The discovery of a fragment of an ancient map leads Anthony Fowler, priest, CIA operative and member of the Holy Alliance, into an expedition in search of one of the most powerful ancient treasures of all.

Anthony Fowler pays a visit to a war criminal living under a pseudonym because of the terrible experiments he performed on Jewish children. Fowler offers him a deal - he will not reveal the man's true identity in exchange for a huge candle covered in fine filigree gold. But it isn't the gold Fowler is after - it is the metallic object preserved within the wax, a missing fragment of an ancient map.

Soon Fowler is involved in an expedition to Jordan set up by a reclusive billionaire who has links to the highest levels of the Catholic Church. But there is a traitor in the group - and he's patiently awaiting the moment to strike...