A great journey from the northern seas to the Golden Horn of Constantinople. Centuries later, it will be called the “Route from the Varangians to the Greeks.” Whoever masters this waterway will rule Rus’. This is the great goal of Prince Rurik—once known as Hrёrek-konung, the Red Falcon. Earl Ulf Hviti, the White Wolf, has his own goal: to hold the Castle Island, which controls yet another water route to the south. Great aims bring great enemies. For Rurik there is Sigurd Ragnarson. For Ulf there is the very king of the Swedes. But what use is a great goal if the enemy has approached the walls of your own native home—walls that no one can protect?