Chapter 16 Summary

The ceremony of Fulda to separate lepers from the general population is to take place. Lepers are considered sinners and must become dead to the living world. Joan recognizes that one woman, Madalgis, has only a simple skin infection and declares her not to be a leper. With Benjamin's support and the Abbott's strong disapproval, Joan and Benjamin travel to her home. Madalgis, once married to a landowner, has lost her husband and property, and has been left with her children to starve. Joan and Benjamin thoroughly clean her hut and force her to bathe, giving her clean clothing. Her skin heals and when they return to the abbey with her, her cure is regarded as a miracle.

Madalgis's son Arn serves Joan some cheese with blue mold, which she finds delicious. Working with Arn on mathematics, Joan realizes he is a quick...