Part 4: 1142 - 1145 Summary

Chapter 11: More than 100 people burn to death in William's raid of Kingsbridge; the town lies in ruins. To William's shock, Bishop Waleran refuses to give him absolution. William's mother taught William to fear the fires of hell, and William is horrified that Waleran will not absolve his sins. Waleran explains that he and Bishop Henry are once again supporting King Stephen; he will grant William absolution only if William pledges his loyalty and his army to Stephen. Waleran further suggests that William take advantage of the ruination of Aliena's wool business. She had been the largest wool merchant in the area; with her out of the way, William can force his peasants to sell their fleeces directly to him and thus corner the fleece market. William readily agrees.

Back at Kingsbridge Priory, Philip is devastated. The prosperous town which grew up...