New enemies enter into the fight for England’s kingdoms: the redoubtable Constantin of Scotland seizes an opportunity for conquest and leads his armies south. And so England’s greatest warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, at last has the chance to take back the home his traitorous uncle stole from him so many years ago – and which his scheming cousin still occupies.īut fate is inexorable and the enemies Uhtred has made and the oaths he has sworn combine to distract him from his dream of recapturing Bebbanburg. Northumbria’s Viking ruler, Sigtryggr, and Mercia’s Saxon Queen Aethelflaed have agreed a truce. The great fort was built on a rock that was almost an island, it was massive, it could only be approached on land by a single narrow track – and it was mine.īritain is in a state of uneasy peace. But with Uhtred’s own daughter married to Ivarson’s brother, who can be trusted?įrom the day it was stolen from me I had dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. Despite the gathering threat, both Edward and Æthelflaed are reluctant to move out of the safety of their fortifications. Northmen allied to the Irish, led by the fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson, are soon joined by the Northumbrians, and their strength could prove overwhelming. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms’ greatest warrior, controls northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids. King Alfred’s son Edward and formidable daughter, Æthelflaed, rule Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. A hero who will ultimately decide the fate of a nation… And she is without her greatest warrior and champion, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.Īn empty throne leaves the kingdom exposed to rival West Saxons and to the Vikings, who are on a bloody rampage once more.Ī hero is needed, a hero who has been in battle all his life, who can destroy the double threat to Mercia. His wife is a born leader, but no woman has ever ruled over an English kingdom. The ruler of Mercia is dying, leaving no apparent heir.

In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler. For great battles must still be fought – and no man is better at that than Uhtred. To Aethelflaed, bright lady of Mercia and to a dead king’s dream of England. Yet Uhtred’s fate is bound to the Saxons. For, despite suspecting that Viking leader Cnut Longsword will attack the Saxons again, Uhtred is heading for Bebbanburg, fearing that if he does not act now he will never reclaim his stolen birthright.

Branded a pagan abomination by the church, he sails north. Peace in Britain has given Uhtred time to cause trouble – for himself. Uhtred – sword of the Saxons, bane of the Vikings – has been declared outcast.

Between two kingdoms paperback