As Uhtred and his men draw closer to Bebbanburg, the prodigal son Wihtgar returns with some tricks up his sleeves. News of a treachery troubles Uhtred.
Aethelflaed and Uhtred ally with the Welsh king Hywel to face Cnut's army of a thousand warriors at the Battle of Tettenhall, hoping that they will be joined by Edward's troops.
As he lingers near death, Aethelred shows repentance. Ealdormen of Mercia vie for control of the land. Edward uses his niece Aelfwynn as a bargaining chip.
Aelfwynn suffers from the sickness sweeping the land. Edward proposes an unexpected path forward for Mercia. Cnut's kinsman Sigtryggr arrives in Wales.
As he awaits Aethelflaed's reinforcements, Edward besieges Winchester. Uhtred isn't convinced that conquest is really Sigtryggr's ultimate aim. Stiorra seeks to follow her own path. The wind shifts in Winchester.