Five days came and went; many of Golm and Ragnar's allies had arrived from other cities and villages when they were sent the message about a possible war against Itzvar. More than ten leaders came with their men so that they all could fit in the city. However, it didn't deter anyone, as the Vikings and Shieldmaidens built their camps with the help of the city's people. Meanwhile, Sophia was caring for infant Eric and tending to Ragnar's wound, which was healing immensely. 

Ragnar could make more movements, and his pain wasn't as frequent, but Sophia still put more medicine into it until it healed. Sophia and the other women watched the men make weapons, build shelters, and more. Sophia also wondered about Arne, whom she had seen once in a while, but there were times when he would become distant, and whenever he saw her, he would be on his way. The young woman felt she had hurt him but believed she would hurt him more if she lied. 

It was late afternoon, and the women were in their household. Estrid held onto the baby Eric, smiling and making gurgling noises. "He is so precious. You have taken good care of him, Sophia."

"Well, I couldn't do it on my own. I had you and the other women to thank. I am clueless about how to care for and raise a child. So, how are you and Varick?"

Estrid blushed while looking at the infant. "He is doing well, but we haven't been able to see one another for the last couple of days since he has been helping to make the army feel welcome." Sophia couldn't help but notice her friend's worried look; Estrid noticed Sophia looking at her. "Forgive me. I can't help but worry for the war to come. I worry about Varick, and I want no harm to come to him."

"I understand. I worry too, but we have suffered from the cowardly attacks of Itzvar and Frode, but thank goodness that Frode is probably dead."

"That's right, I almost forgot. You have injured him, but why do you think he is dead? You said that he was able to escape."

"It's because Itzvar doesn't like the weak to drag him to the mud. Itzvar took Ragnar's village, so he wouldn't hesitate to take Frode's."

Estrid then put the infant down, quietly looking at his surroundings. "Will you fight in the battle?"

Sophia was silent as she looked at Eric, who was curiously looking around. Now that she had Eric to raise, she couldn't think about herself anymore. However, the young woman wanted to avenge Fridleif's death and all those people he hurt and killed. "We will have to see how time will progress, but I am considering fighting. Which is why I must ask you something."

"Yes?"

"If something happens to me, would you care for Eric? I want him and the next generation to live without fear of Itzvar. I know the people here need my visions."

The women looked at one another. Estrid was surprised that Sophia still decided to go and fight, but she knew her friend well. Sophia wasn't the type of person who would sit idly while the others went to fight off the enemy. Estrid also knew that her friend still felt anger and guilt for Fridleif. "Very well, I promise. However, you must keep your promise to come back alive."

Sophia smiled. "You must make Varick promise that to you. Besides, where is Maja?"

"She is with Sif, Golm's mistress. It seems she is with child, and Maja is checking on her and the unborn child's health. It doesn't bother Lady Liv too much since she cannot have more children."

Sophia didn't say much as she couldn't imagine that any wife would accept their husband having mistresses or concubines. She understood why Lagertha felt ill toward her, but Sophia never tried to get Ragnar to leave her or convince him that she could be his mistress. The young woman always believed that one should treat others the way one wants to be treated. "I see, but I dread that tomorrow, they want to do a sacrificial ceremony to ask the gods for victory."

"I know, I have seen them many times while I was a prisoner for Itzvar. Many of those he sacrificed were unwilling, but someone has volunteered to be sacrificed."

"I see. We will see what tomorrow brings then."

Meanwhile, Itzvar's village has been quiet since Itzvar arrived with Frode's body. Itzvar announced that their enemies killed him. Many did or didn't believe Itzvar, but it didn't matter to the Vikings. He was happy that his rival was out of the way, and he now had control of two villages. However, to appease the people, a funeral was made for Frode. Although Itzvar regarded him as a foolish oaf, he couldn't deny that his determination to kill Ragnar was slightly admirable.

When the funeral was over, no one said a thing, as they all heard what had happened days ago. The attack was stopped once again, and the people began to question whether Itzvar was as strong a leader as he claimed. Itzvar knew about the word spreading, and he wanted to kill all those who spoke about him but went against it. If he did, then he would anger people so much that they would go on to rebel. 

At the moment, he was in Frode's home, and a woman was beneath him. Not just any woman, it was Frode's widow. The older woman was reluctant and tried to fight him away, but she stopped fighting when his lips touched her skin. She let him touch her more, and when they got nude, the widow let him do what he wanted. Itzvar knew this would happen; he imagined that it was a long time since she had felt the body and pleasures of a man. 

Itzvar had some frustrations to release, but he needed Frode's widow to gather the support of the people. He ordered Frode's daughter to leave the household and go on to help the village women. Meanwhile, the widow's moans echoed throughout the home as she climaxed; Itzvar pulled out and came on her stomach. The Viking looked at the older woman and felt disgusted that he had to lay with an older woman. The image of Sophia constantly plagued his mind, mocking him. The more she was away, the more his obsession grew.

He was determined to have her in his grasp, and when he did, he would break her body and spirit. However, Itzvar enjoyed the fight, knowing that Sophia would not kneel so quickly. "Dress yourself, woman; you look deplorable in your state." Itzvar changed into his clothes and went outside. He got a couple of guards and told the villagers to meet at the center since he had an announcement. The guards did as they were told; every villager was told to meet at the center.

Everyone was curious about the announcement, but some feared what Itzvar had planned. When everyone got to the center, Itzvar stood atop a small wooden stage; everyone was silent. "My people, throughout these days, we have been hit with many tragedies; Ragnar Lothbrok killed Frode." No one dared make a sound since many didn't believe it was true. "Now that Frode is dead, I will take command of this village with the blessing of his widow. With that, I will call upon my allies to join me and you all. Since Ragnar has killed one of your leaders, I now declare war upon him and those who aid him."