A treaty with Cerdig appears to be bringing about Arthur's dream of peace among the tribes, but suspicion arises anew when one of Cerdig's men wants to host a friendly gathering.
The annual inter-tribal games are a chance for warriors to show what they can do in the field, but as they approach Arthur learns that Herrick and Barth are plotting to disrupt the games for their own ends.
Arthur is having a lot of trouble with the murderous King Bavick. To get some leverage in controlling the King's wicked ways, Arthur kidnaps Bavick's daughter - but his plan does not turn out quite as he intended.
Roland, a childhood friend of Kai's, arrives on Arthur's territory, and Kai's loyalty to Arthur and the Britons is seen to be tested - as Roland is another Saxon.
Arthur and Kai need better horses, and Yorath the Jute has what they want. The two young warriors agree to give payment in kind, by escorting Yorath's daughter Rowena to her wedding with a distant chieftain.
Saxon fighters kidnap two children and threaten to kill them unless Arthur surrenders himself in the children's place. But Arthur finds an ingenious solution to his dilemma.
Morcant suspects Arthur and Kai are after the hand of Goda, the daughter of King Athel - and Morcant wants her for himself. So he has Arthur and Kai arrested and claims they have acted as spies for the Saxons.