Askeladd and his men land in England near the Humber River to resupply and they pillage a local village. Thorfinn scrambles ashore and during the night prepares to kill the sleeping Askeladd but cannot do it. Thorfinn trains alone in the woods before emerging to challenge to Askeladd to a duel. Thorfinn is easily defeated again, but Askeladd recognizes his strength and promises Thorfinn a chance to fight him again should he prove himself in battle.