A man nobody likes is found hung from a tree, and all but Master Hugh assume he has taken his own life. When he discovers that the corrupt priest John Kellet had been covertly in Bampton at the time of the death, he thinks he's found his man. But when he catches up with Kellet at Exeter, he finds that the priest is a shadow of his former self, and is mourning the folly of his past life.

King Charles of France has announced that he is confiscating Aquitaine, and Prince Edward has sent for knights and men at arms from England to assist him in opposing the French king. Lord Gilbert Talbot is required to provide five knights, twelve squires, and twenty archers and men at arms, and wishes his surgeon - Hugh de Singleton - to travel with the party, while Hugh's wife Kate will oversee the castle. Among the party will be Sir Simon Trillowe,...

Master Hugh, Kate and their children attend the Midsummer's Eve fire. Early next morning, Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald, and moments later is summoned. Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones. Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones...