Pages 62 - 79 Summary

"Of Rome, a maiden, and a bear"

Godric and Aedwen finally reach Rome. They are shocked by what they see. The town has been ravaged by war and the people live in miserable poverty. Disease and hunger pervade the town. They pray for Aedlward at St. Peter's church but Godric feels as if his prayers are not being heard. They set out for home. One night, a bear comes near the area where they have made their camp. Godric watches as it eats a few pieces of fruit off of a tree, defecates, and leaves. A woman of extreme beauty named Gillian appears by his mother's side. She tells him that for his entire life, he has been like the bear: Taking God's gifts and then throwing them away. The woman disappears and Aedwen says she never saw her.

"Of a...