User Guide

A strong viking may be able to break down walls and wooden barriers, but
he will nd those bound or made with cold iron to be impassable.
Different opponents will have different tactics when they attack-and will
require different tactics to defeat. Simpler creatures might be conquered
by wading into their mass, but larger and smarter enemies will require
more savvy.
Ragnar can use his shield to defend himself as he closes on his opponents,
but he cannot attack while hiding behind his shield.
Beware the many traps of the underworld: if Ragnar isn’t wary, he might
nd himself caught in a cage, a pitfall, or worse. . .
Some creatures have a natural hatred for one another. In some cases,
Ragnar may be able to avoid combat by manipulating his enemies into
ghting one another.
PART III
“We’re following the vikings, right?” said Jun, though
she knew Bragi led them toward the heart of the village.
“Many others will be taking that path,” said the old
man, as a group of children hurried past them carrying sheaves
of oats. “For now our place is here. There is still much you
must see.”
“But what about Ragnar?” she complained. “Shouldn’t
we find out what happens to him?” The old man paused.
Concentrating, he reached out and placed his hand on Jun’s
forehead. She felt a sudden chill and closed her eyes-
Ragnar settled into a place at the oars. Two rows before
him, his friend Alric mounted his shield over the gunwales and
took up his own oar. Throughout the longship the village’s brav-
est warriors checked their weapons and tightened their armor.
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