When her father and brothers are killed in a Viking raid, Ran's life changes forever. Her mother finds comfort in the arms of Vigut, a cruel stranger, and Ran must journey with them to the winter sacrifice. On the way her mother is fatally wounded by wolves, and Ran knows that her own life is worth nothing to Vigut. When she is chosen by the evil magician as the winter's sacrifice, she knows she must flee. Fortunately, a blind musician, Toki, comes to her aid, and together they set out on a perilous trek across the wilderness.

Eventually, Ran and Toki find their way to Iceland, where, for a time, life is good. Then Toki is killed in an attack by raiders, and Ran finds herself alone again - this time with their two children to protect. But Ran is resilient, brave and determined to survive . . .