 Thorn promises but loses his right hand on the voyage back.Once in Skandia he becomes a drunk, wallowing in self-pity, however, Hal's mother, Karina, reminds Thorn of his promise and employs him in her inn/eating house.Hal Mikkelson, 16, has become a boy who builds whatever he thinks of with the help of his best friends, Stig and Thorn.