Richard, the second surviving son of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine, inherits the throne from his brother, before embarking on the Third Crusade, a conflict that is complicated by the schemes of his usurping brother, John.

In 12th century England, Justin de Quincy, special agent for Eleanor of Aquitaine, investigates the murder of a peddler's daughter. Two men are suspected, but they are rich and the rich are difficult to bring to justice.