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Cerdic is the younger son of a minor lord living in a quiet Anglo Saxon village in sixth century Northumbria. His people seemed are settled and the Welsh (Romano-Britons) seem contained behind the Pennines. Cedric fully expects to live out his live as a gentleman farmer, hopefully with the beautiful Aidith by his side. But as he listens to the tales told by Lilla the bard, he can't help but dream of following after his uncle, the great warrior Cynric, and finding glory in battle.
And then the village is sacked by the Welsh and war ''does'' come. His brother dead, his sister abducted, and his uncle's legendary sword stolen, Cerdic must move quickly from boyhood to manhood. As the Welsh army masses, can he find the courage to avenge his family's losses?