Chapters 4-5 Summary

In the Roman Lateran Palace, the residence of Pope Paschal, twelve year old Anastasius waits with his parents to see his uncle Theodorus. There is palpable tension in the palace. When Theodorus approaches to greet them, he is violently murdered by the papal militia. Anastasius is horrified, but his father says he must watch and learn, explaining that Theordorus is paying the price for his open loyalty to the Emperor. Anastasius is shocked when he realizes that the murder is ordered by the Pope.

Her studies with Aesculapius are an insult to Joan's relationship with her mother, since Gudrun has taught her about Saxon Gods and their secrets, a tradition considered Paganism by Catholics.

Hrotrud, the herbalist midwife who delivered Gudrun's children, is being tried in the village for sorcery. The canon forces Joan and John to observe the trial. The...