Having barely survived the first part of their perilous journey, Beowulf, Elvina, Vishka and Breca, continue towards the Mere to cement a new treaty. However, new dangers are awaiting them as they unmask the Mere tribe's fatal secret.
Beowulf's party reach the Mere but lose the dowry to a giant Sandwyrm and get a hostile reception as a result. The tribe is struck down by sea fever and Elvina's healing skills plus the unexpected reappearance of the dowry effect a change of heart by thane Gorrik. However, when the bride to be dies of the sea fever her sister Kela is only too happy to leave the Mere to marry Slean. Slean himself rediscovers his skills as a blacksmith as he works against a deadline to prevent the smelters from deserting to the Varni. He also gets a message from his uncle urging him to help him usurp Rheda, which he refuses to do.—don @ minifie-1