In 1307, King Philip IV, deeply in debt to the Templar order, conspires with his minister Nogaret to destroy them. The Grand Master of the Templars, Jacques de Molay, is burned at the stake. Before dying, De Molay pronounces a curse on Philip IV and his lineage: "Pope Clement... King Philip... before the year is out, I summon you to the Tribunal of Heaven... Cursed! Cursed! All of you, cursed to the thirteenth generation!"
, involving nearly 15,000 accused. The novel concludes with the execution of Grand Master Jacques de Molay, who famously curses the King and his descendants. Royal Scandal: the iron king maurice druon pdf