1321. Simon and Baldwin are rewarded for their efforts by a summons to Exeter over the Christmas period to receive gloves from the Boy-Bishop. However, they learn that Ralph, the glovemaker, has been murdered and robbed. Soon, a Secondary named Peter is poisoned at the cathedral. Suspicion falls on him, supposing that he slew Ralph and then committed suicide, but Simon and Baldwin are unconvinced. Their research shows that the intense rivalries at the top of the Freedom of the city can lead to an explosion of violence.