1923

André-Louis Moreau harbors deep affection for Aline de Kercadiou, the niece of his godfather, Quintin de Kercadiou, and his feelings are reciprocated. However, Quintin intends for Aline to marry the Marquis de la Tour d'Azyr, a nobleman of considerable status and wealth, rather than André, whose parentage remains unknown. The situation takes a tragic turn when the Marquis, a skilled swordsman, provokes and subsequently kills André's close friend Philippe de Vilmorin in a duel. Seeking justice, André approaches the king's lieutenant, but upon learning the identity of the accused, the official instead orders André's arrest. Forced to flee for his safety, André finds himself amidst a nation on the cusp of revolution. When a proponent of liberty and equality is fatally shot during a public gathering, André boldly steps forward to continue the orator's message, undeterred even when injured by a bullet. As tensions escalate and dragoons are deployed to disperse the crowd, André is aided in his escape by an admirer named Chapelier, marking the beginning of his involvement in the turbulent struggle for justice and reform in France.

Set in Paris in 1482, the narrative revolves around Quasimodo, the hunchbacked and physically impaired bell-ringer of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Despite his disabilities, Quasimodo is a loyal servant to his master, Jehan, who is the unscrupulous brother of Dom Claude, the virtuous archdeacon of Notre Dame. One fateful evening, Jehan manipulates Quasimodo into abducting Esmeralda, a captivating Roma dancer known for her beauty and grace. Esmeralda, who is also the adopted daughter of Clopin, the leader of Paris' marginalized beggar community, becomes an unwitting victim in Jehan's scheme. This act sets in motion a series of events that intertwine the lives of these characters against the backdrop of a city marked by social and moral complexities.

Set in 1848, the narrative follows two caravans of expatriates who converge in Kansas to embark on a challenging 2,000-mile journey westward, seeking a fresh start in Oregon. Leading the settlers is Wingate, an elderly figure of natural authority and wisdom. Among the scouts are Sam Woodhull, characterized by his headstrong demeanor, and Will Banion, a skilled and compassionate individual harboring a mysterious past tied to an alleged crime during his military service. The dynamics within the group and the interplay of leadership, trust, and personal secrets shape their arduous expedition toward a new life.

The introduction highlights how modern society dismissed Judeo-Christian morality until the catastrophic events of World War I served as a stark reminder of its importance. It appeals to the audience to return to the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their role as foundational principles essential for human coexistence. These are described not merely as laws but as "the LAW," underscoring their universal and enduring significance. The narrative then transitions into a recounting of the Book of Exodus, beginning shortly after the ninth plague, setting the stage for the profound moral and spiritual lessons that follow.