Full spoilers for this episode.
Athelstan asks Ragnar whether he is still a slave and explains why freedom matters even when his captor treats him kindly. Their conversation takes place as Ragnar prepares for trouble with Haraldson. The Earl then sends men against the farm, killing people and burning the household's home. Ragnar returns to the attack and is badly wounded while helping his family escape. Lagertha, the children and Athelstan get away by boat.
Ragnar escapes pursuit and reaches Floki, who tends his wounds while the family shelters out of sight. Torstein brings news that Haraldson is watching the crew and has confiscated their ship. The Earl gives it as part of Thyri's marriage arrangement with a wealthy older man, despite Siggy's objections. Ragnar has survived the assault, but his farm and livestock are gone, and his family must rely on Floki's food and protection.
Rollo tries to secure a place in Haraldson's household, claiming that Ragnar is dead and asking to take part in future raids. Siggy warns him that the Earl hates him, but he stays and is seized and tortured for information about his brother. When Torstein carries that news to the hiding place, Ragnar knows it is meant to draw him out. Still recovering, he sends Floki to Kattegat with a challenge: Haraldson must meet him in single combat.