It is the tenth century and Gunnar Torkelsson is a farmer whose land is separated from his brother Gyrths farm by a plateau called Bird Mountain. Gunnar, who is still recovering from a blow to the head years ago, is not happy about the new levy imposed by the high and mighty jarl to Earl Hakon. Although Gyrth would rather stick to family and farming, he agrees to gather the neighbors and do what he can to help Gunnar pay his overdue levies. But in just a short time, everything changes when Gunnar is murdered along with his entire family. After Gyrth learns Gunnars farm purportedly belongs to the king because of the unpaid levies, he sets out on a dangerous quest to reclaim what he feels is rightfully his. But within a Viking world where nothing is certain, his mission may be more difficult than he ever imagined. As his path crosses with a variety of characters that include Sigurth, a survivor of the murderous rampage, Gyrth and future generations of his family are drawn into an astounding adventure that determines his fate and lasts nearly fifty years. In this historical novel, a farmer living during the Viking period embarks on an unforgettable journey that transforms his family and the future.