Edinburgh, 1820s. On one side is the Old Town; ancient, crumbling and full of poverty. On the other is the New Town - elegant, refined and prosperous. When newly qualified Doctor Martin Elliot arrives, he discovers that the duality goes deeper. There is more darkness in the streets than he could have imagined. Ghosts of the long-dead haunt the houses, and nightmares soon fill Martin's head. Only a relic of the past - a dark, carved staff - seems to give Martin respite. But can be balance its power with the burden that comes with it, or will evil overcome his good intentions?