Chapter 95

"Let me participate in that bet. I'll bet on myself. I have no need for money even if I win, so instead... let me meet the King if I win."

- Thorfinn

Forgotten Thing (忘れ物) is the 95th chapter of the Vinland Saga series.

Overview
Einar tells Thorfinn that he shouldn't put his life on the line for the farm. Thorfinn reveals that he's acquainted with King Canute and thinks he could achieve something if he attempts peaceful negotiations with him. Canute's guards refuse to let him through, as only a member of Ketil's family can surrender or negotiate, and refuse to believe that Thorfinn was once temporarily Canute's bodyguard. As Thorfinn stubbornly refuses to leave, Drott decides to do things the hard way, but is unable to land hits on him. The situation draws a crowd; Wulf goes to see what's happening and reports to Canute. Although he learns the messenger who wants to see him is Thorfinn, son of Thors, Canute declines to meet with him. Meanwhile, the crowd laments they'll never see who won the bet if the fight drags on: they bet on how many hits Thorfinn could take before turning tail, dying or getting knocked out, with most betting under 20 or 10 hits. Thorfinn asks if he can bet on himself, with meeting the king as his prize if he wins. As the highest bet is 90 blows, the soldier agrees he can meet the king if he can last 100 hits, but that his life is forfeit if he loses. Einar is worried, but Thorfinn reassures him that he's used to taking hits and that there's a trick to it.

Summary
As Thorfinn determinedly sets off, Einar tells him there's no reason for him to break his back for the farm and to let them fight their war. He reminds Thorfinn that Ketil is the one who killed Arnheid and that he shouldn't care if he loses his head. Thorfinn tells him there's something he needs to take care of and asks Einar to wait back on the boat with Leif; he tells him he'll be back soon. Einar tells him to find a more believable excuse and that there's nothing left for them on the farm anymore. He reminds Thorfinn that this is a war and that there's nothing he alone can do about it. Thorfinn asks if Einar is really fine with leaving without them paying back their debt to Pater and Sverkel. He says that he also thought it best not to get involved in the war, but that he changed his mind after they swore their oath to create a world of peace, as they can't be unconcerned for the suffering of their neighbours. Einar asks what Thorfinn expects the two of them to do against the royal army, as they don't even have a sword. Thorfinn replies it'd be even more dangerous if they did have a sword and asks Einar if he really thought he was going to fight all of them — he is going to try to conduct peaceful negotiations. He adds that he's acquainted with King Canute and thinks he might be able to accomplish something if he can just talk to him. Einar is flabbergasted that Thorfinn knows the king. When they arrive in front of Canute's guards, Thorfinn tells them he's one of the farm's men there on Ketil's behalf and requests to see the king. One of the soldiers laughs and guesses, based on his appearance, that he's just a slave. He tells them this is no place for slaves and that as the message said, the war will continue until someone from Ketil's family comes to surrender. Thorfinn tells him that he's an old acquaintance of King Canute's and asks him to tell him that Thorfinn, son of Thors, is there. The soldier is dubious that he would know the king. To Einar's shock, Thorfinn specifies that he was temporarily employed as his personal guard four years ago. The soldier, unimpressed by Thorfinn's stature, smiles and suddenly punches Thorfinn, who doesn't dodge it. The soldier tells Thorfinn there's no way a little runt like him could ever be the king's personal bodyguard. Thorfinn apologizes if he offended him, but insists he's telling the truth and that he'll see it for himself if he simply tells the king his name. Another soldier notes that Drott's fist must be getting soft if Thorfinn's still spouting nonsense. Drott tells Thorfinn that if he wants to be stubborn, he'll do things the hard way. Wulf walks up to Canute and Floki, who are observing a laughing crowd of soldiers from afar. Canute asks Wulf if he found out what the ruckus was about; Wulf replies that Ketil sent a messenger. Since he's not part of Ketil's family, the soldiers are trying to chase him back, but he's proving to be tenacious. Canute asks if he found out his name and rank. Wulf says that he did — that he's not a member of Ketil's family, but that his name is Thorfinn, son of Thors, and that he's one of the men working on the farm. Canute's eyes widen and he asks Wulf if the messenger is a short, young man. Wulf confirms that he is and asks if Canute knows him. Canute touches the scar on his cheek and does not reply. Wulf asks if he'll meet the messenger; Canute replies that there's no need. Floki is momentarily thoughtful about the name, but tells himself that Thors is a common enough name. Surrounded by the cheering soldiers, Drott keeps attempting to punch Thorfinn, who deftly dodges all of his attempts. He keeps telling Drott he has no intention to fight and simply wishes to speak to the king. The soldiers poke fun at Drott for failing to connect a single hit, while Einar tells Thorfinn they clearly aren't listening and should go; Thorfinn wonders what he can do about the situation. A soldier tells Drott to hit Thorfinn already, as they can't see who won the bet if the fight keeps on going. While Thorfinn turns to look at the soldier, Drott takes advantage of his distraction and lands a hit on him, knocking him to the ground. Thorfinn assures Einar that he's fine, then asks the soldier what the bet is on. The soldier tells him they bet on how many hits he could take before turning tail, dying or getting knocked out. While most bet under 10 hits, some bet at least 20. Einar is unimpressed and tells Thorfinn they should just go already. Thorfinn tells the soldier to let him participate in the bet and bet on himself. As he has no wish for money, he asks that they let him meet with the king if he wins. The soldier tells him he likes his guts, but that he has to bet on something with low odds instead of something cheap like lasting under 10 hits. The soldier asks if there's a limit no one has bet on yet; another tells him one man bet up to 90 hits. The soldier tells Thorfinn that he'll win if he can last 100 hits, but that his life will be forfeit if he loses. Thorfinn agrees. Einar tells him it's crazy, but Thorfinn assures him it's fine and that there's a trick to receiving blows. Angry he's being mocked and looked down upon, Drott sets off to start hitting Thorfinn. On the boat, Bug-Eyes tells Leif that Thorfinn and Einar are taking a while. He wonders if they forgot something heavy and if he should go help them carry it.

The crowd watches Thorfinn take Drott's blows. As he reaches seven, they note that at that rate, Thorfinn will certainly last 10 hits.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Einar
 * Thorfinn
 * Drott
 * Floki
 * Canute
 * Wulf
 * Leif Ericson
 * Bug-Eyes