Ambitions threaten the Saxon kingdoms Alfred had once dreamed of uniting. In the wake of his father's death, the new King, Edward, is intent on isolating Wessex and strengthening his reinforcements against possible Dane incursions. Alliances are beginning to fracture as Lord Aethelred of Mercia makes ambitious plans to establish himself as a rival to Wessex. When Northumbria also faces hostility, Uhtred believes the timing is right to take back his...

Using copious materials--including diaries and scrapbooks--from the castle's archives, the current Countess of Carnarvon tells the story of Catherine Wendell, the beautiful and spirited American woman who married Lady Almina's son, the man who would become the 6th Earl of Carnarvon, while paying particular attention to the staff who offer the Castle continuity between generations.

"The final installment in Bernard Cornwell's bestselling Saxon Tales series, chronicling the epic story of the making of England. England is under attack. Chaos reigns. Northumbria, the last kingdom, is threatened by armies from all sides, by land and sea, and only one man stands in their way. Torn between loyalty and sworn oaths, the warrior king Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg faces his greatest ever battle -- and prepares for his ultimate fate." -- Provided...