Betrayed by Guthred and condemned to a life of slavery, Uhtred and Halig, along with fellow slave Finan, are forced to row endlessly on a trader ship.

Meanwhile, in order to gain their allegiance, Guthred welcomes Aelfric and the savage Dane brothers Erik and Sigefrid into Eoferwic,- a reward for dispatching Uhtred. But when a dispute in the terms threatens to jeopardise the agreement, Guthred offers Gisela as a peace offering. but will she comply?

Some time has passed since the battle of Dunholm and Uhtred still serves Alfred as lord of the Wessex town of Coccham. Despite the peace of recent years, trouble is brewing in nearby East Anglia and Aethelwold brings Uhtred a strange tale along with a proposition that is hard to ignore.

Uhtred's continued strong will and latent restlessness creates tension and strain during a royal visit from Alfred and an unexpected meeting with the Northman Erik gives Uhtred more food for thought, although it puts he and Gisela at odds. Meanwhile, at Winchester, preparations for the royal wedding are underway as Aethelred of Mercia arrives. Beocca confides in Uhtred and is left with an important question to ask.