Historical novel. A deadly danger threatens Wessex. It has a name: Harald Bloodbeard. Only Uhtred recognises the enemy's weakness. The Dane prince has fallen for Skade, a sorcerous whore. When Uhtred captures her, one of the great battles in English history is won. Skade curses him, but Uhtred feels invincible. Until he receives the news that his beloved Gisela has died in childbirth. And across the land smoke drifts again from burning villages ...
