Smelling an opportunity for treasure, Askeladd decides to join a skirmish among the Franks. He sends 16-year-old Thorfinn to negotiate on his behalf.
Askeladd withdraws temporarily from the war against England. While searching for a new source of income, he encounters a skirmish among the Franks and hatches a plot to steal their treasure. Askeladd sends 16 years old Thorfinn, who has grown up into a cold-hearted Viking, ahead as a messenger.