When the enemies of King Ragnar destroy Ladda's village, she'll do anything it takes to lead the survivors to safety-even agreeing to marry the king himself. But Ragnar and Ladda both quickly discover that there's more to her role than that of queen. As she assumes the burden of shield maiden and admiral of the Swanfleet, guiding her own ships among Ragnar's, her calling to battle becomes clear. She's been chosen, blessed by the goddess Skathi, and her enemies will fall before her blade... Winter by Winter brings to life Hladgertha, the historical teenage Viking pirate queen from the Chronicles of Saxo, and presents a heroine whose cunning and heart resonate across the centuries.