Winchester celebrates Aethelred and Aethelflaed's wedding, but the festivities are short-lived as the clouds of war gather and Alfred runs out of options to keep the peace. When rumours swirl, Alfred's mistrust of Uhtred reaches a new low and Uhtred is relegated in his duties as the warlord of Wessex. Aethelred is called to step up to the plate, but a fatal mistake allows Erik and Sigefrid to outwit the Saxons and terror reigns.