Catherine, her page Béranger de Roquemaurel and her new squire Gauthier de Chazay, have been able to get safely to Comtesse Ermengarde de Châteauvillain. The city is under siege by the terrible Robert de Saarebrück, Arnaud de Montsalvy's brother-in-arms. A month has passed since Catherine escaped from the Damoiseau's clutches, leaving behind her dying husband Arnaud and praying that her old friend Landry would be able to cure him. When the attackers finally leave the burning city behind, Catherine and her young friends go to the "priory of the good men", where they expect to find Landry. But her childhood friend has been tortured by the cutthroats men and is fatally wounded. Before he dies we learn that Arnaud is alive. Le Boiteaux, a henchman from the Saarebrück, wants to talk to the Comtesse de Montsalvy. Catherine learns that Arnaud has gone to search for the Maid "Jeanne d'Arc"...she also learns
that if she returns to Montsalvy, she will be flogged from the town. To save himself, Le Boiteaux reveals the reason for the Damoiseau's sudden disappearance. A conspiracy is planned to kill King Réne, who is Duke Philippe of Burgundy's prisoner at Dijon.

Nothing can stop her now that the city is free. With her page and squire Catherine rides the next day towards Dijon, the town she left eleven years ago...carrying with her the letter she had promised Queen Yolande to deliever to her son King Réne.

Three days later they arrive in Dijon. Near the house of Catherine's uncle Mathieu Gautherin, they find a crowd of people in front of the "Sign of the Great Bonaventura" and see a giant of a man tossing a woman out of her uncle's house. To Catherine's utter astonishement, the woman is none other than her own sister Loyse - now abbess "Agnès of Sainte-Radegonde". We learn that their uncle has fallen in love with a beautiful woman, Amandine La Verne. Loyse is afraid that their uncle may have married this Amandine, who has taken over the household - together with her "brother" Philibert! Before Catherine enters the house, she sends a boy in search of her old friend Jacques de Roussay - guessing they would be in need of him! Together with Loyse, Béranger and Gauthier, they enter the house and find Amandine La Verne. When Amandine realizes who the elegant noble Dame is, she wants Catherine to believe that
she has not seen "father Mathieu" in a long while, and calls for her brother Philibert. Brother and sister try to convince the Legoix sister's that their uncle has gone to his vineyard in Marsannay. An old friend of their uncle enters also and denies that Mathieu has been seen going away. Philibert has heard enough and threatens to chase them away. A fight begins...only just in time, Captain Jacques de Roussay arrives with his soldiers and they search the whole house. Uncle Mathieu cannot be found. A young woman, a good friend and customer of her uncle, enters with a maid. We learn that she is called "Dame Symonne Sauvegrain" and married to Messire Jehan Morel, counsellor and governor of the chancellery of Duke Philippe. A sister of Dame Symonne maid lives next-door to Maître Mathieu's place, and has heard peculiar noises coming from the chicken house there. Poor Mathieu is found in the chicken house, barely alive. He is brought into the house and freed of his filthy clothing. Amandine La Verne and her brother are arrested, and Dame Symonne offers Catherine and her loyal page and squire hospitality, assuring her that the house is big enough and that guards will be send to protect her uncle Mathieu's house from pillagers.

Cared for in Dame Symmone's house by the housekeeper Bertille, Mathieu recounts what has happened to him in the last few months - he fell in love with the beautiful La Verne and promised to marry her! The relationship between him and Amandine began to change when her brother Philibert appeared out of nowhere. One day he found Amandine and her "brother" in the repository making love! When Mathieu wanted to throw them out of his house, they locked him into the chicken house and fed him drugs, promising to release him only when he was ready to marry the malicious Amandine La Verne! Catherine leaves the house to visit Captain Roussay, the one person she needs if she is to see King Réne d'Anjou, King of Sicily and Jerusalem. On her way she goes to pray in a church and meets a beggar whom she remembers from her earlier life in Dijon. Catherine learns that Philippe of Burgundy no longer lives in Dijon, but in Flanders. She ask her beggar friend if he knows anything about King Réne d'Anjou, explaining that she was lady-in-waiting to Queen Yolande d'Aragon, who sent her to see her son. Jehan des Ecus begins to taunt that the King is very well protected since Duke Philippe hopes to gain an immense ransom for his prisoner - also that suspicious individuals are staying in the "Tavern Jacquot de la Mer", and that the innkeeper's brother works in the palace kitchen! Captain Jacques de Roussay welcomes Catherine to his palace office. She tells him that she is worried that someone might poison his prisoner King Réne. The captain informs her that he is the only person allowed to see the prisoner. Catherine chooses this moment to tell him that she is here as ambassador in Queen Yolande's name, and shows him the letter Queen Yolande handed to her some months ago - and that she must see his prisoner under all circumstances. Captain Roussay is eventuelly persuaded and tells her to return disguised as a man. He is sorry to say that Amandine La Verne was able to escape on her way to prison. Catherine does not like
the idea of this woman escaping punishment, but they may be able to recapture the woman through Philibert, who is still captive....

