Askeladd tells Thorfinn to guard Canute and tortures a captured English captain, seeking information. He is interrupted to be told that Thorkell is approaching. Fearing defeat, some of his men decide to desert and attempt to join Thorkell, who kills them when they arrive. Askeladd reaches the shallow upper Severn River and cuts down a short bridge. However, Thorkell catches up with them. Many of Askeladd's men begin to doubt his ability as leader and he is faced with a full scale mutiny.