The three of them stood in silence for a moment...
Suddenly a breathless messenger in the black and gold of the Lion Banner strode in and dropped to one knee before the Iron Father.
"My lord!" the man panted, "a most interesting guest has arrived at the southern docks. Three assassins rowed him across the Channel. He claims to be the rightful heir to the Frankish throne... Prince Louis the Stammerer, son of the dead emperor! He begs audience with the Iron Father at once."
Ragnar's smile widened into something predatory as he exchanged a single glance with Gyda and Leofric.
"And there it was," Ragnar murmured, "the desperate one arrives first. Bring him to me. Let us hear what the true heir of Francia is willing to offer in exchange for the Lion's protection."
The messenger bowed and vanished as quickly as he had come.
