It is Yuletide during a wicked winter of deep snow and crisp ice. Enemies from Grockelheim threaten the midland kingdom. Prince Darra is kidnapped by Muroc and a great heirloom is stolen. His brothers Klaus and Jack seek for him in the wilds. Riding upon sleighs drawn by reindeer they are ambushed but evade capture and follow the trail as far as Devils Moot where they witness the sacrificial murder of Darra. Klaus and Jack are forced to flee for their lives. At a river they turn and frustrate their pursuit by setting a fire upon the bridge. Having bought some time they rush headlong into a second and more deadly ambush. Jack is drawn into the enchantment of immortality. Klaus swears an oath of vengeance that takes him into the stronghold of Marothgarm where the heirloom is recovered during a combat in which Ofermod the Chieftain of the Muroc is slain. Although he is wounded Klaus escapes with the assistance of two more of his brothers who have set out to rescue him. The companions have been away for a year and it is now the time for feasting. Folk gather to the fortress from many lands to make merry again. There is great joy at the defeat of their enemies but also there is deep sadness at the fate of Darra. Their adventure seems to be over. But none of them understands that this experience has prepared them to achieve greater things, for they have yet to meet the Wanderer.