After Uhtred follows his father to the battlefield, he watches his father's death from the sidelines, when the invading Danes capture Uhtred he is brought up as one of them after proving himself.

Uhtred and Brida are on the run. Uhtred attempts to clear his name for a wedding massacre. Brida finds an inventive use for a twig.

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.

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.

Uhtred suffers a great loss on his attack on Bebbanburg. As he retreats south, he takes some valuable captives. Aethelflaed prepares for war.