Summary

Chapter 53 opens in the spring of 1348. Merthin wakes, one of the few who fell ill with the plague and survives. He discovers that his young daughter, Laura (known as Lolla), is safe and well but his wife and her entire family have died. Merthin travels through the city and discovers that all his building projects are at a standstill due to the thousands of deaths. Merthin realizes there is nothing holding him in Florence, so he packs, takes Lolla, and leaves for Kingsbridge.

In Chapter 54, Merthin arrives in Kingsbridge to find a crack in his bridge. Merthin sees that many things about the town have changed. He encounters Bessie Bell at the tavern named The Bell. She takes a moment to recognize him, but then invites him in. Merthin leaves Lolla with Bessie while he goes to see Caris. There is...