Chapter 13

"As it happens... I smelled something on you, too. We smell alike... Troll of Jom."

- Askeladd

Smell (匂い, Nioi) is the 13th chapter of the Vinland Saga series.

Overview
The archers up on the cliff wait for Askeladd's signal. With the assailants having no intention of surrendering, Thors challenges their leader Askeladd to a duel. Askeladd inquires how Thors knew he was the leader and he replies it is because of his smell. Amused by the reason, Askeladd agrees to duel. He notes he smelled something on Thors as well and that they smell similar. The moment the duel starts, Askeladd cuts a rope that releases the ship's sail to the ground, planning to catch Thors off guard and surprise him with an attack.

Summary
Thors tells the pirates to begone and that they cannot defeat him. One of the archer listening from above prepares an arrow, but his comrade tells him to wait until Askeladd gives the signal. He begrudgingly lowers his bow, but wonders why Askeladd is bidding his time, as it's not something he would usually do. Leif remarks that Thors is unbelievable for standing his ground against two enemy ships. Mols wants to join the fight, but Leif reminds him of the archers still positioned on top of the cliff and tells him they'll leave it to Thors, who's the only one who knows what he's doing.

Thors keeps glaring at Askeladd's crew and thinks. He notes that they are not the type of men to budge when they are threatened and that the archers aren't shooting for now. He remarks that he could take on the thirty men or so on the enemy ships, but that the ships are too close and a melee could start if the attackers mobilized all at once. He thinks that they must avoid close-range combat at all cost, since it would put Thorfinn and his men at great risk. After looking at Askeladd's crew more closely, Thors points to Askeladd with his sword. He asks him if he is the chieftain and tells him that in the name of Almighty Odin, he seeks a duel with him. Askeladd's men are confused about how Thors knew Askeladd was the chieftain. Thors tells Askeladd that if he wins, he can do as he pleases, but if Thors wins, Askeladd must take his band and leave immediately. He notes that if Askeladd refuses the challenge, he will only succeed in gaining a dozen slaves at three times the cost. Askeladd asks Thors why he thinks he is the leader, and Thors tells him it is the smell. Askeladd laughs and says it is a good answer, then accepts the duel. Thors instructs Thorfinn and his own men to stand back near the prow.

Askeladd leaps to Thors's ship. He says that he smelled something on Thors as well, and tells Thors they smell alike, referring to him as "Troll of Jom". Thors realizes Askeladd knows him and deduces, out loud, that Floki hired him. Askeladd says he is quick and that he likes clever men. Thorfinn angrily walks forward, points at Askeladd and says that he is wrong, that his father is not a bad guy like Askeladd, that he is strong, and will kill him. He childishly insults Askeladd and says he hates him, while Thors tells him to stay back. Askeladd laughs, says Thorfinn has pluck, and asks if he's Thors's child. Thors asks Askeladd if he has a wife and children. Askeladd says no and asks why he is asking. Thors simply states he sees and advances, telling Askeladd they can begin. Askeladd internally notes that Thors striding up to close the distance speaks to his confidence. He cuts a rope in half with his sword, causing a sail and its wooden spar to come crashing down from the mast in front of Thors. Askeladd moves incredibly quickly, ducking beneath it as it is falling to surprise Thors while he is distracted.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Thors Snorresson
 * Mord
 * Ari
 * Thorfinn
 * Askeladd
 * Bjorn
 * Leif Ericson
 * Mols
 * Magni
 * Hakon
 * Grim
 * Floki