Robert de Bruce, having taken up the crown of Scotland to free his nation from English rule, finds that his throne will be but a figment of his imagination unless he brings the anti-Bruce Magnates and bishops under his peace. Half of Scotland wants him dead, and most of the rest don't care. He and his small, rag-tag army are alone, under death warrants, and ex-communicated by the Pope. How can they survive the long cold winter?