As the year 1053 comes to a close, our young hero is forced to head north to escape his pursuers. Internally England is united and at peace, for now. On the horizon dark clouds are gathering. In the north the Scots are uniting under the warrior king, MacBethad To the west Gruffud ap Llewelyn attempts to claim Wales as all his own. Further west and further north powerful warlords wait to throw in their forces to steal silver, gold, and slaves from England's rich and fertile lands. Once again Sar, and his friend Gyric are drawn into the maelstrom of great events, struggling to survive and thrive amidst the havoc of war.