Gilles Montroville is like any other bored teenager: He's tired of school, doesn't want to go into the family business, and he's tired of people telling him what to do.

Rebellion is not an option. Life in France in the Year of Our Lord 1640 is difficult under any circumstances but especially for those who have fallen from favor with the all-powerful church and the guardians of that power. The King and Cardinal Richelieu oversee a network of priests who set snares for the Huguenots, those not following closely enough to the official interpretation of Catholicism. Wealthy citizens are in...