All Evyind has ever wanted is to become one of the greatest Viking warriors - a Wolfskin - and fight for his leader in the name of the Warfather God Thor. But his friend, the strange and lonely Somerled, has other plans. A childhood blood-oath binds the two in loyalty. A world away, Nessa, niece of King Engus of the Folk, begins to learn the Mysteries. Evyind and Somerled seem set to follow different paths - one becomes a fearless servant of Thor, the other a scholarly courtier. But a voyage of exploration led by Somerled's brother Ulf brings the two together as they accompany a group of settlers to the beautiful islands rumoured to lie across the western sea. When a tragic accident occurs on board ship, Evyind suspects that it may not have been an accident. Ulf's new settlement begins in harmony with the natives of the island led by King Engus. When a brutal murder occurs the peace is shattered and Evyind begins to feel the ties of his blood-oath and realises the future Somerled planned all those years ago...