Dawn of the North by Demi Winters: Summary, Review, Ending Explained

Thank you to Ballantine, Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Dawn of the North by Demi Winters is the third book in the Viking inspired fantasy romance series, The Road of Bones. In this book, the Volsik sisters are separated across the oceans. While Saga has to learn to live in Zagadka as heir to the throne after Kassandr Rurik has kidnapped her, Silla has to step into Eisa’s shoes to unite the Jarls of the North under one banner. However, the god of chaos’s plans continue escalating as Myrkur’s progeny, the murderous mist, starts swallowing Íseldur whole, making inaction impossible.

I am so gone for this series. Demi Winters is a queen of words. This is the first time since Throne of Glass where I’ve felt like a romantasy series has deep fantasy roots. I prefer my romantic fantasy skewed more toward fantasy with a really exquisite romance, and this series delivers. We get magic, fates, battles, and plant our feet further into Norse mythology. Saga’s character growth does feel a bit too fast, and the battle scenes wrap up quicker than I’d like, but I understand the desire to move the plot forward, so I appreciated the trade off.

Read our summary and review of Dawn of the North below. This post contains spoilers.

Tropes

• Vikings
• Possessed by a god
• Lost princess
• Multi POV
• Black Cat x Golden Retriever

Please check trigger warnings before reading Dawn of the North!

Review

Overall Impressions 😊

Dawn of the North is exactly what I want out of a middle book of a series. There aren’t a lot of new character introductions; instead, the lore and world build out. Most of the characters that are relevant to the series we’ve already met, and we watch them grow. I loved it. The mythology is deep, the world is rich, the romances are to die for, and there’s something happening on almost every page, to the point that you almost can’t look away. While Kingdom of Claw continues to be my favorite book of the series, Dawn of the North makes me feel nothing short of excited for the rest of the series.

Perfect For Fans Of… 🧭

The Road of Bones series continues to be a plot forward romantasy series. That means, if you’ve loved Throne of Glass because of multiple threads working together toward a big finale, you’re going to love this.

The Norse mythology is strong, so if you’ve enjoyed A Fate Inked in Blood and wanted more Viking men, this is lore accurate.

And obviously, THIS IS FOR THE HORSE GIRLS. I don’t want to spoil anything else, but there is a pegasus on the cover, so you do the math.

And lastly, if you like hot Viking mercenaries who are a bit unhinged, very devoted, and overly protective of their women while giving the axe eyes to everyone else, you’ll love Dawn of the North.

Characters 👥

Saga in Zagadka is one of the major, if not primary, plots of Dawn of the North. I loved watching her come into herself, finding out who she is outside of Íseldur. My thoughts on Saga are twofold. I can’t tell if she was so repressed in Íseldur that this was who she was the entire time, or if the plot was a bit rushed because she overcomes most of her agoraphobia and anxiety very quickly. I love the outcome either way, so I’m not deterred by how quickly she got there.

Silla comes into her own this book. I think some people complained in Kingdom of Claw about how much time she spent dealing with becoming Eisa, but I loved watching her come to terms with who she is supposed to be and who she wants to be. I also liked that we’ve seen a character who is all sunshine resist darkness, and her stepping into the shoes of a leader.

I have no notes on Kassandr and Rey. They are the best men, who love their women so much. They’re grumpy, unhinged, and devoted, and every interaction they have with and around Saga and Silla is a delightful experience. I can’t wait to see the Viking double dates these four are about to go on. I truly cannot wait.

I love the side characters folded into the plot. Hekla, Gunnar, Eyvind, and even Atli all have their place and give the characters and the story more depth. How on earth Jonas is still alive remains one of my biggest questions.

I also hope we get Signe’s relationship with Myrkur soon enough. It’s been hinted at for so long, and I can’t wait to find out more about her.

Plot 🗺️

This book is action packed, and it felt faster to me than Kingdom of Claw. Like Kingdom of Claw, multiple stories are at play. We get Silla and Rey, Saga and Kassandr, and Hekla’s stories. I enjoyed the different storylines that converged later on. It makes the world feel big, and the threads finally converge. I think the ending is befitting of a third book. It’s a good “pause” point before things escalate once more.

