New York City, December 1972: Musician, painter, dabbler in mathematics and chess, Catherine Velis is also a computer expert for a Big Eight accounting firm. Before she heads off to a new assignment in Algeria, Cat has her palm read by a mysterious fortune teller who warns her of danger. Then an antiques dealer approaches Cat with an offer: His anonymous client is trying to collect the pieces of a very old chess service, purported to be in Algeria. If Cat can bring them back, there will be generous fees for both of them....

The South of France, Spring 1790: Mireille de Remy and her cousin Valentine are young novices at the fortress-like Montglane Abbey. With France aflame with revolution, the two girls burn to rebel against constricted convent life--and their means of escape is at hand. Buried deep within the walls and floor of the abbey are pieces of the Montglane Chess Service, once owned by Charlemagne. Whoever reassembles the pieces can play the Game--a game of unlimited power. But to keep the Game a secret from those who would abuse it, the two young women must scatter the pieces throughout the world....