The Nonexistent Knight is set in France during the time of Charlemagne’s rule (the late 8th to early 9th century). Outside the walls of Paris, Charlemagne inspects his paladins (the knights of his court). Charlemagne rides his horse before the assembled paladins as they call out their names and their achievements. They have been fighting the same war for many years; everything now seems to be part of a routine. A knight named Agilulf has a set of gleaming white armor. Charlemagne tells Agilulf to “raise [his] visor and show [his] face” (4). Agilulf delays, explaining that he cannot do so because he does not, in fact, exist. When Charlemagne insists that the knight raise his visor, Agilulf does so hesitantly. He reveals a dark void: the suit of armor is completely empty. Agilulf explains that he is powered entirely by willpower and a sense of duty to Charlemagne’s cause.

The elderly Charlemagne dismisses his paladins. They ride away and, in separate groups, dismount as they strike up conversations. Their talk is filled with bold claims and boasts. Agilulf separates himself from the other knights. He listens to them talk but does not approach anyone else. The day ends and night falls.