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.

A noble young man, rescued by Robin from the Duke of Gloucester's soldiers, wants to join his band. The powerful Duke and his daughter, ex-Queen Hadwisa, are plotting against the King. There is no natural heir to the throne, only a Pretender, Prince Arthur of Brittany - son of the King's brother.