It is the time of Charlemagne. When pagan Saxon tribes invaded Hesse led by the legendary Widukind, Charles gathered a giant army at the Main. Arnulf, a destitute man, is forced into service within this army. During the bloody battles he achieves military exploits with his battle axe and wins the favor of the kings’ consultant Einhard. When Arnulf eventually destroys Irminsul, the biggest Saxon sanctuary, his future seems bright. But a hostage at the king’s court unravels the knight’s world: It is Widukind’s sister. And no axe or shield can help him against her charms… With the first volume of the Arnulf/saga the author portraits the expiring 8th century, which is coined by superstition, brutality, godliness and passion. Across the whole Franconian camp there is the gulf between the civilized scholars, like Einhard, and the fanatic chaplain of Charles, who wants to exterminate the pagan belief. Both sides fight with all available means to expand their influence on the king.