be Bart and rallies everyone who can fight to mount a defense. He instructs Siggy to take Caterina and her children to safety in the mountains. The defending townspeople, including women and children, are forced to retreat to higher positions. An elder man tells Ryan he should not be ashamed to flee, as his first duty is to bring Mel's family to safety. From a distance, Ryan, Caterina and others witnesses Bart's forces seizing their village. Bart walks into Earl Ishmael's hall and revels in his victory, despite he did not have revenge on Ishmael or Ryan.

Chapter XIII:Eye For an Eye
A meeting between two great men may pave the way for future compromise as Mel and Redskull come face to face. Bart Swordfury now rules Nassau with an iron fist and Ryan must now become the leader his people need in Ishmael’s absence.

Ryan, Siggy, Rosanna, Caterina and her sons and daughters arrive at a farm, having fled Nassau after the attack of Bart.Rosanna complains that is too dirty for her and her nephew and niece to live, but Ryan says the winter is coming soon and they are less easily found here than in a larger place like an Earls hall. Siggy comforts Rosanna and Caterina by telling they will survive there together, and will become stronger and so will the children.

In Nassau, Bart seizes leader ship over the remaining citizens. He tells them he is a fair ruler, that Nassau is an important trading settlement and thus he wants it to flourish. Bart notices The Seer is watching him skeptically during his speech. He promises a reward to the person who give him the whereabouts of Ishmael Venables, his children and Ryan.

Swordfury visits The Seer to ask some questions. He asks if he forsaw the attack on Nassau, to which The Seer replies he sees what the Gods allow him to see and says what the Gods allow him to say. Swordfury mockingly remarks that he either saw nothing or said nothing. He then asks what will happen to him. The Seer replies that he see an eagle hovering over Borg, but that Bart is the eagle himself as well. Bart takes it as a good sign.

Queen Redskull wishes to talk to the Northmen in Wessex before they fight. He says to accommodate such thing both camps need to exchange hostages. Redskull elects her own son Aethelwulf to be the hostage for the Northmen, as a hostage of the highest value is the safest hostage, but he only will do so if the Northmen delivers a hostage of equal value. The bishop of Wessex doubt it will work as the Northmen in his eyes don't value the life of anyone. Queen Redskull denies, saying that before they became Christian, they where pagans themselves but still cared for their families and children.

A small band of Northmen, including Ishmael, Smith and Athelstan, arrive at the gates of Portugal, where they are met by Aethelwulf. Ishmael and Aethelwulf trade over. Ishmael is led to Redskull in her garden house. Queen Redskull asks Ishmael why they haven't left Portugal yet as they got a lot of treasury from the Church, to which Ishmael replies he doesn't care about treasure. He is curious about the farming in Spain, as he is a farmer himself in Nassau. Queen Redskull proposes giving Ragnar some land in exchange for helping the Queen fulfilling his ambitions.

Back in the camp of the Northmen, Ishmael informs Smith and the others of the proposal of Redskull. Smith asks what he wants in return, but before Ragnar can answer, a horn is sound from an arriving ship. It is one of Smith's ships bringing the news of Swordfury's attack on Nassau and the fled of Venables's family. Ragnar immediately decides to return to Nassau. He leaves Athelstan behind to act as a translator between Redskull and General Smith, as the latter doesn't speak the language of Old England.

Ryan went on a journey to see who is willing to fight against Bart, but he only found thirty warriors, not enough to drive Borg out of Kattegat, but perhaps sufficient to torment him by attacking outposts and disrupting supplies before Ragnar returns, making sure Bart never feels secure in Nassau. Siggy smiles, as she sees Ryan finally believing in something again. Ryan says his brother Ishmael forgave him, something he thought impossible, and he found in his heart he always loved him, despite his jealousy for his brother.

Outside the room, Ishmael Jr listens, taking his knife out to defend his mother. Caterina opens the door and tells him to go to his bed, She is asleep and will not harm anyone, but she thanks him for him being willing to protect her.

In Portugal Athelstan retreats to his tent after being disgusted by the Northmen drunkenly women captured in Winchester. He picks the Bible he secretly kept and when he sees an image of the crucified Jesus, he hallucinates seeing blood seeping out of his wounds.

Queen Redskull is informed that some ships of the Northmen left Portugal.

Rosanna, still disgusted by the life in their refuge home, hallucinates Ishmael coming for her and his nephew and niece.

Mel and his men arrive at Floki's home where they are met by Helga. She will bring them to Mel's family but first they need to rest.

Athelstan and some Northmen are hunting in the woods when they are attacked by bowmen. Athelstan manages to flee and falls asleep, only to be awaken when he is found by Queen Redakull's men. He surrenders, saying he is one of them

Mel is finally reunited with his family. Ishmael angrily tells Ryan he wants to kill Bart. Ryan says they have too few men to do so.

