Low-born captain Thomas Cortemain is in jail, risking torture and execution for masterminding the embezzlement from the Hospitallers. His knight-accomplice Giraud is redeemed by his rich family, which benefited even more. Thomas cuts a deal: his redemption for the secret where Templar official Guillaume allegedly hid a golden treasure after his order's disbanding by French crown, as the pope assigned their wealth to the Hospitallers. Thomas seeks helps from the Breton renegade mercenary turned brigand leader and the brothel madam. Rascal oblate pre-teen goose herd Niot is soundly spanked for stealing a book to pretend he knows sorcery and 'magically' control his acolyte mate, but the chaplain still promises to teach him reading in secret. A runaway horse injures a farmer. To stop a feud among the villagers, it's put on trial.
—KGF Vissers