Saga’s story in Zagadka was lovely. Her learning the language and assimilating to a new culture, while learning to be who she is without Urcan pressure, made a lot of sense for the plot. Her bonding with Havoc and the Valkyrie plotline felt a bit too fast for me. The entire arc with the eastern clans and Havoc took too few pages, in my opinion. I would’ve loved some more shared glances between Havoc and Saga and at least a few chapters with the clans. But I understand the need to edit and cut things short, so no complaints really. It’s a nitpick.

Silla’s story was a mature one. We’ve already seen her introduced and grow in Books 1 and 2. To me, this was her learning to be a leader and resist the darkness. I enjoyed her plot quite a bit, especially because she enjoys ruling. I felt like I sensed some tension between her and Saga about leadership later on. While I am apprehensive about potential sister drama, I think that would be a realistic way forward.

One thing I thought was brushed over was Saga’s lack of Galdur usage in Zagadka. Is it land based? Like where you’re from? Because Rurik wasn’t able to shift when he was in Íseldur.

The murderous mist plot tied all of these main storylines together as well. Overall, this was a great third book for the middle of the series.

Writing Style and Narration ✍️

Demi’s voice is consistent throughout this novel. The prose matches the Viking Norse mythology we’re dropped in. Galdur, the mist, and other Viking apocalypse elements are well researched and feel deep.

The multi POVs are incredible. We are treated to Kassandr’s POV, and we also get Hekla in the main story, which is more than I could ask for. I love switching POVs, and these are done thoughtfully.

Synopsis

Silla Returns to Kopa and the Jarls Gather

In the prologue, Signe is at her daughter’s funeral. The king appears indifferent and does not seem to care that his daughter has died. Later, Signe tells the king that despite his attempts to keep her out of women’s matters and men’s matters, if Saga is captured, she wants Saga for herself.

Silla is in Kopa at Jarl Håkon’s stead. She introduces herself as Eisa Volsik. The Jarls of the North are being gathered to unite under one banner. Silla begins the first offering to the Old Gods. Jarl Håkon believes it is time to return to worshipping the Old Gods and that Silla’s return is the reason.

Hekla arrives with Eyvind and warns them about the mist. Loftur is present. The men dismiss Hekla because she is a woman and claim she does not know what she is talking about. Hekla rebukes them and explains that Loftur’s actions nearly cost everyone their lives. She explains what draugr are and insists the mist must be dealt with.

Jarl Håkon agrees and orders Rey to deal with the mist.

Saga is imprisoned in Zagadka. She has a knife and struggles with captivity. She looks through books and finds illustrations of pegasi. Rurik visits her and claims she is imprisoned for her own protection. Saga throws objects at him and stabs him. Rurik is amused and asks her to marry him.

Back in Kopa, Hekla speaks with Silla and Jarl Håkon. She tells Silla about Eyvind hiding his engagement and explains the danger of the mist. Silla tells Hekla everything. They reunite and are excited to see one another.

Silla explains the coming apocalypse and the return of the God of Chaos.

Silla dissociates, and Hekla realizes another entity has taken control of her body.

Rurik is punished in Zagadka. His older brother, Oleg, and their father, the High Prince, consider returning Saga as a sign of goodwill. They do not want to do this. Rurik struggles to restrain his beast.

Saga sneaks into the room and says she will only help if Rurik is released. Rurik deliberately allows Saga to find him and later worries that he pushed her too far too soon. As punishment, Rurik is sent to make offerings to the gods. Saga is confined and ordered to write letters.

Rey watches Silla spar with Hekla when his former lover, Kaeja, arrives. Kaeja is an Elder and extremely fast. They once believed she would become Rey’s wife. There is obvious tension and bad blood between them. During the sparring match, Silla defeats Kaeja. It appears as though Silla may have absorbed something from Kaeja, though this is not confirmed. Rey cannot tell for certain but seems proud.

After sparring, Silla and Rey sleep together. Rey restrains Silla with smoke, but Silla breaks free on her own.

Plans are made for Rey to leave for Istré while Silla remains behind. A Galdra from Kalasgarde is assigned as Silla’s Queen’s Guard and gives her a dagger.

