The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

King Edward falls gravely ill, which stirs turmoil in Northumbria. News of his condition reaches Anlaf, leading the cunning Viking king to rally his formidable army and set his sights on England.

Tragically, King Edward passes away before a clear successor can be determined. His three sons are left to navigate the perilous waters of leadership amid growing chaos and rivalry.

In a moment of desperation, Lady Eadgifu and her youngest son, Edmund, flee to Bebbanburg. They seek refuge with Uhtred, who was once a close ally of King Edward.

Despite having retired from the battlefield, Uhtred finds himself reluctantly drawn back into the fray as Aethelstan plans to confront his brother, Aelfweard, for the throne. Uhtred must weigh his loyalties amidst the unfolding conflict.

A seer named Ingrith forewarns of ominous events ahead, stating that 'seven kings must die' for England to achieve unity. This prophecy echoes ominously throughout the emerging power struggles.

As tensions mount, Aethelstan's forces march towards Aegelesburg, where Aelfweard prepares his defenses. Aethelstan successfully dismantles Aelfweard's strategy and initiates a brutal slaughter.

Following the slaughter of Aelfweard and his men, Aethelstan proclaims himself the king of the Saxons. His rise to power introduces new demands and a push for religious unification.

Uhtred discovers evidence of deception as he witnesses Aethelstan's ruthlessness towards Pagan cultures. As suspicion grows, Uhtred is drawn into a perilous dance of alliances and betrayals, leading to a narrow escape.

Regional kings, wary of Aethelstan's expanding power, convene on the Isle of Man to form an alliance. Their hesitance towards cooperating with a Pagan leader complicates their efforts to stand united.

Seeking safety, a weakened Uhtred finds refuge with the Danes, where he learns of Anlaf's proposition to assassinate Aethelstan. This plot illustrates the deeply tangled political landscape threatening England.

The climactic Battle of Brunanburh ensues as Uhtred leads his forces against overwhelming odds. Amidst horrific chaos, Uhtred suffers grievous injuries while protecting Aethelstan from Ingilmundr's treachery.

In the aftermath of the battle, the remaining allies abandon Anlaf, and the shifting allegiances culminate with Ingilmundr's execution. This speaks to the profound changes within the ranks of power amidst civil unrest.

In a moment of reflection, Aethelstan brings Uhtred back to Bebbanburg. Together, they contemplate their losses and the weight of Ingrith's prophecy as they begin to forge a future for a united England.

As Uhtred teeters on the brink of death, he finds solace in a visionary experience of Valhalla, surrounded by familiar faces from his past. This moment signifies both an end and a new beginning for Uhtred's legacy.