In 1014,
York
was controlled by the Vikings of Denmark, led by King Sweyn.
The land was used as a base
for exporting slaves all over Europe.
The Vikings served as
slave traders.
I know how you feel, boss.
But we're not rich enough to free the slaves
Reunion
out of compassion.
It's been 11 years already.
Isn't it about time now?
That day, without Thors,
we wouldn't have gotten out of there alive.
I must repay him for his help.
Hurry! All of these over here!
-Over there! -Hurry! Go!
What?
Hey! You!
You in the dirty cargo ship! Get that ship out of the way!
Hurry up! The first ship's almost here--
Heave ho!
Heave ho! Heave ho!
Hurry up! A nobleman's ships
are about to pull in along this pier!
I got it.
So, this is York.
It's a big town.
Yes. It's an old town that prospered in the days of the Roman Empire.
People and goods from both Northern Europe and England all gather here.
His Highness the king must be planning to establish the capital of his new dynasty here.
It's a good decision. I'd do the same thing.
Come on! Who cares if they're nobility?
Those guys are a pain. Damn.
Hey, boss. Take care of the one on the stern.
That man...
That's right. It's definitely him.
I'd never forget that face.
Askeladd! The pirate who killed Thors!
-Hey! Don't push! -Who's ships are those?
-Prince Canute's. -What will you do?
The king is going to strike at tomorrow's banquet.
Well, about that...
It's obvious that we're going to lose out at the Imperial Council tomorrow.
For example, he could give different territories
to you and Thorkell to isolate you.
He'd be giving you a reward, but he'd also be giving you an order.
If you refused, you'd be suspected of harboring rebellious intentions.
It's all up to the king what he wants to do with you.
If he takes Thorkell from us, we're in trouble.
True. We'd be in trouble.
So... What's the plan?
How about this?
We could try exposing the secret to the people around here.
Exposing the secret?
Which one is the prince?
Isn't that him?
Your Highness Canute.
I mean that you're going
to die here right now.
He got shot!
His Highness the Prince got shot!
-Raise your shields! -Where'd it come from?
From the north bank! Find them!
He was shot from this side? Unbelievable.
What an easy job.
Hey!
What's happening?
This is bad.
We better not get involved in this.
Hey! Where are you going, boss?
It's him! He was there!
What's wrong?
Are you okay?
You're bleeding!
You wasted so much of my time.
Hey! You bastards!
What's going on?
I bet you're the snipers!
He's the sniper. It wasn't me. Here's the weapon.
What's that?
-Is it a bow? -That's the weapon?
Is he your friend?
No, I--
You can't fool us!
You're just trying to blame everything on him
and save yourself!
I said it wasn't me!
No! I can tell from your eyes!
Your eyes are so murky.
It's so obvious that you're a villain--
Don't resist, you bastard!
Wait! Wait! Wait!
He's using a knife.
He's small and he's young.
Are you...
Thorfinn Karlsefni?
Thorfinn?
Karlsefni?
Who is he?
You idiot! Don't you know who he is?
He's the man who won a duel against Thorkell the Tall with only two knives!
What? No way!
In that case, this is bad.
He's one of His Highness's vassals.
Seriously?
Excuse me for a bit.
You...
Are you...?
You're from Iceland, right?
Your name
is Thorfinn, son of Thors!
You're...
Leif.
You're alive! I'm so glad.
I'm so glad!
Out of the way!
Don't shake him, you idiot!
Where was he hit?
His chest. It's bad!
Your Highness! Hold on!
Your Highness! We're going to cut off your clothes.
I had that feeling all along.
His Highness is a woman!
-This is big news! -No way!
You idiots.
I'm right here.
You're right.
Why did you choose a woman?
We couldn't find any male slaves who looked similar.
Can you save her?
No. Not with where she got shot.
If there was poison on the arrow, then she's probably already...
I'm sorry.
Take care of her.
Do everything you can.
Yes.
Well, you know...
Your precautions have paid off, Your Highness.
It seems that there are people hiding here in York
who want to do you harm.
I see.
You want to get revenge.
Yes. I'm going to kill him, no matter what.
With my father's dagger.
He's all beaten up.
A young child survived on the battlefield.
I'm sure he's seen hell.
No. I can't.
In order to save this child,
I have to forget these last 11 years.
Leif.
What's happening in Vinland right now?
My father had wanted to go there.
I dream about it sometimes too.
Did you build a village already?
Why aren't you asking me about your mother and your sister, who you left behind?
After you left, Helga's health got worse.
Go see her, Thorfinn.
It would make Helga feel better--
I'm asking you about Vinland!
Don't talk to me about things I didn't ask you!
Hey. Hey! Where are you going? Thorfinn!
