Uhtred and Leofric must face off against each other in a death match-a consequence of their actions in Cornwall. But there are ominous signs of a greater battle to come - The Danes launch an invasion on Wessex, pouring through the streets and killing all in their path. Running for their lives in an escape to find safety, a bond is finally struck between Uhtred and King Alfred; the two men recognize they must now stand and fight together if Wessex is to be reclaimed. Uhtred realizes that his best chance of regaining Bebbanburg rests on Alfred's return to the throne.

The future of England is at stake and the King refuses to hide. He is a man on a mission. Leaving the cover of the marshes, a united King Alfred and Uhtred must get word to Saxon forces; they make a rallying call to all Saxon armies to converge at Egbert's Stone to fight a decisive battle against the Danes. Treachery, deception and heartache follow, though hope remains. Wessex can still be saved, but at what cost to Uhtred?

Having helped Alfred defeat the Danes in Wessex Uhtred is anxious to return to Bebbanburg and reclaim his kingdom. Accompanied by feisty nun Hild he arrives in York where Beocca and Father Hreothward lead the fight against renegade brothers Erik and Siegfrid and aim to free local lord Guthred from Uhtred's old foe Kjartan with Alfred's blessing. Guthred is saved and vows to help Uhtred arrest Kjartan and the treacherous Aelfric though Kjartan escapes. Grateful Abbot Eadred canonizes Guthred but Uhtred's enemies are still plotting to defeat him. Meanwhile in Essex, Brida and Ragnar argue with Alfred over the next way forward.

Uhtred proves his worth to a grateful Guthred and when a group of horsemen arrives, claiming loyalty to Guthred but in reality sent by Kjartan. Uhtred is quick to see through their lies and all are swiftly dispatched, except one Sihtric, who agrees to change sides. Beocca leaves to return to Wessex but the baleful Eadred, still illogically mistrustful of Uhtred, and anxious for a peace treaty with Erik and Siegfrid. poisons the simple gullible Guthred against his former saviour, particularly in the light of Uhtred's fondness for Guthred's sister Gisela. As a result Guthred, anxious for a truce with the Danes, betrays Uhtred, handing him over to his enemies. Beocca seeks Alfred's help in freeing him with Alfred asking Ragnar to locate him before he is taken overseas.

Uhtred is a galley slave on a Viking ship but Aelfric is angry that Guthred did not kill him and breaks the alliance, joining with Erik and Sigefrid to take Durham with savage violence. To appease Aelfric Guthred offers his sister Gisela in marriage but Gisela, in love with Uhtred, refuses and goes into hiding. In Wessex Alfred arranges the marriage of his daughter Aethelflaed to the young king of Mercia Aethelred and sends Hild and Ragnar to rescue Uhtred, which they accomplish when the ship comes ashore to winter. Uhtred is reunited with Gisela but Alfred holds the rescue and the killing of the odious Eadred over him to force him back into the king's service.

Married by Beocca to Gisela, Uhtred joins Ragnar and Alfred's nephew, the reluctant Aethelwold, and others including Hild and Beocca to travel north and defeat Sigefrid and Erik - and ultimately Kjarten, meeting up with Brida on the way. An early victory sends the treacherous brothers into exile and later brings Uhtred's party to visit a contrite Guthred, who now approves the storming of Durham, and release of Ragnar's sister, Thyra. The town is successfully captured and Ragnar faces Kjartan in single combat, a victory for justice, though Thyra does not react as hoped.

Three years have passed. Uhtred has an estate in Wessex with Gisela and their two children. He receives a visit from Aethelwold, who tells him that a medium, Eilaf, has prophesied that he will replace Alfred as king of Wessex and Uhtred will become king of Mercia. Knowing that Alfred despises his brother's weakness Uhtred does not tell the king the whole story but also learns that Alfred means to marry his daughter Aethelflaed to young lord Aethelred of Mercia to provide an alliance. Another alliance is proposed when Erik returns, seeking Uhtred's cooperation in an attack on London. Instead Uhtred visits Eilaf, who tells him that one day he will be the ruler of all the kingdoms in England.

Alfred's daughter Aethelflaed is married to the arrogant, scheming Mercian lord Aethelraed, for whom both Uhtred and Aethelwold have nothing but disdain. Aethelraed is also a bullying husband, casting doubt on his wife's fidelity, but he manages to secure influence with the king by persuading him that Uhtred is not to be trusted. After failing to buy off Erik and Sigefrid following their capture of London Aethelraed and Uhtred join forces to lead a liberating army but find the city strangely empty. This is because, unknown to them, the Danish brothers have a more lethal plan of their own.

King Alfred's health is failing. As time runs out for him to unite the kingdoms of England, his greatest warrior Uhtred must lead Wessex in battle against the fearsome Bloodhair. When Uhtred is cursed by vicious seer Skade, tragedy follows.

When Uhtred commits a serious crime Alfred turns events to his advantage but is outraged when Uhtred retaliates with an act of violence. Uhtred must embark on a voyage and Skade's power takes hold - has he passed a place of no return?

Uhtred risks returning to Wessex to fulfil his vow to Brida. As the royal wedding approaches, Aethelwold spreads discord from the shadows.

