London, 1388. The Stone of Destiny vanishes from the English coronation throne during Mass at Westminster Abbey, and its disappearance immediately becomes political. Richard II fears that the loss will encourage rebellious magnates and undermine royal authority at an already dangerous moment. He orders Crispin Guest to recover the stone and ensures his obedience by imprisoning Jack Tucker, who will hang for treason if Crispin fails before Parliament meets. The Tracker is therefore investigating not simply a theft but a symbol around which rival claims to legitimacy can gather.
The year 1388 was one of the gravest crises of Richard II’s early reign, dominated by conflict between the king and the Lords Appellant. Westerson places the legendary Scottish coronation stone inside that struggle over sovereignty, using Westminster Abbey, Parliament and royal coercion as elements of the mystery. Crispin’s former status makes the case personally acute: he understands the obligations of loyalty but has already suffered for choosing the wrong political side once, and Richard’s treatment of Jack makes obedience morally difficult.
