Summary

Chapter 1, set in 1290, is titled “Friar Arnaut D'Avinhonet, The Convent of the Jacobins, Tolosa.” Friar Arnaut writes that he has been charged with recording the records of more than a half century of inquisitions. He knows that some people who no longer believe the church is righteous, and he has begun to have some doubts of his own after conducting his research. He has found particular interest in one story. He loves history and will put all the documents together to get a full accounting of this story, but he pledges to destroy his account as soon as he finishes writing it.

Chapter 2, set in 1267, is titled “Botille.” Botille Flasucra swears the tell the truth during her questioning, saying there is no one she can harm by telling the truth. She and her two sisters shared a special bond that she now realizes...