Having helped Alfred rout the Danes in Wessex Uhtred is on edge to come back to Bebbanburg and recover his realm. Joined by feisty cloister adherent Hild he lands in York where Beocca and Father Hreothward lead the battle against rebel siblings Erik and Siegfrid and expect to free neighborhood master Guthred from Uhtred's old enemy Kjartan with Alfred's favoring. Guthred is spared and pledges to help Uhtred capture Kjartan and the deceptive Aelfric however Kjartan get away. Appreciative Abbot Eadred sanctifies Guthred however Uhtred's foes are as yet plotting to crush him. In the interim in Essex, ...