Three years later, Uhtred and wife Gisela raise on his own Wessex estate, Coccham (Cookham), son Uhtred Junior and daughter Stiorra. Mercia is raided by Danes: brothers Sigefrid and Erik have returned to occupy the fortress of Beamfleot (on the Temes river) and the city of Lunden in Mercia, thus blocking supplies to Wessex. After visiting Daneland, ambitious prince Aethelwold tells Uhtred of speaking Dabish corpse Bjorn, who's visions mention Uhtred as future king. Alfred visits Coccham to reprimand Uhtred for hanging a thief without a trial. Alfred duly suspects Aethelwold of conspiring against him but also voices suspicion of Uhtred. Hild founds a nunnery at Coccham. Father Beocca reveals his love for Thyra. Alfred has betrothed his daughter, Aethelflaed, to king Aethelred of Mercia..
—KGF Vissers