From the introduction: In the cold northern settlement of Kalsgard, chaos reigns on multiple fronts. Sveinn Blood-Eagle, whose mighty frame now carries the weight of many years, has announced that he is tired of waiting for a worthy heir to claim the title of Linnorm King from him. He intends to set sail on one last grand adventure to the legendary Ulfen colony of Vallenhall, leaving as soon as both his ship is prepared and any Ulfen who wish to accompany him have been given a fair chance to make the journey to his side. Just after this announcement, Sveinn’s score of children began to squabble over rulership of his domain, with the exception of his daughter Thira Ash-Eyes, who is currently absent from the city. As the party to celebrate the elderly warrior-king’s final departure begins, his three eldest children, Uldren Orcsbane, Birgun Whale-Eater, and Yngvilda the Bold, have already started to rally their various supporters and allies to make a bid for Sveinn’s throne. Tensions rise among the residents of Kalsgard as friction between these competing camps escalates.