When King Alfred is left to wander the English countryside looking little better than a beggar, it seems there is no hope left - the Vikings will conquer the country and they will all become slaves.

Ethelbert is still young, but he wishes he could fight to protect his country. And soon he is called upon to do just that. But when faced with such fearsome warriors, it is only through cunning and mystery that they will get the upper hand...A Viking story blending Norse mythology with historical fact and Terry Deary's vividly imagined characters.