Abducted by a Viking warlord after his father is slain in battle, young Uhtred adopts the Norse way of life until tragedy befalls his new family.

Caught between his scheming uncle Ælfric and pitiless Viking warlord Ubba, Uhtred goes on the run and seeks out Alfred, the man who would be king.

Uhtred allies himself with newly crowned Alfred, but his commitment to the nascent king jeopardizes his bond with Brida.

King Alfred keeps Uhtred close with a tactical play, but Uhtred soon realizes he's been tricked. Meanwhile, a great battle looms over Wessex.

Uhtred volunteers to attack Danish ships, but challenges Ubba in the process as the Danes threaten Wessex.