7. The Profit and the Loss

Complete story — includes the ending

Ragnar suggests attacking from both the river and by land. Rollo notices Lagertha's warriors become stuck in the marsh, and fires upon them and the ships. As the ships approach the forts, Rollo orders the Franks to raise a metal chain between them, which capsizes some ships. Lagertha's attack retreats, and the Franks begin to set the Viking ships on fire. Bjorn rescues Harald and Halfdan, and Ragnar saves Floki. As the Vikings retreat, Ragnar shouts to Rollo that he saved his life when everyone wanted him dead. Meanwhile, in Kattegat, Sigurd watches as Harbard and Aslaug kiss. In Wessex, Ecbert leaves for Mercia; he arrives to meet with Prince Wigstan, who tells him that the Mercians will not accept Kwenthrith as Queen. He tells Ecbert that he will hand Mercia over to him. In Paris, the Vikings return to their camp, which Roland has ambushed; Helga is alive but wounded, while Ragnar's sons and Yidu are hiding unharmed. Ragnar demands more "medicine" from Yidu. Floki has a vision of Harbard having sex with Aslaug. Bjorn demands a new plan from Ragnar. Ragnar replies that they will retreat tomorrow while muttering to a severed head.