Many medieval scholars discontinued their university studies before completing their degree. Some did so because of a lack of funds, others because they were bored with a scholar's life. Occasionally these young men formed lawless bands, robbing, and raping and creating chaos.

They were called goliards.

On learning that an old friend has been killed while travelling to Oxford, Hugh de Singleton, discovers the presence of a band of goliards in the area between Oxford and Bampton. Are these youths responsible? And why are they being protected by someone far above Master Hugh's station?