... who better to trust than the man who would not be earl? ...
Summer's end on Hrolf's Isle. The chieftains gather for the wedding of Ulf and Grimhildr. A year has passed since the Warrior's Roman journey. But the pledge made by Floki Magnusson on the voyage home shadows the island.
At Saint Matthew's Feast, he sails to Norway, surrendering himself into slavery for the loss of the Sea-King's son. Chieftains and people are certain his offer will be met by a swift and brutal death, none more certain than his helmsman, Gil Lake.
As the wedding party dances, Jocelyn Guidbairn strikes and a day begun in laughter and song ends in fire and destruction.
Still Floki refuses to abandon his pledge, or to abandon the Warriors whose quest has drawn Guidbairn's wrath. And when he names an heir, it is not upon his cousin Hakon he rests the earldom, but on Gil Lake of Tir nan Og.
As stunned as the chieftains are outraged, Gil now knows why he worked and learned all summer on Ulf's farm. And why he sailed with Floki to honour chieftains in their halls. Whichever the outcome of Floki's Norway voyage, Gil will sail back alone, earl of an island under siege. Already he knows his course. He will raise an army and turn the tide of battle against Guidbairn at Camelot.
Entrusting his household to Hakon, he sails for Francia and the exiled knights of Caledon. Ismail helms a second ship given by Hakon's father. Aboard Silver Dragon, Rachel and Janetta, Danni and Percy tend ponies bound for tournament.
When, weary of sailing, his untried young crew mutiny, Gil enacts a grim judgement, and, sobered, sails on to Francia. By valour and trickery on the tournament fields, he wins Lance'lot, Palamedes and Martin de Troye to their cause. Stealing ships for his army, Gil sets course for Caledon, a Northman in the Northmen's world, taking the Viking course. He is earl, the only law there is.
... Come sail the sea no man can sail with the Warriors of Tir nan Og ...
