Astrid has worked hard to become the well-respected textile merchant known as Signe. She wants to expand her business, support her daughter, and take full advantage of her new life. Her husband is long overdue from his trade mission and, with no word from him; Astrid turns to the gods for answers. As mysterious gifts begin appearing at her door, she questions if these are signs to guide her or a threat more sinister. When someone Astrid swore to be free of forever reappears, dark omens plague her. Soon, Astrid finds herself tangled in the Norn's weavings with agonising consequences. In Aldeigjuborg, cultures clash and religion sparks trouble for the newly established empire of the Rus'. Word spreads of Grand Prince Oleg's conquest of Kyiv and his capture of his brother's heir. Rebellion threatens Astrid's stable town, and the war horn calls her to embrace the Viking way. But, as she prepares to defend her home, Astrid realises that in battle, all men are made monsters. 'A smartly plotted Viking drama filled with complex and fun-to-root-for characters. and highly recommended!' "A fascinating insight into a different way of life. I was never bored reading this, the author doing a good job of keeping all the balls in the air - plot, setting, character development, historical accuracy." "The second book of two, partly adventure, partly drama. Enjoyed the first book, Oath Undo Me, but I think the second is better. I loved the time and setting, and the protagonist, Astrid, is fun to root for. She's tough, determined and everything a hero needs to be." Formanek's follows Astrid as she travels from her native Svealand in the 9th-century, for the trading lands of the Rus' Gardarike lands. Though Astrid is met with opportunity in this new land she soon realises everything has a price and war almost always makes men monsters. And, as she navigates the competing powers of the land, the court of Grand Prince Oleg, and the realities of Viking Age trade, she must trust the forces that guide her. Astrid must grapple with duty and her ambition, a struggle that will shape the future of the Rus'.