12 Return II (1/2)

Ragnar looked at his former Jarl Borg who had a defeated and hopeless face.

He just smiled and said.

”No.”

Jarl Borg growled, swaying back and forth.

”I said KILL ME!”

Ragnar asked.

”Hmm? What for?”

”We're mortal enemies! There is no way for a defeated Jarl Borg to —”

”Yes, you have defied me and killing you a couple times over wouldn't be punishment enough for that. However, today you've shown me that there are Goblins who can be true warriors, unafraid of even death. Not everyone has the courage to charge into my Goblin Knight platoon with only eight Adult Goblins. Instead of killing you, I'd much rather have you as my Goblin Knight. Show your valor against my enemies. Fight for me, conquer lands, tribes and everything in my path and gain glory!

What do you say, my former Jarl?”

Jarl Borg froze for a moment and then gritted out.

”Are you sure you won't regret forgiving me?”

Ragnar signaled for the Goblin Knights to gather behind him and grinned.

”If I regret, it really would be a new experience.”

Jarl Borg paused once more, taking some time to realize that Ragnar was forgiving him.

”What…”

Ragnar looked at his former Jarl Borg in the eyes and said.

”There's no need to be surprised. Take me as your Jarl Borg and swear fealty to me as my Goblin Knight, and you're forgiven. Rollo, make your oath again for our former Jarl to see!”

Rollo immediately jumped out, and happily knelt before Ragnar.

”Gladly, my lord. I, Rollo Blaze as a Lodbrok Knight, swear to take an oath upon this plane that I will be forever faithful to Ragnar Lodbrok's cause and follow him bravely and unflinchingly even in the face of death! I will enforce this oath to the end of my life.”

Ragnar nodded to Rollo in approval, and turned towards his former Jarl.

”Your turn.”

Jarl Borg solemnly nodded and knelt down before Ragnar.