The end of the 9th century. England is torn apart by internecine struggles among local leaders, and the Danes invade its territory. King Alfred of Wessex is too weak in health to offer a worthy resistance to the invaders; the heir is young and inexperienced. Help comes to the king in the person of Uhtred of Bebbanburg with his army—and he wins the battle. The enemy is defeated, but Uhtred’s triumph is clouded by tragedy. He swears never to serve the crown again—yet another oath binds him to the king’s daughter, the beautiful Ethelflaed…