Chapter 73

"Well, isn't this something!? Freedom is just a step away from us and yet we haven't got a clue what to do with it!"

- Einar

When You're Free (自由になったら) is the 73rd chapter of the Vinland Saga series.

Overview
After three years of hard work, Thorfinn and Einar finally finish clearing the forest. They discuss what they will do once they are free. Einar is not sure he'd go back to his home country, as he has no family left there. He's more concerned about Arnheid's fate, since it seems unlikely Ketil would ever let her go free. Thorfinn says he might go back home to Iceland to visit, but tells Einar that there is something he wants to do. When Einar asks what that is, Thorfinn asks him if he thinks it's impossible for war and slavery to disappear from the world. Einar replies that it's most likely impossible and sounds like a dream. Ketil and Olmar arrive and Ketil tells them that he'll do them a favour and grant them their freedom a little early, once they're done planting. They'll however have to wait for him to return from his trip to officially become free men. Ketil asks them to tell his father Sverkel that he is going to Jelling to pay a visit to the sick King Harald. Before leaving, he asks them to think about continuing to work on the farm as free men, which Einar considers as it might give him the chance to think of a way to free Arnheid. When they arrive at Sverkel's house, Snake is surprised Sverkel is not with them, while Thorfinn and Einar are surprised he's not home. Snake realizes something is amiss and quickly gets on his horse, asking the two to follow him. They find a collapsed Sverkel on the field and rush toward him.

Summary
In September 1018, Thorfinn and Einar celebrate after working together to take down the final tree on the land they were clearing. Thorfinn laughs and the two take a break to sit on a log and observe their work of the last three years. Einar comments that it'd be great if they actually owned the land they cleared, but Thorfinn replies it'd be asking too much as slaves. They talk about how as Pater said, they should be able to cultivate the farmland and make enough to buy their freedoms with a bit of money to spare after the upcoming harvest season. Thorfinn asks Einar what he will do once he's free again, and if he will go back home. Einar replies that he is not sure, as he doesn't have any family left in his home country. Thorfinn correctly guesses that Einar is also thinking about Arnheid — he wishes she could also become free, as she'd lead a much happier life that way. Thorfinn comments that it'd be tough, as Ketil doesn't seem to have any intention of letting Arnheid go. Einar changes the subject and asks Thorfinn if he will return home to Iceland. Thorfinn noncommittally replies that he might go back to visit just once. Einar comments it's funny that they're so close to freedom and don't have any idea what they'll do with it. Thorfinn states there is one thing he wants to do, but says he has to clear up some things when Einar asks him what it is. He asks Einar if he thinks it's impossible for war and slavery to disappear from the world. Einar seems taken aback by the question and Thorfinn's serious look, but replies that it's most likely impossible and seems like a dream. Ketil arrives on horseback with a bored Olmar not far behind him and commends them for their work clearing up the field. When he asks if they can get the field planted on time, Einar replies they'll be able to if they work quickly. Ketil smiles and says he can do the both of them a favour — as they've done good work over the last few years, he will grant them their freedom after they finish planting for the sowing season. Thorfinn and Einar are flabbergasted and Ketil is surprised they don't look happy, but the two recover from their shock and celebrate, smiling and cheerfully dancing with each other. Ketil laughs and tells them it's a little early to celebrate, as they'll have to wait for him to return from his trip before they can officially be declared free. Einar asks Ketil if he's going somewhere, and Ketil confirms before asking the two if they've seen his father Sverkel. They reply that they haven't seen him that day, and Ketil guesses that he might be out at his fields. He asks the two if they can pass on the message that he'll be going to Jelling to visit the sick King Harald, but should be back by planting season. They wish him a safe trip. Before he leaves, Ketil asks them to think about if they'd like to continue working on the farm once they've gained their freedom, as he'd welcome hard workers like them with open arms. As Thorfinn and Einar walk to Sverkel's house, they remember that becoming a worker after earning their freedom was an option Ketil had brought up in the past. Einar remarks that he's been a slave for so long that he can't help feeling lost now that he's given the chance to make his own decisions again. Thorfinn wonders if Einar is sure he'd like to stay on Ketil's farm; Einar replies that although he doesn't get along with the other people on the farm, he might be able to find a way to free Arnheid if he stays there. Thorfinn teasingly tells him he didn't think he was that in love with her. Einar blushes and tells him to shut his mouth, and says he just wants her to become free, as being a slave is a pitiful fate. Snake bursts out of the front door when they approach the house and yells about being left to starve by the old man, startling Thorfinn and Einar. Snake looks around and asks if Sverkel is with them, but they confirm he's not and are surprised to learn he hasn't gotten back home yet. Snake tells them that he left for the fields that morning and complains that it's past dinner time. Thorfinn comments that Ketil was looking for Sverkel earlier as well. Einar says Ketil told them to give Sverkel a message, and remarks it's odd that he's not home yet. Snake starts to complain that he hasn't even eaten lunch today, then quickly sobers and starts to run. When he starts readying his horse, Einar asks him where he's going — Snake says he's going to the fields and tells them to follow him. Arriving at the field, they see Sverkel has collapsed face down in the midst of doing farm work. They rush towards him.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Thorfinn
 * Einar
 * Arnheid
 * Ketil
 * Olmar
 * Snake
 * Sverkel