Episode 6 of Vikings: Valhalla's second season unfolds amidst the treacherous banks of the Volkhov River, its waters lapping at the fringes of Novgorod. Olaf's relentless pursuit burns hot on the heels of Harald and his companions, blissfully unaware of their impending shadow, as they've made camp amidst the dense forest, their journey to Constantinople unfolding before them.
Yet, their greatest challenge lurks not just ahead but within their midst—the daunting descent of a waterfall and the uncertain fate that awaits beyond—the menacing Pechenegs. Days of delay have already been gambled, and Harald's urgency echoes through the group, urging them to rise and press forward. Yet, a defiant choice is made by the former slave women, including our two formidable pit fighters, who elect to remain behind, their resolve unshaken.
Love, that unpredictable force, finds its way even in the unlikeliest of corners, as it gently weaves its spell over Leif and Mariam. Amidst the verdant embrace of the forest, their lips meet in a kiss that blossoms into a deeper entanglement, igniting passions long suppressed.
Harald, displaying a rare act of selflessness, sheds his cherished furs, casting them into the river's embrace, recognizing this as their best hope for survival. His example is not lost on the others, who follow suit, discarding their burdens and preparing themselves for the treacherous plunge down the falls.
Meanwhile, Harekr's quest for Freydis is fraught with desperation. The discovery of her bloodstained rags and wolf tracks leading away from camp only fuels his fire. But at the docks, a grim scene unfolds as Jorundr hangs in chains, awaiting his fate. Guilt hangs heavy over him for aiding a prisoner, and his prospects look bleak.
Harekr's return is marked by a theatrical display, the bloodied rag and Jorundr's knife held aloft as evidence of a heinous crime. He fabricates a tale of Jorundr's guilt, accusing him of Freydis' murder and subsequent desecration in the boneyard. In a fit of righteous indignation, Harekr demands the eradication of this "evil," and judgment falls swiftly upon Jorundr. The penalty is severe—his necklace stripped, his hand severed, and ultimately, banishment into exile.
Meanwhile, Emma's relentless pursuit of the enigmatic Bear deepens, canvassing every corner for clues to this elusive figure's identity. Agnarr endeavors to glean information from the ale-wife, only to encounter a stony wall of silence until the Queen's direct intervention is requested. And lo and behold, Emma arrives, her countenance instantly clouding. The ale-wife, her guard finally lowered, unburdens her secret: Godwin's soul was scarred by his father's treachery, his world crumbling around him until he found solace in the form of the Bear, who stood steadfast by his side. Revealed at last, the Bear is none other than John Fletcher, Godwin's guardian angel, a man who holds him in the highest esteem and would traverse fire and ice for his sake.
Spurred by this revelation, Agnarr and Emma embark on a quest to locate Fletcher, only to stumble upon a sorrowful sight—an elderly man, lifeless, with a majestic Grand Ring lying beside him, a testament to a life far removed from humble farmhands. Their suspicions solidified, they realize the truth: this was indeed the Bear.
As Emma returns to the bustling streets of London, she is met with a surprise—King Canute has graced the city once more. He inquires eagerly into Emma's endeavors, his brow furrowing as he hears of the Bear's passing, suspecting Godwin's hand in the matter despite the lack of overt signs of foul play. Canute, ever the diplomat, dismisses the ring as mere circumstantial evidence, reminding Emma of her own misstep with Aelfwynn, where her intentions, though noble, led to unintended suffering.
Swiftly, Canute moves to mend frayed relationships, a plan that shocks all: he intends to wed Princess Gytha, a union designed to quell whispers of discord and bind the kingdom in harmony anew.
Meanwhile, Freydis stirs from her slumber, only to be confronted with the shattering realization that the gift of motherhood has been forever denied her. Her world shatters into pieces as she grapples with this unbearable truth, her shock palpable. This revelation imbues her mission to reclaim her beloved Harald with an urgency and desperation that borders on the frantic. Yet, amidst her turmoil, Freydis summons the strength to reclaim her sword, steeling herself for the battle ahead to reclaim what is rightfully hers.
Emerging at the gates, Freydis's sudden appearance stuns all in attendance as she confronts Harekr, her voice ringing with accusation, leveling charges of child theft. Unwavering in her resolve, she dares the Gods to adjudicate, and thus, a clash of titans ensues. Though Freydis is briefly felled, the tide turns swiftly as the crowd turns against Harekr, pelting him with stones and echoing Freydis's claims. In the end, justice prevails: Harald is restored to his mother's arms, Harekr meets his fate, and a semblance of order seems to have been restored.
As for Jorundr, his journey takes a stark turn as he's deposited onto a boat, banished to the heart of the ocean with a dire warning echoing in his ears. Harekr's betrayal serves as a grim reminder that no one is safe, and he must now fend for himself in a tiny rowing craft, adrift and unaware of the tumultuous events unfolding at home.
As the episode draws to a close, the intrepid band bound for Constantinople braces itself for its most daunting challenge yet—a perilous waterfall that looms ahead, promising nothing but tumult and danger. As they draw near, every soul aboard tightens their grip, steeling their nerves for the bone-jarring descent that awaits. The boat tips precariously, mimicking a wild rollercoaster ride, and with a collective cry of "Geronimo!" they plunge into the unknown, their fate hanging in the balance.
