Fragile peace reigns in the kingdoms of Wessex and East Anglia, ruled by King Alfred's son Edward, and in Mercia, ruled by his daughter thelfld. Utred, a formidable hero and the greatest warrior, rules the north of Mercia from the well-fortified city of Chester. But nothing can prepare the kingdom for the coming storm. The Vikings, united with the Irish, under the cover of night, move north along the Mersey River, either to attack Chester, or to destroy and plunder Mercia, or maybe to capture the decadent kingdom of Northumbria. They are led by the terrifying warrior Ragnall Ivarson, a fierce warrior and ruthless leader. Together with his army, he represents a formidable force, but even worse, his brother is married to Utrecht's daughter. A determined Utred will stop at nothing to reconquer his corner of Northumbria and secure the future of Bebbanburg. But thelfld and the Mercians will begin to doubt his devotion. Choosing between family and loyalty, between sworn oaths and political aspirations, it is not easy to find a solution. And the roar of the battle of the Vikings and Saxons again echoes through the island