On a pilgrimage, Freydis and her party are savagely attacked. Harald and Leif seek a route through the marshes near London as Edmund is crowned king.

Schemes, betrayals and politics rule the day as a new monarch takes the throne of England. Leif is hailed as a hero but secretly questions his faith.

Freydis returns to Kattegat and joins a sacred order. Canute solidifies his power in England. Kåre revisits the holy site of a childhood trauma.

Olaf makes a pact with Kåre as Kattegat prepares for its defense. In Canute's absence, his father, Sweyn Forkbeard, shares England's throne with Edmund.

Olaf and Kåre gather their forces to invade Kattegat. Palace intrigue over control of England's throne results in an unexpected turn of events.