A group novel. Set in the time of King Richard the Lionheart, a group of unfortunate people are brought together as Prince John seeks to eliminate supporters of his brother. A blonde noblewoman seeks closure for her deceased brother, a barmaid wants to move on after the death of her betrothed, two redheads seek each other without knowing it, a painter tries to make his mark on the world, an apothecary wants business, a stablehand tries to win the heart of his beloved, and Hortence just wants a prince. With romance and battle in the air, can this unusual group of people survive their own personal crusades?