Long-standing harmony between Saxon and Dane is threatened when an old enemy returns to seek revenge. After suffering a devastating attack, Uhtred realises his hard-won peace is over.

As Brida and her army close in on Stiorra, Uhtred rallies his men to storm Eoferwic and save the town from devastation. In Winchester, Aethelhelm continues to plot against Edward in his bid for power.

Uhtred and Brida are reunited during the assault on Eoferwic and both learn the true cost of war when an unspeakable tragedy strikes. A darker side of Sigtryggr emerges as he is left to pick up the pieces of his broken city.

Uhtred hurries to reach Aethelflaed before it's too late. When signs of rebellion surface, Edward makes a drastic move, one that shakes Mercia to its foundations.

As tensions between Saxon and Dane continue to mount, Uhtred must do all he can to prevent full blown warfare. In a cruel twist of fate, Aethelhelm's scheming backfires in ways he could never have imagined.

Sigtryggr and his brother lead a daring attack to gain the upper hand against the Saxons. Uhtred and his men race to inform Edward of the deadly treachery within his palace walls.

Brida continues her hunt for Uhtred but it's unclear if she wants reconciliation or revenge. With nowhere left to turn, Aethelhelm seeks an alliance with a new threat from the north.

Reeling from immeasurable loss, Uhtred seeks lasting safety for his loved ones. Aethelhelm's whereabouts reaches Edward leaving him with an unwelcome decision to make.

Old friends and foes unite to aid Uhtred and Edward in their mission to rescue Aelfwynn and bring the traitor Aethelhelm to justice.

As the climactic battle rages on, the fate of England hangs in the balance. Forced to choose between his personal destiny and the securing of a new nation, Uhtred chances everything to defend his family.