Robin of Loxley and his cousin Much are arrested in Sherwood Forest for killing one of the King's deer. They are imprisoned by Guy of Gisburne in the Sheriff of Nottingham's dungeon where they meet up with a motley bunch of criminals who are destined to become the first of the Merry Men. After they escape into Sherwood Forest, Robin is approached by Herne The Hunter and told that it is his destiny to fight the Norman invaders. The Sheriff knows all about Herne - he holds a silver arrow that is reputed to have once belonged to Herne himself.

The Sheriff and his brother, the Abbot, upset over the activities of Robin and his men arrange a fayre, including an archery contest, in the Castle. He offers the Silver Arrow of Herne to whomever wins the contest, something he is sure will tempt Robin out of the forest and into his grasp. After this fails to end up with Robin's capture their last resort is the Sorcerer, Simon De Belleme, a worshipper of the dark arts, who wants Maid Marion as his bride. He agrees to use his sorcerous powers to capture, or kill, the men of Sherwood Forest as long as the Sheriff and the Abbot promise Marion to him.

Robin is bewitched by Lilith, one of followers of the not-quite-late Simon de Belleme, and tricked into helping to bring the Baron back to life. At the same time, the Sheriff schemes to take possession of the Baron's legendary cache of gems.