King Arthur is virile and strong, near the beginning of his reign. Balin is a poor knight who hails from Northumberland and has been in Arthur's prison for six months. Having been imprisoned for "half a year" for the death of a cousin of Arthur's, Balin is released at about the same time that a damsel sent from the lady Lily of Avalon comes to court with a sword that she reveals she is wearing when she lets her fur mantle fall to the floor. This sword can only be drawn from its scabbard by a truly virtuous knight, or so she claims. After many, including Arthur himself, have attempted to pull this sword out, Balin asks for a chance to try. However, it was a trap, so Sir Balin could kill Sir Balan.