A mysterious gathering of thirteen people is interrupted by a local magistrate. Is it a witches' Sabbat ?

In Lancaster Castle two notorious witches await trial and certain death, while the beautiful and wealthy Alice Nutter rides to their defence.

Elsewhere a starved child lurks. And a Jesuit priest and former Gunpowder plotter makes his way from France to a place he believes will offer him sanctuary.

But will it ? And how safe can anyone be in Witch Country ?