Joshua de Talmont is owed a great deal of money by the Sheriff, who uses the precedent of the Jewish massacre in York to stir up a riot under cover of which he intends to murder the Jewish merchant. The Sheriff and Gisburne pursue de Talmont deep into Sherwood, to be confronted not only by Robin Hood but the powers of a sacred book.

In the Sheriff's absence Gisburne hires a gang of ruthless Flemish mercenaries to help him destroy Robin and the outlaws. It is the time of the blessing and no blood must be shed in Sherwood.

When Baron Simon de Belleme died, his treasure was never found. The Sheriff, spurred on by greed, has never given up hope of discovering this fortune. There are only two people who can lead him to it - the strange women who attended the Baron. The sheriff has one these women in his custody.