I find it hard to believe that the most well developed and interesting character in the story, not to mention a total badass, is going to die so early! I would be more than astonished if Askeladd dies this early.
Lol that part with Bjorn and the Horse's was pretty funny but I wonder what Thorfinn is gonna do if Askeladd actually dies before he can kill Askeladd.
Those traitors! But Askeladd is one "old" tricky bastard who already knew what he had coming by advance. He may be losing his luck but his perspicacity isn't leaving him anytime soon.
So Thorfinn is really joining forces with him and Bjornn. After he met Thorkell in London for the first time and got to see him a second times on the woods and discovered he knew about his father Thors, I had that idea of Thorfinn siding him.
But he's so desperate to finish Askeladd off in a fair combat as his father had and won and still got him murdered dishonestly.