At sunset, Bjorn stands on Hrafnheim's walls and reflects on the future he once imagined. Remembering Harald's stories of southern cities, written knowledge, and distant lands, Bjorn thinks about how he had wanted to take Freya away from prophecy and war. That memory turns bitter, because Bjorn now believes he should have fled with her when escape still seemed possible.

As night falls, Bjorn goes to the great hall, where Harald's people have gathered for another revel. Bjorn reflects that Harald loves crowds because he studies people the way he studies machines, learning their hopes and fears so he can make them bend to his will. In the hall, Bjorn sees Freya standing with Tora, dressed in red and visibly uneasy, and Bjorn's love for Freya sharpens his resentment of Harald's growing influence over her.

Harald announces Steinunn's return and calls for her to perform a song about their recent voyage and battle. Freya stays despite her dislike of Steinunn's magic, while the hall falls under the skald's spell. Bjorn resists the visions by focusing on his own heartbeat, and because he is not entranced, he notices Harald quietly leaving the hall. Bjorn follows through the unusually quiet fortress and overhears Harald instructing Skade to double the guard on the battlements and ensure that no harm comes to Freya, making clear that Harald considers Freya both precious and vulnerable.

After Skade leaves, Bjorn confronts Harald. Harald admits that Bjorn's mother's vision has left him deeply afraid, because Snorri is now king of Skaland, has the jarls behind him, and seems poised to invade Nordeland in pursuit of destiny. Harald says Freya is the only person who might save them, even as she could also destroy them, but Bjorn argues that Harald gives prophecy too much power and has allowed visions to rule his choices. Their argument is cut off when flaming arrows suddenly strike Hrafnheim's protective wards, and the fortress comes under attack.