The Empty Throne

"The Empty Throne" continues the story of Uhtred Uhtredson of Babbenburg.  His son has been involved in a successful battle on the Mersey River, fighting alongside his liege lady Aethelflaed.  She instructs him to take the prisoners and other prizes to where her husband is so that they can be sold.  She wants to build a stronghold on the Mersey meantime.  Unfortunately when Uthred gets there, the prizes are taken from him by Eardwulf to gain money for Aethelflaed's husband, Aethelred.

Uthred is astonished to find his father there (also named Uthred), but he had been summoned by the Witan. They were going to decide who will replace Aethelred as leader of Mercia as he is slowly dying.  During the meeting, Uthred comes to the realisation that Aethalstan's life is in danger.  Aethalstan is the first son of King Edward of Wessex.  He needs to get there to protect the lad.

Uthred also needs to prevent a wedding from happening, which will upset the balance of power.  However, in doing so, he could provoke a war.  War is averted with the help of Aethelflaed.  However, who is going to replace Aethelred?  Uthred manages to convince the Witan that he should, however he immediately hands the throne over to Aethelflaed.

In search of the sword that had wounded him, Uthred heads to Wales, in the hopes that the sword would help heal his wound.  In Wales, he learns that Norsemen are preparing to attack Chester.  Can he move his men in time to warn the fort of the forthcoming attack?

Once again, author Bernard Cornwell brings history alive in this fictional work.  For those who enjoy historical fiction, and the history of Britain, this is one not to be missed.