Heir to the throne quest workaround?

[andakanda]

Hi

Im basicly stuck in the game right now, i've completed every sidequest and killed every monster available so far.

Found Odin's Banner floating in the sea after i got the Heir to the throne quest, but cant return it to King Asvald. I've read this is a common bug.

I assume this quest is relevant to the main story as King Asvald will give you
his blessing to sign the alliance or something when you turn in the banner?

Is there any way around this quest, as i refuse to start over again. Also, i VAGUELY remember finding another Odins Banner earlier in the game which I sold