Much has been wounded in a forester's trap. His wound becomes infected and he is very ill. The Outlaws are miles away from any of their known safe villages, but happen across a kindly carter who offers to take them to his village Cromm Cruac. However, Gulnar - formerly the sooth-sayer to Owen of Clun, is not far away and has an old score to settle.

The Sheriff's incompetence has brought the King himself to Nottingham to collect his taxes. With him he brings Roger de Carnac, a ruthless man who devises a clever plan to destroy Robin's reputation and deal with the Outlaws once and for all. Coinciding with the King's visit, there seems to be a spate of attacks and pillaging in the villages surrounding Nottingham.

Much is captured by the Sheriff who threatens to hang him. Then Adam Bell, an ageing outlaw, kidnaps Martin, the Sheriff's nephew. The Sheriff seems desperate to get his nephew back and with Much in prison he has something to bargain with.