Hammer and Cross. Cross and King. King and Emperor

Year 865. The British Isles are ruled by warring kings, and the Church reigns over kings, ruthlessly dealing with all who challenge its power. Only the fierce Vikings are unafraid of Christian hierarchs and firmly hold on to their faith.... A young blacksmith named Shef, born of a noble English captive from the chieftain of Northern raiders, by the will of fate — or perhaps by the will of pagan gods — becomes an enemy of his own people. A mysterious mentor, appearing in visions, helps him create previously unseen weapons. But this is not enough to achieve victory after victory; Shef's main allies are his courage and ingenuity. Shef gradually gathers his own kingdom and begins a total war — the war of Hammer and Cross.