The return of "Vikings" for its third season has yet to see Ragnar and Floki's friendship all patched up. The second season of the series culminated to their dented comradeship. With this, the king's need for a new confidante emerges. This is where Athelstan comes into the picture.

"There's definitely a rift being created between Floki and Ragnar due to Ragnar's religious curiosity. However, while Floki may see the battle as fighting on behalf of the Christians, Ragnar always looks at the bigger picture," George Blagden (who plays Athelstan) said as he differentiated the two to Zap2it. "It's useful to have someone else he trusts who's probably the most objective of his family. Over two seasons we've seen Ragnar create fractured relationships with his family and friends, but that hasn't really happened with Athelstan," Blagden went on to say.

In Season 3, Ragnar will be leading his men to fight in Wessex on behalf of King Ecbert. Being a hungry vagabond that he is, Ragnar attempts to make a way into Paris, which has an impassable filament of outside forces. While Ragnar and his men are away to "cement Vikings in history," a wanderer named Harbard (to be played by Kevin Durand) will arrive at the shores of Kattegat.

Harbard's arrival was prefigured in the dreams of the three women namely Queen Aslaug, Helga and Siggy, who is the most doubtful of the vagrant's intentions. "She [unintelligible] right or wrong, you'll probably find out in the next episode," Durand teases in an interview with Monsters and Critics.

The "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" actor, although very good at keeping everyone excited, dished out that he will appear in three episodes of Season 3, where fans will see how "mystical" his character is.

Apart from Durand, more actors will be added to the "Vikings" ensemble. Ben Robson will take on the role of Kalf, Lagertha's "young, handsome second in command," as History Channel describes him. Being very fond of him, Lagertha will be blinded of his true and "calculating" intentions. This is likely to propel the character into a major player in the future seasons of "Vikings."

Lothaire Bluteau was cast as Emperor Charles of France, "a complex, troubled and powerful man who views battling the Vikings as spiritual and earthly." His daughter is Princess Gisla, which will be played by Morgane Polanski. Beneath her beauty and grace is an impressive dose of courage and resolution.

"Vikings" season 3 will premiere on Feb. 19.