The dark Middle Ages jump to life in blazing color in this world of adventure and imagination.

Two kingdoms are engaged in war but change appears imminent. King Philip is meeting his archenemy, King Theodo, to sign a peace treaty. But King Philip, his men, and 12-year old Prince Florin are tricked and consigned to the squalid dungeons of King Theodo's castle. On a whim, King Theodo decides to make the captive crown prince his second Fool. Florin is trained by Mimus—an enigmatic and unpredictable court jester. To add to Florin's misery, he and Mimus are fed a daily portion of gruel, forced to live in a damp tower, and required to entertain the court on demand. But events ultimately turn for Florin and the other captives. Mimus intervenes and helps make an escape possible.