1536. Henry VIII schemes to be rid of his wife to marry another. Anne Boleyn is found guilty of her sins and the king sends to Calais for Europe's best sword executioner. Jean Rombaud will be paid 100 crowns, a huge sum which will help him establish the fencing school he has always desired. With Raoul, his nephew, they are also requested to escort a noble's daughter, Roselyn back to London from Calais. A bond develops between Raoul and Roselyn on the journey but arriving home she is shocked to discover her marriage has been arranged to Nigel, who she hates. After Anne's execution, there are celebrations for Henry's betrothal. Roselyn persuades Raoul to join with her in merry-making. She drinks too much, Raoul takes her home but is accused of kidnapping her by Nigel, they fight and Nigel is badly wounded. Raoul is sentenced to death. Nigel's father is an old foe of Jean. They once fought a duel over Nigel's mother, now old wounds are opened and they challenge each other once more. Jean is given an ultimatum by Thomas Cromwell. If he wins the duel, he must become the executioner of his nephew.