It is 1322 and Sir Richard Lee, Sergeant-at-Law, has been sent to Sandal Castle by King Edward II to preside over the court of the Manor of Wakefield. Within hours of his arrival, Sir Richard and his assistant Hubert of Loxley are forced to investigate a vicious rape and cold-blooded murder. Yet as the township prepares for the forthcoming Wakefield mystery plays, the strangest case of all is brought before him. The Pardoner, Albin of Rouncivale, throws himself upon the mercy of the court and confesses to a crime that everyone believed had been committed by the outlaw Robin Hood. Sir Richard must move quickly to discover the truth, for he suspects that the very stability of the realm and indeed the crown itsself may depend upon it.