Lagertha leads her village's response to the recent attacks but despite her best efforts, when the inevitable attack comes, the consequences are tragic. Olaf has a bold new plan for the future of Norway. In Kiev, although Ivar discusses Oleg's ambitions for Scandinavia, he's actually more interested in the plight of Igor, the young heir who Oleg controls.

Bjorn is forced to act quickly in the aftermath of the election for the King of all Norway. The bandits attack Lagertha's village again, confident of victory. But when the defense boils down to single combat with Lagertha, victory for the bandits looks less certain. Back in Kattegat, haunted and paranoid, Hvitserk continues to unravel.