Alfred of Wessex, a man who has achieved many victories, is worn out and the heir to the throne is a young man with no interest in his kingdom. The Vikings do not miss the opportunity and attack. Lord Uhtred leads them into a deadly trap and defeats them in the Battle of Farnham.

However, he cannot enjoy his victory. The personal tragedy he has experienced and the attack he receives from Alfred's guard force him to return to the north, to the place where he was born.

The only person who can bring him back and rekindle his faith in Saxon ideals is Æthelflæd, Alfred's daughter, who is married to a lord who covets the throne.

Uhtred takes command of the army and leads it into the bloodiest battle of recent years, near the Thames.

The fifth part of the series "The Saxon Chronicles".