The Shadow of the Gods

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

Orka leads the brothers into the Boneback Mountains after Drekr, heading toward the Grimholt, a fortress guarding a pass into the northlands. They stumble upon a shattered oath stone with a fresh carving and the bloodied corpse of a massive eagle suspended above it. Orka identifies the carvings as linked to Lik-Rifa, suggesting a growing resurgence of dragon-worshippers.

As they travel, Orka continues to train Mord and Lif for their eventual confrontation with Guðvarr. While the brothers improve, Orka emphasizes the dangers of fighting well-armed and armored opponents.

Varg wakes to chaos within the Bloodsworn camp. The others tell him that Vol is Glornir’s wife. He was driven into a rage at her kidnapping and was confined to a separate chamber for the group’s safety. They also tell Varg that not only Glornir, but all of the Bloodsworn are Tainted, including Varg himself, a descendant of Ulfrir the wolf.

Though initially resistant to the news, Varg realizes it explains the rage that fuels him and his survival instincts. Glornir finally emerges and formally invites Varg to join the Bloodsworn. Varg accepts and receives an arm ring as a symbol of his bond with the warband.