September 1192. Richard I has been seized while returning from the Third Crusade and is hidden somewhere inside the German lands. England’s future depends on locating the king before his enemies can exploit the captivity, and Alan Dale is sent into a network of castles, ransom negotiations and hostile princes.
Robin Hood’s interests, royal service and Alan’s private loyalties converge as the mission becomes a contest with agents determined to keep Richard imprisoned or kill those searching for him. Alan must operate as courier, spy and soldier while learning that service to a king can require methods little different from outlawry.