The story begins in Assisi, Italy when St. Francis goes to St. Clare, his spiritual partner, with a question. He has decided to travel to the Crusades and arrange a meeting between himself and the Sultan in Syria, believing that if the Sultan knew what Jesus was really trying to say that he would stop the terrible war on his own. It is Francis' desire, if Clare agrees, to cross over into the Muslim territory and deliver this holy message. Pope Innocent III has already sent a letter to Francis saying that he will be excommunicated from the Church if he leaves for the Crusades. And yet, in spite of this threat, St. Clare and Francis both agree that Francis must go. It is God's will that Francis follow a higher call than any human authority can understand. Meanwhile, Brother Leo has been waiting for Francis outside the chapel of San Damiano. He has been asked by the superior of the order to accompany his brother on this journey and to return to Assisi with an official portrait of the saint. Francis has never allowed his likeness to be drawn before, but since he believes he is not likely to return from the trip alive he has now agreed. Leo will travel with him only as far as the Muslim territory, then return to the other brothers with the drawing. During the trip he will sketch the portrait, capturing his holy image for generations to come. Brother Leo has a special request to make of the saint. Since they will be together for several weeks, Leo asks Francis to teach him everything he knows about peace. Francis agrees and says that he will give Leo a different lesson every day, and when they finally arrive at the Muslim territory nothing will be hidden from him. The journey begins.