An airship arrives in the land of Shabar, bearing Inquisitor Melchizedek and Inquisitrix Turtle to the Sanctuary of Amber, a remote monastery held by the Knights Templar. Once there, the two Inquisitors are summoned to see the Champion of Amber, one who is said to receive visions and make prophesies … to have a "second sight" which perhaps makes up for the fact that he is physically blind. What the Champion has to say is disturbing for Turtle, at least, and Melchizedek borders on accusing the Champion of heresy