Herot is bustling as the town makes preparations for the Gathering at which the next Jarl, leader of the Shieldlands, will be elected. With the other tribal leaders due to arrive in Herot at any moment however, the pressure mounts to catch Herot’s killer before another victim is claimed. In a bid to buy themselves more time and avoid panic amongst the tribe leaders, Rheda, Slean and Abrecan ride out to stall them whilst Beowulf begins his search.

With Slean and Thane Scorann missing, Beowulf and Rate, Thane of the Varni, ride out into the forest in search of them. But with the Gathering fast approaching and Rheda’s bid for leadership depending on the hope of ever-loyal Scorann’s vote, Beowulf questions whether their disappearance might be more than a simple coincidence.

The day of the Gathering. Rheda must prove herself worthy to become ruler of all the Shieldlands. Meanwhile, Slean must also make a sacrifice for his mother’s campaign, but in doing so, his loyalties become deeply conflicted.

With danger lurking in every corner threatening the Shieldlands, Herot’s Huskarla patrol the forests looking for signs of the enemy. Enjoying their newfound romance, Beowulf and Elvina become distracted from the threats around them and she is soon forced to reveal a dark secret.

Beowulf grapples with the revelation of Elvina’s secret and the fact that he has fallen in love with her. Rheda returns to her hometown to see her brother Abrecan. In Bregan, she is confronted with some alarming revelations.