Agder, south Norway, 9th Century

At the home of King Kjotve, he is visited by Taras and Roscoe, the latter being the raider left legless by Eivor. They explain to the King how they were ambushed by Eivor, to which Kjotve demands to know where Gull is. Roscoe begins to explain that there was nothing he could do, to which Kjotve responds by cleaving his skull in half with a sword. He demands that his champion Viggo be summoned.


Stavanger, south west Norway, 9th Century

As Gull looks on, Eivor and Tora engage in some duelling practice. Lamenting that her adoptive father never sees the honor that she provides, she promptly knocks Tora to the ground in anger. Gull interjects, stating that she knows how to make Eivor a true hero, and offers to lead her to Aesir treasures that would win her massive favour. Against Tora's protests, Eivor elects to allow Gill to lead her into the mountains to seek out the treasure.


The Dniester River, 9th Century

Sigurd and Knud sneak their way into a fortress, in search of a merchant. Realising they are heavily outnumbered, they note that a party is under way, and tactically decide to wait for the consumed wine to have its effect. Whilst trying to pry a banner of Yggdrasil off a wall, Sigurd disturbs a sleeping guard. Forced to fight, the sound of battle draws the attention of others. Sigurd turns round to find a man dressed in unusual white robes with a red sash, who unsheathes a Hidden Blade atop his wrist and brandishes it at Sigurd in open combat.



The Feiknstafir Mountains, south Norway, 9th Century

Eivor and Gill steadily climb up the snowy trail, with the latter losing her footing on a cliff edge, before Eivor grabs hold of her. Atop a mountain they come to the Temple of Heimdall as Gill coins it, and she promises that the greatest of gifts lie inside. As they enter, Eivor recognises several of Kjotve's men laying in wait. Gull then calls out to them, revealing her betrayal and true intent. Eivor bravely takes on several of them, before Gull plunges a knife into her back felling her. As she vows revenge in the name of her father, one of the thugs relates that he is now likely already dead.

Stavanger, south west Norway, 9th Century

Drinking by herself, Tora is joined by Dag, who tries to question her on why she is so quiet and where exactly Eivor has disappeared to. Before she can answer, King Styrbjorn runs in with sword and shield drawn, shouting that they are under attack by Kjotve's forces. As they all run outside, two arrows pierce the King's chest, and he falls to the ground.


Final Thoughts - Analysis

There is not much in the way to analyse here, as not much further has been revealed to us honestly. For example, we still do not really know what Sigurd is doing out in Europe beyond seemingly looking for weapons to help in the war with rival clans. Eivor is still driven to find herself and honor, and comes across as being a bit filled with battle lust at this time in her life.

Now that I have met several of these characters in-game, it is a bit disappointing to note that most of the comic versions do not resemble their game counterparts. Take Kjotve for one, who here sports a mohawk, but in the game has long hair. Dag also looks odd as he evidently lacks the thick dark beard that we now associate with him. This could easily be explained by Ubisoft perhaps changing characters after providing artwork to Dark Horse, but I am sure it is something that several fans will notice alas.



Beyond that, there is a bit of a concern as to the fate of King Styrbjorn here. He actually looks like he has been slain in the final panel, which would be a complete contradiction to the game lore, considering this serves as a prequel and the good King is alive and well throughout the game timeline. I suppose we will find out more in the next issue.