In 1620s London, young Scottish nobleman Nigel Olifaunt travels to the English court to recover money owed by King James VI and I. Seeking to save his mortgaged estate, Nigel becomes entangled in courtly intrigue, dangerous rivalries, and the schemes of powerful nobles. When he makes an enemy of the dissolute Lord Dalgarno, the young lord finds himself forced into hiding among London's underworld, fighting for survival and honour.