In times of yore did a forbidden love arise between Valgar of Valta, son of Halgerr the Golden-Haired, and Astridr, daughter of Thorgerr, and to them a son was born, Gunnar. But Thorgerr was a mighty lord, and with his hundred warriors hunted the couple down, ensorcelling his daughter and banishing her husband. Now, to rescue his true love, Valgar must embark upon a long and perilous quest that will take him into the forest depths to meet the monster called Ogerth the Serpentine, and the far south to fight the beastly devourers alongside Skarperdinn. But Skarperdinn's wife has other plans...

Valgar of Valta has won Skarperdinn to his cause, but will the chieftain's word be enough to sway the Council of Elders? The two men set out to seek the aid of Skarperdinn's father, Njall the Burnt, but their quest is menaced by the dread serpent Jonnung, and Berrga, collectress of corpses. Meanwhile, vowing to win back Valgar at any cost, Skarperdinn's wife Hildegirrd journeys to see her cruel sorceress sister Sosjia Black-Cloak, whose son Hanserr wields formidable magic from a mad bard. Little does Valgar know that, under an evil spell, his beloved Astridr no longer even remembers him...

After many a long year and many a hard battle, Valgar of Valta is reunited with Astridr Argfusson—only to have her testify before the Council of Elders that he abused her father Thorgerr's hospitality by raping her! How could his one true love ever say such a thing? Investigations reveal the mind-altering influence of the Song of Hunlhot, black magic wielded by Thorgerr's advisor Dar Guilva. To uncover its secrets, Valgar and his new archer ally must undertake a perilous quest to the castle of Lyhmm, the mad bard. Don't miss the smashing conclusion to Saga Valta!