AVIGNON early May, 1348 AD
The Grand Audience of the palace was full to capacity. Those who had arrived too late to claim a seat stood in the side aisles. The people awaited the entrance of the Holy Father, Clément Vl, with an acute sense expectancy. Few would have risen in time for the early morning prime service, but, being the choice of Clément for his much-anticipated sermon, they attended with due grace.
Marius, with Dominique and Fabien, from their bench to the rear of the chamber, recognised neighbours and friends. Present were buriers, night and day watchers, sextons and priests from churches now redundant, only the cathedral and Audience remaining for worshippers. The Magistrate and the wool merchants sat two rows in front; Bruno the carver; his friend, Luc, and wife, Marianne;
