Arvid and Frøya retrieve rich spoils in England but Jarl Varg's raids to the east are a flop. Rufus leads a trio of outcasts to Rome, or so he thinks.

Jarl Varg demands a new pair of hands but finds that metalworking has advanced only so far by the year 791. The other slaves hurt Orm's feelings.

A murderous plot against the Law Speaker returns Orm and Rufus to prominence in Norheim. Peasant farmers object to Arvid's new "protection money" tax.

A peasant revolt is short-lived. Arvid is a fugitive after violating the peace of the Thing. Frøya suspects Orm and Rufus of plotting with Jarl Varg.

After Jarl Varg gets revenge and confiscates the map to the west, Norheim comes up with a plan for the future that doesn't include Orm, Liv or Rufus.