At the end of his days, Alfred takes Uhtred into his confidence about his plans for Edward's uncertain future, but Aelswith charts a different course.

As a huge battle with the Danes is close, Edward has to make pivotal decisions that will affect the fates of Uhtred, Wessex - and England.

Uhtred receives news that Bebbanburg's defences have been weakened by Scottish attacks and plans to seize his birthright, but Edward refuses to help.

As Uhtred and his men draw closer to Bebbanburg, the prodigal son Wihtgar returns with some tricks up his sleeves. News of a treachery troubles Uhtred.

Edward marches his troops north while Uhtred recruits a small force to infiltrate Bebbanburg. King Constantin arrives to meet his new bride, Aelfwynn.

Armies converge in an epic, final showdown that determines the fate of a king's dream for England - and Uhtred's hope for securing his family's future.

Having helped Alfred defeat the Danes in Wessex Uhtred is anxious to return to Bebbanburg and reclaim his kingdom. Accompanied by feisty nun Hild he arrives in York where Beocca and Father Hreothward lead the fight against renegade brothers Erik and Siegfrid and aim to free local lord Guthred from Uhtred's old foe Kjartan with Alfred's blessing. Guthred is saved and vows to help Uhtred arrest Kjartan and the treacherous Aelfric though Kjartan escapes. Grateful Abbot Eadred canonizes Guthred but Uhtred's enemies are still plotting to defeat him. Meanwhile in Essex, Brida and Ragnar argue with Alfred over the next way forward.

Uhtred proves his worth to a grateful Guthred and when a group of horsemen arrives, claiming loyalty to Guthred but in reality sent by Kjartan. Uhtred is quick to see through their lies and all are swiftly dispatched, except one Sihtric, who agrees to change sides. Beocca leaves to return to Wessex but the baleful Eadred, still illogically mistrustful of Uhtred, and anxious for a peace treaty with Erik and Siegfrid. poisons the simple gullible Guthred against his former saviour, particularly in the light of Uhtred's fondness for Guthred's sister Gisela. As a result Guthred, anxious for a truce with the Danes, betrays Uhtred, handing him over to his enemies. Beocca seeks Alfred's help in freeing him with Alfred asking Ragnar to locate him before he is taken overseas.

Uhtred is a galley slave on a Viking ship but Aelfric is angry that Guthred did not kill him and breaks the alliance, joining with Erik and Sigefrid to take Durham with savage violence. To appease Aelfric Guthred offers his sister Gisela in marriage but Gisela, in love with Uhtred, refuses and goes into hiding. In Wessex Alfred arranges the marriage of his daughter Aethelflaed to the young king of Mercia Aethelred and sends Hild and Ragnar to rescue Uhtred, which they accomplish when the ship comes ashore to winter. Uhtred is reunited with Gisela but Alfred holds the rescue and the killing of the odious Eadred over him to force him back into the king's service.

Edward marches his troops north while Uhtred recruits a small force to infiltrate Bebbanburg. King Constantin arrives to meet his new bride, Aelfwynn.

Married by Beocca to Gisela, Uhtred joins Ragnar and Alfred's nephew, the reluctant Aethelwold, and others including Hild and Beocca to travel north and defeat Sigefrid and Erik - and ultimately Kjarten, meeting up with Brida on the way. An early victory sends the treacherous brothers into exile and later brings Uhtred's party to visit a contrite Guthred, who now approves the storming of Durham, and release of Ragnar's sister, Thyra. The town is successfully captured and Ragnar faces Kjartan in single combat, a victory for justice, though Thyra does not react as hoped.

Three years have passed. Uhtred has an estate in Wessex with Gisela and their two children. He receives a visit from Aethelwold, who tells him that a medium, Eilaf, has prophesied that he will replace Alfred as king of Wessex and Uhtred will become king of Mercia. Knowing that Alfred despises his brother's weakness Uhtred does not tell the king the whole story but also learns that Alfred means to marry his daughter Aethelflaed to young lord Aethelred of Mercia to provide an alliance. Another alliance is proposed when Erik returns, seeking Uhtred's cooperation in an attack on London. Instead Uhtred visits Eilaf, who tells him that one day he will be the ruler of all the kingdoms in England.

Uhtred receives news that Bebbanburg's defences have been weakened by Scottish attacks and plans to seize his birthright, but Edward refuses to help.

Uhtred risks returning to Wessex to fulfil his vow to Brida. As the royal wedding approaches, Aethelwold spreads discord from the shadows.

Uhtred and Leofric must face off against each other in a death match-a consequence of their actions in Cornwall. But there are ominous signs of a greater battle to come - The Danes launch an invasion on Wessex, pouring through the streets and killing all in their path. Running for their lives in an escape to find safety, a bond is finally struck between Uhtred and King Alfred; the two men recognize they must now stand and fight together if Wessex is to be reclaimed. Uhtred realizes that his best chance of regaining Bebbanburg rests on Alfred's return to the throne.

As a huge battle with the Danes is close, Edward has to make pivotal decisions that will affect the fates of Uhtred, Wessex - and England.