Elfgift

An old pagan king lies dying, and the Royal King gather around his bed, to hear who he will name as his successor.

His brother, Athelric, proven in battle and a pagan like himself?

Or his oldest son, Unwin, a Christian?

The dying king chooses his bastard, Elfgift, whose mother was an elf-woman. He has her beauty and uncanniness - and he is pagan.

Unwin and his brothers move swiftly, attacking Elfgift's small farm, burning and killing.

But the fearsome Battle-Woman, Jarnseaxa comes to Elfgift's aid.