Vinland Saga Book 4
- ISBN
- 9781612624235
- Publisher
- Kodansha
- English release
Vinland Saga's English Book 4 opens with Canute returning to the Danish occupation base, accompanied by men Floki considers enemies. This regular English book has its own numbering, separate from the Japanese volumes and the Deluxe edition. The licensed digital opening follows the return into preparations for a meeting with King Sweyn. This reading stops while Canute reflects on violence between father and son; the meeting, the scheme's result and the book's later changes remain unread.
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Floki explains the armed reception as a response to inaccurate intelligence. Canute makes him send a corrected report and refuses to accept rank as protection from responsibility. His companions' surprise helps establish how different his manner appears to them, without proving that every part of his position is secure. He tells Askeladd that challenging the king too soon would trigger rebellion among soldiers with whom he has few allies. He therefore gives Thorkell a task suited to his standing among warriors: build favor with their chiefs. Askeladd is asked to accompany him to the king, while Thorfinn refuses to accept Canute's authority and Askeladd promises to secure his cooperation. The return begins political work through delegated relationships whose consent and reliability are uneven. The inspected pages present preparation for power, not its successful capture.
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