Episode 5 of "Vikings: Valhalla" unfolds with Freydis embarking on a sacred pilgrimage in Uppsala, where the veil of divine mysteries awaits her within the hallowed temple. As she delves deeper into the realm of the Gods, Freydis seeks not only enlightenment but also a glimpse into her own fate. Her spiritual odyssey leads her to an enigmatic seer, whose cryptic words echo, "Run, and the lamentations will but intensify." Mystified by this prophecy, the seer abruptly transforms into a crow, its wings beating a hasty retreat into the skies.
Meanwhile, across the seas in England, the hushed prayers of Emma's council women echo through the chamber as she, poised on her throne, braces herself for the impending storm of Viking wrath. But when the intruders burst forth, it is not Canute's face that meets her gaze, but that of Olaf and his ruthless band.
Just as Edmund's life hangs in the balance, poised on the precipice of Harald's blade, a sudden, unexpected intervention from Canute halts the descent of death. With steely resolve, he vows that if Harald's sword falls, his own will not be far behind. Rage boils within Canute, mirrored in Harald's frustrated slam of his sword as he storms off.
As Leif meticulously attends to the wounded Liv, extracting an arrowhead from her shoulder with care, Canute cannot help but commend Edmund's tactical prowess in battle—his admiration genuine. Had Mercia indeed launched an attack, the Vikings' fate might have been sealed in defeat.
Yet, it was Edmund's impulsive, emotionally-fueled charge that ultimately proved his undoing. Canute, intrigued by Emma, presses Edmund for more insights into the enigmatic queen, eager to unravel the secrets she holds.
Naturally inclined, Canute forges a strategic alliance with Harald, ambitiously plotting to elevate him to the throne of Norway. Little does he know, Olaf has already clandestinely designated his twelve-year-old son as the heir apparent, concealing the boy from Harald's prying eyes under the guise of Harald's eventual coronation.
Swiftly, Canute rides to Mercia, where he extends his gratitude to Streona for his restraint, avoiding any interference. Together, they arrange a feast, yet beneath the merriment lies a more solemn purpose: to negotiate Streona's terms for abstaining from aggression against Canute.
This revelation shakes Harald to his core, and upon learning of Emma's vast wealth, he sees an opportunity to uncover Olaf's whereabouts. With purposeful strides, Harald appears at Emma's chambers and escorts her, unannounced, to the dinner table where Canute and the others await. Olaf's discontent is palpable at her presence, as accolades are showered upon Leif for his pivotal role in the unfolding drama. In a subtle yet significant gesture, Leif also settles Freydis' debts, further solidifying his position.
As the evening wears on, Streona's true intentions surface, as he boldly declares his aspiration to govern England in Canute's stead, convinced that Canute's imminent return to Denmark will pave the way for his ascension. The tension mounts, and the air thickens with intrigue, as each player maneuvers for power amidst the opulence of the feast.
However, the atmosphere abruptly shifted into an awkward discomfort when Canute's raspy voice pierced the air, proclaiming the presence of a traitor amidst their ranks. And who was this traitor but Streona, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the gathering. Canute, destined to be England's next king, would reign alongside Edmund, whose role would be to keep the nobility in check, while Canute's influence would stretch far and wide.
After the meeting's tumultuous conclusion, Leif embarked on a daring path, opting to defy his original plan and forsake a return to Greenland. Greenland held no allure for him now, with Freydis embarked on her own spiritual odyssey, and so he chose to remain with the Vikings, his newfound family.
In a gesture of unexpected benevolence, Canute orchestrated the reunion of Emma with her beloved children, a heartwarming scene that showcased the softer side of the soon-to-be king. Down the hallway, Godwin cunningly offered his services to Canute, dancing deftly on the edge of both factions, his flirtatious nature undimmed.
Elsewhere, the relentless Pagan hunter traced a crimson trail, leading him straight to the healer's humble abode. Cradling his babe tenderly, he confronted the healer with the truth of two distinct blood trails, demanding she speak freely. But with her child's life hanging in the balance, a mere shake of her head was enough to betray Yrsa's whereabouts.
Outside, the healer found herself encircled by menacing horsemen, their presence punctuated by piercing screams that echoed through the air. Freydis, somehow attuned to the distant turmoil, spurred her steed into a gallop, her heart pounding with urgency as she raced to intervene. Would she arrive in time to save the day?
