Snaring Thorstein

Snaring Thorstein was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Eivor agreed to help Bárid and locate Thorstein and his band of Vikings in Dublin.

Dialogue

Eivor found Sichfrith at the marketplace.

• Sichfrith: I'll never learn.

Eivor spoke with Sichfrith.

• Eivor: Morning, Sichfrith.
• Sichfrith: Eivor. It was a rough night. I drank too much and I'm desperate to calm my belly.
• Eivor: I cannot help your belly. But could you tell me what you know of this man Thorstein?
• Sichfrith: Ah, Da told you I tried to join his gang, eh? Thorstein's a real Vikingr. Like you but louder.
• Eivor: You weren't allowed to join?

Sichfrith directing Eivor to the docks

• Sichfrith: Too young and gangly. Ama wouldn't even show me where his hideout is.
• Eivor: Tell me a bit about this Ama.
• Sichfrith: Likes her ale the way kittens like milk. Spends her time getting tiddly on the docks, chatting up passer-bys.
• Eivor: I will speak to her. Perhaps Thorstein will regret not letting you in his gang.
• Sichfrith: Listen to me. If you're smart, you won't cross Ama. She's a vicious fighter.

Eivor left to find Ama. Eivor went to the docks and found her drinking.

• Eivor: Enjoying her ale. Likely to be Ama.

Eivor speaking to Ama at the docks

Eivor spoke to Ama.

• Eivor: What are you drinking, friend?
• Ama: The finest ale in town. I like fine things, so you have my attention. What are you doing here, darling?
• Eivor: Looking for a good drink and good company.
• Ama: You've stumbled in the right alehouse. Excellent ale and better conversation.
• Eivor: The ale leads to chatting leads to ... well, who knows?
• Ama: Let's find out.

Eivor and Ama had a drinking contest.

Eivor wonEivor lost

• Eivor: Is that all you can do?
• Ama: O, you are wicked!

• Eivor: Keep going, I'm still thristy.
• Ama: Come now, darling, stop before you make a sick mess.

• Eivor: You are a compelling woman. What is it you do?
• Ama: You may have heard of Thorstein? I'm one of his most trusted friends.
• Eivor: I had heard of him. Very impressive that he trusts you.
• Ama: He's like a brother to me. A not-very-bright brother. He entrusted me with a key to his secret lair.
• Eivor: He has a lair? I would very much to see that.
• Ama: Over in Dubgaill Landing? Sorry, Thorstein would get all pouty. But perhaps you'd like to join me for a meal?
• Eivor: I'd rather join you for something else.
• Ama: Ooo! I can't wait to find out what that is! But hold that thought, I don't feel well. I best move about a bit.

Ama left as Eivor followed discreetly.

• Eivor: I need to get that key from her.

Eivor may have caused an altercation with Ama upfront.

• Ama: Hey! What are you up to?

Eivor sneaking behind Ama

Eivor stole the key from Ama.

• Eivor: Ama, you're a too-trusting fool. Your key is mine. Now to find Thorstein's hideout.

Eivor hightailed to Dubgaill Landing to find Thorstein's hideout. Eivor found the entrance but needed a key.

• Eivor: Is this the lair Ama spoke of?

Finding the key, Eivor entered the lair and went to find Thorstein.

• Eivor: I am here for you, Thorstein.

Eivor entered a small cave, where Thorstein were talking to his men.

• Eivor: Now, I've got you, Thorstein my friend.
• Thorstein: Beautiful haul as usual, lads. I love the smell of wealth. Now, where in the name of Freyja's fat minge is Ama?
• Norse Warrior 1: I dunno, Thorstein. You know how she is.
• Thorstein: Swilling ale? Now? She's gotten worse than ever.
• Norse Warrior 1: You want us to look for 'er, Thorstein?
• Thorstein: She yanks my scabbard, that one. No, go about your duties. She'll show up.

Thorstein sat down on his throne while his men dispersed. Eivor killed all of his men and tied up Thorstein.

• Thorstein: Agh! Who are you? How did you get in here?
• Eivor: You made a mistake when you came for Bárid mac Ímair.
• Thorstein: Oh gods. You plan to kill me? Give my head to whatever Irish master you and Bárid serve?
• Eivor: I serve no Irish master.
• Thorstein: Bull's-scat! If you had any Norse loyalty you'd be like me. Running the filthy god-eaters from the island. The King of Dublin should look out for Vikings, not try to make nice with those cunts who killed our forebears. Join me. I could use someone with real balls, and the silver is good.
• Eivor: Be silent and I may show you mercy.
• Thorstein: (whimpers)

Within the cave, Eivor found a letter to Thorstein from Ketil Flatnose.

Letter from Ketil Flatnose

Thorstein,

When you tire of playing the buffoon in your precious Ireland, come north to the scattered isles.

I will grant you raiders and boats and a few acres to call home. You can loot the Hebrides to your black heart's content.

— Ketil Flatnose.

Eivor carried Thorstein and delivered him to Bárid.

Thorstein brought before Bárid for judgment

• Eivor: Common refuse, delivered to your judgment, King Bárid.
• Bárid: Thorstein, author of the plot to waylay me and my cousin.
• Thorstein: You know how it is, Bárid. A fellow needs some silver. A king could fetch Dublin's treasury in ransom! Although, I'm not certain you'd bring in quite so much.
• Eivor: Say so, Bárid, and I will cut out his insolent tongue.
• Bárid: On your feet, Thorstein, you bloody my floors. It is a weighty decision. I would have my closest friend advise me. Eivor. How shall I deal with this ruffian?

A dignified executionA brutal deathA display of cruelty

• Eivor: All must see that you are a just, resolute king. A stately and dignified execution is called for.

• Eivor: You must show all Dublin that your justice is swift and harsh. A miserable, drawn-out death will make it clear.

• Eivor: People delight in public spectacle. Torture the man until he cannot walk and no one will dare cross you again.

• Sichfrith: Well said, Eivor.
• Bárid: I want no blood feud lasting generations, Thorstein. You are not worth the bother. Dublin confiscates your land and silver. I banish you forevermore. Begone by sundown.
• Eivor: Bend the knee and show your thanks.
• Thorstein: Best to you, king. I've better places to be than Dublin.
• Sichfrith: Father! Why choose weakness?
• Eivor: Give every enemy a length of rope, soon they will carry your noose.
• Bárid: Peace! Flann Sinna will soon rule all Ireland. Flann Sinna has the power to make or undo my kingship and that of my son. He is the center of all. But Flann distrusts me. He does not believe I'm truly Christian. By showing Christian mercy, I begin to change his mind.
• Eivor: You are more shrewd than I took you for, cousin. Maybe Thorstein's release is a worth a kingdom. But will mercy be enough?

Bárid explaining his goals for the city

• Bárid: That is why I must build trade. Flann will see that the strength of Dublin's ports is the strength of Ireland.
• Eivor: Show him the power of that trade, cousin. Obtain some rare item from afar, some spice, or gem, or weapon—
• Bárid: —and gift to him at the coronation! It will represent Dublin's reach. And help secure my crown!
• Eivor: Flann will hear of your Christian mercy. Meantime, I will speak to Azar about a gift.
• Bárid: Meet me before the coronation. We will go together.

Outcome

Eivor captured Thorstein and brought him before Bárid to deliver judgement.

Gallery

• 
  Eivor finding Sichfrith at the market
• 
  Eivor carrying Thorstein back to Bárid
• 

References

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids