In the early seventh century, a strong king comes to power among the Norse. His court is a shining light of honesty and fair dealing in a world ruled by treachery, assassination, oath-breaking, and deceit. But evil will always attack and seek to supplant good. A menace is said to be growing in the far north; the king sends a vessel to investigate, but the crew are later found dead and mutilated. Rumor says that a necromancer has risen, one who can control the dead and hideous monsters. The king summons a Runemaster and his gifted wife from the fringe of the Baltic to help him maintain his throne. A battle is in the offing, but nobody can say what can kill those already dead. Ability and honor are put to the test, but can they prevail against foes, some unseen, both far and near? Help comes from unexpected quarters, yet the issue is in doubt.