The kingdom lies undefended. Cadwallon and Penda, the kings of Gwynedd and Mercia, ravage the land. Oswald has a rightful claim to the throne, but he is sick of bloodshed; in his heart he longs to lay down his sword and join the monks of Iona. However, the abbot does not want another monk but a warrior king to spread the new faith. He must reignite Oswald's hunger for glory and renown, for gold and power and homage to men. If he does, will it destroy Oswald?
