Enter the tumultuous world of Ninth Century Viking Europe and follow the Ivarsson family's adventures as they search for a home and a future.
Moira is a handful. The year is 795 AD. When Moira learns that she must enter a convent; she rebelliously runs away into the hills. Eventually she descends to Lairge to find a chaotic and violent battle between the Irish and the Northmen. Without thinking, she picks up a sword and swings at an invader. He is greatly amused.
Eirik Ivarsson woos this strange red-haired girl and persuades her to be his wife. Moira tries to adapt to her new life among strangers whose ways are incomprehensible to her. Although still pagan, the Vikings have a high level of civilization and complex moral codes buried beneath a spirit of personal freedom unknown in early Medieval Europe.
Eirik and his brother go viking to escape their dire poverty. These Norse warriors, whom the Greeks call “Rus,” are accepted into the Emperor’s Varangian Guard. Moira must learn how to live in this glittering, opulent society on her own.
After fifteen years of service they are permitted to return home. The Northwind descends upon them without warning and sweeps them into a dark confrontation with the truth that will resolve in a mystical blend of free will, rebellion, forgiveness and redemption.