Episode 13

"Child of a Hero" is the 13th episode of the Vinland Saga anime.

Synopsis
Suspicious that the ambush is a scare tactic to force negotiations to their favor. Askeladd and Gratianus successfully negotiate a deal with the ambush leader Asser, due to Askeladd’s ethnic background.

Summary
The episode starts with a young (14 years old) Askeladd coming out of the sea into Wales, claiming his mother will die soon. He was meeting with Gratianus.

The episode cuts to Floki telling the King of Denmark that the main army has defeated the resistance in Wessex and will soon conquer the land. The King then inquires about Canute and the London soldiers, to which Floki replies that he was attacked by Thorkell, yet may have been joined by local soldiers. The King says to immediately update him if there was any new news.

Back in Wales, the soldiers have been surrounded by men (Messengers of Brycheiniog) with bows and arrows. Asser, the leader, is surprised that Askeladd can speak their language, and goes on to call Danes barbarians. Gratianus asks Asser to remove his troops, but Asser replies that they won't as they have different values.

The other men, including Bjorn, cannot understand what Asser is saying. Bjorn points out that Asser's men were just trying to intimidate them to control negotiations, as they could've killed the soldiers first.

Asser plans to capture Canute and use him as shield, as he noted that the Danes has entered 3 cease-fires with the English, yet had violated them all.

Askeladd tells Gratianus this is an act, and plans to go along with it instead of revealing his true plan. Askeladd then presents Canute to Asser's soldiers and tells Canute to say something spirited. Canute visibly panics and hides behind Ragnar, to which Ragnar reveals that Canute doesn't like talking in front of others. When Ragnar volunteers to speak for him, Askeladd disagrees, saying Canute is a Prince with responsibilities.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Askeladd
 * Lydia (Flashback)
 * Gratianus
 * Sweyn
 * Floki
 * Torgrim
 * Atli
 * Bjorn
 * Thorfinn
 * Asser
 * Canute
 * Ragnar
 * Lucius Artorius Castus (flashback)

Trivia
Odcinek 13