Summary

Part IV is titled “June 1338-May 1339.” In Chapter 30, Edmund has bought more fleece than he can sell, considering that the bridge will not be finished in time to hold the annual Fleece Fair. Caris realizes that Edmund's mind is slipping in both his business and personal decisions. Caris can see that they are nearing bankruptcy, but she has an inkling of an idea to save them. She and Merthin are barely speaking to each other since the aborted pregnancy. She tells Merthin that work on the bridge may have to stop, considering that her father and others may not be able to continue funding. Merthin is devastated. Gwenda and Wulfric are at the fair with Annet's family, selling their eggs when Gwenda goes into labor.

In Chapter 31, Gwenda gives birth to a healthy baby boy but she continues to bleed after...