Chapter 8 Summary

During her lengthy recovery, the Abbess holds interviews with each of her nuns. She imposes no sanctions for their lack of courage, but merely speaks to them of devotion and faith. Bishop Ethelwold returns in October and hears final vows from Elfled and four others. Merewyn asks the Abbess permission to enter the nunnery herself and is refused. Instead, the Abbess Merwinna entrusts Merwyn with a pilgrimage on her behalf. She requests that upon her passing, which she is sure is soon approaching, Merewyn take her heart back to Padstow. The Abbess also assures Merewyn that she would have no objection to her stopping in Glastonbury to see Rumon. Merwinna suggests Merewyn and Rumon be wed and have children, citing their compatibility and lineage. It is the last private conversation the Merewyn has with her aunt.

She takes her aunt's heart to the...