Chapter Eight, The Events that Followed the First Battle Summary

Ibn Fadlan is shocked when the Northmen show no excitement following the apparent defeat of the mist monsters. Rothgar does not congratulate Buliwyf and Buliwyf does not express any signs of pleasure at the outcome of the battle. The only time the Northmen do show happiness is when they place the dead warriors in graves to begin the burial process. Ibn Fadlan comes to learn that Northmen are always pleased when a man dies in battle. They view those who die in bed or of old age as cowards.

Ibn Fadlan asks Herger why the warriors are not more excited. Herger replies they are still afraid because the black mist will come again and bring the wendol back. Ibn Fadlan is high on the excitement of his...