Three Viking ships sail toward the Royal Villa of King Aelle in eastern England. Ragnar wants ransom in exchange for peace, but the king has a very different plan in mind.

Ragnar and King Horik clash over how to dispense justice to Jarl Borg. In Wessex, King Aelle arrives and Ecbert has an eye on a new alliance.

The Viking army begins to gather in Kattegat. Lagertha must remain vigilant in the absence of her son, Bjorn.

Ragnar's plan comes to fruition. The Viking army lands on the coast of Northumbria.