There has been peace in Britain for many years. It would seem that all the wars are over, and the formation of England is only a matter of time and patience necessary for the conversion of the northern Danes to Christianity. But by chance, Uhtred falls out of favor with the new King Edward and is forced to wander in exile. Finally, there is nothing holding him back from correction to Northumbria, where he can finally take Bebbanburg from the traitor Elfric. But the Danish voivodes Knut and Sigurd have their own plans, and they are ready to bring fire and destruction back to the Saxon kingdoms, without stopping until the rich lands finally become theirs.