Leif stops, and puts a large hand on Athelstan's shoulder.

"It had nothing to do with you," he says, "and very little with me, either, truth be told. Ragnar had to sacrifice somebody, somebody whom he would bitterly miss, to make himself felt as a peer among the earls. It was another flavour of battle, and he couldn't afford to lose you. You're unique for what you know; I'm just brawn. Take two Arnes, and you've almost replaced me."

He grins. "Arne will resent that, but that's half the fun."