It was a time of paying, settling of blood debts. A time for dying and the taking of revenge.

Erik Ravenhair's steading lay in ruins, torn down by raiding Indians and Irish sea-wolves. From them both, Erik would take the blod-price.

"Erik held his shield firmly angled, taking the blows, shaking himself with anger cold and bright within him. He felt Cullain's blow skid off the rim and leaped in, his own sword swinging high to crash down on Cullain's helmet. The rim dented and blood burst forth. Erik moved forwards for the kill."