England 1539. King Henry''s wholesale Dissolution of the Monasteries is almost complete. From still un-surrendered Glastonbury Abbey five monks and two abbey laymen steal into the night bearing priceless treasures they seek to save from the clutches of the ruthless king. Unknown to others their leader, the prior, also conceals an insignificant but mysterious wooden bowl. Their flight is soon discovered and they are pursued into Wales. After a hazardous journey through wild hill country, a journey that changes them all in different ways, the exhausted fugitives find a welcome and sanctuary at a remote manor. A sudden act of violence brings destruction and sanctuary gives way to dissolution - a dissolution that parallels that to monastic life across England. Can any members of the now enlarged household survive it - and if so how? And what of that old, insignificant but mysterious wooden bowl?
