Chapter 7 Summary

Merewyn enters her twenties living with her aunt, the Abbess Merwinna at Romsey. She receives a letter from Rumon that apologizes profusely for his behavior and for doubting her. He asks that Merewyn remember him in her prayers, and claims responsibility for King Edward's death. Merewyn keeps the letter in the bottom of her chest, taking it out on feast days to reread it. Dunstan and Bishop Ethelwold celebrate requiem mass and Alfhere kneels throughout the ceremony in black homespun robes. He shudders at times and is genuinely repentant. Bishop Ethelwold donates three hairs of the Blessed Virgin's that are part of a lock given to Dunstan in Canterbury by Pope Benedict VII. The relic inspires such awe that pilgrims come almost every day to worship.

One day Sister Herluva comes running to find Merewyn. The Abbess has had a fainting spell and...