Athelstan reflects on the day he first met Ragnar Lothbrok and his crisis of faith that has developed since then.

Athelstan questions his own honor and recalls the first time he met the shield maiden, Lagertha.

Athelstan reflects on the role that loyalty plays in the relationships of the Viking people, most importantly that of Siggy's kindness.

Athelstan recounts how all things begin and end with blood and the cost of the choices that family members make.

Athelstan reflects on the importance of family and how it is a blessing that one turns to for comfort and support.

Athelstan reflects on what it means to be a savage which lurks within each and every one of us.

Athelstan considers the expectations that the gods place on man and how a man can determine if he serving the gods or merely himself.

Athelstan consults The Seer in order to determine how the long the gods will test the Viking people and what more he must do and give up.

Athelstan consults The Seer to learn that his choice lies between divine love and earthly love.