The troubles in Lincolnscire were far from over, as Herefrith had betrayed the shire and attempted to seize it on behalf of the Order of the Ancients, embedding himself at the fortress of Anecastre. The men of Lincolnscire raised a fyrd near Wynmere Lake to lay siege and depose the corrupt bishop.
After parting with Acha at the hospice, Eivor set out to speak with Aelfgar and Hunwald, who had assembled a fyrd against Herefrith. She joined them and their assembled men-at-arms on the other side of Lincoln's main bridge.
Aelfgar spoke to Hunwald.
Aelfgar:Such carnage I've never seen. That twisted bishop must pay the devil his due.
Eivor entered the conversation.
Eivor:What news?
Aelfgar:We have learned that Herefrith occupies the fort at Anecastre, south of here. An eager fyrd awaits my voice to lead them into battle. Will you ride with us?
Eivor:I've gone some days without a proper siege. Lead on.
Aelfgar:To the camp then, and onward to Anecastre! Follow if you will!
Hunwald spoke to Aelfgar.
Hunwald:A bold attack. And in broad daylight! The hatred that eats at that man must be ravenous.
Eivor entered the conversation.
Eivor:What news, Hunwald?
Hunwald:We've learned that Herefrith rode for the fort at Anecastre following the massacre. I have assembled a fyrd there. Quite a large one, in fact. They eagerly await your orders, Eivor.
Eivor:You mean your orders, ealdorman.
Hunwald:Ah, yes, that's right! My orders. Which are... which are what exactly?
Eivor:Who can say? Ride with me to your camp and we'll find out together.
All three of them mounted up and left together, speaking as they rode.
Eivor meeting with Aelfgar and Hunwald outside Lincoln
Hunwald:Herefrith was a friend of my father's, and always so dear to me. I don't understand what possessed him.
Eivor:He invoked the name of an ancient order before his men attacked. I know exactly what possessed him.
Hunwald:Do you?
Eivor:It's not a story for now.
Aelfgar:This will send waves of disgust through all the parishes of Mercia. Herefrith is a new and ugly stain on the Bishopric.
Eivor:Your Christ was an interesting man, if a little soft. But stranger still... I've met so few Christians like him.
Hunwald:Today has been a boon, Eivor. In spite of everything, I now know my father's spirit still burns within me. It's thanks to you I know this. When songs are sung of the day Lincolnscire was saved, your name will ripple through every stanza.
Eivor:Don't be hasty, Hunwald. One verse of our song remains unsung. The din of battle beckons.
Aelfgar:You pagans and your appetite for battle. I certainly don't share it. I worry what diabolical feast the bishop has in store.
Hunwald:Don't let that poxy bishop worry you. With Eivor beside us, he'll be vittles before long. How has Acha taken all this? She and Herefrith were so close.
Aelfgar:She must feel as though the Devil himself attacked her monastery, the poor lady.
Eivor:We spoke briefly. Her spirits were low, but her work carried on. I think she'll be fine.
Hunwald:Manipulated by a man who should be God's gladdener.
The three arrived at the fyrd's camp near Wynmere Lake.
Aelfgar:Our camp is just here. When the fyrd is ready, we'll attack with speed.
Eivor:The sooner the better. Herefrith will entrench deeper with every passing hour.
Hunwald:Here's the camp, do you see? The fyrd will soon be ready for action!
Eivor:Give them mead and let them rest. There is hard fighting ahead.
After Eivor returned to Ravensthorpe from completing a separate pledge, Randvi received bad news.
Randvi:Something troubling has come. A letter from Aelfgar in Lincoln. It seems the new ealdorman, Herefrith, has turned on them. When you are able, you should visit with him. See what this is about.
A Letter from Aelfgar
A letter from Aelfgar arrived at the settlement, stating that Herefrith has fortified himself in Anecastre after turning on the people of Lincoln.
Eivor read the letter from Aelfgar, then spoke with Randvi again.
Eivor:Tell me more about Lincolnscire. What has become of their ealdorman, Herefrith?
Randvi:He has turned on his people. And what's more, Hytham has learned his true allegiance. The Order of the Ancients.
