When our 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. But when his surrogate family is murdered by a group of renegade Danes, Uhtred finds himself alone; neither Saxon nor Dane.

Finding himself blamed for the wedding massacre Uhtred pleads his innocence to the great Viking warlord Ubba, but is not believed. His only choice is to return to his roots and approach the soon-­‐to-­‐be Saxon King, Alfred.

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

Uhtred’s relationship with Alfred hits a new low. Alfred invites Uhtred to peace talks only to use him as a pawn. Held hostage by the Danes, Uhtred renews contact with Ragnar, who saves his life. A great battle looms.

In rescuing Mildrith from suspected abduction, Uhtred is drawn into the great battle of Cynuit, where he heroically defeats a formidable enemy. But when Odda the Younger steals the glory, Uhtred is furious and faces Alfred’s penance.

Uhtred leads a raiding party to Cornwall, on a mission for wealth and independence. The party become mercenaries for a Cornish King and Uhtred attracts the attention of a beautiful pagan queen, but he must eventually return to Wessex and face Alfred’s wrath.