The Shadow of the Gods

Content Warning: This section contains scenes of graphic violence, torture, enslavement, and child abuse.

Varg struggles with the physical toll of the climb through the Boneback Mountains and his growing frustration at being barred from completing an akáll to fulfill his promise to his sister. He talks to Skalk, and the Galdurman offers to perform it for a price: A blood oath of debt to him. Skalk warns that it could sever Varg’s ties to the Bloodsworn.

The Bloodsworn scouts find a gruesome scene in the forest: the mutilated bodies of some of Queen Helka’s warriors, hanging from trees. Glornir realizes Skalk withheld the truth about Helka sending other warriors into the mountains. Despite being shaken, the Bloodsworn continue their trek.

Lif and Mord tend to Orka’s injuries after her fight with Drekr. When the brothers question why she thought her plan would work, she replies that fighting and killing is easier for her than others. They then tell her they were planning to leave, but saw Jarl Sigrún’s ship arrive, and stayed to warn Orka that the jarl is looking for them.

The trio return to Darl and follow Skefil, the burned man, for information on Drekr.