Purged by Fire: Heresy of the Cathars

Through shifting viewpoints, Purged by Fire tells the intertwining stories of three defiant people enmeshed in the deadly machinations of the Inquisition in thirteenth-century Southwestern France. Isarn Benet believes he has survived the wars by accepting the popeís will and French rule, until Marsal, the child he once rescued, arrives on his doorstep, forcing him to question every conciliation he has ever made. Marsal has lost everything to the Inquisition. Raised to always turn the other cheek, now she wants back what the Catholic Church has stolen, and she will aid anyone who helps her do so, even outlaws and rebels. Isarnís son ChrÈtien can barely remember his life before he knew and loved Marsal. After their condemnation, the lovers escape to the mountain fortress of MontsÈgur. Here, as the forces of the Inquisition lay siege to their place of refuge, he and Marsal must make one final choiceóbetween life and love or death and faith!