Eivor:Gods. This is my doing, Randvi. I voted to install Herefrith as ealdorman.
Eivor:Indeed. And now Aelfgar asks that you return and right the wrong you brought to life. He is waiting near Anecastre with his fyrd (peasant army). Will you go?
Eivor pledged to Lincolnscire for the second time.
Eivor:I must fight beside Aelfgar and make this right.
Randvi:Be careful. Herefrith may be more than he seems.
Eivor made her way back to Lincolnscire and found the fyrd camp at Wynmere Lake. Aelfgar and Hunwald had already arrived, the latter setting aside his noble vestments for the blue battle garb of the fyrd.
Aelfgar:Our camp is just here. When the fyrd is ready, we'll attack with speed.
Eivor:The sooner the better. Herefrith will entrench deeper with every passing hour.
She spoke to Aelfgar aside.
Eivor:Aelfgar.
Aelfgar:Eivor. I must say, I expected a rather different outcome. But... no matter. You cannot un-throw a stone from a creek.
With the shire's forces gathered, Eivor walked around the camp.
Eivor, Aelfgar, and Hunwald prepared for the siege
Anglo-SaxonSoldier 1:Who's fetching the turf this time? Eh? Don't want to freeze to death here!
Anglo-Saxon Soldier 2:We are the men of Lincolnscire. Remember it!
Anglo-Saxon Soldier 3:My ancestors fought with the ancient kings of Lindsey. It's for their memory we fight today.
Anglo-Saxon Soldier 4:This battle will be fucking Hell, and my boots have holes the size of chestnuts. Jesus.
Eivor could speak to Aelfgar and Hunwald individually.
Aelfgar:Such carnage I've never seen. That twisted bishop must pay the devil his due.
Hunwald:A bold attack. And in broad daylight! The hatred that eats at that man must be ravenous.
Eivor spoke to the captain of the fyrd.
Anglo-Saxon Soldier 5:Our war-smith has arrived. The fyrds are ready to fight.
Aelfgar:Chieftain Eivor. Can we win this battle with the small number you see assembled here?
Eivor:If they fight as strongly as they smell, we'll claim victory.
Aelfgar:Then we'll have no cause for worry. We should attack soon, before the bishop can muster more troops. What do you think, Eivor?
Hunwald:Chieftian Eivor. Can we win this fight with the men you see assembled here?
Eivor:If they fight with the bravery of double their number, we may.
Hunwald:And is there room in your Valhalla for a ferocious swan?
Eivor:Of course. Let fly your glorious banner.
Hunwald:Are we ready, then?
Hunwald:Chieftain Eivor! We are ever so glad you came.
Eivor:How could I not? It was my vote that got you into this mess.
Aelfgar:The bishop caught us unaware. Claims to have taken this shire in the name of some sort of religious order.
Eivor:The Order of Ancients?
Aelfgar:That's the one. Do you know what he means?
Eivor:I may.
Aelfgar:As our hastily elected ealdorman, I advise we attack quickly, before he can rally more troops.
Eivor:We attack now. Ready the fyrd.
Anglo-Saxon Soldier 5:Our first task will be to breach the outer wall. Then we deal with the troops inside.
Eivor:We're not ready. The battle din must wait.
Eivor left to make more preparations, then returned.
Anglo-Saxon Soldier 5:Are you ready now? The fyrd is itching for a fight.
(returns to choices)
Eivor and the Saxons attacking the fort
The fyrd readied for battle and Eivor meditated. She rose to her feet and marched forward. She and the two candidates for ealdorman stood side-by-side as their fyrd began the siege.
Aelfgar:For the glory of Lincolnscire!
Hunwald:To me! Holy warriors of Lincolnscire!
Eivor:The best way to breach is with a battering ram. I should help it along.
Eivor and her allies breached the main gate.
Aelfgar:The gate is down! Leave the ram, we don't need it.
Hunwald:Fight, men! Fight until your livers hang from your mouths!
Eivor and allies fighting Herefrith's men
Eivor and her allies headed for the blockade.
Eivor:Need to find a way past that palisade. An explosion could do it, or I can try hitting it with a springald.
Eivor destroyed the palisade.