Jonas survives the avalanche but loses toes to frostbite, leaving him with permanent damage to his leg. He still wants to reclaim his honor and avenge his brother. He finds the queen at the docks performing rites for her daughter and sees the fleet sailing. Furious that her chosen has been killed, the queen orders Jonas taken to Volund.

Saga’s Captivity in Zagadka

Kassandr is on pilgrimage to the Golden Oak as ordered. His sister, Elisava, visits Saga in Zagadka. Rovgolod arrives and translates for them. They speak of legends of the Spring Maiden and her virile god. Saga excitedly shows Elisava the pegasus illustration she found in the books.

Elisava asks Saga if she wants to meet one. Saga eagerly agrees.

They go to the stables and meet Havoc, a pegasus kept by the royal family. Kassandr explains that Havoc has been kept alive because of an oracle’s prophecy stating that a warrior who will bring an era of peace will one day ride him. Havoc is wild and unbroken, and no one has been able to approach him safely. Kassandr’s brother died long before this point, and Kassandr already carries the burden of being High Prince to be.

Inspired by the caged beast, Saga steps onto the balcony for the first time, fighting through her agoraphobia.

Rey leaves for Istré. Silla begins etiquette lessons. Lady Tala suggests Silla should consider marriage. Silla insists she already has Rey, but Lady Tala argues that Rey has no land or standing and that Silla needs an alliance. Silla dismisses her.

Liv hires Kaeja as one of Silla’s ladies. Runny appears to develop a crush on Kaeja. Lady Tala also tells Silla she should not spar because she is a lady.

That night, Silla sees a massive raven, an omen of death, and screams.

Kassandr returns from his pilgrimage and learns his brother had traveled north to consult the Oracle before his death. He also learns Saga has been allowed outside. He visits Saga and explains he removed her from the castle to keep her safe after what happened. He offers to teach her his language if she agrees to eat meals with him. She reluctantly agrees.

Kassandr teaches Saga how to throw a knife. They go for a walk outside. Saga panics, but Kassandr helps her through it. He explains that Havoc is destined to take a powerful warrior as a rider and dislikes him because of the beast inside him. He implies Havoc may be meant for Saga.

They arrive at the temple, and Saga feels as though she belongs there.

Hekla, Gunnar, Rey, Eyvind, and Thrand travel toward the mist. They find a village overtaken by it. Rey’s presence causes tension because he is Gildren and did not disclose it. They clear the village and encounter a draugr, who warns them that Rökksgarde is coming, signaling the Twilight of the Gods. They kill the draugr and continue on.

It is the day Eisa is meant to meet the residents of Kopa. She visits an orphanage whose children have woven something for her, and she insists on meeting them personally. Later, she meets Falgerd, the guard who once saved her mother. He is shocked that Eisa recognizes him, as the murder he was involved in was meant to be concealed. Myrkur reacts violently in her mind when Falgerd appears.

A third woman approaches and collapses. Eisa offers her a drink to help her recover, but it is revealed the cup was poisoned and meant for Eisa. She returns to her room and realizes the gods were warning her of an assassination attempt.

Jonas spends days imprisoned before being taken to the pits. He is forced to fight three draugr, which he kills by burning them and crushing their skulls. Volund arrives afterward and welcomes Jonas as a brother in arms, inducting him into the Corpse Bringers.

Rurik is late to meet Saga, and she believes he is trying to lure her out again. She wanders into a gallery and is instead confronted by warriors loyal to Oleg. They intend to string her up on the wall. One shifts into a mountain lion and attacks her, clawing her.

Rurik arrives and kills them all, then carries Saga back to her room. Saga is shaken, fears for her safety, bars her door, and cries.

Silla goes to have her ceremonial threads woven. The woman weaving them takes a small amount of Silla’s blood and collapses, dying.

At dinner, Atli, the son of Jarl Håkon, flirts with Silla and asks to take her to the meadows. Silla tells him she is with Rey. Atli suggests they begin as friends, and Silla agrees.

Hekla, Rey, Eyvind, and the others continue traveling through the woods. Rey sends Silla falcons every day but receives no replies. Silla later notes that Rey has not written either, confirming their messages are being intercepted.

