Richard the Lionheart

King Richard's skill at chess and duelling is put to the test when he is challenged by the pirate, Forked Beard - a self styled King of the Northern pirates.

Richard finds a murder has been committed and a pilgrim robbed by so-called "monks" of Latroun Monastery. He rides to the monastery masquerading as a known felon to solve the riddle.

Richard returns from honeymoon to find a Saracen fleet blockading Marseilles. Abbas, a Saracen captain, has meanwhile come secretly to Philip with a letter signed by Saladin which is aimed at making Philip prevent Richard from sailing. But Philip has the letter planted in Queen Berengaria's room, making it appear the Queen is a traitor.

Philip of France receives a letter from Prince John offering him all Richard's French provinces if Richard dies in the Holy Land. Philip proceeds to pick a quarrel with Richard. Each chooses a champion, and a duel is arranged.