Aelfgar:Lower the drawbridge!
Eivor and her allies headed towards the drawbridge.
Aelfgar:Hunwald! Watch your arse!
Hunwald:Ah! I... I got him! My thanks, Aelfgar!
Aelfgar:Thank me when the bleeding is done!
If Hunwald was overwhelmed by enemies, Eivor helped him back to his feet.
Hunwald:A moment's rest is all I needed.
As Eivor ascended the battlement to get a good angle to shoot down the drawbridge, she fought a large flail-wielding Gedriht atop of the arch near the drawbridge.
Eivor:A challenge at last.
Anglo-Saxon Soldier 6:I'll stick you like a pig!
Eivor killed the soldier and shot out the chains, lowering the drawbridge. Above the drawbridge, Eivor saw a group of hanged civilians.
Eivor:Gods! Herefrith has gone mad!
Eivor, Aelfgar and Hunwald interrogating the priest for Herefrith's whereabouts
Entering the third area, Eivor and her allies found a surrendering priest, kneeling on the ground.
Eivor:You... point me to the bishop. No one else need to die today.
Anglo-Saxon Man 1:He's... he's in the chapel there. Hiding away. Scabrous coward.
Eivor:Let no one leave that church without facing judgment.
Eivor sought a way into the chapel, either by breaking a glass window on high or sneaking in through the connected crypt.
Anglo-Saxon Man 2:Some respite, lord, please. Our battle is lost.
Herefrith:Continue the work of God, my boy. Kill this pagan.
Herefrith's final moments
Eivor stalked towards and assassinated the bishop Herefrith. In the Memory Corridor, Eivor walked towards a sitting Herefrith, who began to reflect on his life.
Herefrith:I died the day I hid behind these robes, this cross. To bring the light of my order to a wider view, I debased myself. Clawed my way to the top of this common religion, full of common men. I should have lived as the ancients did.
Eivor:That's the folly of mankind, Herefrith. We wallow in our failures like happy pigs in a sty of shit. You should have learned to enjoy it.
Eivor reached forward, grabbing Herefrith's Order medallion, and his spirit immediately vanished. The assault was completed as the fyrd declared victory. Inspecting the chapel, Eivor found a letter after killing the bishop.
The robes you wear are but a costume. A lure to win the people's trust. Think nothing of your soul or salvation. You have the truth, the shadows have dripped away, and now you see the light of the world. Take comfort in that.
Your methods are brash and your violence is brazen! In seizing control of this shire by force, you will turn the people against the one institution that gives them hope.
Desist, and make no more noise in Lincolnscire! Draw no more attention to yourself, and await my further orders. To disobey means death.
Eivor read a letter Herefrith attempted to pen to King Ceolwulf before the siege.
Letter to King Ceolwulf
Lord King,
You will forgive my bluntness, but I demand your aid. Lincolnscire is facing a great threat, and it is one that you helped permeate. It is your duty now to see to its end. The Dane Eivor must be stopped.
You forged a path forward for the heathens. This is your failure. But you can make it right. God will forgive you, but you must act now.
Bishop Herefrith
Eivor exited the chapel and made her way to speak with her ally in charge, who stood ready to assume the role of ealdorman of Lincolnscire.
Aelfgar:Eivor, you fought as one possessed by a demon today.
Eivor:Herefrith may yet have allies in Mercia, members of his secret order. But the immediate danger is passed.
Aelfgar:You have my deepest thanks, Eivor. To you, I owe all my future happiness and prosperity.
Eivor:You're a good fit for ealdorman, Aelfgar. Just make sure you put the shire's needs above your own.
Aelfgar:Of course. I'd not be the man I am today without this land, these people.
Eivor looked at Hunwald in the distance.
Eivor:I did this to secure the alliance between us, Aelfgar. Not to bring you personal prosperity.
Aelfgar:Yes, of course, you did. Forgive me. I'm not yet accustomed to the size of the task before me.
Eivor looked at Hunwald in the distance.
Eivor looked at Hunwald in the distance.
Eivor:It's a shame Hunwald was not fit to don his father's boots, but he can bring joy to the people here. Treat him well.
Aelfgar:Yes, about that... I believe that he has a somewhat different idea of his future. You should talk to him.
