Thorfinn has turned his back on his life as a mercenary and now aspires to a life of non-violence. But after the failed escape of Gardar and Arneis, which resulted in the death of several of the Serpent's men as well as Gardar himself. Arneis, Thorfinn, and Einar are tied up and locked in the barn awaiting their punishment. A few days later, Master Ketil secretly returns to the farm by the Leif's boat, after the king, determined to dispossess him of his wealth.