In the next episode of "Vikings," Ivar the Boneless (Alex Hogh Andersen), Queen Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and the rest of the leaders of the warring armies explore their options.

The trailer and promotional pictures for the upcoming installment, which is titled "A Simple Story," were just released recently, and they show Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) having a serious conversation with his half-brother Ivar the Boneless (Alex Hogh Andersen).

"For the sake of our father, Ivar, do not put our people's lives at risk," Bjorn warns the defiant, crippled man. Many warriors died in a previous battle, and Bjorn does not want that to happen again.

However, Ivar replies with contempt, "The fact is you are afraid."

Apparently, the handicapped leader is bent on getting his revenge on Bjorn's mother, Lagertha. Fans will recall that she had killed Ivar's mother when she shot an arrow into her back.

Meanwhile, the warrior Bishop Heahmund (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is in the custody of Lagertha, and they get into a conversation. He looks up at her and says, "I think we are equals." He has seen her in battle and appears to be impressed by her skills and leadership.

However, Lagertha looks at him with disdain and says, "Don't flatter yourself." It remains to be seen what the queen is going to do with Heahmund. He could either fight alongside her or die, if he refuses to cooperate.

In the last episode, Lagertha, Bjorn, and Ubbe (Jordan Patrick Smith) battled the armies of Ivar, King Harald of Tumdrip (Peter Franzen), and Hvitserk (Marco Ilso). The clash was a bloody one, but Lagertha and her forces were able to emerge victorious in the end. Ivar and his remaining army fled the battlefield in disgrace.

"Vikings" season 5 episode 9 will hit the airwaves on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 9 p.m. EST on the History channel.