Young Crowbone has come to visit Orm and his few Oathsworn at Hestreng.
Crowbone is now known as Olaf Tryggvasson, Prince of Norway. Crowbone
warns Orm of Randr Sterki, who plans revenge on both of them. Orm
doesn’t want to fight.
Not long after Crowbone’s visit, Jarl Brand brings his son for Orm to
foster. It is a significant recognition of Orm’s status. Also with
Brand was Queen Sigurth, pregnant and very demanding. She was returning
to be with King Eirik. The day after news arrives indicating that
Brand’s home has been raided. Brand plans to hurry to the king, and
fight for him. However, that means leaving Sigurth with Orm.
Orm sends his community up into the mountains and prepares to do battle
with Randr Sterki. When Sterki attacks, he brings Roman Fire, which
destroys Orm’s boat. Orm and his friend Finn barely survive, but what
of their community? Fortunately they have escaped and Orm and Finn make
it back to them. Then comes the realisation that Sterki is working to
not just destroy Orm, but also to ensure that Sigurth doesn’t survive
nor produce a son who would be heir before King Eirik’s original heir,
Styrbjorn.
Now the community must struggle to get to safety. They will be set upon
by their enemies several times. Fortunately Sigurth gives birth to a
healthy son, to be named Olaf. It is at this time that Orm’s fostering
was kidnapped. Can Orm and his community survive the attacks and get
the boy back?
Once again, author Robert Low, has provided the reader with a rollicking
tale of adventure, action and death based on stories of Viking life. A
thoroughly enjoyable read, and hard to put down.
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