Once his plan was clear, Rurik ordered the interrogation of the six thousand prisoners, selecting from them three hundred men connected with Rouen.
Before departure he turned to the interpreter.
"Just these?"
"Yes, my lord."
Rurik nodded without further comment and gave orders for his sixteen hundred troops to load their baggage and prepare to embark.
Suddenly, on the north bank of the Seine, a great crowd appeared — longships cutting the water, rowing fast toward the south.
Before long he saw a tall, familiar figure standing at the prow, flanked by Ivar and Bjorn.
Ragnar.
When the men on the south bank realized their High King still lived, a roar of exultation swept across the shore. Warriors rushed waist-deep into the river to greet him.
For all the fame of Rurik, Ivar, and Gunnar, none could rival Ragnar's stature. He was the King of Britain, a living legend across the whole Norse world. His presence alone carried more weight than any host of victories.
