October 1463. England is a divided nation. In the north, the Lancastrian king struggles to hold power, while in the south, the princes of the house of York prepare for war. Across this land, pursued by the Church and the Law, a young man, Thomas, and a young woman, Catherine, make their way, bearing proof of a secret both sides will kill to learn. Bent on revenge for a past outrage, Thomas and Catherine journey to the mighty castle of Bamburgh to...

England is fractured, torn apart more by internal fighting than the threat of Viking invasion. The ruler of Mercia is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. His wife is a formidable fighter and great leader, but no woman has ever ruled over an English kingdom. And she is without her strongest warrior and champion, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The scene is set for an explosive battle between elders and warriors for the empty throne.