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When Rome is invaded in 1527 by a pillaging army of Spanish and German Lutheran troops, the high life is over for Fiammetta Bianchini, a beautiful, young, high ranking courtesan who could count Vatican Cardinals among her select clientele. Shorn of her hair and her riches looted bar a few gems she has managed to swallow, she escapes with Bucino, a dwarf in her employ, and together they travel to Venice, hoping to make their fortunes again. Once in Venice, and with the aid of a local witch La Draga to help her recover the charms she has lost on their long journey. Fiammetta hopes to build up a new client base in Venice, but apart from the fact that her looks have lost their lustre, there are other obstacles that prevent her from establishing herself as a new courtesan, not least the appearance in the city of the Roman poet Aretino, an old acquaintance and rival who could destroy her reputation with a stroke of his pen. Aretino however has a reputation to keep himself and Fiammetta and B