Chapter 52

"That's only a nickname. Do you want to know my real name, the one given to me by my mother? Lucius Artorius Castus. And *I* am the rightful King of Britannia."

- Askeladd

The Hero Returns (英雄復活) is the 52nd chapter of the Vinland Saga series.

Overview
King Sweyn allows Askeladd to tell him why he should reconsider his invasion of Wales; Askeladd says that the land, people and forces are all exhausted and should be given time to recuperate, and that Wales's land is treacherous and lacks value. Wanting to appear like a dashing ruler in front of his chieftains, King Sweyn approaches Askeladd and thanks him for his honest council instead of admonishing him. He however whispers to Askeladd that he must choose between Wales and Canute: he does not truly care about the invasion of Wales, and will cancel it if Askeladd brings him Canute's head. He adds that after looking into Askeladd's past, he deduced that his mother was a Welsh slaves, as slaves are Wales's only export of value. Askeladd replies that King Sweyn does not have the face of the king and that the crown should not rest atop such an ugly head. King Sweyn asks what he said, and Askeladd loudly insults the king for all to hear. The nearby guards unsheathe their swords, but Askeladd tells them to stay put, as the king is within his reach. Askeladd reveals his true name is Lucius Artorius Castus. He proclaims he is the true King of Britannia and beheads King Sweyn. Understanding what Askeladd is doing, Canute orders the men to attack him, as he has committed regicide. Thorfinn hears the commotion from outside.

Summary
Askeladd asks King Sweyn to reconsider his invasion of Wales, as he believes there would be little advantage to the Danish. Canute wonders just how precious Wales is to Askeladd — Askeladd's entire plan was meant to avoid friction with King Sweyn, and he wonders why he is suddenly throwing it away now. In the crowd, some of the chieftains recognize Askeladd as the man who used to work with Floki a lot. Some comment that arguing to the king's face is quite daring. Askeladd peers at Canute and thinks to himself that if he is to do this, he must do it now, as he might be able to stop the invasion of Wales by taking advantage of the fact that King Sweyn wants to play the dashing ruler in front of his chieftains. King Sweyn says that it is a king's duty to listen to his subjects and asks Askeladd to speak his mind. Askeladd thanks King Sweyn and tells him he has two reasons. First, he says that after ten years of fighting against the English, the land, people and forces are exhausted and that it would be best to settle in their new lands and recuperate from their losses first. Second, he states that the Welsh terrain is treacherous and lacks value; the enemy would have the advantage of geography, and the spoils would be worth little if they were successful in subduing the Welsh, which would hardly be worth the trouble. The chieftains mutter, most agreeing with what he is saying. Floki thinks Askeladd is clever, giving voice to the majority's concerns to gain their favour, while Thorkell laughs that Askeladd loves to talk. Floki tells Askeladd that they are not conquering, but suppressing, as they cannot allow King Sweyn to be insulted without retribution. Askeladd counters that if that's their intention, they should send him as their messenger, as he is a worthy negotiator who could make the Welsh see the error of their ways and convince them to pay proper fealty to their rightful king. Askeladd is confident that King Sweyn, being a logical man, cannot ignore his logic. King Sweyn asks if Askeladd is demanding that a king thrice show mercy to the disobedient. Askeladd, who believes the king sent those envoys as an excuse for invasion, says he believes three times should convince them of King Sweyn's nobility and magnanimity. He asks the king to consider his words, as he has only summoned the courage to beseech him for the sake of the king and the country. King Sweyn steps off the dais and approaches the still kneeling Askeladd; Thorkell watches on eagerly, wondering if they're going to fight. To Thorkell's disappointment, King Sweyn smiles. He says Askeladd is the image of a true servant and that there is no treasure greater than an admonition to a king. He says honest counsel will be taken into account and tells Askeladd to stand. Grasping his shoulders, he adds that his heart beams, as he is blessed with loyal and capable vassals. Askeladd replies that he is unworthy of such praise. Leaning closer to Askeladd, King Sweyn whispers that he must choose between Wales or Canute. He says that he does not truly care about the subjugation of Wales and that it was simply meant to keep the troops busy while they prepared for Ireland; therefore, he will see that Wales is spared if Askeladd brings him Canute's head. Askeladd calmly listens on. King Sweyn adds that he's looked into Askeladd and has heard his mother was a slave. He comments that it would explain Askeladd's fixation on Wales, as its only export of any values is slaves. Askeladd gets visibly angry at the comment; Canute notices and wonders what King Sweyn is saying to him. Askeladd narrows his eyes and states that he does not like King Sweyn's face, and that it is not right that the crown should rest atop such an ugly head. Those within earshot are so shocked that many believe they must've misheard. King Sweyn asks Askeladd what he just said. Askeladd asks him if he's hard of hearing as well, and loudly tells him to take the jewels off of his head, calling him a "hideous old fuck." He repeats that King Sweyn's is not the face of a king. The nearby guards unsheathe their swords, but Askeladd tells them not to move, as the king is within his reach. He draws his own sword. King Sweyn starts to sweat; Floki, Canute and the chieftains are shocked at what Askeladd is insinuating. Askeladd looks at Canute. Thorkell stands and angrily tells Askeladd to stop stealing all the best parts, and that King Sweyn is his. Canute interrupts Thorkell and tells him not to move. He says that nothing must happen to King Sweyn, that Askeladd has gone mad and that Thorkell must not agitate him. King Sweyn, realizing he was careless and walked right into Askeladd's clutches, tells him he will forgive his sin if he puts away his sword. Askeladd calls him a barbarian and tells him not to presume to judge him, and that insulting his family and people is a crime worthy of death. King Sweyn gives him a final warning to put away his sword. Askeladd tells him that Askeladd is only a nickname, and asks if he wants to know his real name, the one given to him by his mother. Askeladd proclaims that his real name is Lucius Artorius Castus, and that he is the rightful King of Britannia. He easily blocks a drinking horn thrown at him with his sword. Just as Floki yells at the men to rush him, Askeladd chops off King Sweyn's head. His body slumps to the floor, his decapitated head nearby, while the crown rolls away near the dais. Askeladd simply states that it felt good, giving Canute a look as he waits for what's next. Canute, who now understands what Askeladd is doing, thinks to himself that Askeladd has his gratitude. He then loudly orders the men to attack Askeladd, cutting off Floki, who had started to give the order as well. Canute yells that Askeladd has committed regicide and must be cut down. Outside, Thorfinn starts to hear the commotion coming from the nearby hall.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Askeladd
 * Sweyn
 * Canute
 * Floki
 * Thorkell
 * Gunnar
 * Thorfinn