Uhtred and Leofric lead a raiding party to Cornwall on a mission for wealth and independence. The party becomes mercenaries for a Cornish King, and Uhtred attracts the attention of a beautiful sorceress queen named Isuelt. Iseult's charms and the promise of silver make Uhtred feel like he finally has the chance of a new start. However, when he returns to Wessex he is faced with the wrath of King Alfred and a judgment that leaves both his life and the life of his best friend Leofric hanging in the balance.

Leaving the marshes, a united Alfred and Uhtred must get word to Saxon forces to assemble and fight a decisive battle for Wessex and England. Treachery, deception and heartache follow as Wessex is saved — but at what cost to Uhtred?