Bjorn and Freya descend deeper into the mountain passage before beginning their climb up a narrow, steam-filled staircase. Along the way, Bjorn explains the origin of the draug: a jarl who stole offerings from Fjalltindr was struck down by divine curse along with his warriors, condemned to guard the tunnels forever. Anyone who subsequently entered seeking the treasure and died also became draug. Bjorn warns Freya not to touch any treasure they find, and notes that neither his divine axe nor any weapon can be summoned within the temple borders. The oppressive tunnels unnerve Freya, who hears whispers and footsteps, and when Bjorn accidentally kicks a golden cup down the stairs, the sound awakens the draug.

Draug attack from both directions, trapping Bjorn and Freya. Fighting back-to-back, Freya discovers that her mortal sword passes harmlessly through the skeletal creatures, while her shield's divine magic can repel them. One draug seizes her throat and nearly strangles her, but Bjorn cleaves it with his god-fire axe, destroying it and the remaining attackers in the immediate area. Freya feels shame at needing rescue, but Bjorn pulls her close and insists she never risk herself for him again, saying he doesn't deserve it. They share a charged, flirtatious exchange before pressing onward.

As they continue climbing, Bjorn deliberately provokes the draug, kicking treasure and shouting insults to draw them into a confrontation on his terms. An enormous host of draug appears, led by the cursed jarl himself. Bjorn challenges the jarl to single combat: if Bjorn wins, they pass freely. The jarl agrees but demands mortal combat terms, meaning Bjorn cannot use his divine axe. Bjorn accepts and fights with borrowed weapons and Freya's shield, but he cannot harm the draug jarl with mortal steel and is slowly beaten down.

Watching Bjorn losing, Freya realizes his true plan. Remembering his words to trust Hlin's power, she invokes Hlin's magic to coat her hand, then picks up Bjorn's divine axe without being burned. When Bjorn forfeits the duel, Freya hurls the axe into the jarl's chest, destroying him and all draug bound by his curse. The remaining draug—those cursed by their own greed—still threaten them, but Freya, in fury, curses them to Helheim. The ground shakes, and black roots erupt from the floor, dragging every remaining draug down and destroying them all.

Exhausted and battered, Bjorn and Freya rest in the tunnel. They tend each other's wounds, Bjorn tricking Freya into finding Liv's salve so she'll treat her own scarred hand. He massages the salve into her skin, and the intimacy of the moment stokes a powerful mutual attraction. Freya examines Bjorn's Tyr tattoo on the back of his neck, and the tension between them nearly leads to a kiss before Freya pulls back, reminding herself she is bound to Snorri. As she leans against Bjorn for warmth, she asks about Nordeland. He reveals he was treated well there but has sworn an oath to take vengeance against the person who hurt his mother. He tells Freya to sleep, promising they will finish the climb to Fjalltindr in a few hours.