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.

As Herot is preparing for Slean and Keta's wedding, shocking secrets are revealed and the couple must decide if new loyalties are to be forged or irrevocably shattered. Meanwhile, with Rheda’s new laws permeating the tribes, Abrecan is forced to choose between stepping aside and accepting his sister's rule or standing against her in a declaration of war.

With danger lurking in every corner threatening the Shieldlands, Herot’s Huskarla patrol the forests looking for signs of the enemy. Enjoying their newfound romance, Beowulf and Elvina become distracted from the threats around them and she is soon forced to reveal a dark secret.

Beowulf grapples with the revelation of Elvina’s secret and the fact that he has fallen in love with her. Rheda returns to her hometown to see her brother Abrecan. In Bregan, she is confronted with some alarming revelations.

Rheda returns to Herot alone, with news of familial betrayal and that the fearsome Wulfing army are coming for them all. Now desperate, she sends word, calling for the help of the other tribes in the Alliance.

The battle of all battles falls upon the peoples of Herot. Weapons forged, loyal and armed, men, women and children brace themselves to wage a brutal attack with Beowulf helming their defence.