Part of our story unfolds in Languedoc, SW France, where the famous Village Of Mysteries attracts tourists in increasingly large numbers. This former Templar castle site boasts a chapel and buildings that are steeped in occult symbols, the work of a shady nineteenth century priest, Bernard Sauniere. Languedoc was not only the centre for many Templar strongholds but the home of the Cathars, a Gnostic sect that defied the doctrines of Rome. They believed Mary Magdalene to have been Christ's bride - an important element in Revelation. Up to 100,000 Cathars were slaughtered in Languedoc in the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1244).