The year is 1262. Brother Rayner is a young monk who wishes to write the life story of St. Francis, the newest of saints. There is only one official version of his life authorized by the Church's hierarchy. All others have been burned. To write another will bring punishment from the Holy Inquisition. Rayner meets Brother Giles, St. Francis' first companion. As they elude the Inquisition, Giles recounts the saint's life, starting from the time his...