Just as a plow tears up the ground, the Saxon warriors broke into the battle line of the Franks. Hatred, fear, and rage erupted in a roar that made Arnulf's blood run cold. He saw Widukind's head protruding from the attack wedge, unhelmeted, as his long axe struck with terrible force into the front ranks of the Franks. It is the time of Charlemagne. When pagan Saxon tribes led by the legendary Widukind invade Hesse, Charlemagne gathers a massive army on the Main River. Against his will, the impoverished Arnulf is forced to serve in the army. In bloody skirmishes, he earns martial glory with his battle axe and gains the favor of the king's advisor Einhard. When Arnulf finally destroys the Irminsul, the largest Saxon sanctuary, a bright future seems to beckon him. But a hostage at the royal court shakes the warrior's world.