Chapter 30 Summary

Pare Aldonza tries to comfort the abbess, who is distressed that the nuns have sheltered a murderess. He loves the nuns, but they are like children who still live in their parents' houses. The priest assures the abbess that Amara has been baptized, which means she has been forgiven for her sins. Pare Aldonza has a sudden revelation, and announces that even though can't teach Amara about religion, they can bless her. Amara must be brought to the chapel.

Palinor is confined to a cell with no windows. Joffre and Dolca, who have walked from Saracen's House, bring Palinor food, wine, a shirt, and Civitate Dei. Three days later Fra Murta appears and asks Palinor if he believes in God. Palinor says no, and Fra Murta has a blacksmith fit Palinor with a neck iron that is chained to the wall.

Fra Murta...