Chapters Forty-five — Forty-eight Summary

In Chapter Forty-five, Ismae gathers Crunard, Captain Dunios and Anne to tell them about the news that Marshal Rieux and d'Albret have overtaken Nantes. Although both Rieux and Anne believe that Beast, with a group of peasants and farmers could hold off any attack until forces can arrive from the Holy Roman Emperor, Crunard is against the idea. Ismae wants to discourage the group from doing anything that Crunard suggests. When Duval enters Ismae's room that evening, he is obviously worse from his poison. Ismae makes him eat before telling him the news. After a good night's sleep, Duval seems better. Since she knows that Crunard will be meeting with the Privy Council that morning, she decides to try to search his room.

In Chapter Forty-six, Ismae finds a gold signet ring locked up in Crunard's office...