Chapter 3, The Zero Winter, pg. 110-129 Summary

Villanelle, with Henri as guest, receives a warm homecoming. Exhausted, Henri sleeps for two days, waking on the third day to shave his beard. On his first day alone in Venice, Henri becomes horribly lost. Embarrassed by his French tongue, Henri wanders for days rather than stop to ask for directions. On the fifth day of seeming endless churches, canals and bridges Henri turns a corner to find Villanelle in a nearby boat.

Villanelle, surprised to learn that Henri is still in Venice, takes Henri on a tour. She explains that Venice is a living city and ever changing; only a boatmen can travel its many secret waters. Villanelle takes Henri to visit a mad crone who warns Henri to beware of old enemies in new disguises. Later, Villanelle explains that the crone...