Chapter Fifteen, The Return from the North Country Summary

Ibn Fadlan spends several more weeks with the Northmen before desiring to return to his initial mission. However, his appeals to Rothgar to take his leave of the Northmen fall on deaf ears. Rothgar contrives to keep Ibn Fadlan from leaving Hurot until he finally becomes frustrated and seeks aide from Herger. Herger flatters Rothgar and tells the king that his only remaining son Wulfgar is still abroad. Herger says Wulfgar should be summoned home and that a party should be assembled to fetch the boy back. When Rothgar calls for men to form a party, Ibn Fadlan requests he be allowed to make the journey. Rothgar is unable to refuse the foreigner and so Ibn Fadlan gains passage home.

During the time it takes to prepare a boat...