The Tale of the Heretic

The story follows Captain Balthasar de Alaman, a war-loving man with deep-seated prejudices, as he escapes from a false imprisonment by the Spanish Inquisition. His journey to become a soldier of fortune in Italy is fraught with danger, including battles, infections, and moral dilemmas. Along the way, he encounters individuals who challenge his beliefs, including a homosexual comrade and a compassionate Jewish family, leading to a profound internal conflict, especially regarding his feelings for a Jewish woman, Elisheva. Ultimately, he must confront the truth behind his brother's betrayal and choose between family loyalty and survival.