England, 1036, and the sons of the late King Aethelred, Alfred and Edward, are returning after living abroad for twenty years. King Cnut has died and his illegitimate son, Danish Harald, has taken the throne.

But their return to England has been watched, and Thored, the reeve of the evil Earl Godwine, has been spying from a distance. As Edward stays on the ship, and Alfred is joined by Big Aelfric, a friend loyal to their father, events take a turn that will have repercussions for years to come.

Edward and Alfred were guardians to a young man named Richard. After coming ashore with them, he becomes firm friends with Big Aelfric's son, Aelfgar, and together they seek to revenge wrongs done to those dear to them.