Ragnall’s spies informed him that the situation in Jorvik was unsettled. Some of the restless Saxon lords whispered and plotted against the heathen king. Still, since the capable Archbishop of York, Hrotheweard, worked ceaselessly to ensure stability in the kingdom by ensuring the day-to-day administration ran smoothly and constantly preached for peace, the spies reported uneasy equilibrium. The archbishop also minted coins and oversaw an equitable tax collection.
heathenDeciding that the situation in Northumbria could be compared to a tinderbox, ready to catch fire at any moment, Ragnall summoned Óttar for urgent talks.
“We’ll sail on the morrow, Jarl, but my instincts advise me against returning straight to Jorvik. I’m even less inclined to sail around the north of Alban past the Orkne
