Summary: Hvitserk Ragnarsson and his young daughter Helga's village was attacked unexpectedly. So Hvitserk had her run but not before ordering her in boys clothes and cutting her hair. His final words to her being her new name, Henrik Erikson. She lived in the woods near the border of Wessex and Merica and culminated Henrik's story for three years. Perfecting every little detail so there would be no risks or flaws about his story. As the people responsible for her village's destruction and father's deaths are still at large. Once she is satisfied with herself she moves to Coccham at age 8 as an orphan boy looking for work.

Living in Coccham 10 years later as a stable boy, Henrik must make further sacrifices to ensure the ruse sticks. Entrusting a dear friend to pose as his wife to lessen the questions about Henrik's life. Yet, the further the ruse lasts the more potent feelings come to the surface. Helga and Henrik are two different people living in the same body and inhabiting within the same mind. Yet they have an inner struggle to find out what's real and what's fake.