Growing up on a farm in Rogaland, Norway, all Eyvind has ever wanted is to become one of the greatest Viking warriors-a Wolfskin-and fight for his leader in the name of the Warfather god, Thor. He can think of no future more glorious. But his friend Somerled, a strange and lonely boy who arrives suddenly and is soon spurned by the other children, has his own plans for the future. And they begin with an oath of brotherhood, which Eyvind swears to prove to Somerled that he has an ally.
A world away, Nessa, niece of King Engus of the Folk, begins her training to become a priestess of the Light Isles, and learn the ways of the mysteries. Neither she nor her people can know what lies ahead for them.
Many years later, Eyvind, now one of the most highly regarded Wolfskins, is obliged to accompany Somerled and a group of settlers, led by Somerled's much respected brother, Ulf, to begin a new settlement on the beautiful islands rumoured to lie across the western sea. The expedition begins badly, however, with a tragic event on board one of the ships. Something tells Eyvind that it may not have been an accident ...
In spite of these beginnings they reach the islands, and Ulf's new settlement is a harmonious one. Before long an oath of peace is sworn between the newcomers and the natives of the isles, led by King Engus. Then one day, on a trip to a Holy place of the Folk, a brutal murder occurs. Now Eyvind begins to feel the binds of his boyhood oath, and realises what sort of future Somerled had in mind for himself all those years ago ...
Juliet Marillier was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, a town with strong Scottish roots. She graduated from Otago University with a BA in languages and an honours degree in music, and has had a varied career which includes music teaching and performing as well as working in government agencies. Juliet now lives in the Swan Valley area near Perth, Western Australia, where she writes almost full time. Her garden features trees and herbs, in keeping with druidic interests, and is a haven for local wildlife. Juliet currently shares her home with two dogs and a cat.
ISBN:
9780330364157
Binding:
Paperback
Pub. Date:
01/06/2003
Category:
Modern & Contemporary Fiction
Imprint:
Pan Australia
Pages:
720 page/s
Stock:
Awaiting stock
Price:
$21.95 AUD