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.

After Jarl Varg gets revenge and confiscates the map to the west, Norheim comes up with a plan for the future that doesn't include Orm, Liv or Rufus.