Uthred of Bebbanburg has lost two fishing vessels to raiders, so he
plans a hunting expedition. He receives word that there are four ships
at sea that are charging a fee in his name. It can mean only one thing,
that someone is trying to sow discord between him and the Scots.
When he captures a couple of the ships in question, he learns that they
had been sent north to kill him. One of the prisoners turns out to be
Aethelwulf, brother to Uthred’s daughter-in-law. Uthred had also sworn
an oath to kill Aethelwulf’s elder brother Aethelhelm to prevent the
throne from falling into his hands, so that it would go to Aethelstan
instead.
Shortly afterwards Uthred receives a message from Eadgifu, who is
married to King Edward. She asks for Uthred’s help in protecting her
two young sons. She knows that when Edward dies, Aethelhelm will try
to kill them to prevent them from being in line to the throne. When
Uthred’s crew saves Eadgifu and her sons, she informs them that Edward’s
plan was to divide his kingdom in two. Aethelstan is only to have part
of it. Could this mean civil war now that Edward is dead? Also, would
the Witan confirm Aethelstan as King of Mercia?
There were two options for Uthred; take Eadgifu to his home or take her
to Lundene where Aethelstan’s troops held the city. He chooses the
latter. What will they find in the city?
Author Bernard Cornwell has plenty of action in the city and beyond for
Uthred and his compatriots. None of it will be easy, but it will mean
that a new king is on the throne of a unified country, just as King
Alfred had wanted. This historical novel is well written, full of
action and a jolly good read.
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