The seas of Northern Europe, one thousand years ago. As the first Christian millennium draws to a close, the old ways of the heathen Vikings are on the wane. A Christian king sits upon the throne of Norway, bringing a religion of peace and humility with fire and the sword. The reign of the Vikings nears its close, while dark forces stir far to the east, ready to snatch the kingdom of Asgard from the Gods.

Against this backdrop Erik the Cunning, Halldor the Honourable and Gudrun Ravenseye plough the waves. Merchants of Norse descent from Northern England, their peaceful trading voyage to Denmark is transformed into a wild quest for vengeance when they are attacked by the evil pirate-wizard Ulf-Hedin, prompting them to embark upon a feud as bloody as any waged by their savage ancestors. Across the seas they must pursue their foe, a man immune to mortal weapons. From the Hebrides to the isles of Orkney and on into the cold Arctic Sea and the lands of the giants beyond, they sail with vengeance in their hearts, desperate to discover a means to despatch their seemingly invulnerable foe. Yet even when the success of their quest is prophesised by the spirit of a long dead witch, it becomes clear that nothing is simple in a world of warriors and wizardry...