They made their way and found everyone inside a square. She stood behind Ubbes chair with a hand on the back. "We all know today. We have so many shield-maidens and warriors-at-arms. That we must decide whether we fight or we reach an accommodation allowing us to go live our lives with integrity and honor."

"I call upon my brothers, Ivar and Hvitserk. Let's put aside our differences, for the sake of our father. A civil war can only bring tragedy, weaken our family, and set in train a lifetime of revenge obligations for those who manage to survive."

Grace sighs as Ivar turns his eyes to look at his sister. She doesn't know if he feels bad or anything at all. "Is that really what you all want?"

"I want to speak up and support Bjorn, and his call for a peaceful resolution. It is true I set my face against my brother. But if you can forgive me, Ivar, let us make an accord." Grace nodded along in agreement while Ivar looked between her and Ubbe.

"We are going to war for the kingdom of Kattegat. The kingdom of Kattegat was carved by my husband Ragnar Lothbrok, and then by me. I am it's rightful Queen. What we should be discussing is how we combine our great armies, and direct them out towards new lands."

"New conquests, new opportunities. What a terrible pity to kill our young men for a piece of land which is already ours. Astrid. I am happy to see you again. Whatever has happened, I don't want to fight you."

Grace slowly straightened up and Torvi patted her on the back. They gave each other a smile and then faced Astrid. "I am married now. I am king Harald's wife." "Queen Astrid, I suppose!"

Grace moved her head toward Halfdan as he began to speak. "Brother, let's not fight. What can we gain? Nothing." "On the contrary. We will gain the world. Join us and I will share it with you." Grace shook her head and walked up behind Halfdan.

She laid a hand on his back and he only glanced toward her. "It is really up to you, Ivar. If you decide that you cannot fight against your brothers and sister, that you do not want to fight against your brothers and sister then we can find an accord. And King Harald can't stop us."

Grace moved out from behind Halfdan and looked at Ivar. He sunk back and looked toward her and her eyes showed hope. "You have so much to lose, Ivar. If you want war, then let's have war. But win or lose..you lose. You gain victory over other sons of Ragnar and your sister. And people will say that you are an illegitimate ruler and usurper."

"And if you lose, they say it was by the will of the gods and the will of Ragnar, who now sips with them in Valhalla, and cries for us now." Grace then looked out at the vast nothingness surrounding them.

"Do not do this, Ivar. We are sons of Ragnar. Is that not enough for any man?" Ivar then grabbed his crutch and stood. "Bring horns of mead. We should celebrate. There will be no battle today. Nor tomorrow." Harald had a look of disbelief and stood.

"What are you talking about? You cannot decide this!" "I do not want to fight against my brothers and sister. I still hate myself for killing Sigurd." Graces head snapped toward Ivar who was still facing Harald. Ubbe looked toward Grace at the mention of Sigurd and saw Torvi walk up to the girl.

Torvi put a hand on the girls back for comfort.