Eivor:About...?
Aelfgar:Until next we meet, Eivor. The strength of Lincolnscire is yours, should you need it.
Eivor walked over to Hunwald.
Eivor:We are bonded now, your people and mine.
Hunwald:I have found better friends in Danes to be honest. Swanburrow is my love, and you are a better friend to me than any here. Would it be an imposition to ask... well, could we live with your clan? Swanburrow and I? It would mean so much to her... and to me.
Eivor smiled and grasped Hunwald's shoulder.
Eivor:Of course you may. We would be happy to host you, Ferocious Swan. And your charming Dane. Come when it suits you.
Hunwald:O, yes, I'll pull my weight, I promise! And fight when needs be. And I won't drink more than I'm allotted.
Eivor:You fight with us, Hunwald. And you can drink as much as you like.
Hunwald:Thank you, Eivor. This means... it means the world to me.
Hunwald happily agreed to be part of the Raven Clan. He walked over to the log Aelfgar sat upon and joined him, reflecting on the battle.
Hunwald:I... I can't believe I survived that!
Aelfgar:I mean this with the utmost love, my friend: neither can I.
Hunwald:The blood and splinters, flying through the air! The blood... and viscera... absolutely poetic...!
Hunwald became nauseous as he vividly recalled the gore.
Aelfgar:There there, Hunwald, take deep breaths. Perhaps I can find you a jar to take the edge off.
Eivor at his family emblem
Hunwald:Eivor. Is he... is the bishop dead?
Eivor:He bled too little and talked too much. Now he's gone.
Hunwald:I won't miss him, but Acha will need some time to grieve.
Hunwald held his swan emblem in his hand as Eivor walked beside him.
Eivor:You fought well, Ferocious Swan. Notched a few scars in your baby fat today.
Hunwald:Yes, but they will heal. And stronger than before.
Eivor:Lincolnscire is yours to lead, ealdorman. The hardest fight begins now.
Eivor:Be careful in the coming weeks. There may be others who wish you harm. Herefrith was not the only member of his Order in Mercia.
Hunwald:I shall hold on to my friends with every fiber of my constitution and watch my back for iron daggers.
Eivor:Lincolnscire is yours to lead, ealdorman. The hardest fight begins now.
Eivor:Lincolnscire is yours to lead, ealdorman. The hardest fight begins now.
Hunwald:The din of battle still rings in my ears. I think I now know what it means to be a leader.
Eivor:Good.
Hunwald:I would ask a favor, if I could.
Eivor:Name it.
Hunwald:As ealdorman, my life may be a dangerous one. For a time anyway. Would you allow my Swanburrow to take refuge in your settlement? At least until I feel all danger has passed.
Eivor:We'd be happy to have her.
Hunwald:Thank you, my sturdy Norse berserker. The meadhalls of my shire will be lonely without you stomping about.
Eivor:Our people are bonded now. We must look out for one another.
Hunwald giving Eivor a hug
Hunwald hugged Eivor.
Hunwald:Blast it, I am a horror with goodbyes.
Eivor placed her hands on Hunwald's shoulders to bid him farewell.
Eivor:It'll do for now.
Eivor:Now, it seems the wind calls me back to Randvi. Best tell her the good news.
If Herefrith is chosen as ealdorman, Eivor follows Aelfgar into battle when Herefrith betrays the shire, similar to if Aelfgar was chosen as ealdorman. Additionally, in this scenario, Hunwald will wear the same blue garments as the rest of the fyrd during this assault instead of his default clothing. Hunwald's clothing will return to normal after he moves to Ravensthorpe. Interestingly, Herefrith may be flagged as friendly during the assault, and thus the player can freely walk up and assassinate him without resistance—although the soldiers will be hostile—and even engage in the original post-arc "check-in" dialogue with him in the middle of the sealed church.
If Lincoln is the final pledge to be completed on the Alliance Map before the pledge to Hordafylke unlocks, with Herefrith initially chosen as ealdorman, the player will instead be forced to rest in bed at Ravensthorpe and cycle a full in-game day/night, after which the news of Herefrith's betrayal arrives immediately.
