In the East, Harald Sigurdsson and Leif Erikson finally reach the heart of the Byzantine Empire. Their long, grueling journey down the Dnieper River pays off, but with a bittersweet edge.

The episode ends with our heroes fundamentally changed: Freydis is a leader of her people, Harald has the resources to become a king, and Leif is on a path toward the unknown horizons that will eventually lead him to the shores of North America.

Back in England, Queen Emma uncovers a deep betrayal. She realizes that Earl Godwin has been playing a "long game" to secure a future for his unborn child within the royal bloodline.

Godwin orchestrated a series of events, including an assassination attempt on the Queen, to position himself as a hero and marry Princess Gytha.