Set in the 14th century, Hildegard, no longer a member of the Cistercian order of nuns, has returned to the priory after more than a year from her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Still unsure whether she will rejoin the Order, the Prioress suggests that a visit to Handale Priory might help provide some clarity. While walking about the grounds, Hildegard discovers the corpse of a young man in the morgue. His wounds appear to be the ravages of claws, but larger than any animal Hildegard knows of. Despite being warned against it, she goes for a walk in the woods. There she discovers a secret tower, locked and barred, with armed men on guard. Hildegard risks all dangers to seek out the truth. Part 5/5, previous part A parliament of spies.