Summary

Part II is titled “June 8 to 14, 1337.” Chapter 6 picks up 10 years after the previous scene. Merthin is 21. He is an apprentice to Elfric Builder. Elfric provides for Merthin's basic needs but does not pay him. Merthin is six months from finishing his apprenticeship. Merthin and Caris kiss often and Merthin is a regular visitor at Caris's home. They do not talk about the future but Merthin expects they will marry as soon as he finishes his apprenticeship. They meet at the beginning of a church service. Merthin stands beside Buonaventura Caroli, an important wool merchant from Italy. Buonaventura mentions the architecture of the church and is surprised that Merthin can explain why some of the windows are different. He briefly describes the domes that are common in Italy. During the church service, a portion of the church building collapses. Later, Elfric inspects...