Chapter Thirteen: Guðvarr – At the Serpent Court
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Jarl Sigrún and her nephew Guðvarr are summoned to Lik-Rifa’s new lair in Skalk’s former tower. The entrance is now guarded by writhing serpents and frost-spiders, a far more intimidating defense than the old Galdur-spell. Inside, Lik-Rifa sits with her dragon-born lieutenants Ilska and Drekr, the Jarl Glunn Iron-Grip, and a skraeling named Krúsa. Guðvarr corrects Lik-Rifa when she misnames him, earning a moment of terror before the dragon-god smiles. Lik-Rifa expresses satisfaction at destroying her sister Orna and taking Darl, but Ilska cautions that enemies remain: Estrid, Helka’s daughter, has fled with warriors and the Galdurman Skalk; Jarl Orlyg has escaped with Tainted thralls; and Ulfrir the wolf-god is still alive. Lik-Rifa wants Ulfrir dead above all, but agrees that Estrid and Skalk must be hunted first. Sigrún volunteers herself and Guðvarr for the hunt, and Krúsa is assigned to accompany them. Guðvarr inwardly dreads the danger but is also relieved to leave the terrifying tower.
Key Events
- Lik-Rifa holds court in Skalk’s tower, now infested with snakes and frost-spiders.
- Guðvarr corrects Lik-Rifa’s mispronunciation of his name, nearly provoking her wrath.
- Ilska and Drekr report that Estrid, Skalk, and Orlyg have escaped Darl.
- Lik-Rifa declares her primary goal is to find and kill her brother Ulfrir.
- Sigrún volunteers herself and Guðvarr to hunt Estrid and Skalk.
- Krúsa the skraeling is ordered to join the hunt alongside Sigrún and Guðvarr.
- Glunn Iron-Grip offers to hunt but is refused by Drekr, who orders him to prove loyalty by rooting out hidden supporters in Darl.
Character Development
Guðvarr continues to vacillate between self-importance and cowardice. He fantasises about being remembered in sagas yet recoils from physical danger. His correction of Lik-Rifa’s mistake shows a flicker of pride, but his terror when she glares at him reveals his deep insecurity. He is pragmatic enough to prefer the hunt over staying in the serpent-filled tower, though he resents the risk.
Lik-Rifa is shown as capricious and dangerous, enjoying both her new power and the fear she instills. She admits she initially saw Guðvarr as a disposable tool but now acknowledges his usefulness. Her focus on killing Ulfrir over consolidating power suggests impatience and a personal vendetta that may lead to strategic errors.
Sigrún displays unhesitating loyalty and ambition, volunteering herself and her nephew without consulting him. She parrots Lik-Rifa’s praise and clearly seeks to rise in the dragon-god’s favor.
Ilska and Drekr act as pragmatic advisors, emphasizing the need to eliminate remaining threats before pursuing Ulfrir. Ilska’s tactical analysis of Estrid’s possible flight paths demonstrates her competence.
Krúsa the skraeling is introduced as a brutal, feral creature, indifferent to the humans around her and wholly devoted to Lik-Rifa.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Power and fear: Lik-Rifa’s court is built on terror. The serpents and spiders are literal manifestations of her dominance; Guðvarr’s constant fear underscores how power is maintained through intimidation.
Names and legacy: Guðvarr’s obsession with having his name correctly remembered in future sagas contrasts with Lik-Rifa’s casual dismissal of his identity. The scene highlights the fragility of personal fame in the face of divine power.
Loyalty and oaths: Glunn Iron-Grip’s offered oath is met with suspicion, reflecting the theme that oaths are easily broken. Drekr demands proof through action, not words.
The hunt as narrative drive: The chapter sets up a manhunt for Estrid and Skalk, while the longer-term goal of hunting Ulfrir looms. This dual hunt structure pushes the plot forward.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter consolidates Lik-Rifa’s position after the fall of Darl and clearly defines the immediate and long-term goals of her faction. It establishes the new threat posed by Estrid and Skalk as fugitives who could rally opposition. It also deepens Guðvarr’s character arc, trapping him between his desire for glory and his instinct for self-preservation. The introduction of Krúsa and the vaesen guards expands the range of enemies facing the protagonists.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Lik-Rifa decide to hunt Estrid and Skalk despite her primary desire to kill Ulfrir? Lik-Rifa reluctantly agrees to pursue Estrid and Skalk because Ilska convinces her they are immediate threats who can rally opposition. However, Lik-Rifa is impatient and still prioritises finding her brother, viewing the hunt as a secondary task.
2. How does Guðvarr’s reaction to the serpent-filled tower reveal his character? Guðvarr is horrified by the serpents and spiders—far more than by Skalk’s old Galdur-spell. His internal relief at being assigned to the hunt (to escape the tower) shows his cowardice, but his desire to appear heroic in sagas conflicts with his fear of danger.
3. What does Drekr’s refusal to let Glunn Iron-Grip hunt suggest about the theme of loyalty? Drekr distrusts Glunn because he was recently an enemy. This reinforces the theme that oaths are not trusted until proven through deeds. It also shows Lik-Rifa’s inner circle values control and suspicion over expediency.