AD 642, Anglo-Saxon Britain: Oswald has reigned over Northumbria for
eight years and Beobrand has led the king to ever-greater victories.
Rewarded for his fealty and prowess in battle, Beobrand is now a wealthy
warlord, with a sizable warband. Tales of Beobrand's fearsome
black-shielded warriors and the great treasure he has amassed are told
throughout the halls of the land. Many are the kings who bow to Oswald.
And yet there are those who look upon his realm with a covetous eye. And
there is one ruler who will never kneel before him. When Penda of
Mercia, the great killer of kings, invades Northumbria, Beobrand is once
more called upon to stand in an epic battle where the blood of many will
be shed in defense of the kingdom. But in this climactic clash between
the pagan Penda and the Christian Oswald, there is much more at stake
than sovereignty. This is a battle for the very souls of the people of
Albion.