The Lords of the North

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In 878, Wessex is free from Viking control, thanks to Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord. However, Uhtred is disillusioned by King Alfred's lack of generosity and piety. Disgusted, he flees to the north to seek revenge for his foster father's murder and to rescue his stepsister, who was captured in the same raid. His quest leads him to Kjartan, a renegade Danish lord hiding in the stronghold of Dunholm. Upon arriving, Uhtred finds rebellion and chaos, with only Hild, a West Saxon nun, as his ally. His formidable reputation as a warrior relies heavily on his sword, but he also needs the support of other fighters. He encounters Guthred, a slave who believes he is a king, and realizes that Guthred's claim to rule Northumbria hinges on Uhtred and Ragnar, his sworn brother. However, Guthred proves weak and succumbs to treachery, leading Uhtred into a slave voyage to Iceland. His eventual rescue comes from an unexpected alliance of friends and foes. Ultimately, Alfred the Great sees an opportunity in Northumbria's turmoil and unleashes Uhtred and Ragnar on Dunholm, the seemingly invincible fortress. This gripping tale of betrayal, romance, and struggle is set against a backdrop of upheaval in England, showcasing Uhtred as a heroic figure without lands or country.