Pologue: the betrayl
The sea crashed against the rocky shores of Bebbanburg, a fortress standing tall and proud against the northern winds. Inside its mighty walls, Lord Uhtred presided over his people with wisdom and strength. His son, young Uhtred, looked up to him with awe, dreaming of the day he would walk in his father's footsteps as the lord of Bebbanburg.
However, fate took a cruel turn. On a cold winter’s night, treachery struck from within. Uhtred’s own brother, Ælfric, poisoned the mind of the king against him and led a band of mercenaries to storm the keep. Lord Uhtred fought valiantly but was overwhelmed. As he lay dying, he grasped his son's hand.
"Uhtred, my son," he whispered, his breath ragged. "You are the true lord of Bebbanburg. Promise me you will reclaim our home."
With tears streaming down his face, young Uhtred swore an oath. That night, as Bebbanburg fell to his uncle's treachery, Uhtred fled, vowing to return and restore his family's honor.
