Uhtred demonstrates his value to a thankful Guthred and when a gathering of horsemen shows up, guaranteeing devotion to Guthred however in all actuality sent by Kjartan Uhtred rushes to see through their falsehoods and all are quickly dispatched, aside from one Sihtric, who consents to change sides. Beocca leaves to come back to Wessex yet the sinister Eadred, still strangely suspicious of Uhtred, and on edge for a harmony bargain with Erik and Siegfrid. harms the basic simple Guthred against his previous friend in need, especially in the light of Uhtred's affection for Guthred's sister Gisela. Therefore ...