John Motram, a cell biologist at Newcastle University, firmly believes that Black Death was not caused by bubonic plague but by an unknown virus. He is excited when Oxford University informs him that there might be preserved bodies of Black Death victims hidden under Dryburgh Abbey. Motram launches an excavation but it comes to a disastrous end when he apparently loses his mind after entering the secret tomb. Dr Steven Dunbar is sent to investigate - fearing that a new killer virus has been let loose.