Uthred returns to Wessex to give the news that he has killed Ubba Lothbrokson in single combat, however when he arrives, he finds out that the Ealdorman Odda the Younger has arrived first claiming the victory over Ubba Lothbrokson to himself, erasing Uthred’s participation. Uhtred is taken by rage and draws his sword, however, drawing a sword in the king’s presence is not acceptable leading to an increase in King Alfred’s dislike of him, and Uhtread has no option but to do penance due to his mistake.

Wessex is still fragile after the fights, and King Alfred decides that the best thing to do is peace with Guthrum, rather than striking back. Uhtred, of course, dislikes Alfred’s decision and returns home, however, he is a warrior and it doesn’t take long until Uthred gets bored and starts to raid Cornwall, and during his raid, he reaches a village ruled by Peredur, and there he is contracted to fight an enemy, but soon Uhtred discovers that it is not an ordinary enemy but a Dane called Sven of the White Horse and his trained warriors. Disliking that Peredur has tricked him and not willing to lose any of his warriors, Uhtred allies with Sven and together they kill Peledur and pillage the small village. Uhtred gets fascinated with Iseult, one of Peredur’s wives, and takes her with him, especially because she is known as a person with supernatural powers. However, his actions will not go unnoticed, his betrayal was witnessed by a monk named Asser, who manages to flee.

He returns to his home, and with the treasure from the pillage he manages to build a great hall on his property and pay his debt to the Church, however, the Witan (king’s council) summons Uhtred to an audience, and based on Asser testimony, he is accused to raid the Britons using the king’s ship, and also to ally to Svein. The huge warrior Steapa Snotor, one of Odda the Younger’s men, says he saw Uhtred attacking the abbey as well. Without other options, Uhtred ends in a trial by combat against Steapa. The duel is not going well for Uhtred due to Steapa’s size and strength, however, Guthrum breaks the peace and launches a surprise attack on Wessex, a big confusion starts and Uhtred flees with Leofric and Iseult, hiding in the fields until nightfall. They return to rescue Eanflæd, a whore that has helped them many times and ends up also rescuing a nun called Hild.

The five wander looking for a safe place, and when reaching the swamps of Athelney, they see Guthrum’s men pursuing a monk, Uhtred helps him and finds out that the monk is actually King Alfred. Alfred considers going into exile, but Uhtred defends to stay and fight, and in this way they hide for some months in the swamp, building defenses and spreading the word that Alfred is still alive and that men should come to join him and fight for Wessex when the time comes.

Uhtred creates a trap for Svein in the Parret river and tricks Svein’s guards, getting a chance to burn the ships and forcing Svein to join his rival Guthrum. This creates a good opportunity for Alfred to attack the Danes and regain his lands. Alfred calls all loyal fyrds and still outnumbered, but with Uhtred on his side, they march to fight the Danes to recover his kingdom, in what would be called later Battle of Ethandun.