Rorik finds an exquisite beauty lying beaten and helpless in an English manor hall and can't leave her to her vicious husband - or to be found by the advancing Viking raiders. So he carries her away to his ship. But is Rorik intent on saving her - or having her for himself? Yvaine, Lady of Selsey, is wary of her warrior rescuer. He's caring for her bruises and closely protects her from his men. But she is his captive - and soon it's crystal clear what payment Rorik seeks as his reward...