An Empty Man Thorfinn's terrifying nightmares of his violent past still wake him, but he has touble recalling what occurred in them. Thorfinn tells Einar about his relationship with Askeladd, although without hate and the need for revenge, he feels empty. As winter approaches, Sverkel teaches them to fish and prompts Thorfinn's thoughts about whether he can change. Meanwhile, some retainers are envious of the success of Einar and Thorfinn's crop, especially for slaves. One day when they return home, Einar and Thorfinn discover their crop has been uprooted and Einar blames the retainers. Bent on revenge at the wanton destruction, he storms off, but Thorfinn convinces him to tell Pater who promises to investigate himself. Later, when Einar and Thorfinn come across a group of retainers who ridicule their efforts at agriculture, Einar loses his temper. However, Thorfinn throws the first blow, breaking the leader's jaw and a brawl then breaks out. After being hit and knocked down, Thorfinn finds himself falling into the bottomless crevasse of his recurring nightmares.