Italy 1327: The open-minded scientist and astrologer Cecco d'Ascoli is appointed advisor to the Duke of Florence. A decision that arouses envy and hatred among the court's previous favorites. However, as the gifted scientist can hardly be challenged in his specialist fields, the possible blasphemy of his teachings and private offenses are used to discredit and condemn Cecco - with the help of zealous Inquisition guards and their willing executors. While the scholar is to be publicly burned along with his writings, his young friend Paolo at least tries to save Cecco's magnum opus for posterity.