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.

Orm and Rufus get to know their comrades in chains. Jarl Varg hires a Chinese mercenary for a special job. Liv returns and makes some big changes.

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.