Full episode spoilers.
Ubbe’s travellers reach the shore and begin recovering from the crossing with fresh water, berries and food from the surrounding land. They bathe, hunt and give thanks through a sacrifice. Their relief gives way to caution when Othere finds footprints and carvings in the woods. Ubbe leaves gifts for the unseen inhabitants, who take the offerings and replace them with gifts of their own. The exchange encourages Ubbe and Othere to follow the carvings farther.
In Wessex, Elsewith urges Alfred to remain strong as he prepares his army. He cuts his hair and tells his soldiers that their enemies can be killed like anyone else, rejecting further negotiations. His resolve does not prevent another collapse while riding. After lying unconscious as those around him pray, he wakes and says he feels better. Ivar, meanwhile, tells Harald and Hvitserk that he intends to win by disabling Alfred’s soldiers. Hvitserk notices Ivar’s intensely blue eyes and warns him about the danger of injury.
Ingrid and the blind Erik face questions from Kattegat’s captains and earls about the cost of defending the town. Ingrid argues for higher taxes and points to the threat from a ruler who has converted to Christianity. Erik suspects her involvement in his blindness, then privately offers an enslaved man freedom in return for a favour. Across the ocean, Ubbe and Othere reach a settlement while following the carvings. Armed inhabitants surround them with bows drawn, leaving their first meeting unresolved.