It's 1364 France. A lone hooded monk rides his plodding horse onto the grounds of the Carcassonne Monastery. He has piercing green eyes, hooded by a perpetual frown. His neatly trimmed beard has gray in it and doesn't disguise his down-turned mouth. You are not surprised to learn that he used to work for the Inquisition - he looks cruel. He is taken to the office of the Abbot, Father Vinet, where he introduces himself as Father Nicholas Eyemerich. Eyemerich sizes up the Abbot, thinking: "A man with a devious eye and an able tongue... better not to get tangled in his words."

Vinet has actually asked for Eyemerich. Vinet had sent one of his brothers, Father Jacinto Corona, to the Calcares abbey, a few days journey. There are rumors of a devil overtaking Calcares, and no word has been heard from Corona since he left. Could Eyemerich investigate?

Yes, he can. But before Eyemerich can leave, he has mysteries to solve right at Carcassonne. Such as why is Vinet's guard... Read more