His reclusive father's stunning deathbed revelation plunges young Thane Edmond into a maelstrom of adventures encompassing romance, a deadly street riot, dynastic intrigues and savage frontier warfare during the tumultuous final years leading to the battle of Hastings. An ancient ring inscribed 'AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN' relentlessy reminds Edmond he must persevere in a seemingly hopeless quest for the status demanded by his heritage. Edmond's odyssey transports him from England's western marches to Dover harbour, an outlaw forest hideout, medieval London, Bristol's slave markets, imperial Constantinople's grandeur and across a turbulent Europe toward a climatic appointment with destiny.