Rey speaks with Hekla about past events. Kridka arrives. Hekla introduces Kridka and explains the mist, how it communicates, and how Kridka transformed into a Grim Wolf to save her during a previous attack. Kridka asks them to awaken her mistress, the Forest Maiden, a being older than the gods. Rey recognizes her from legends where she lures foolish men into the woods and devours them.

Eyvind interrupts and tells Rey to check the wagons. Hekla storms off. Rey realizes Hekla is better suited for leadership and begins stepping back to let her lead the Blood Axe crew while he plans to stay with Silla. Eyvind asks Rey how long Hekla plans to hold her grudge. Rey answers that it will be a long time.

Myrkur’s Influence Grows

After the attack in the gallery, Saga feels unsafe and experiences a setback in her agoraphobia. Despite this, she refuses to hide completely. She resumes taking walks with Kassandr.

During one of their walks, Kassandr asks Saga what she wants him to do about Oleg. Saga tells him to stand down. Oleg claims Saga will buy them peace and that he will return, insisting there will be no further conflict. Kassandr is clearly unhappy with this.

After Oleg leaves, Saga asks Kassandr about his beast shifting. Kassandr asks Saga to marry him again. Saga refuses and tells him she will never marry him.

Eisa visits the orphanage again and later meets with Fallgerd, the king’s guard who saved her mother from her grandfather. Fallgerd tells her about her great grandfather, a Volsik king, who fell into deep grief after the death of his wife. He explains that the king made a bargain with Myrkur after reading from a book and was healed by it, but later tried and failed to undo the bargain.

As Fallgerd begins to explain how the bargain might be undone, Myrkur takes over. Eisa sees visions of a dark future. When she comes back to herself, she is covered in blood and Fallgerd is dead. Myrkur tells her he tried to kill her.

Eisa realizes that Fallgerd stepping out of the room earlier, the poisoned drink, and the fact that Fallgerd sensed the god inside her may all be connected. Her Queen’s Guard escorts her back to the palace.

Hekla, Eyvind, Rey, Gunnar, and the others enter the woods following Kridka’s instructions. Hekla draws the sigil, and the tree opens to reveal a small verdant woman with fox tails sleeping inside. Kridka explains this is only half of her mistress.

When the Forest Maiden awakens, she is infuriated that Kridka is bound to Hekla. She states clearly that Hekla is not the protector. The Forest Maiden says Hekla smells like Silla, and that Silla is the true protector, bound through the Volsik line.

The mist arrives and a battle begins. Rey and Eyvind hold it back with fire while the others fight. After the battle, the Forest Maiden explains the mist is not a mist at all but a leech, one of Myrkur’s progeny, building an army around a massive tree in the Western Woods.

To stop it, the tree must be destroyed, but only someone of the Volsik line, the protector, can do it.

Rey volunteers to return to Kopa to retrieve Silla. In two weeks, they will face the leech’s army and destroy the tree at Sunnavald, a place blessed by the gods. Rey names Hekla as leader before leaving.

Lady Tala advises that Fallgerd’s death should be kept secret to protect Silla’s image. Tala takes Silla beneath Jarl Håkon’s castle into hidden chambers. The walls depict the full history of Sunnavald and the creation of the first Galdra.

Silla sees a Volsik king depicted holding a rock threaded with blue minerals. She reflects on her blade breaker ability, which never fully manifested. She realizes that every time she thought she used blade breaker, she had been near stone containing those same blue minerals.

Silla decides to test this theory by seeking out more of the mineral rich stone.

The High Prince returns from the Oracle, and the elders convene in Zagadka. Kassandr is uneasy, and Elisava urges him to get his beast under control.

Saga asks permission from the High Prince to address the room, which is granted. She warns the elders that the Urcans will never stop until they colonize the land. Oleg and the High Prince dismiss her, claiming they do not understand what attacked them, and propose sending grain and silver to broker peace.

Kassandr and Elisava defend Saga’s warning. Saga insists this is a mistake. A messenger arrives, announcing the Urcan fleet is about to breach their borders.

Saga and Kassandr prepare the castle for siege, knowing the delegation will fail. The High Prince and Oleg still believe peace is possible.

