The seventh episode of "King & Conqueror" unfolds in Mercia, where Harold imparts to Joseph his strategic vision: to vanquish Hadrada first, thereby securing the time necessary to fortify their defenses against any onslaught from William. Morcar intervenes with dire news, reporting that Hadrada's legions, seemingly endless, are ravaging their forces in Northumbria, and worst of all, Tostig stands by Hadrada's side. Harold, reluctant to credit that his own flesh and blood could betray him, postulates that Tostig might be held captive under duress. Rejecting Assistance, he urges Morcar to attend to his brother's treachery personally, while he focuses on the impending threat.
Across the Channel, in Normandy, Matilda is apprised of a disturbing sentiment among the populace: they believe William's invasion of England has been cursed by divine intervention. FitzOsbern is astounded to witness Odo, once a war-weary soul, now resolved to join William's camp. Meanwhile, William confronts a mutinous mood among his troops, their rations drastically reduced as the silver reserves were drained to appease the Baron of Brittany. Matilda confronts Baron Richard, uncovering that Baldwin was the architect behind the malicious rumors swirling around William.
At Stamford Bridge, Tostig's conscience begins to weigh heavily upon him, realizing he's struck a pact with the devil and that the ultimate sacrifice might demand taking Harold's life by his own hand. Hadrada's brutal act of shattering Tostig's shield, a gift from Harold, serves as a stark reminder of the Viking's ruthless nature. Harold, still clinging to hope, confides in Joseph his disbelief in Tostig's treachery, emphasizing that rescuing Tostig is paramount to their victory against Hadrada.
In the bustling streets of London, Edith confides in Gunhild her heart-wrenching decision to relocate for the wellbeing of her cherished children. Gytha, with compassion brimming in her eyes, offers Edith a beacon of hope—a passage to Ireland, a sanctuary where her offspring can thrive unharmed.
Across the Channel, in Normandy, William's face darkens as he learns of the unfolding drama at Stamford Bridge. He urges FitzOsbern to act with the swiftness of a striking eagle, lest Harold's victory over Hadrada alters their fate. In a moment of solemn resolve, FitzOsbern pledges to sacrifice himself by slaying the Baron of Brittany, leaving behind his father's dagger as a token of his unwavering loyalty and hope for a future reunion with William.
Elsewhere, Matilda's world shatters as she uncovers Baldwin's treacherous plot to usurp Normandy from her grasp, poisoning the minds of the Barons against their rightful lord, William.
At Stamford Bridge, the dawn breaks with a chill that foreshadows battle. Harold and his warrior s strike with the stealth of a shadow, catching the slumbering Vikings off guard. In the heart of the fray, Harold engages in a fierce duel with Hadrada, while Tostig, driven by fraternal love, charges into the breach to save his compatriots, slashing through Viking foes like a whirlwind. Learning of Harold's solitary struggle, Tostig dashes to his brother's aid, only for fate to intervene in the cruelest of ways—Harold, in the throes of combat, inadvertently slays Tostig. England emerges victorious against the Norwegian Vikings, yet the cost is great.
Meanwhile, FitzOsbern reaches Brittany, orchestrating a cunning ruse that leads to the swift demise of the Baron. However, his triumph is short-lived as guards descend upon him, and he perishes, his life extinguished in a hail of blades.
William, prepared for the English shore, receives word of ships docking in Normandy. In a tender moment, Matilda brings Robert to bid his father farewell, their eyes brimming with unshed tears. William, with a solemn declaration, bestows upon Matilda the reigns of Normandy and names Robert its next Duke.
Back in Northumbria, Harold performs a solemn duty, laying Tostig and the fallen soldiers to rest amidst the somber dirges of mourning. Odo, bearing the papal flag as a symbol of divine sanction, returns to Normandy to reinforce William's ranks. Matilda's farewell to William is a poignant symphony of sorrow and resilience, as he rallies his troops with the assurance that Rome and the Almighty stand by his side.
The episode closes with Harold, as he journeys back to London, witnessing a mesmerizing white light piercing the sky—a portent of change, hope, or perhaps, an omen of battles yet to come.
