Venom in the Blood Summary

Mem does not attend Anys' funeral as she is sick with the fever in the rectory, where Elinor insisted she be brought. Five days after Anys' funeral, Mem dies. The village has lost its only healers and midwives. The law will not enter the plague-struck village, so no one is tried for their murder. Some of the mob die from the plague; others do penance in the hope of forgiveness.

In church, Mompellion speaks passionately about the love of God saying the plague is a test. Many may be tempted to flee the village infecting even more people. He says they must stay in the village to isolate the disease. Supplies will be delivered to the edge of the village on a regular basis until the plague has ended. He warns that those who flee will suffer...