Having survived the perilous journey from Norway to Miklagard, Solveig is reunited with her father, a member of the Varangian Guard under Harald Hadragar. Her very presence is a difficulty, however, and comes to the attention of the Empress Zoe, who is planning on sending the Varangians to Sicily to wipe out the Saracens there. Though forbidden from going, she is taken along, and discovers that though her innocence survived the travails of the first journey amongst strangers, it might not survive the second, amongst family and friends. The Varangians are brutal and violent, and Harald himself is a devious and ruthless trickster. Solveig's heart is badly battered by the cruelty of her countrymen, and she struggles to resolve her affection for them with her horror at their actions, including her beloved father.

A tougher, more bruising read than Bracelet Of Bones. Though strong-willed and tough-minded, Solveig's spirit is threatened by her experiences, all the more so since the source of her distress are her own people. A brilliant look at love beset by casual violence, and a terrific medieval adventure. It feels like an ending, but another volume of Solveig's story would be more than welcome. ( )