AVIGNON September, 1348 AD
Marius sat in his usual corner of the tavern, alone and deep in thought. The tragedy of the plague overwhelmed his senses. Faced with the daily horror and depravity of the pestilence, he felt its toll on his body as on his spirit. But, if his role as the Magistrate"s deputy was to be honoured, there was no place for emotion. Citizens died, so the safety of those living demanded a swift, efficient burial procedure. The summer had reached its most intense, blazing heat: flowers wilted, streams ran dry, and tempers became frayed. People showed signs not only of weariness but also sad resignation. They saw no end to their ordeal and the will to fight was descending into fatal surrender.
Dominique did her best to maintain marital harmony but, the strain of caring fo
