Sigtryggr, the Viking ruler of Northumbria, and the Saxon queen of Mercia, Eteflelda, have agreed to a truce. Faced with the unexpected calm, Uhtred of Bebbanburg finally has a chance to reclaim the home that his traitor's uncle stole from him so many years ago and is now still occupied by his scheming cousin. However, fate is inexorable. A new enemy is going to participate in the fight for the kingdoms of England: the fearsome Constantin of Scotland seizes the moment to begin his conquest and leads his armies south. Suddenly, the precarious peace threatens to turn into a bloody war. Uhtred is determined that nothing, neither the new nor the old enemies, will take him away from his rights and his heritage. He is the lord of Bebbanburg. And he will achieve his dream even if all the skills learned throughout a life full of battles are necessary.