It is the year of our Lord 1590, and contrary winds over the North Sea have prevented his majesty – James I and VI of England, Ireland, and Scotland, long may he reign – from claiming his lawful bride at the appointed time. After storms keep Anne of Denmark stranded in Norway, the king decides to go after her himself. On their return journey, a noblewoman and her servant drown, and there are rumors of war.

What else could have caused this but witchcraft? These foul winds are the work of the Devil and his wicked agents. Among the accused are Agnes Sampson of North Berwick, Doctor Fian, Francis Stuart the Earl of Bothwell, and a young woman named Elouise McCleary. Bothwell has escaped persecution (so far) by virtue of his nobility. Sampson and Doctor Fian were both gruesomely tortured and burned. But what to do with this young woman? Elouise is neither wed nor employed, nor has she been said to touch strong drink or turn men’s eyes to wood. Is it true she could be a witch?

The people pray for an answer.

Three days have passed since the burning of Agnes Sampson. The witchfinders have been in consultation without rest. Today, they announce that Elouise McCleary must be taken in a caged cart to the holy isle of Lindisfarne. Once there, an ancient ritual will be performed to cleanse this land of her and the last traces of her coven’s unholy workings. As the sun breaks on the Sabbath day, the witch will face her absolution, suspended between the deep and the firmament.

This is the story of that journey…