The seventh novel in Bernard Cornwell's bestselling series about the creation of England and the fate of its great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

Uhtred – sword of the Saxons, scourge of the Vikings – has been declared an outlaw. Peace in Britain has given Uhtred time to make trouble – for himself. Inspired by the suspicion that the Viking leader Cnut Longsword will attack the Saxons again, he heads to Bebbanburg, fearing that if he does not act now, he will never retake his stolen right.

However, Uhtred's fate is tied to the Saxons, to Aethelflaed, the shining lady of Mercia, and to the dream of a dead king for England. For great battles must still be fought – and no man is better at it than Uhtred.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg's mind is as sharp as his sword. A thorn in the side of the priests and nobles shaping his destiny, this Saxon raised by Vikings is torn between the life he loves and those he has sworn to serve.