Summary

In Chapter 23, Hearthstone, Magnus, and Blitzen parachute into Alfheim. They land on the land in the yard of Hearthstone’s family mansion. They find that the mansion has been taped off by the police. On the gate a sign warns that “TRESPASSERS WILL DIE” (479). The property is in disarray. The grass has grown high, bird feathers and bones litter the yard. The mansion has been reduced to ruins.

Magnus asks in awe if they caused this. Blitzen explains that they only started it, and that ultimately the cursed ring is to blame for the destruction. Magnus remembers how he and Hearthstone stole a hoard of gold from Andvari. In the hoard included a cursed ring. Hearthstone’s father Mr. Alderman took the hoard as payment for a blood debt. Magnus asks Hearth if his father remains inside, and Hearth tells him he is...