The story focuses on Asterix, accompanied by his friend Obelix, as they attempt to acquire a golden sickle for their druid, only to find themselves dealing with a criminal consortium trying to profit from an illicit trade in them.

He explains to the villagers that this will prevent him not only attending the annual conference of druids in the Forest of the Carnutes, but also from making the magic potion that provides superhuman strength the Gauls use to resist the Romans.

Seeking answers, the pair track down Clovogarlix's house to search it for clues, but are arrested by the Romans again and thrown into jail.

After Dairyprodus releases the Gauls once again, they head to the forest and find a trapdoor to an underground hideout, which contains a vast hoard of golden sickles.

Tracking down Navishtrix, which results in another run-in with the Romans, the pair are shocked to discover the mastermind behind the sickle shortage is Dairyprodus.

Learning Metallurgix had been held in the Prefect's dungeon, the pair rescue him, whereupon he greatly rewards them with one of his best golden sickles for Getafix.