Uhtred of Bebbanburg plays a crucial role in the battle that will decide whether Alfred the Great's dream of England comes to pass or not.

For many years, Æthelstan kept his word, but having gained control of the Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and East Anglia, the only thing standing in the way of fulfilling Alfred the Great's dream of uniting all of the Ænglisc-speaking peoples under one monarch is a Northumbria ruled by a weak king named Guthfrith.

Constantine, king of Alba, Northumbria's northern neighbour, grows concerned and starts forging an alliance against Æthelstan.

However, though he advances all the way to the northern end of Britain, Constantine avoids meeting him in battle, and Æthelstan eventually has to return home.

Then Anlaf, the most powerful Norse leader in Ireland, joins Constantine, Owain of Strath Clota, and others in invading Cumbria.

Just before the battle, Æthelstan orders Uhtred to marry a rich, young widow so that he will have a strong, loyal man to guard his northern border.