It is November 1, 1327. Queen Isabella has deposed Edward II, and everyone believes she has executed him. In Kingsbridge, everyone has gathered to worship and trade at the town’s annual Fleece Fair. The fair struggles to thrive because Prior Anthony refuses to invest in it, despite Edmund Wooler’s request for improvements, but it still draws the crowds. Among the people gathered are Gwenda, daughter of Joby, a thief who pushes his eight-year-old daughter to steal. Gwenda manages to steal the full purse of Sir Gerald, a knight accompanied by his wife Lady Maud, eldest son Merthin, and the younger (but still taller) Ralph. Caris, the daughter of prosperous wool merchant Edmund Wooler, saves Gwenda from detection after Sir Gerald sits on her. Gwenda escapes and runs outside, where Hop, her homely dog, waits for her.

After the service, Merthin, Ralph, Caris, and Gwenda play in in the woods. Ralph kills Hop with a bow Merthin made. Thomas Langley runs into the woods, and he is pursued by some men serving Earl