The king sends out an invitation for the brave knights in his kingdom to attempt the rescue of his beautiful daughter from Terrance the Terrible's ten-story tower. The black knight must be defeated, and the dragon must be slain. Who will be brave enough? A troubadour is a singer of songs, but he sets out to be the hero. The winner is promised one-third of the kingdom, three bags of gold, three new suits of armor, three white steeds, a sword with a ruby-studded hilt, and the princess's hand in marriage. The troubadour does not want to marry the princess, but he would like all the other stuff. He writes new songs, polishes his musical instruments, and presents himself to the king for permission to go on the quest.