Though Rand thought he destroyed the Dark One, evil is not gone from the world. Threats new and very old seek out the young friends from the Two Rivers, now…

Factions in Greenland spill blood, driving Ubbe’s company away. Troops under Ivar and Dir seize Kiev for Prince Igor. Gunnhild makes a fateful choice.

As his enemies scheme for power, Harald prepares for his coronation and chooses a queen. Ubbe’s party reaches shore — but not the one they’re seeking.

The election for Kattegat’s new ruler is held, but a surprise visitor disrupts the proceedings. Ivar puts his plan to overthrow Oleg into action.

Ubbe persuades the settlers in Iceland to embark on a voyage of exploration. The defeat of the Rus creates power vacuums in both Kattegat and Kiev.