Aethelhelm’s subterfuge successfully foments war tensions between Edward and Sigtryggr, but his thugs make a crucial mistake in attacking a pilgrimage.

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

The forces of Edward and Sigtryggr march toward battle as Uhtred races to reveal the truth of Aethelhelm’s scheming and avert a ruinous war.

Edward offers a role to Stiorra that would restore her to power. Aethelhelm meets with a Saxon enemy. Uhtred has a long-overdue reckoning with Brida.

Upon learning of Aethelhelm’s location, Uhtred proposes an audacious attack to rescue Aelfwynn and restore his birthright — but Edward is cautious.

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

In the aftermath of the tragic battle for Eoferwic, Sigtryggr is forced to make a painful choice. Edward learns of Aethelhelm’s intrigues in Mercia.

Rivals secretly advance competing successors upon the death of a Mercian ruler. Brida finds solace in the faith of her prisoner, Father Pyrlig.

A repentant Aethelred lingers near death while his ealdormen vie for control of Mercia and Edward uses his niece Aelfwynn as a bargaining chip.

A deadly betrayal threatens to splinter Ragnar’s army. Uhtred forms a cunning battle plan and finds an unexpected ally in young Edward.

After rescuing Mildrith, Uhtred joins the fierce battle of Cynuit and vanquishes a forbidding foe, only to have Odda the Younger claim the victory.

Uhtred volunteers to attack Danish ships, but challenges Ubba in the process as the Danes threaten Wessex.