The former Prime Minister is writing his memoirs - which have to be submitted for security clearance. It seems as though one chapter in the book will portray Jim in very bad light. When a press leak claims that Jim is trying to suppress the chapter, Sir Humphrey springs into action.
A drastic cut in the Arts Council grant is due to be announced on the morning of the British Theatre Awards dinner. Jim needs Sir Humphrey’s help to avoid a hostile reception, but Sir Humphrey's a patron of the arts and is opposed to the cuts. Who will come out on top?
Tempted by the promises of ultimate power offered by Mandragora, Hieronymous plots to eliminate the threat posed by the Doctor and uses an unwitting Sarah as his weapon.
The Mandragora energy combines forces with the secret Brotherhood of Demnos. Count Federico plots to steal the Dukedom of San Martino from his nephew, Giuliano.
As the leading scholars of the era assemble in the palace for the masque, Mandragora prepares to attack, intent on sending the world into a new dark age.