In twelfth-century England, a commoner and itinerant soldier, Thomas Beaumont, travels to avenge the cruel slaughter of his captive older brother. Along the way, he encounters a band of Travelers and falls in love with the dark beauty Emalda, the leader's daughter.

In future wanderings, he finds many adventures involving battles, the rescue of two young ladies of nobility, the search for his lost love, trials of honor by combat, tragedy, new love, and encounters with knights and royalty.