In the aftermath of the dramatic battle at Ashdown, during which Alfred’s older brother was slain, Alfred is now hailed as the rightful king of Wessex. That summer, his first official act is to approach the Danes to seek a peace treaty. Neither side, he reasons, is interested in a protracted war. When the Danes offer only to recognize Wessex as a Danish fiefdom, Alfred rejects them. In a diplomatic gesture, which Alfred sees as befitting of a Christian, he agrees to allow the Danes to remain in Readingum.

Before the Danish army departs, Uhtred is kidnapped by the Saxons, who believe they have liberated a long-held captive. Uhtred is uncertain whether he wants to be with the Saxons but agrees to several conditions of his freedom. Alfred desires to make the freed hostage “into a true Englishman” (182). Uhtred must pledge to learn to read and write, and he must promise to return to practicing Christianity despite his disdain of its virtues of humility, patience, and compassion.

Uhtred longs for the freedom and manic energy of the Danes and misses the sheer heft and gravity of his sword Serpent-Breath. Not soon after he returns, Uhtred runs away from the Saxon encampment.