Wessex has been liberated from the Vikings. The Saxon warrior Uhtred, who helped Alfred win the war, is disillusioned by the king's ingratitude and religious fanaticism. He leaves Wessex heading north, seeking to avenge the death of his adoptive father and to save his half-sister who has fallen into the hands of invaders. He must find his old enemy, Kjartan, who has fortified himself in Dunholm.

The north is in chaos, anarchy, and fear. Uhtred's only ally is Hild, a nun who has renounced her status, while he places all his hopes on his sword, thanks to which he has gained a reputation as a formidable warrior. He will also need the help of other warriors to attack Dunholm, so he finds Guthred, a Danish lord of northern Britain. The clash between Uhtred's group and the Danish army will be relentless and merciless, marking a new beginning for Northumbria.

The third part of Cornwell's series "The Saxon Chronicles".