Sixteen-year-old Luneta is thrilled when her parents send her to live with her mother's friend, the beautiful Laudine. Escorted by her cousin Ywain and Rhience, a handsome young man who has pledged to live as a fool for one year, she travels to Laudine's castle. The ensuing adventures involve everything from a broken vow and a magical stone to a traitorous steward and an unsuspected talent for enchantment.

Despite the dangers and trials encountered along the way, readers will feel confident of a happy ending. The wryly sympathetic portrayal of Luneta and the traditional duality of the fool provide ample scope for Morris' dry wit, which gives this medieval adventure his unmistakable stamp. In the appended note, Morris cites as his inspiration "The Knight of the Lion," a poem by Chretien de Troyes, though he brings Luneta's story to the forefront and gives her a consort worthy of her mettle. Although the story has magical as well as heroic elements, this entry in the Squire's Tales series is memorable chiefly as a fine romance.