Constantinople, 1035: Thorgils has become a member of the Varangian lifeguard, which allows him to experience the glories of the richest city on earth. Under the leadership of warrior chief Harald Hardradi he witnesses a bloodthirsty battle with Arab pirates who are harassing the Byzantine shipping lanes in the Mediterranean and embarks upon a campaign launched to recover Sicily from the Saracens.

After years of travelling Thorgils retreats to Sweden but is eventually summoned again to assist in coordinating the invasion of England together with William the Conqueror. In September 1066 a Norse fleet of three hundred ships sails towards England and the battle begins. A prophetic dream makes Thorgils warn the troops of the impending disaster at Stamford Bridge, but even he cannot turn aside what fate has decreed - the end of the Viking world has come.