Episode 2 of Vikings: Valhalla's second season kicks off with Olaf, his heart ablaze with urgency, relentlessly pursuing the elusive Jomsvikings in the wake of the tumultuous beach confrontation. As the climax nears, Olaf, his voice laced with steel, urges Svein to drench his sword in blood, a testament to their unwavering dominance. Svein obeys, his face splattered with crimson, earning Olaf's approving nod and the words that echo through time: "Your father would stand proud."
Meanwhile, in the formidable stronghold of Jomsborg, Freydis strides triumphantly towards her destiny's shores, her arrival greeted with warmth and reverence. She is ushered into the presence of Harekr and Gudrid, the esteemed leaders of this bastion, where an ancient symbol, etched into a monumental rock within the temple, whispers of past glories. Freydis wastes no time asserting her prowess, dazzling all in a combat exhibition that leaves no doubt of her prowess.
Harekr, recognizing her potential, urges her to forge her own Uppsala within the heart of Jomsborg. As dawn breaks, a tide of refugees washes ashore, each compelled to relinquish their weapons in a precautionary measure. They are then dispatched into the forest's embrace, tasked with cultivating a life of tranquility while also bolstering Jomsborg's defenses. Though Freydis harbors misgivings, she is exhorted to embrace her fate and crown Jomsborg as the new beacon of hope.
In Kattegat, Olaf and Svein, their souls still stained with the aftermath of battle, return. Olaf, once cleansed of his earthly burdens, finds himself drawn to the allure of Queen Ælfgifu, and together they weave a web of intrigue.
Far away in Novgorod, Leif and Harald arrive to find a society marred by opium-fueled haze and the brutal spectacle of slave combat. Their quest to seek audience with Uncle Yaroslav is initially met with obstinance, until Harald, with a stroke of boldness, halts the bloodshed, commanding the attention of all.
Over a meal fraught with tales of triumph and tribulation, Harald recounts their journey to Yaroslav, whose table also hosts Lord Vitomir, a man bound by the allure of Constantinople but stymied by the treacherous Pechenegs, who guard the river's edge with a grisly reputation for flaying their victims alive. The stage is set for a journey fraught with peril and unforeseen challenges.
Seventeen months have elapsed since the route's obstruction, leaving Yaroslav more reliant than ever on Canute's northern domain. The notion of arming Harald and Leif at this juncture is utterly unfeasible, for it would poison the well of trade, choking the lifeblood of Novgorod's commerce. Instead, Yaroslav inspires Harald to reinvent his path.
Subsequently, Harald and Leif concoct a daring plan to amass funds. They make a grand entrance into the fighting pit, proposing a daring two-against-one bout. Leif, less than thrilled, elects to remain a spectator, while Harald bravely engages the two challengers. Yet, as the odds turn dire, Leif can't resist joining the fray, his instincts driving him to Harald's side. This spectacle captivates Lord Vitomir, who extends an alluring offer.
Assigned with the delicate task of conveying a precious cargo to the emperor in Constantinople, Vitomir, after witnessing Harald's prowess, deems him the ideal candidate. The remuneration promised is substantial, a fortune waiting to be earned.
As Harald prepares for his journey, Leif is astonished to see his companion stockpiling furs in preparation. Harald is steadfast in his belief that this endeavor holds the key to his destiny, dreaming of one day ruling Norway. Leif, however, harbors doubts and retreats, finding solace in the opium den. There, he seeks communion with the dead, specifically Liv, whose spectral form beckons him to the rooftop, tempting him with the promise of Valhalla and the brink of oblivion. Leif stands firm, clutching his cross, ultimately succumbing to unconsciousness.
Meanwhile, in London, Godwin subjects the captured assassin to excruciating torture. Gold discovered in the assassin's lodgings attests to a paid hit. Though not native to the north, when his eyes are seared with agony, the man reveals his employer's cryptic moniker: "Bear" or "Barr." Emma's desperation for answers fuels Godwin's resolve, who vows to uncover the truth, driven by the fact that the assassin still possesses two eyes—testimony to the interrogation's unfinished business.
