It seems inevitable that Edward will want to drive all Danes from the north of the country and bring about the Christian Saxon kingdom his father Alfred dreamed of.

He pretends he has given up and moves all his men, women, children, goods, horses and cattle out of Dunholm and spreads rumours that he is sailing across the sea to Frisia.

While he is making preparations in Grimesbi, he realises that the ships coming in to the port and stocking up with goods are a supply fleet commanded by Aethelhelm.

He despairs of ever winning back Bebbanburg because Aethelhelm's ships and men will get to the fortress before he does and provide both food and hundreds of Saxon reinforcements.

His prayer for a miracle is answered: Northmen allied with the Scots burn most of Aethelhelm's ships and in the chaos, Uhtred escapes Grimesbi undetected.

Unbeknown to Uhtred, his son has helped Aethelstan stow away, and the prince quickly kills Aethelhelm's champion.