The delegation returns with decapitated heads. One bears a message stating that the Urcans want the rivers to run red with blood.

Silla rides into the mountains with the horses. Runny and additional Queen’s Guard accompany her. Silla touches stone rich with blue minerals and senses Galdur within it but cannot yet control it.

Silla explains she believes her Volsik bloodline allows her to pull Galdur directly from the land. Without hesitation, those with her help.

A rockslide traps Silla. She touches the mountain and pulls Galdur from the land, detonating the stone. She successfully draws power directly from the earth.

Myrkur expresses interest in this ability and asks Silla to let him experiment with it in exchange for leaving her. Silla refuses without hesitation.

The Siege of Zagadka Begins

Jonas is summoned by the queen multiple times. They speak often. The queen believes she lost Yrsa because of Saga. Jonas believes he lost Ilias because of Silla, or at least that is what he believes to be true. They bond over this shared loss and resentment. The queen asks Jonas to tell her everything he knows about Eisa Volsik and the Volsik family.

The siege in Zagadka continues. During the fighting, a fire pot is thrown into the stables. Saga finds Havoc chained inside and frees him. Havoc breaks loose and flies away, but pauses briefly to look back at Saga before leaving.

As the siege worsens, Saga decides to act. She surrenders herself to the Urcans and claims responsibility for the attack on the castle. She is taken before Ivar.

Ivar does not believe her. He accuses her of lying and strikes her. Saga does not retaliate. She takes a fire flask and prepares to throw it, intending to kill Ivar and herself.

Before she can do so, Havoc returns. He lands nearby. Saga mounts him, and they take flight together for the first time.

Saga and Havoc During the Siege

Saga is taken from Zagadka by Havoc. Outside the city, she is found by mounted warriors riding pegasi. They do not identify themselves. They bring her to their leader. Saga introduces herself as the rightful queen of Íseldur and asks them to unite the East and West of Zagadka. The leader says she cannot commit warriors on the word of a foreign queen, but does not reject her outright.

The fighting continues in Zagadka. Kassandr is exhausted from battle and begins evacuating civilians. Rovgolod tells Kassandr that he is in love with Elisava. Kassandr congratulates him. Kassandr asks where Saga is and realizes she has been missing for hours.

Thorir, the giant guard assigned to watch Saga, confronts Kassandr. Kassandr challenges him to a duel. Thorir admits that Saga surrendered herself to Ivar to plead for Zagadka and claims that her head is now on a pike. Kassandr shifts into his beast form and kills Thorir.

Jonas is summoned by the queen again. They continue speaking privately. The queen confesses that she pushed her own sister out of a window so she could marry Ivar instead of being killed. Jonas tells her about his father. They sleep together. Afterward, the queen tells Jonas that Rökksgarde is a land of transformation and says she expects Jonas to rise through the ranks and become Volund’s second. Jonas agrees.

Silla is restrained in her chambers after losing control under Myrkur’s influence. She is chained to the bed for days. She becomes withdrawn and increasingly resigned to Myrkur’s presence. Rey visits her and begins to realize that Silla did not kill Fallgerd. He determines that the head of her guard was responsible for the assassination attempt and the surrounding deaths.

They search for the guard and find him dead behind the stables, appearing to have killed himself. This ends the investigation and confirms Silla was not responsible.

Khiva breaks Saga out of captivity. Khiva’s mother, the clan mother, holds a grudge against Zagadka but does not want further bloodshed. They attempt to flee the battlefield but are intercepted. The clan mother threatens Saga. An arrow is loosed toward her.

Havoc lands in front of Saga and lowers his wing so she can climb onto his back. The gathered warriors kneel when Saga mounts him, recognizing that she has tamed Havoc. They take flight toward the battle.

Rurik is fighting continuously and is close to death. He collapses. Kridka appears in her animal form and intervenes, preventing his death. As the fighting continues and hope seems lost, Rurik hears wingbeats and war cries.

The riders arrive from across the river. Saga rides Havoc at the front. She throws a fire flask into the siege tower, destroying it. The momentum of the battle shifts, and the Urcans retreat.

