Escorted by Askeladd and the recalcitrant Thorfinn, Prince Knut finally arrives at the camp of Gainborough, bolstered by Thorkell's army, which has joined his cause. He is received in audience by King Sven himself. A psychological war then begins between the old king and his young son, who does not hide his intention of taking the throne. For all the protagonists of the story, it is time to choose their path, to fulfill their destiny, or perhaps to free themselves from it. But the road promises to be long and stained with blood.