The suspicious behavior of Sir Gideon, a legendary Knight of the Round Table whose hand was cut off by the Bronze Knight, arouses the attention of Sir Giles. The young knight enlists Valiant's help in investigating the matter; this leads to the discovery of an extortion scheme taking place at the Twilingham silver mine. Although Valiant wonders if Giles's feelings for Gideon's betrothed are clouding his judgement, he still encourages his friend to bring his accusation to the king. Yet Giles's fear of losing his standing as a new knight could very well prevent the truth from coming out.

An ordinary mission brings Valiant into contact with an old friend he has not seen since Thule was first conquered. Lorne, an old teacher of the prince's, has been using his expertise as a strategist to train peasants to defend their homes from danger. Valiant offers the former Man-at-Arms a chance to once again plan and fight for a royal cause by returning with him to Camelot. But is Lorne still up to the challenge of entering into combat amongst seasoned warriors?

Raymond of Longport, the mightiest tournament fighter in the land, is the object of hero-worship amongst all who've heard of him. This includes Dennis, who's trembling with excitement at the prospect of seeing him while accompanying the trio on a mission in Longport. Valiant alone finds Raymond unappealing after he sees the fighter abuse his fame at a local tavern. Arn and Rowanne attribute Valiant's dislike to jealousy over Dennis, but it's not long before Raymond gives everyone cause for alarm.

The battle with Mordred's forces is fast approaching and things do not look good for our heroes. Aleta and her army could offer Camelot the support it currently lacks from its people, but only if Lord Maldon does not act on his suspicions of the Queen of the Misty Isles. Meanwhile, Allen returns to the Chapel of the Sword and the Stone and uncovers far more than he was sent to find. Could his discovery save the New Order from oblivion, or are Valiant, Arn, Rowanne, and their army doomed to be crushed by Mordred's superior numbers?