Pious half-Gypsun Phillip d'Auvery is tortured by sorrow. His soul is pledged to the Immaculate, but Phillip's life has a darker aspect, that drives him to the scourging lash of the Padrounne of Saint Sommes Cathedral year after year upon Pentriant, the Second Day of Oblenite. For Phillip's curse is bliss, a bliss that can only be found when pain smites his flesh until his tears are shed. A desired curse, it alienates him from others, until Phillip...