1207: Accompanied by the colour and pageantry of medieval France, Raoul de Montvallant and Claire of Agen are married. For Raoul it is the fulfillment of his childhood dreams, but Claire's marital happiness is threatened by her yearning to embrace the charismatic Cathar faith. 1209: The Pope launches a crusade against the heretic Cathars and Simon de Montfort sets about devastating Cathar strongholds. Claire, Raoul and Bridget - the mysterious Cathar woman to whom he is strangely attracted, are pulled apart by the conflict. 1242: Cathar and Papal forces face each other for the final battle in the Pyrenees - a fight to the death to preserve a secret so monstrous it could change the face of Christendom for ever. Cover at by Geoff Taylor.