Edric the Saxon, once known as thegn of Furnaceden, then as Wolfshead when outlawed by the usurping Normans, then idolised as Hereward the Wake, is now fleeing from the shores of England. England the land he has fought for, and nearly died for, many times, trying to keep alive the flame of Saxon resistance against William and his mighty barons.

Edric travels south with a handful of loyal followers, closely pursued by his deadly and dangerous, life-sworn enemy, the Norman, Simon du Lac. Both men desire to reach the beautiful, exotic and mysterious town of Byzantium, known to the Vikings as Miklagard, to fight as mercenaries against the fearful Seljuks Turks.

Ill-fortune befalls the Saxon travellers, and the small band is imprisoned by a local princeling of Miklagard. When Simon arrives, it appears that at last he has his enemy within reach of his vengeance.