The setting is Leyden, Holland in 1544 during the Spanish occupation. It is the time that the Inquisition has been exported and Protestants live in constant fear. One more mark for the Catholic Church. Lets see there were the Crusades (11th 13th Centuries), the Borgias (1455-1458) and the Medicis (1512-1516), Cortés conquest of Mexico (1519-1521) and Pizarros conquest of Peru (1528-1532) followed by the Churchs division of the New World between Spain and Portugal, and not the least The Inquisition which lasted in its sundry modes and locations from 1184-1860. Quite a history! Anyway, back to the story. Lysbeth and her family, quite naturally are of the Protestant persuasion. She has a lover; she s pursued by a Catholic (well sort of) Captain of the Spanish garrison. Will persecution never cease? Now the story turns to politics and hidden treasure, all leading up to rebellion led by William of Orange. This is a tale that, if you didnt know the author, you might attribute to Dumas.