Svealand, 967 AD.
At just sixteen,
Rotko
, a skilled Tavastian hunter and son of a blacksmith, sets sail on his maiden voyage alongside his fellow Tavastians, bound for the bustling trading hub of Birka. Their mission: to secure better prices for the prized Tavastian furs.
Years later, having secured a prosperous marriage and established a lucrative fur trade with the influential Swedes, Rotko begins to dream of kingship in his homeland. But tragedy strikes with the brutal murder of Rotko's esteemed guest, shattering his ambitions in an instant.
As the headman of a rival clan vows vengeance for his son's death, Rotko finds himself inexorably drawn into a deadly game of power and survival. A scent of smoke hangs heavy in the air, drifting over the Sea and far beyond, as exiled kings seek to join forces.
Can a trader, hardened by the harsh realities of life, transform into a warrior and, ultimately, a king?
In this martial adventure, characters familiar from medieval sagas and chronicles intertwine, weaving a masterful tapestry of prosperity, betrayals, and sacrifices.
"Kings Without Lands" marks the inception of "The Tavastian Trilogy," a sweeping saga that traverses the rivers and landscapes of the North and East.
Author J. S. Halla, a Finnish wordsmith, deftly summons the spirit of the Viking Age, captivating readers with tales of ambition, loyalty, and the unyielding struggle for power.