Uhtred receives news that Bebbanburg's defenses have been weakened by Scottish attacks and plans to seize his birthright, but Edward refuses to help.

As Uhtred and his men draw closer to Bebbanburg, prodigal son Wihtgar returns with some tricks up his sleeve. News of Cnut's treachery reaches Wessex.

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

Eardwulf and his men pursue Uhtred's party as it flees through a countryside ravaged by disease. Tensions rise between Edward and the Mercians.

The Danes under Brida and Sigtryggr sack Winchester, guided by the traitor Eardwulf. Haesten ambushes Uhtred's party and seizes valuable captives.

Edward besieges Winchester as he awaits Aethelflaed's reinforcements, but Uhtred isn't convinced that conquest is really Sigtryggr's ultimate aim.

Ill omens and border raids make Uhtred extra-vigilant at his northern outpost. King Sigtryggr is visited by his notorious brother Rognvaldr.

A betrayal at Eoferwic sends Sigtryggr in search of aid, while Uhtred begs Aethelflaed for military support she cannot give. Edward meets a new ally.

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

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.

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.