The last years of the ninth century were a dangerous time for England. The health of Alfred of Wessex, his successor, an inexperienced young man, and the Vikings, who have so often seen their aspirations to conquer Wessex frustrated, believe that the time has come to strike. Utred, Alfred's warlord, despite himself, has a trap for the enemy and, at Farnham, inflicts one of the worst defeats on the Vikings. But after the victory, Uhtred will have to face both a family tragedy and the attacks of Alfredo's henchmen, suspicious of his popularity and the monarch's treatment of a pagan. Uthred breaks up with Alfredo, breaks his oath of allegiance and returns the norme, once again a Viking.