There's a killer at large and with the other tribal Thanes' en route for the Gathering, at which a new Leader of the Shieldlands will be elected, pressure mounts on Beowulf to catch the perpetrator.

With Slean missing, Beowulf and Rate, Thane of the Varni, ride out into the forest to search for him. But, with the enemy of Herot's people still at large, the forest is a dangerous place.

It's judgement day. The fate of the Shieldlands will be meted out in Herot's Great Hall and a new leader will be chosen. Will Rheda prove her worth and become ruler of all the Shieldlands, or will she risk her life and fight for it?

Having barely survived the first part of their perilous journey, Beowulf, Elvina, Vishka and Breca, continue towards the Mere to cement a new treaty. However, new dangers are awaiting them as they unmask the Mere tribe's fatal secret.

With his intended bride now in Herot, but his heart elsewhere, the walls begin to close in on Slean. However, will Slean remain loyal to his mother, or will his ambition for power prove a temptation too strong to resist...?

The Wulfing Raiders, armed with the element of surprise, unleash their fearsome clan on Herot. Will an unsuspecting Beowulf be able to outmanoeuvre his savage enemy to protect his tribe...?

With their wedding edging closer, Slean and Kela prepare themselves against the mirth and merriment of Herot's preparations, but will a shocking shift in events prove too much for Slean to bear?

As romance blossoms, Beowulf and Elvina steal a private moment together away from Herot's inquisitive eyes, but when the pair veer into danger's path, Elvina is forced to reveal a dark secret about herself to save their lives.

With suspicion over her brother mounting, Rheda is eager to discredit Beowulf's accusations, but is she ready for what is in store and the truth both at home and afar...?

After escaping capture in Bregan, Rheda now faces the greatest threat of all, as the force of Abrecan's army and his other new allies close in on her people.

The future of the Shieldlands rests in Rheda's hands; will she, with Beowulf's help, stave off her anguish and summon the courage to fight against her own brother and his fearsome army?

The battle of all battles falls upon the peoples of Herot. Weapons forged, loyal and armed, men, women and children brace themselves to wage a brutal attack with Beowulf helming their defence.