Chapter Four, The Aftermath of the Northmen's Funeral Summary

During the burial of Wyglif Ibn Fadlan learns a man named Thorkel desires to take the throne from Buliwyf. He also learns Thorkel wishes to see Ibn Fadlan slain even though Ibn Fadlan has no role in Buliwyf's appointment to the throne. The interpreter counsels Ibn Fadlan to wait and see how the matter will turn out.

While Ibn Fadlan waits, a storm besets the encampment and a thick fog covers the land. Ibn Fadlan notices that the strong Northmen, who do not exhibit fear easily, are extremely fearful of the fog. Ibn Fadlan asks his interpreter about this behavior and learns that because the Northmen are a sailing people, it makes sense they would be afraid of fog, which can steer a boat off course into peril. Ibn...