The fighting continues until the Urcans are driven back. When the battle ends, Rurik shifts back into his human form and runs to Saga. They embrace.

Silla and Rey return together, along with Kalf and Hef and half the northern Jarls. They meet with Jarl Agler of the East. It is revealed that a widow has been sowing discord between Jarl Håkon and Jarl Agler by intercepting letters. The only widow known to be present is Lady Tala, who had been seated beside Silla during the Jarl meeting and insisted Fallgerd’s death be kept secret.

Silla explains Lady Tala’s actions and intentions. Jarl Agler agrees to support her and departs.

Back in her chambers, Silla reflects that she must find a cure for Myrkur’s influence. She wonders why Malla and Sunnevald have not intervened as Hallmarker continues causing destruction. Moonlight illuminates a book, and Malla speaks to her through it.

Silla learns that she must battle Myrkur directly to defeat him. It becomes clear that moonlight suppresses Myrkur’s influence, though it does not remove him entirely.

Hekla, Kridka, and their group approach the woods again. They are ambushed by ravens turned by Myrkur and by a spider creature. They fight and fall into a river. Hekla orders Thrand to awaken the forest to protect the others while she dives after Eyvind, who is being dragged under.

Hekla fights the spider and saves Eyvind. They escape over a waterfall but are badly injured.

Jonas prepares to leave for Rökksgarde and begin his training. Before leaving, he finds a young boy being beaten by Volund’s current second. Jonas kills the man, knowing it will cost him, but believing it is what Ilias would have wanted.

Hekla wakes after the fall and realizes she has lost her arm. Eyvind is badly wounded. She cleans and stitches his wound with one hand and brings him to shelter, hoping he will survive the night.

The Western Woods and the Corrupted Tree

The battle in Zagadka ends. The city begins recovery. Kassandr spends his days identifying the bodies of the fallen from Zagadka so they can be honored properly. The bodies of the Urcans are burned and left unclaimed.

An assembly is called. Saga addresses the gathered people. She tells them the Urcans will not stop and will return once Ivar’s father gathers the northern fleet. The High Prince and the clan mother are angered and shaken by this. Saga urges them to march on Íseldur immediately and reclaim the throne.

There is resistance to this proposal. The High Prince and the clan mother eventually agree under conditions. Saga must swear her claim beneath the temple, and she must marry one of the High Prince’s sons.

Saga chooses Rurik.

Later that day, Kassandr goes to Saga’s room. He tells her he wants to free her from the agreement. He admits that he once believed keeping her protected meant limiting her choices, but now understands that forcing marriage would take her choice away entirely.

Saga is bathing when Kassandr speaks to her. He tells her she does not have to marry Rurik. Saga says she likes his character. Kassandr says he will not force her. They kiss. They decide to marry by choice, not only for politics.

Silla calls for a meeting with the Jarls. She gathers them in the great hall. Lady Tala is present. Silla confronts Tala and reveals everything, including the intercepted letters, the manipulation, and the attempts to isolate her. She tells the Jarls about her bargain with Myrkur.

Silla explains that she has been presenting herself as a version of Eisa she believed the Jarls wanted to see. She says she will no longer do that. She will be herself. She will be Silla.

She tells the room she has been advised to rule as a cold queen who delivers hard blows, but that she refuses. She says she wants to work with them and learn from them instead. The Jarls swear fealty to Silla Volsik.

The North unites.

Saga and Kassandr are married according to god bound traditions. They spend their wedding night together.

Rurik tells Saga that they will depart for Íseldur soon. He tells her this journey is his wedding gift to her.

Eyvind wakes after the waterfall. Hekla is relieved that he is alive. They discuss how they will return to their people. Hekla is missing her arm.

Eyvind tells Hekla about Liv. He explains that they were betrothed when they were younger and that Liv has no interest in men. He admits that after meeting Hekla, he could no longer accept a life built only on duty. He ended the betrothal and sought permission to tell Hekla the truth.

Hekla is afraid and tries to push Eyvind away, but this time he does not let her. They kiss.

They worry about how they will return to the war camp. Kridka arrives with her pack and returns Hekla’s lost arm. They help them make their way back.

