Summary

Marek has assumed the title of lord in the wake of Villiam’s death, and is tormented by the crying of the Christ Child. He cannot compel Agata to be a mother to him, nor Jude to be a father. Although Ivan’s men have come to Lapvona and taken over management of the manor and the stables, Jude refuses Marek’s peace offerings and continues sleeping in the stables. Marek seeks consolation from his servant, Petra, about his mother and father’s lack of love, but Petra is of little help. Marek reflects on the days following Villiam’s death, and his decision to make Jude bury Villiam’s body. We are told that Jude buried Villiam’s body poorly, and that it lies beneath a shallow grave, picked apart by the forest animals. Lispeth’s corpse, meanwhile, was buried with great care...