Let's go home, Thorfinn.
You've had enough, right? Let's go home together.
Enough?
You have no idea.
You don't know anything about
what I went through between that day and today.
Right?
As long as Askeladd
is still alive, eating and shitting, it'll never be enough!
It'll never be enough!
How could this have happened?
That cheerful young child.
I'm going to stay in this town until you change your mind!
Thorfinn!
Let's go home!
Hey. Here's some booze.
Thanks.
Nice room, Bjorn. I'm jealous.
This room is too small of a reward for risking my life.
By the way, Atli said he wanted to apologize to you.
I've got no hard feelings for anyone who cut me on the battlefield.
Thorfinn's the only one who holds a grudge about it.
I'm okay. So go.
It's time for you to make your evil plans.
Yeah. See you later.
Askeladd.
How is your leg?
Well, I've been hit by a lot of arrows.
But, well...
It's good enough for me to hold a sword.
I see.
Then tomorrow.
Okay.
Tomorrow.
We've been outwitted, Floki.
I apologize.
Askeladd? He's doing well.
He's laid a curse on this town.
The prince got killed?
No! It was a double.
It's so dangerous out there.
We can't sleep in peace at night.
What I don't understand
is why the assassin was targeting the prince?
Well, he's an important person!
Of course someone would want to kill him!
But King Sweyn is here!
If they were going to go after someone, it would be him!
Oh, you're right.
And there are two heirs.
So the fact that they went after the younger brother must mean that...
You there!
I have some interesting information regarding that.
Well,
it's only a rumor, after all.
Only a rumor?
That's perfect.
It's better not to offer definite proof.
We should leave the king with some room.
So you're the one who hired the assassin?
You performed a part in your own play?
It was some good acting, right?
Spreading rumors isn't enough.
That acting made the rumor seem real. That's how the rumor will spread.
Everyone knows of the dispute over succession within Denmark's royal family.
Now, there's been an assassination attempt, and the rumors will spread.
Well then, everyone.
How is this going to affect tomorrow's meeting?
I see.
He won't be able to issue any orders that would put me at a disadvantage.
That's right.
If he took Thorkell away from you,
or sent you to a warzone, it would only feed the rumors.
The king depends on public favor.
If he gets a bad reputation among the military, he won't be able to ignore it.
Especially if they found out he murdered his own child.
You're so cunning.
Where did you learn how to do it?
Brute force isn't the only way to fight.
Did you learn something new?
The king might not strike
for the time being.
It's a good way to buy time.
But
I won't let you use a double for me ever again.
Yes. I apologize.
I'm so impressed, Askeladd!
I feel like I have a force of ten thousand on my side!
Thanks.
Well, it looks like our discussion is wrapping up.
I'm going to run some errands now.
Wow! Having him here is so reassuring!
Your Highness.
You must not trust Gunnar.
He's probably communicating with King Sweyn.
Why do you think so? Tell me your reason.
It's my gut feeling. But I'm sure about it.
Then wasn't that bad just now? He'll find out about what we were talking about.
I don't care.
I've only talked about things that are superfluous.
If Gunnar is on their side, then he's going to tell them tonight about what he just heard.
I asked Thorfinn to follow him to make sure.
What are you going to do if Gunnar is a spy?
Are you going to kill him?
Let him work.
We'll use him to tell the king
that we don't want a short-term battle.
If he hears it from his spy, he'll believe it, and relax.
In order to avoid conflict for now, it's necessary to have an understanding from both sides.
My plan is complete now.
You're unbelievable.
I'm looking forward to seeing the king's reaction tomorrow.
That's the king's house.
Now, we know for sure.
Everyone's obsessed with deceiving each other.
Is that what a warrior is supposed to do?
There's only one thing
I'm supposed to do.
Do we really have to do this before the Imperial Council,
Thorfinn?
Wouldn't it be better to wait until your right arm heals?
Well, I'm fine with it either way.
I shall be the witness.
The duel is over when I tell you to stop.
You both agree with that?
Fine with me.
But please wait a moment, Your Highness.
I have a previous engagement.
I will return later.
Sorry, Thorfinn.
We'll be done soon.
Understood. Begin.
Askeladd.
You're strong and smart.
I look up to you.
Even though
you hate me from the bottom of your heart.
Hey, Askeladd.
I'm not the only one.
You hated
our friends who died...
and even yourself.
Aren't you lonely?
Rejecting everything
like that?
I...
wanted...
Wanted...
to be friends with you.
Sorry! I missed the vital spot! I'll put you at ease.
Askeladd...
I wanted to be friends with you...
Yeah. Bjorn...
You're
my only
friend.
Send me off.
Well, then. Sorry to keep you waiting, kid.
Come.
I'll play with you.