Eyvind can think of no more glorious future than becoming a Wolfskin, a warrior devoted to the service of the mighty war-god Thor. His closest friend, Somerled, a strange and lonely boy, has his own very different ambitions - yet a childhood oath, sworn in blood, binds these two in life-long loyalty. Eyvind and Somerled seem set to follow very different paths: one becoming a fearless servant of the Warfather, the other a scholarly courtier. Then a voyage of discovery, led by Somerled"s brother Ulf, brings the two friends together again accompanying a group of settlers to some beautiful islands rumoured to lie across the western sea. Ulf"s new settlement begins in harmony with the native islanders, led by King Engus. But one day, on a trip to a holy place of the Folk, a brutal murder occurs and that peace is shattered. It is now that Eyvind begins to feel the restraining ties of his boyhood oath, and to realize what sort of future Somerled had in mind for himself all those years ago. "Juliet Marillier is a fine new fantasy writer" - Anne McCaffrey. "An engrossing and enjoyable tale" - "Starburst". "A powerful narrative...a truly rewarding experience" - "SFX Magazine".