Ake

Ake is abrasive, disparaging, and quick to insult men he considers foolish. His brief appearance shows him participating comfortably in the rough social environment of Askeladd's band, where arguments can escalate into lethal violence.

He is also stubborn. Once a dispute becomes a challenge to his pride, Ake is unwilling to back down even when a simple apology could prevent the confrontation from worsening.

Ake is an experienced Viking warrior skilled with an axe and shield.

His years with Askeladd's company imply practical experience in raids, formation fighting, travel, and close-quarters combat, though the story does not portray him as one of the band's exceptional warriors.

Unlike heavily armored fighters, Ake is shown wearing relatively light clothing, suggesting that he relies on his shield and mobility for much of his defense.

Ake appears during Askeladd's band's operations in England in 1013, while the mercenaries are exploiting rural settlements for supplies and plunder.

After the group raids a farming village near Bath, Ake eats with several companions and discusses Askeladd's plans. Tore questions why the band is not attacking a larger settlement, and Ake mocks him for failing to understand that their force numbers barely over one hundred men.

The insult begins an argument that escalates into a formal fight.

Ake refuses to apologize after Tore calls him a cow thief. The dispute becomes lethal, and Tore eventually drives his sword through Ake's chest.

Askeladd is Ake's commander and leader of the mercenary band in which he serves.

Tore is Ake's fellow mercenary and the man who kills him after their argument escalates into a duel.

Bjorn witnesses the dispute and recognizes that it has gone too far to be stopped casually.

Thorfinn travels with the same mercenary band during Ake's period of service.