Harry Somers has seen his patron and employer, the Duke of Suffolk brutally murdered and his wife's mental state has been prejudiced by her experiences. Instead of having time to recuperate he is flung into the tumult of the popular uprising led by Jack Cade and meeting again men who in the past have proved to be his enemies. He tries to stay neutral in various conflicts but is forced to defend his personal interests and becomes caught in the fatal rivalry between Richard of York, aspiring claimant to the throne and King Henry's closest adviser, the Duke of Somerset. His friends come under attack from an embittered opponent and Harry is forced to act on their behalf. The conflicts are only resolved after violent and heart-rending events which bring the book to a climax.