'Finch has written a blood-soaked historical epic to rank with the best' Anthony Riches, author of Storm of War The throne of England is under threat, but one lad's battle is much closer to home. Storm clouds gathering at England's shores... Autumn, 1066. Saxon England, a realm at peace for fifty years, unknowingly enjoys its last peaceful harvest. For a Viking horde, led by the dreaded Harald Hardraada, circles off the north-eastern coast, while William of Normandy, a wolf in human guise, waits in the south, greedily sizing up the wealthy kingdom. ...will change a young man's future... Seventeen-year-old Cerdic, as second in line to the earldom of Ripon in northern England, is being trained for a future in the Church. But croziers and catechism do not fire Cerdic's soul. He longs instead to be a warrior, like his brother Unferth, and ride to battle in defence of his lands. ...and...

The battle for England is over. The fight for Wulfbury has just begun.AD 1066. Cerdic is a prisoner of war. Captured after the Battle of Hastings, his fate is in the hands of the victorious Norman count Cynric, who is in no mood to feed and look after worthless Englishmen as the army moves inland. His survival depends on his ability to convince them of his value.Cerdic's sole bargaining chip is his lordship of Wulfbury, a small stronghold in Northumberia, following the deaths of his father, its earl, and elder brother in the invasions. If he can entice them with the lure of this fiefdom, he may yet survive.But the fortress is held by a ferocious band of Vikings, who will not give it up without a fight. Will Cerdic be able to convince the Norman knights to let him live, or will his fate be the same as so many other Englishmen lying on the battlefield of Senlac Ridge?A gripping historical adventure perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and David...