Fifteenth-century France, the French Revolution, and contemporary Britain all come together in a welter of political expediency, romance  and intrigue. The young Scottish adventurer Quentin Durward embarks upon a dangerous journey through the forest of the Ardennes seeking a name and a position in the world. He takes service as an Archer of the Scottish Guard for the Machiavellian King Louis XI of France and is chosen to accompany the beautiful young Countess  of Croye through dangerous country to the castle of the Bishop of Leige. Not only does he carry out his mission with shrewdness and courage – he succeeds in engaging the lady’s affections as well.