- Skarfr (Cormorant) Kristinsson – orphaned ward and apprentice to the skald (poet) Botolf
- Hlif – (developed from one Maeshowe inscription) orphaned and cursed, daughter of St Magnus’ murderer, Hlifolf, ward and housekeeper to Jarl Rognvald
- Brigid – woman kidnapped from Ireland, working with Fergus in Botolf’s longhouse in Orkney, caring for Skarfr
- Fergus – man kidnapped from Ireland, working with Brigid in Botolf’s longhouse in Orkney, caring for Skarfr
- Arn – Jarl Rognvald’s cook and steward