In the next chapter of the saga of the skald's early years, Thorgal is in love! He and Aaricia are talking of marriage, of running away, of a future together. But Aaricias father, Gandalf-the-Mad, has other plans. A dozen handsome, strong, and mostly intelligent suitors have shown up to the summer festival of Sigrblt to fight for her hand in marriage. But there is another mysterious guest on hand for the festival: Runa, a shieldmaiden, who comes bearing a kingly gift for the village lord. But what is the true reason behind her visit?