Askeladd crosses the river and escapes from Thorkell into Wales with Canute. However, Askeladd’s men are ambushed by a group of soldiers hiding behind the boulders at the border of the kingdom of Brycheiniog. Askeladd attempts to negotiate with their messenger and reveals his plan.

Askeladd and his men change course and decide to return to Gainsborough, by crossing through the Earldom of Mercia in the midst of a harsh snowstorm, where the main army of Denmark awaits. The men spot a small village in the blizzard and make their move.

Einar and Thorfinn are told to convert a wild forest into a wheat field; and if they succeed, they will have the chance to buy their own freedom.

Thorfinn and Einar are working themselves to the bone to clear the forest, but there's only so much they can do without the help of horses.

Thorfinn wakes up in a peaceful place and he sees his father again. But then things quickly turn dark, and Thorfinn must face his painful past.

Finally, after three long years, Einar and Thorfinn chop down the final tree in the forest. With hope in their hearts, they talk about the future.

Arnheid comes to the fortress where Gardar is imprisoned. She wants to see her husband and treat his injuries.

After returning home to his farm, an exhausted Ketil starts searching for Arnheid, only to find out what happened in his absence.

Snake tries to put a stop to it, but Thorfinn insists on receiving all 100 blows from Canute's brutish guard Drott, shocking the rowdy onlookers.

Thorfinn and Einar have said their piece, but Canute stubbornly refuses to give up Ketil's Farm. Then, Thorfinn breaks the standoff with a decision.

At long last, Thorfinn returns to Iceland and finds a moment of happiness, reunited with his loved ones. But soon, he opens up about his next journey.