Ealdorman Oswi and Lady Eleen are to be married in the summer in the small town of Holt. But first Oswi must once more follow his King to battle.The king is heading south to support his Sussex Ealdormen, who are under attack from the marauding King Wattus of the Haestingas tribe who is reaching out to extend his lands.Healfden after surviving the battle at Farndon made his way home and now seeks a new home in the north. He needs a new place to venture out from to kill and steal and draw new warriors to him. the defeat at Farndon and the disloyalty of some of his warriors irks him still. He seeks revenge against Oswi and Mercia.Berg former friend and of Healfden and his old mentor Frode both have difficult choices and challenges to make which could put them in harms way.Afan the young chief who's father supported Jarl Healfden see's his siblings safely hidden with family then journeys to seek his own revenge on Healfden who he blames for his fathers death and Oswi for the loss of Holt.Oswi must once more prove his battle skills fighting for King Offa. Oswi suffers as a close friend dies, finds loyalty from a new warrior, learns of a great deception.Oswi must battle with his friends and comrades to win through and survive in the extremes of King Offa's realm and beyond, so he can return home and marry Lady Eleen.Honour, Deception, Loyalty, Cruelty, friendship, Mistrust and Love along with hard fought battles. Oswi must overcome it all.