The burning land

The enemy is massing on the borders, a united force for once. Meanwhile, the king, a man of many victories, is in failing health, and his heir is an untested youth. Uhtred, the king's champion, is leading his country's forces to war but his victory is soured by personal tragedy and by the envy of the king's court. So he decides to break with the king and heads off for the land where he was born. He is determined to resist all calls for his return. That is, until one unexpected request ...