Dane Ubba's Viking army is crushing the Anglo Saxon kingdoms one by one. The three kings of Northumbria feel to properly overcome their rivalry, so two are slain, the third becomes a puppet. Lord Uthred senior, earldorman of Bebbanburg, falls in the decisive battle, shortly after his cocky heir of the same name was killed. Secondborn Osbert is re-baptized Uthred to be prepared as heir by priest Bebbanburg, while his uncle schemes to succeed himself. Amidst a bloody see of cruel oppression, Uthred is captured as slave to Danish earl Ragnar, but manages to impress him and be adopted, not returned for ransom.
