It is January of 1349 when Caris, the archdeacon, and the bishop discover that the monks emptied the shared treasury of money and holy relics. The bishop confirms Caris as prioress and then acting prior as well after Caris reports on the rising disorder and breakdown of morality in the town in Godwyn’s absence. Henri agrees to have the church clear Caris of the sentence stemming from the witchcraft charges. He asks that she determine the location of Godwyn and the monks. The bishop and archdeacon accompany her to the parish guild meeting as support for her plan to restore order in the town. Elfric demands they reject her authority because she is not a guild member, is a woman, and has been accused of witchcraft. Neither Caris nor the bishop even have to counter him. Everyone leaves him standing alone in his opposition.

Godwyn arrives at St. John in the Wood, an isolated monastic cell, and receives a cold welcome from Saul Whitehead, still the prior there. Godwyn hides the stolen church relics and funds and then takes a room in