In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the quest “The Stench of Treachery” takes place in Grantebridgescire, where you are tasked with uncovering the identity of the traitor who betrayed Soma. This quest can be quite time-consuming, as it requires careful investigation and exploration of the evidence surrounding Soma’s betrayal. While it may be tempting to rush through, taking the time to investigate thoroughly will offer a more immersive and satisfying experience.
The Investigation Process
You are given three suspects, Soma’s closest allies, who might have betrayed her:
- Birna
- Lif
- Galinn
Each of these characters has their own reasons to be suspected, and the game presents clues that cast doubt on all three of them. However, the key to solving the mystery lies in following the evidence trail and making careful observations.
Before we delve into the details of who the real traitor is, it’s worth noting that you are encouraged to conduct your own investigation by exploring the clues scattered throughout the region. This involves speaking with the suspects, inspecting the environment, and piecing together the information you gather.
Clues and Evidence
- Lif mentions that his yellow paint has been stolen. When investigating Soma’s longhouse, you can find traces of yellow paint leading through an escape tunnel that points towards the location where the invaders’ boats were docked. Lif seems suspicious because of this missing paint, but further investigation is required.
- Galinn behaves erratically, and during your conversations with him, he speaks of visions and destiny, which raises suspicion. His behavior seems more paranoid than the others, and he also avoids providing clear answers.
- Birna does not appear to have a strong motive and is less likely to be the traitor based on her demeanor and loyalty to Soma. Additionally, if you accuse her, she will react with genuine shock and sadness, further diminishing her credibility as a suspect.
Finding the Real Traitor
If you follow the paint trail and thoroughly investigate, you will eventually come across the ambushed ships in the fens located to the northwest of Grantebridge. Among these ships, you will discover Galinn’s ship, which has yellow paint on it, directly linking him to the betrayal. This solidifies your suspicion that Galinn is the traitor.
The Final Accusation
Once you’ve gathered enough evidence, you will need to confront Soma and make your accusation. If you accuse Galinn, Soma will agree with your findings, and in a cutscene, she will execute him by cutting his throat, ensuring that justice is served.
After the quest, Birna will offer to join your raiding team, and you can welcome her into your camp at Ravensthorpe, further rewarding your efforts in solving the mystery.
Conclusion
While all three suspects have their reasons to be doubted, the real traitor in The Stench of Treachery is Galinn. His erratic behavior, visions of destiny, and the physical evidence found on his ship make him the betrayer. Taking the time to fully explore and question the suspects not only enhances the narrative but also ensures a rewarding conclusion to this long and intricate quest.
