A plowman who fails to prevent a murder A corpse stolen while a priest prays over it

A clever killer who must be caught in three days

Cathar country, (now southern France), late autumn in the year 1200.

The alchemist sends Bertwoin to work in the chateau's kitchen to prevent the murder of the visconte's son. Bertwoin fails.

And before the alchemist can examine the corpse for clues, the killer commits the impossible crime of stealing the body while a priest keeps vigil over it.

Now the murderer hunts other noble prey.

Then Sir Philippe, a powerful knight, accuses Bertwoin of being the killer.

To prove he is innocent, Bertwoin and the alchemist must capture the murderer within three days.