Havelok

"I am merely acting upon a foretold destiny, navigating the whim of greater gods. My actions are simply pebbles."

―Havelok's final moments, 875.

Havelok (died 870s), also known as The Billhook, was a Viking member of the Wardens of Wealth sect of the Order of the Ancients who operated in Lincolnscire in England in the 9th century. Holding the title of Palatinus, Havelok resided in a villa near the Lincoln Town Hall.

Biography

Havelok came to England along with the Great Heathen Army during the invasion of the island in the 860s. While serving, Havelok was recognized by a member of the Order for his quick and ruthless intelligence, and thus introduced him to the Bishop of Lincoln Herefrith, who was a member of the Order in his own right as "The Crozier". Havelok joined the Order and became an apprentice to the bishop, thereby gaining stature and experience. In the 870s, thanks to his connection with the Bishop, Havelok became an established landowner and farmer in Lincoln, where he primarily worked on bribing the shire soldiers to do his bidding.

Around the same time, Eivor Varinsdottir of the Raven Clan killed Herefrith and looted a note from his body which gave Havelok's cryptonym to her and the details of an arranged meeting at a farm in Aelfgarstun. Upon searching inside the premise, she found another note revealing Havelok's identity behind his code name and his place of residence at his villa near Lincoln's town hall. Eivor quickly traveled to Havelok's home and assassinated him inside. After his death, she found a note among his personal effects about another member known as "The Bell" and a chain blockade along Ember River in northeast Suthsexe.

Trivia

• As an apprentice to The Crozier, this led to an apparent mentorship between two pairs of Order members, with the other set being The Vault's aid towards The Needle in Jorvik.

Behind the scenes

Havelok's cryptonym of "Billhook" may be a reference to his occupation as a farmer, given its usage as an agriculture tool. His name is possibly a variation of the name Havelock, which is of Scandinavian and Old Norse origin meaning "sea competition."

Havelok's first clue can be found by either assassinating "The Anvil" or killing the Zealot Osgar.

Gallery

• 
  Eivor assassinating Havelok

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla