Chapters 5-6 Summary

The bridge and the Stone Han serve as intended until the end of the 17th century, when the Turks are expelled from Hungary, and funding for their upkeep dries up. Dauthodja Mutavelić puts himself in dept to keep the han patched and dies repairing the roof. As the han falls into ruins, travelers turn to Ustamujić's Inn. By contrast, the bridge ages to perfection.

Spring and fall normally bring flooding in low-lying areas, and once every 20-30 years, there comes a "great flood," which binds that generation psychologically and provides material for storytellers. One of the greatest occurs in the second half of the 18th century. Oldtimers know enough when "the waters are hostile" to empty the warehouses to higher ground, but that year the Rzav also rises and the combined waters submerge Višegrad. Suljaga Osmanagić's horse senses...