When spies infiltrate the Cumbraland army, Uhtred must rely on his troops to protect him from a perilous attack. He rides as the dead horseman once again, and Kjartan's thirst for revenge grows ever stronger.

Hild goes on a journey of self-discovery as she considers exchanging her life as a nun for that of a warrior and Guthred's efforts to emulate Alfred's conciliatory tactics backfires when his indecision and lack of ruthlessness weakens the Saxons' position.

When affection between Uhtred and Gisela reaches new heights, Uhtred's enemies close in and he suffers a grave betrayal. Show less