October 11 732 A.D.  The Frankish army, led by King Charles Martel, has defeated the forces of the Umayyad Caliphate under the command of Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi.  Four weary Frankish soldiers are summoned Charles’ tent by their field commander.

They find Charles with his retinue, consisting of his Chief-of-Staff Joseph Dupuis, his bodyguard Bertrand Tremaux, two clergymen Bishop Guillemin and Padre Morales de Almeria and a wealthy merchant Gaston Allaire.

Charles explains that after the battle several “oddly” disfigured Saracens were found amongst the dead.   These "things" had inhuman aberrations with cat like irises and/or grotesque fleshly sproutings from their faces.  At first they feared the return of the plague, or some new malady brought by the occupiers from the far Levant. Now it seems they fear much worse.

In the camp of the Umayyad commander al-Ghafiqi a strange book was found amongst the other heathen religious artifacts.  While the writings are incomprehensible, some figures are drawn with deformities similar to the aberrant Saracen footmen.  Guillemin insists that it is a book of witchcraft used by the pagan sorcerers to "achieve in battle what God would otherwise deny them."

On the table in front of the party is a cloth cut from an embroidered arras, covering what would seem to be a rectangular object.

"Plague or Devilry," Charles says, "the abominations have naturally been burned.  The book, however is to be taken to Lyon for further study."

"I implore you your Highness, burn it!", says Guillemin. "You are compelled, as a Christian King, to frustrate the Earthly ambitions of Satan, and despoil his works as he despoils all that is Good."

"I agree this is the Devil's work," says Padre Morales, "but might we not gain a better understanding of the Enemy's trickeries, guises and misdirections by further study?  Surely this belongs in the hands of more learned men."

"Enough!" says Charles, "we've decided already. The book will be taken to Lyon by these footmen who have so greatly distinguished themselves on the field of battle as to be recommended by their Captain."

"These men!?" exclaims Guillemin.  "These peasants are to carry this corruption all the way to Lyon and are to be trusted with keeping it from falling back into the Devil's hands!?  Look at them!"

Allaire, quaffing a goblet of wine, seems bemused by the dispute.

"Guillemin!", Charles interrupts.   "I appreciate your concern, but not your impertinence.   To secure the book's safe passage have decided that Tremaux shall accompany these gentlemen."

Tremaux looks shocked, "Your Highness....surely I...."

"Silence all of you!", says Charles "The decision is made.  Guillemin, your objection is noted.   Tremaux, you will discharge your duty, and Allaire you will curtail your mirth and see to the supply wagons.  Dupuis, see that these men are provisioned for their journey."  then, to the party, "God protect you on your way.   Handle the book judiciously, it has proven to cause some disquiet in those who linger too long in is presence."

Dupuis writes orders for supplies to be provided, the book is wrapped up in cloth that was covering it, and with that the party, and a dejected looking Tremaux, are escorted from the tent.

Creatus suggests that a wooden box with a false bottom to hold the book be built as a decoy in case the party is accosted on the road. They proceed to the camp's carpenter who measures the book, and begins work while the party gathers supplies.

It is quickly discovered that carrying the book does indeed, as Charles remarked, impress upon the bearer a most uncomfortable feeling. A feeling of being watched…from all directions.