Having thwarted the attempts of a black druid to seize power in Kyiv, the young jarl Helgi sets off for Ladoga. Prince Rurik appointed him his deputy in this important trading and craft center of the northern Slavic lands. It’s not easy to build relations between the local population and the newcomer Varangian. What’s more, in the distant forests murders of innocent people are taking place, while estates are burning along the frontier—his sworn enemies are trying to slander Helgi…