The Witch of Bastanès

<p>Teresa Balterra a refugee from Spain granddaughter of a prominent Jewish scholar and accused of witchcraft is in need of a champion. There is something intriguing about the herbalist and midwife-at least Father Michael thinks so. He decides to defend her against the charges invented by Fra. Lorenzo a religious zealot blinded by hate.</p><p>Ignorance fear hysteria and murder seize the community and throw it into a tumult as Father Michael seeks the truth about his client. What he finds is a woman of intellect and education-very different from those around her. Her most treasured possession turns out to be her most dangerous: a book resplendent with Arabic letters that most villagers think is a secret repository of arcane ungodly Saracen incantations.</p><p>Can Michael uncover the truth about this text and protect himself and Teresa before the Count of Toulouse and the Holy Inquisition seize them? Will others come to their aid?</p><p>The two flee across the south of France through the salt flats of the Camargue and finally to Italy to find safety. Thrown together by circumstance they find a tragic love born in a quest for freedom that defines them both.</p>