With Slean and Thane Scorann missing, Beowulf and Rate, Thane of the Varni, ride out into the forest in search of them. But with the Gathering fast approaching and Rheda’s bid for leadership depending on the hope of ever-loyal Scorann’s vote, Beowulf questions whether their disappearance might be more than a simple coincidence.

Beowulf, Elvina, Vishka and Breca continue towards the Mere to cement a new treaty. As they tackle various assaults the group’s situation goes from bad to desperate.

Beowulf gets to work re-building the town’s defences when iron-miner Greff is attacked by one of the most dangerous Mudborn creatures known to humans—a Troll. Slean's intended bride arrives in Herot, but he has other things on his mind than marriage.

A fearsome clan known as the Wulfing raiders launches an attack on Herot, and with the element of surprise on their side, all seems lost. As Herot’s townspeople flea in all directions and Beowulf rushes to action, someone is abducted from the bosom of Herot.