After Erlend’s death, Kristin sinks into a deep depression but is determined to see her sons flourish. She is roused from her depression when a terrible sickness sweeps through the region. The sickness kills Munan, who dies a year after his father. Though Kristin is 40 and considered to be still relatively young, she does not entertain thoughts of remarriage. Ivar and Skule are fostered with Inge, Sir Munan’s son. Kristin notices how close Naakkve and Bjørgulf have become, and she realizes that his is because Bjørgulf is now almost totally blind, his lifelong sight issues having worsened during the sickness. The two brothers plan to “take the vows of monks” (998) and enter a monastery, though Bjørgulf tries to take his own life at several points, saved by Naakkve. Ulf leaves the area, which he never truly loved. As such, Gaute is the only male left who can take over the running of the farm as Kristin gets older.

At this time, Norway undergoes a period of political change. There is a new king, who promises to rule from within Norway rather than from abroad. Skule enlists to serve with Bjarne Erlingssøn, one of the new king’s trusted men.