The Pale Horseman

Více o knize

Uhtred, a dispossessed Saxon nobleman, faces a pivotal choice in a world rife with fire, sword, and treachery: to align with the Vikings who raised him or with King Alfred the Great of Wessex, who harbors disdain for him. In the late ninth century, Wessex stands as the last English kingdom, besieged by the Danish Vikings intent on conquest. Uhtred, married to a woman from Wessex, feels little loyalty to either side, especially towards Alfred. However, fate intervenes when the Vikings launch a surprise attack, forcing Uhtred to join Alfred in defense of the kingdom. This narrative, rooted in the real history of Anglo-Saxon England, recounts Alfred's struggle as he becomes a fugitive in swampland, battling overwhelming odds. The king, a pious Christian, contrasts sharply with Uhtred, an arrogant pagan warrior. Despite their differences, they form an uneasy alliance that leads them from the marshes to a decisive hilltop battle for England's survival. This enthralling tale weaves together themes of divided loyalties and desperate heroism, featuring a rich cast of characters, from a despairing king to a captivating British sorceress, while highlighting the suffering of those caught in the tumult of war.