In defiance of Richard's orders, Baron Giles gives protection to fugitives from justice. To add insult to injury, he abducts the Lady Rosalie, recently betrothed to Sir Geoffrey.

Having sent several of his friends in pursuit of three escaped prisoners, Richard is concerned when he hears that they have taken refuge in the castle of a knight who feeds his foes to his wild animals.

Led by a bogus pretender to the English throne, a Black Knight issues a challenge that Richard, with too few knights at court, must accept – or forfeit his throne.

Richard leads his men to capture thieves who've stolen Excalibur from Arthur's tomb at Glastonbury Abbey, but danger dogs block his path.

Urged by his counsellors to take a bride, Richard sets out in disguise to visit the court of Prince Frederick, to take a cautious look at his daughter.

Queen Berengaria, honeymooning with her new husband, is unaware that someone is plotting treachery at Richard's court — returning home, she faces a charge of treason.

Hearing that Leopold demands a price of 150,000 marks for Richard's release, Queen Berengaria commands Sir Gilbert and Sir Geoffrey to raise the money.