Since the quest for the Holy Grail ended, many knights have returned to Camelot. Lancelot and Guinevere renew their secret relationship, but to avoid suspicion Lancelot also associates with other women, provoking Guinevere’s jealousy. Sir Agravain (Gawain’s brother) and Sir Mordred are particularly bent on ruining Lancelot’s reputation. Hurt by Lancelot’s attempts to conceal their romance, Guinevere renounces Lancelot. Lancelot is hurt by this, but Sir Bors encourages him to try to win back the queen’s love. Lancelot departs.

At a feast hosted by Guinevere, Sir Patrise dies of poisoned fruit brewed by Sir Pionell and intended for Sir Gawain. Patrise’s brother, Mador, blames Guinevere for his death. Arthur arrives at the scene and makes the painful decision to be a king and judge first; therefore, he cannot defend Guinevere. He sets Guinevere’s trial (to be settled by a contest of knights) in 15 days’ time and hopes a knight will rise to defend her. Bors begrudgingly agrees to fight for her, but he quickly rides out to Lancelot’s hiding place and tells him what happened. Lancelot promises to rescue the queen.

On the day of the contest, Lancelot arrives and takes Bors’s place as Guinevere’s defender.