Son of a great earl, unjustly outlawed from England by Godgifu, his cold and cruel step-mother, Hereward is forced to flee with assassins pursuing him. With his companion Martin, Hereward embraces the life of a Viking hero, selling his sword for gain, and to help his brother Aelfgar against the machinations of the ruthless Godwinsons. In desperate and bloody battles across Wales, Ireland, and Scotland he becomes the famed 'Bearslayer' war-leader for kings and princes. In epic battles, he gains the skills and warband that will enable him to confront the most dangerous foe in Europe: the Normans. But his nemesis still lives and seeks his death.