Chapter 50

"They're all so wrapped up in their stupid feints and misdirections. Is this what leaders of warriors do?"

- Thorfinn

Plot (謀略, Bōryaku) is the 50th chapter in the series and the first chapter of Volume 8.

Overview
The feasting men continue to talk among themselves about the attempt on Prince Canute's life. They theorize that the English are not behind it, as they would've targeted the king, who is also in Jorvik. In another building, Askeladd says "nothing more than a rumour" is just what they want, as the lack of proof prevents a hasty confrontation. It also prevents the king from giving Canute disadvantageous orders at the next day's meeting, as it would lend credence to the rumour of attempted filicide and cost him the favour of his people. Gunnar excuses himself and Askeladd tells Canute that they cannot trust him, though he does not have proof. He's sent Thorfinn on his tail to ascertain his loyalty; Thorfinn sees Gunnar speak to a man in the forest, and follows that man straight to King Sweyn's guarded place; he deduces this means Gunnar is guilty. Canute inquires about what will happen to Gunnar if he is a traitor; Askeladd says they can keep using him to feed the king information, like that they do not want conflict in the short term, as he'll trust the words of his own spy. Satisfied with his plan, he comments that he cannot wait to see how the king will react the next day.

Summary
As the feasting continues, some of the men continue to discuss recent events. One wonders why an assassin was trying to kill Prince Canute in the first place. One replies that people are after his life because he's a nobleman and another adds that the English are no doubt behind the whole affair. The first man however doubts it was really the English, thinking they would've gone after King Sweyn, who is also in Jorvik, if they were going to kill anyone. A man agrees that to turn the tide of war, the king would be your target. The first man adds that with two princes, it also makes little sense to go after the second one, and points out that the person who organized the attempt would've been someone who had something to gain from Prince Canute's death. A man listening from a nearby table walks over and starts to tell them of a rumour he's heard. In another building, Askeladd speaks with Thorkell, Asgeir, Gunnar and Canute. He says that "nothing more than a rumour" is precisely what they want people people to be saying, as it's neither too mild nor too provocative. Keeping things as just a rumour, which happens to be true, keeps the king a bit lax while preventing the hasty confrontation that would likely follow bringing out any proof. Thorkell asks Askeladd if the assassination attempt was orchestrated by him, which Askeladd confirms. He adds that it was executed perfectly. He asks how the next day's meeting will be affected, when everyone in the army already knows of the squabble between Harald and Canute, and an attempt on Canute's life was then made. Canute says he sees where Askeladd is getting at: that King Sweyn cannot give him disadvantageous orders. Askeladd confirms and says that the king can no longer take Thorkell away from Canute or send Canute and his men into fierce combat, as it would lend credence to the rumour. As a clever man who needs the favour of his people, King Sweyn cannot disregard rumours of filicide among his army. Thorkell, smiling, calls Askeladd devious and asks him where he learned things like that. Askeladd, pouring himself a drink, tells him that muscle is not the only thing that counts in a fight, and asks him if he's picking up new tricks. Canute says Askeladd's plan is good, as it has tied King Sweyn's hands for the time being and bought them time. He however tells Askeladd that he is forbidden from using another body double for him again. Askeladd agrees and apologizes. Gunnar stands and congratulates Askeladd on his plan; Askeladd is indifferent. Gunnar states he's going to use the bathroom and leaves. Once he is gone, Askeladd tells Canute that they must not trust Gunnar, whom he suspects is in league with King Sweyn. Canute asks him for proof, but Askeladd says it's just a feeling. He continues on to say that King Sweyn will want information about their plans and that after being shaken by Ragnar's death, Gunnar would be the most likely to sell their secrets to the king. Askeladd expects that he'll maintain allegiance with both sides while waiting to see where the chips fall. Thorkell asks if it's bad news, since Gunnar will tell the king's men about everything they just said. Askeladd replies that it's not a problem, since he didn't say anything he didn't want them to know. He adds that if Gunnar is a traitor, he'll tell the King's side of their plans before the end of the night, and that he's put Thorfinn on his trail to ascertain his loyalty. Thorfinn, tailing Gunnar, sees him speaking to a cloaked man in the forest. Gunnar sends off the man and asks him to "tell him at once." Canute asks what they will do if Gunnar is indeed a spy, and if they'd kill him. Askeladd, who noted Canute was pained by the death of the slave woman who acted as his body double, is nevertheless amused to see Canute would be bothered by Gunnar's fate as well. Askeladd replies that they'd let Gunnar go for the time being, as he can be used to send messages that the king will trust, like that they do not seek a confrontation in the short term. That way, both sides will understand and agree and will avoid conflict, which completes his plan. Canute sighs and tells Askeladd that he is incorrigible. Askeladd, leaning back and leering, comments that he cannot wait to see how the king will react the next day. Thorfinn follows the cloaked man Gunnar spoke to and sees him reach a guarded gate, where he is let in by the guards. Thorfinn assumes this is the king's place and deduces that this means Gunnar is guilty. As he walks by the guards, who tell him to move along, Thorfinn thinks to himself that everyone around him is wrapped up in stupid feints and misdirections and disgustedly wonders if that's what leaders of warriors do. Looking at the king's house, he notes that it looks creepy.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Askeladd
 * Canute
 * Gunnar
 * Thorkell
 * Asgeir
 * Thorfinn