The Cross and the Curse

by Matthew Harffy Book 2 in the The Bernicia Chronicles series.

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In 634, Beobrand returns to Bernicia after victory and receives land, status and a bride, but his success creates powerful enemies. Ordered away from his new home, he is pulled into renewed warfare as rival rulers contest Northumbria and the influence of Christianity grows. A quest shaped by revenge and redemption tests whether the honour he has gained can survive the demands of kings and blood feud.

Land and marriage are supposed to mark Beobrand's arrival as a man of status, yet they also give enemies more ways to hurt him. The spread of Christianity complicates older customs of oath and vengeance, and royal service repeatedly removes him from the household he is expected to protect. The novel asks whether advancement in Bernicia can ever provide security while kings still require warriors to put public duty before private peace.