The story begins in late 17th century Cincinnati, when Joanna Wissing is found to be pregnant near the Dark Woods: a forbidden place of wickedness. She has a son, Daniel, and later a daughter, Abigail, with another father who mysteriously vanishes. The identity of Daniel's real father remains a mystery throughout his life. Minister Jonathan Walker, a leader in the community who passes judgement on evil, develops a close relationship with the Hangman, Oswald Campbelle. These two become hunters to provide food for the town. Oswald is renowned for his axe-wielding skills and Daniel uses a scythe.

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The Minister claims that the natives have intentions of massacring the town for its wealth; thus he orders that they should kill everyone from the tribe, So Oswald dons a burlap mask and Daniel wears a cloak and they travel to the land and mercilessly slaughter all of the warriors. However, when it comes to the children Daniel cannot bring himself to follow through with this order and so Oswald knocks him out. When Daniel wakes at The Judgment table he sees his sister beside him with 2 nooses above them and his mother bound to the stake. The Minister declares that these children of “The Witch” shall Rest In Damnation and proceeds to light the stake as Oswald pulls the lever. All Daniels can do is watch as his mother screams and his sister cries until the Minister whispers in his ear: “My seed is unleashed. Rest now my son."