It is the 12th century, and the Holy Roman Empire stands on the edge of turmoil. Frederick of Hohenstaufen, newly elected King of the Romans and destined to become Emperor, rides toward Rome beneath the weight of growing unrest. Powerful voices within the Church denounce the rise of a secular ruler, while whispers of assassination follow the king across every road and castle hall.
When Frederick’s royal party stops at Trier Castle, he expects only rest and counsel from the Archbishop of Trier. Instead, he is drawn into the trial of a young squire accused of defying the Church itself.
Johannes Braun refused an unthinkable order: to burn an elderly woman condemned as a witch by fearful villagers and a fanatical monk. For his defiance, he is stripped of honor and sentenced to spend the rest of his life imprisoned within the Abbey of Tholey.
But Frederick sees something others do not—courage. Against the will of powerful men, the king intervenes and takes Johannes under his protection. That single act sets into motion a chain of events that will test loyalty, faith, and the very authority of crown and Church.