The fleet returns to Kattegat to find tragic circumstances await. Lagertha learns that her Earldom has been usurped and convinces Ragnar to travel to Hederby with her in an effort to reclaim her title. Ragnar causes great surprise when he announces the next raid. The Seer has interesting prophecies for Rollo.

Preparations for the Paris raid pick up pace, and Rollo ponders the Seer's prophecy about his destiny. Kalf arrives in Kattegat to join the raid and the Viking fleet sails up the Seine and catches sight of Paris for the first time. Porunn and Judith both deliver children, and with new life there is also death.