Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. The Danes in the north, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs. Uhtred, the great warrior, must return north to recapture his old family home, the great fortress, Bebbanburg. Loyalties will be divided and men will fall, as every kingdom is drawn into a war which will decide the fate of every king, and the entire English nation.