The royal family of Northborough has suffered both a gain and a loss. Beloved King Rory is tragically killed by his own son Dylan. Dylan disappears as his mother Beatrice has a plan to see Rory again, and to manage her son's rule. Queen Clothilde, never really loved by her people, learns that her husband is dead, has fathered a son who is not hers, and feels attracted to Sir Ranaulf, who gives her some of the royal jewels to sell in order to survive her exile in Gaul. Little Goslar watches, frightened, as Rhiannon makes a deadly potion. The Knights of the White Hare all perish at a meeting to figure out succession, but Ranaulf was away visiting Anne and Julian in their dying moments. Who has killed the Knights? Ranaulf is convinced that Bea and Mesmin are behind it, as the Princess has always been so ambitious. However, when he bursts into the bedroom, he finds that Bea and Mesmin are working on Plan C, becoming parents to the next king. After all, with Rory gone, their son would be next in line to the throne. Clothilde leaves Northborough, keeping her pregnancy a secret. Ranaulf is called "uncle" by the new King Dylan. Without explaining anything, Rhannon tells Dylan that he must go through the ordeal of the Arch of Destiny again. It will prove to the people that he is the legitimate king. However, her motive is to get the Sworde de Morte from Norabrock, the Moon's Child. Dylan's aunts Cigfa and Branwen are happy to help with the ceremony. Mesmin gives Rhiannon the Book of Ordinary Things, basically a magical recipe book, in his new good mood. She needs the sword to threaten the head sorcerer to give her the Philosopher's Stone. But her father warns her that the Philosopher's Stone cannot bring the dead back to life. Meanwhile, in Gaul, Clothilde's son Chlodomir is the victim of teasing because of the port-wine stain on his face and his accent. Another child threatens him and the local priest advises Chlothilde to leave with her son as soon as possible. Clothilde was upset that Ranaulf never answered her letters. But when they cross the narrow sea into Albion, some villagers recognize Clothilde. She tells Clodo to run ahead. But they remember that the royal jewels have gone missing, and stone her to death. The king, whose legs were crushed when the stones fell at his father's burial ground, now is in a wheelchair. When he finds out that Ranaulf is in prison for aiding Queen Clothilde, he is angry and orders the man released. The wizard Gondebald is afraid to die. He is old and deformed. He now has the Book of Ordinary Things. When he opens the ancient chest in his turret, he discovers one of the Sandals that Jesus wore. He wants the other Sandal, believing that it will give him eternal life and more power than the gods. Dylan had been studying to become a Christian, and has chosen the name Niall. Gondebald announces a quest to find the other Sandal of Jesus. While he is not a Christian, he realizes the relic's power. Many citizens will join the quest, but he gives Morvan, Bea and Mesmin's son, five helpful objects to ensure his victory. Morvan embarks upon a journey to the Middle East, using all of the magical items, as well as his little cat, who is not magical but good company. A relic-seller in Jerusalem sells him the Sandal and he returns to Northborough. But another sandal is given to Clodomir, who is studying in a monastery. Which is the real Sandal? Whoever has it will become King of Northborough. Also, hopefully, the Sandal will heal King Niall's legs. But nothing happens the way that Gondebald has planned. This second book in the Tales of Northborough trilogy will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can!