"Yes," Ragnar nods to answer her question. He feels momentarily bad for causing her to remember something so fondly to the realities of the world and the power that turns good men into selfish, corrupt forces who don't care in the least about anyone or anything. "We have leaders and armies. Some are good and wise, others only want to claim land and take it for themselves."

Power is dangerous. It corrupts the best and attracts the worst. Power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up.

He looks away, remembering how he became Jarl of Kattegat before becoming King of Denmark and the two men he felt obligated to kill so that his people would be safe and could thrive. Ragnar looks at Lyanna again.

"Is that how it happens where you are from? You elect your leaders by way of contest?"