Rulfr Leifsson and his band of marauders land on the shores of the small island kingdom of Celyddon. They are met by little resistance except for one; the young Queen Aislin, who defies both her husband and the Viking when she bows before the conquering Norseman to beg for mercy toward her child, but asks that her life be taken instead so that she will bring no dishonor to her husband by swearing allegiance to the enemy.
Taken by her courage and devotion toward her family, Rulfr denies the request, which sets into motion a future of treachery and deceit for them both.
The Shield Maiden's Son is the first book of the Shield Maiden series.