Athelstan questions his own honor and recalls the first time he met the shield maiden, Lagertha.

Athelstan reflects on the role that loyalty plays in the relationships of the Viking people, most importantly that of Siggy's kindness.

Athelstan reflects on the joy of being cleansed from sin and recounts a story of honor, sacrifice, punishment, and betrayal.

Athelstan recounts how all things begin and end with blood and the cost of the choices that family members make.

Athelstan reflects on the importance of family and how it is a blessing that one turns to for comfort and support.

Athelstan reflects on what it means to be a savage which lurks within each and every one of us.

Athelstan considers the expectations that the gods place on man and how a man can determine if he serving the gods or merely himself.

Athelstan consults The Seer in order to determine how the long the gods will test the Viking people and what more he must do and give up.