AVIGNON early October, 1348 AD
Marius and Alice embraced outside their secret cabin in the Dom du Rocher woods. He left her and walked away in the direction of his house where Dominique and baby Fabien awaited his return after dealing with the daily death toll. Earlier, he reported to the Magistrate that the number of deceased had, of late, fallen a slight degree. Alice took the path that led to the Pope"s private quarters. Following Rostand"s disclosure, Marius was now aware of her relationship with the cleric. He chose, however, to not confront her – was it his business, he asked himself? Seeing her, a few nights before, showing such bravery, endeared her to him all the more. Without her presence he would not have captured the lunatic who roamed the streets, terrorising the people. The
