they’d had nothing to offer the Gods but a goat. Their winter supplies had run out much too soon. But then there hadn’t been a great deal of order at the slaughter this last fall, either. Hauge aim at the animal’s shoulder holds his breath – and releases the arrow. But just then the scared animal jumps off, the arrow stuck in a hind leg. ….." Four years has gone and Hauge’s mother Aasa has married Sven, hoping to help him become a better chieftain. The dumb slave-girl, Astrid, gives birth in secrecy to a stillborn child. Hauge is shaken when he learns who the father of the child is. The men travel to the winter markets in Skiringssal where many a good deal is done. Once again Hauge meets his friend Hannibal. But on their way home they are brutally attacked and many die; among them, Sven. Hauge is made chieftain and can finally avenge his father. But who is the young beautiful girl, Edwina, who was enslaved on a raid in England?