The Ransom of the Rune Writer

What can impress a Viking chief more than taking the initiative and doing bold deeds? Young Glome is only the son of one of Ivar Broadaxe's concubines, but he has every intention of becoming renowned. His mother has told him that noble blood dances in his veins and that the gods have singled him out for glory. So he goes from one madcap adventure to another until Ivar notices his mettle and brings him on raids against England. From there Glome brings home bright gold and a golden-haired Saxon girl named Saethryd. It is one thing to capture her, another to win her love, and still another to be introduced to her God. Glome's love for this comely lass brings about the enmity of a violent Viking, Eyvind Skull-Splitter, in the most desperate adventure of all, a voyage of discovery that is both geographical and spiritual.