On recovering from a near fatal knife wound, Sir Richard Maillorie is once again drawn into the nation's unrest. Richard discovers that he is now on the opposing side to his old friend William Marshal. Henry II is succeeded by his son Richard, (The Lionheart) whose Kingdom is impoverished as a result of his crusades. Maillorie distances himself from what he considers merely a shameful pursuit of glory. He has an uneasy relationship with King Richard, which later develops into open conflict with King John. After a brief restoration, Sir Richard Maillorie once again finds he is at odds with "The Marshal". Both men driven by honour - now meet as enemies.