French King Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, a document that had protected the rights of French protestants for almost one hundred years. The decision prompted a mass exodus of French Protestants with many going to Prussia.

French protestants were forced to flee France as dragoons were given free reign to rape, assault and terrify their communities. Among them, the Loyal family, poor cloth-makers desperate for mercy, safe passage, and a new place to call home.