Chapter 12, Madness Summary

For three days Petrus has kept Paulo marching at an intense pace. Unable to maintain the tempo, Paulo asks to rest. Petrus refuses to explain his reason for hurrying along, but Paulo decides not to press the issue. Finally, as the ruined village of Foncebadon comes into view Petrus slows the pace. Paulo realizes that not far from the village is a very important landmark, the Iron Cross. He desires to continue on to the attraction, but Petrus now refuses to move along.

As the two men sit resting Petrus begins a discussion centered on making choices. The guide mentions that the only way to make a right decision is to know the wrong decisions. Petrus then teaches Paulo the Shadows Exercise and instructs Paulo to perform the exercise while Petrus takes a walk. When Petrus returns he asks Paulo about...