In 1369 Owen Archer joins a pilgrimage to St Davids while recruiting archers for John of Gaunt's campaign against France. He and Geoffrey Chaucer also carry a secret commission: determine whether the duke's steward at Cydweli is cooperating with Welsh rebels and betraying Lancastrian interests.
A corpse wearing the duke's livery is left at the city gates, and at Cydweli Owen finds stolen exchequer money, a divided household and accusations of treason and adultery. When another violent attack follows, he must separate political disaffection from private revenge before suspicion of rebellion gives someone cover for further murder.