The compelling sequel to bestseller 'The Last Kingdom'.
Headstrong Uhtred - Northumbrian-born, raised a Viking and now married to a Saxon - is a formidable figure and warrior. After a disastrous truce nearly wipes out the rest of the Wessex leadership, his key ally is thoughtful, pious Alfred. Can two such different men work together?
It is the lowest time for the Saxons. Defeated comprehensively by the Vikings, who now occupy most of England, 20-year-old Alfred and his surviving followers retreat to the trackless marshlands of Somerset. Using the marsh mists for cover, they travel by small boats from one island to another, seeking more strength and support.
They find refuge in Athelney, a tidal swamp to which Alfred's kingdom has shrunk. Uhtred finds himself torn between his Viking foster brother and his growing respect for the stubborn leadership of Alfred. Should he throw in his lot with the winners rebuild the Saxon's straight from his watery base and help them to take on the Vikings once more?
'The Pale Horseman' is a splendid story of divided loyalties and desperate heroism, with a wonderful range of characters from Vikings to British kings in their Cornish fortresses, from political but passionate priests to enduring fishermen and farmers desperately striving to survive as the battle sweeps over them. Uhtred and Alfred, Vikings and Saxons, are a winning combination for Bernard Cornwell.
