A thousand years ago in a settlement of Greenland, a warning comes from Norway. Magda, the wise woman of the tribe remaining in Norway, sends a message to Bjorn, the tribal leader, that the main part of his people who remained in Norway has been massacred by a new enemy named Wabrok. This renegade Norseman intends to eliminate the independent jarls and turn their clans into one vassal state under his total control. Magda, with some of the refugees, mostly women and children who survived the devastation of their settlements, have fled northward. Bjorn confirms to Magda he will set out with a force of fighting men (The Skarl) and come to the rescue in forty days. His men must travel over the ice cap by skis and snowshoes to reach their ship on Greenland’s east coast, then by sea with winter almost upon them to cross the ocean. His fighting men are driven by an overwhelming love for freedom for their families, and a hatred of their enemies. Bjorn’s group sets out to make the almost impossible journey within the forty days. Magda continues north to reach the Caves of Refuge. Her group’s journey is also by foot, skis, and snowshoes. Magda and the group are hotly pursued by Wabrok and his men. With a woman’s instinct and subterfuge, Magda keeps the group alive. The journey of The Skarl is a journey not for the youngest and fittest, but on this impossible trip, enduring courage is needed to continue when all is against them.