A Curse Carved in Bone

Bjorn is devastated by the revelation that his life and sense of identity have been based on lies and manipulation. That they led him to betray his country and kill his father fills him with guilt, shame, and despair, but Freya motivates him to escape their runic prison rather than giving up. Bjorn ignites nearby trees with his fire axe, hoping the smoke will attract attention and bring a rescuer, but nobody comes. Freya shares her belief that the specter really is Saga trying to help her defeat Harald. Bjorn admits that he lied to her in Skaland for fear of losing her. His admission enables her to fully forgive him. They reaffirm their undying loyalty to each other and make passionate love.

Ylva, who came to Nordeland looking for Snorri after learning that Skaland’s army was defeated, finds Freya and Bjorn. She orders her warriors to kill them, but their arrows can’t penetrate Freya’s magic shield. Freya tells Ylva about Harald’s trickery and Snorri’s death. Knowing Harald will take Leif captive in Skaland, Freya urges Ylva to trade her and Bjorn for Leif.