Bart Swordfury is informed of Mel's return in Nassau. He tells his men Ishmael's vanity will hill hem, but then he says he himself will kill the Earl.

Athelstan is crucified by the bishop of Portugal for his betrayal of Christianity. When he is about to be finished off with a spear, Queen Redskull arrives to tell hem to spare the former monk and cut him loose from the cross.

A pack of warriors is approaching the hiding place of Mels family. Thinking it is Bart, Mel confronts them only to see it is Lagertha and their son Ishmael Jr, now grown up since the last time Mel has seen him. Ishmael jokingly asks who he is and when Ishmael Jr wants to answer, he is embraced by his father. They want to help him fighting Bart. Ishmael is proud of seeing his son has become strong and wise. Ishmael says for a long time all he felt was memories, but now with both his father and mother back in his life he feels reborn. Touched by the words of his son, Ishmael embraces Ishmael Jr once again before walking off together Caterina smiling at her former husband.

Chapter XIV:Answer in Blood
Caterina and Ishmael unite once again and together fight to win Nassau back from Swordfury. Aslaug must face the truth of her prophecies. Athelstan struggles to define his faith. Ishmael Jr must once again make a choice.

Concerned that Bart is too heavily entrenched, Mel devises a plan to lure him away from the Nassau. Mel and his son sneak into Nassau at night and set fire to the town's food stores, forcing Bart and his forces to give chase. Ragnar and his allies engage Bart's forces in a bloody battle, and in the end Bart and the remnant of his men are forced to flee. Mel and his men reenter Nassau and Ishmael Jr is chosen to offer a sacrifice to the gods in gratitude. Ishmael visits the Seer and confesses that he still loves Caterina and wants her. In Portugal, Athelstan is being kept at Redskull's court, using him to gain insight into 'pagan beliefs'. Athelstan struggles with whether to reclaim his Christian beliefs. Caterina gives Ishmael Jr permission to remain in Nassau with Ishamel and stay with her husband once again!. A messenger arrives and informs Ishmael that after he left, Redskull's forces slaughtered Smith's men, with Skith and his son barely escaping.

Chapter XV: Unforgiven
British General Smith returns to Nassau with a surprising proposition for Ishmael. Caterina runs into a less than enthusiastic homecoming from her new sister in law. Athelstan, struggling with his own inner demons, becomes confidant to Queen Redskull.

Smith returns to Nassau, defeated by Queen Redskull and with little of his remaining forces. Hungry for revenge, Smith says to Mel that they need the help of Bart again, since he owns many ships. Caterina is not glad to hear the news and asks Mel to not listen to Horik. Ryan is sent as emissary to Germany to negotiate with Bart, the later accepts the offer after consulting with the skull of his first wife. Athelstan becomes a valued confidant of Queen Redskull and is entrusted to look after scrolls and relics left behind by the Romans, promising Redskull he won't say a word to anyone about that, otherwise he will be crucified again. Caterina returns home to Ishmael and they made love. Bart returns to Kattegat to join forces with Ishmael, but during the night his men are burned alive and he is taken captive to be executed by the Blood Eagle in retaliation for the attack against his family.

Chapter XVI: Blood Eagle
Mel and Smith clash over how to dispense justice to Swordfury. In Portugal, King Pearson arrives and Redskull has an eye on a new alliance.

Smith and Mel agree that additional ships and warriors will be needed if they hope to return to Spain. Smith persuades Mel to delay killing Swordfury lest the execution scare off any potential allies. Helga reveals that she is carrying Floki's child and the two agree to finally wed. When Helga wishes to get Ishmael's blessing, Floki claims they do not need it. Mel visits the seer who reveals that Athelstan is physically alive but spiritually torn over which path to embrace. In England, Queen Redskull proposes an alliance with King Wright against both the weak Kingdom and the expected return of the English Viking raiders. To alleviate the hesitant Pearson, Redskull weds her son to Pearson's daughter, sealing their alliance. Mel's call for an ally is answered by a mysterious Earl, who is revealed to be his father. Ryan forces Siggy to admit she is marrying Ryan. Smith allows Bart, to the very end, to harbor hope of escaping his fate, but when the he emerges into the center of Nassau, the entire population is in attendance to witness his horific death. Ishmael performs the Blood Eagle on Bart Swordfury, who endures the torturous, horrific death without crying out, proving himself worthy of Valhalla.

Chapter XVII Boneless
Caterina's latest prophecy comes to fruition as she readies to give birth once more; Mel and Smith have very different ideas about the true purpose of their trip to Portugal.

More is coming!!!!