In France during the Hundred Years' War, Maria is one of the most powerful witches of her age, and she despises war enough to break up battles with her magic before soldiers can die. Her meddling draws the attention of Heaven: the Archangel Michael forbids her from using magic in public and rules that she will lose her powers if she loses her virginity, posting the angel Ezekiel to watch over her. Maria keeps interfering anyway, with her familiars Artemis and Priapus at her side.