Askeladd and his men are attacked by the English army in the village where they had planned to camp during the winter. Askeladd captures their captain and interrogates him to find out how the English knew where they were, and discovers that Thorkell is fast approaching. The news of Thorkell's arrival sends waves of shock among Askeladd's followers.

Askeladd comes forth before King Sweyn and implores him to halt his invasion of Wales. Meanwhile, Thorfinn decides to return home at Leif’s urging. However, the moment before he boards the ship, Thorfinn catches a glimpse of a single tern taking off into the sky...