At just fourteen, Haakon, youngest son of King Harald Finehair, by deeds of bravery and gallant character, draws support away from his brother, Eirik Bloodaxe to be successor to the king.  He is now a target for axe, spear, sword …. or poison.

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Newcomer, Alrek Einarfostersson, untainted by politics and principled in character, arrives in Kaupang and becomes Haakon’s friend and shield. But Alrek is already on a path of revenge. He needs to discover the identities of the masked, Dark Strangers whose failed attempt to kill him resulted in the death of some of the people closest to him.

 

Whilst in the midst of a fierce longship fleet battle, Alrek and Haakon discover the identities of the killers and learn of a further brutal act carried out by the escaping gang leader.  Should Alrek pursue his revenge to the end and leave Haakon at the mercy of his enemies, or honour his oath as protector to Haakon and remain a tormented soul for the rest of his life?

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Alrek’s decision results in an unexpected confrontation of shock and brutality.

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