Summary

In Chapter 1, Styrbörn dies in Uppsala during a battle against King Erik. King Sven attacks his father King Harald leaving King Harald wounded and causing strife within the Danish kingdom. King Erik finally kills King Harald and battles against King Sven on account of the ships they gave to Styrbörn. In general, Skanian chieftains avoid joining this battle of kings. Orm sails to join one of these chieftains, Thorkel the Tall—much to Asa’s despair. Meanwhile, Thorkel encounters two Swedish ships—lead by men called Jostein and Gudmund—who wish to plunder Denmark for King Erik. Instead of battling, Thorkel suggests they join forces and go a-viking to England, where the weak King Ethelred reigns.

When the Vikings invade Maldon, King Ethelred and his Archbishop, Sigerik, pray to be rid of them. One English-Viking leader...