Duty Bound

The tale of the Vikings unfolds within the Viking realm of Strandheim. The journey of Kareena Alfson, a passionate seven-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a formidable warrior, unfolds as she endures rigorous training under her father's strict supervision. At the age of nineteen, she experiences the heartbreaking loss of her mother in a tragic accident, leading her to confront a challenging decision. She must decide between marrying a man she is unfamiliar with or joining a new clan in pursuit of becoming a shield maiden. She chases her dreams amidst the rising conflicts between Norse pagans and Christians. As conflicts arise, Kareena navigates family challenges, including her father's doubts about her ambitions, her jarl's protective nature, and her brothers' differing ambitions. She reconnects with a childhood friend, Annar Storvik, and confronts the religious war that lies ahead. As war draws near, she struggles with her sense of self, allegiance to her family, and the pursuit of peace. Faced with an unexpected betrayal, she must now decide.
Will she allow it to shape her future, or will she harness it to grow and emerge as a leader?