Uhtred's scheming uncle claims his lands; Aelfric becomes a puppet-lord for the Danes; Uhtred is captured by his father's killers.

Uhtred and Brida are fugitives, running from Aelfric; Uhtred pleads his innocence to a Viking warlord, but he is not believed.

Uhtred wins the protection of Alfred, but his commitment to the new king threatens his relationship with Brida.

King Alfred makes a tactical play that keeps Uhtred close at heel, but Uhtred realizes the ruse; a battle looms over Wessex.

When young hero Uhtred loses his Saxon father in battle, his lands and inheritance are taken by his scheming uncle Aelfric, who becomes a puppet-lord for the ruling Danes; the Saxon boy is brought up by Danish warlord Ragnar and grows into a warrior.

Uhtred leads a raiding party to Cornwall on a mission for wealth and independence; the party becomes mercenaries for a Cornish king and Uhtred attracts the attention of a beautiful pagan queen, but he must eventually face Alfred's wrath.