Silla, Rey, and the gathered Jarls and their armies march toward the Western Woods.

The Fight With Myrkur

Silla, Rey, and the allied Jarls arrive at the edge of the Western Woods. Kridka and her pack are already present. The forest is partially dead, and the air feels wrong. At the center stands the corrupted tree, surrounded by animated dead and creatures drawn to it.

Silla believes she can siphon Galdur from those gathered and channel it into the tree to destroy it. Myrkur encourages her and appears pleased, though she does not understand why. She approaches the tree and tests her ability.

Silla realizes two things. First, Myrkur has been hiding draugr beneath the snow around the tree. Second, the tree cannot be destroyed by ordinary Galdur. She understands that the only way to destroy Myrkur is with his own magic.

Myrkur tells Silla that it is already over. Silla draws the blood symbol her mother once showed her and carves it into the tree. She calls Myrkur to face her directly and demands he take an avatar. Myrkur manifests as a giant bear. They agree to fight until one cannot stand. If Silla wins, the bargain is void and Myrkur must withdraw his magic. If Myrkur wins, he gains full access to Silla.

Rey and the Queensguard hold back the dead and corrupted creatures while Silla fights Myrkur’s avatar. Rey calls out observations to help her, but it does not change the outcome. Myrkur taunts Rey and threatens to consume what binds them.

The mist surges. Rey uses his Galdur to hold it back. Silla draws power from him to continue the fight. Rey is overwhelmed by the mist and disappears.

Hekla and Eyvind arrive with Kridka’s pack and push the mist back, preventing it from spreading further.

Silla begs the gods for help. She realizes Myrkur has only been using a fraction of his power and has been waiting for her to give in fully. Myrkur moves to claim her completely.

Hekla fights the spider creature in the woods. Kridka is trapped in silk and begins to suffocate. Hekla kills the creature and frees Kridka.

Saga feels her own Galdur return the moment she enters Ísildur. She senses the battle in the Western Woods and rides toward it. She arrives to find Silla collapsed and the dead still moving.

Saga realizes Myrkur is inside Silla. She reaches for her and pushes steady thoughts and memories into her. This weakens Myrkur’s hold enough for Silla to wake.

As Myrkur’s power turns on them, Silla draws on Runny’s shadowhound abilities and forms a reflective shield. The reflected magic rebounds into Myrkur and the corrupted tree, destroying them both. Myrkur is expelled and disappears.

Saga and Silla meet for the first time. They collide and fall to the ground together.

Rurik returns to human form and approaches them. He instinctively moves to protect Saga. Introductions are made. Silla and Rurik get along easily, both quieter in nature. Saga and Kassandr observe.

The Forest Maiden awakens fully. She restores the forest, and life begins to return to the Western Woods.

The group begins the journey back to Kopa.

Dawn of the North Ending Explained

Saga and Silla return to Kopa riding Havoc. The journey takes several days. They speak during the travel and begin to understand one another. There is tension between them, but they remain aligned.

Silla and Rey spend time alone together one night. They talk about what happened in the Western Woods. They tell each other that they love one another.

Hekla, Eyvind, Kridka, and the others return to Kopa. They gather in the great hall. Saga and Silla speak to those assembled and state that the North is united.

The Jarls of Zagadka and the surrounding lands are present. The defeat of the Urcans is acknowledged, but there is no sense that the threat is fully ended.

The gathering is interrupted by Kraki, the former leader of the Blood Axe crew. He announces that the dragon has awakened.

In Íseldur, Ivar is suffering from his injuries. His wounds are not healing. He is in constant pain.

Eldrun, his favored concubine, comes to him. She reveals herself as an assassin and stabs Ivar.

Ivar kills Eldrun. Remembering a prophecy that he will die at the hands of Galdra, he calls for the guards.

Signe enters the room. Ivar believes she has come to tend to him. Signe reveals that she arranged for Eldrun to be placed near him and to attempt the assassination.

Signe removes the dagger from Ivar’s wound. She allows him to bleed out. Ivar dies.

Spicy Chapters

How Spicy is Dawn of the North by Demi Winters: 2.5🌶️

• Chapter 6
• Chapter 28
• Chapter 54
• Chapter 68

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