Winter 1481. Two powerful men - one a warlord, one a cardinal - journey to the remote castle of Poenari, on the borders of Transylvania. They are to hear and to judge the last confession of the man known as 'The Devil's Son.' He fought for the Order of the Dragon which was dedicated to a holy war against the Turks. But his deeds were so hideous he all but destroyed this secret society and now no princes will rally their armies under the Dragon banner. The judges have heard the stories but they need to know it all, beyond the propaganda.