Sequel to the Plantagenet Prelude. The story of twelfth-century Europe. Thomas Becket had been murdered and the whole of Christendom accused Henry Plantagenet of the murder. Henry was at the height of his powers but beset by frustration, most of which came from his own family, for his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, hated him and had sown resentment in their children. When his wife discovered the secret abode of Henry's mistress, her hatred was so intenst that she determined to destroy him. King Henry had a secret to hide which had its effect on his relationship with one of his sons. The king, growing old,felt like an eagle under constant attack from his eaglets and his only hope lay with the future of one of his sons.