Disguised as Captain de Roussay's nephew "Alain de Maillet", Catherine enters Philippe of Burgund's castle to see the prisoner King Réne d'Anjou. They bring her to Captain de Roussay, who is playing chess with Réne d'Anjou. The young King is moved to tears when Catherine shows him his mother's letter. A servant then enters the chamber, carring a tray with three tin cups and a bottle of wine, already opened. Captain de Roussay tells Catherine that the King shows him honour by drinking his wine - but Catherine has the unpleasant feeling that she knows the servant...as the King takes his cup in his hands, Catherine remembers seeing the "servant" in Robert de Saarebrück's camp. She runs to the King before he can take a sip. The cup falls to the floor. Catherine demands that Captain de Roussay arrest the servant who left the room, telling the angry King that his wine may contain poison. Neither Captain de Roussay nor the King will believe that the Damoiseau could be behind such a treacherous act, explaining that they hold his child hostage. But the King's dog whimpers and dies, having lapped the wine on the floor. Realising that the wine could have poisoned them all, Captain de Roussay runs in search of the imposter. The King grieves for his dog, his only friend through lonely days of captivity, and Catherine tries to comfort him. He misunderstands her kindness and demands Catherine take off her clothes. Outraged, she refuses his advances and the King finally comes to his senses. Captain de Roussay waits outside the chamber.

Catherine returns home to Dame Symonne's house to learn that Gauthier de Chazay is missing. She tells Béranger her page, that her mission was a success, but that the King was almost killed. Her squire returns, and we learn that he tried to shadow the "servant" all day, but had lost him. He was indeed one of the Damoiseaus's men. With her young companions, Catherine returns to the Palace to inform de Roussay where the imposter is hiding. Two hours later, the "servant" and some vagabonds are arrested and brought to prison to be convicted for their crime.

The two villains are thrown into boiling oil - Colin le Long (alias Philibert La Verne) and the rector (alias the false servant, Robert de Saarebrück's man.) Béranger and Gauthier de Chazay join the crowd watching the execution, hoping to catch the Damoiseau who may come to free his henchman. Gauthier catches sight of Amandine La Verne who returns his look with hatred. Catherine returns home, having spent the day attending to uncle's Mathieu's affairs. She is frustrated at having to prolong her stay in Dijon instead of searching for Arnaud to tell him about a false Jeanne d'Arc. Worried because her two companions have not returned, she goes to her room and finds a stone thrown through her open window. The attached note instructs her to leave the house unnoticed - otherwise the two young men will be cut into pieces. Frightened out of her wits, Catherine snatches her cape and goes out of the house, leaving a note on the kitchen table in case something would go wrong. She walks into the street where the villains are expecting her. By boat they bring her to a burned mill, called the "haunted house". She is pushed roughly down steps and finds herself in hell. Béranger and Gauthier's kidnapper is none other than "Robert de Saarebrück". He has made a dastardly bargain with "Amandine La Verne" who wants to revenge herself on Catherine for the death of her husband Colin le Long. We find out that she is in reality a well known prostitute who has connections everywhere! Catherine bravely tries not to show how much she is scared and appeals to the Damoiseau's honour as a knight - de Saarebrück calls her a dreamer...
With the help of Amandine La Verne, he will "free" King Réne d'Anjou - to get him killed - once they are on the road! Filled with hatred, Amandine tells Catherine she wants her to suffer as she herself has sufferd today when Colin was put to death. Before Catherine dies, she will be raped by all the Damoiseau's soldiers and Amandine's vagabonds, and afterwards buried with the body of Philibert/Colin! The terrified Catherine is bound to a table and first raped by Damoiseau and then by his soldiers. Catherine has to endure pain beyond pain...when she wakes up she is outside the burned mill, being cared for by Béranger and Gauthier. They were saved by Catherine's old friend Jean des Ecus, who went in search of Captain de Roussay. He had been about to go to the mill when he saw Catherine being brought there. De Roussay and his men arrived as fast as they could, and saved Catherine's life. He is informed about the treacherous plan to kill the young King and arrives in time to free him. Robert de Saarebrück is arrested and sent back to Lothringen as a prisoner. The abused and battered Catherine is brought to Dame Symonne's house. In her fevered dreams, she calls for Arnaud...telling him to wait for her...wanting to go home to Montsalvy...to her beloved children and Sara.

Three days after the awful incident, Catherine has lost the will to live and refused food. Dame Symonne
Morel introduces her to a old midwife who has survived a similar experience. After examining Catherine, she reassures the Comtesse that time will heal her pain and wounds. Two weeks after her horrifing ordeal, Catherine leaves Dijon with her page and squire, under much protest from her uncle and his future wife Dame Bertille. Catherine has only one thought - to go in search of her husband Arnaud, tell him of her disgrace, and hope he will kill her instantly...

They travel to Lothringen asking travelers and innkeepers if anyone has seen "Jeanne d'Arc". They hear that this young girl now calls herself Claude. After a long detour, they learn that Jeanne/Claude has gone to the Duchess of Luxembourg in Arlon, and that Elisabeth of Görlitz has welcomed her with open arrms. At the same time, Catherine has  finally a trace of Arnaud. A tall and lord-like Seigneur, with a deep scar on one side of his handsome face, arrived at Metz two months ago...also asking where the "Maid" could be found. The day they arrive in Arlon, Catherine dons her best clothes and goes to the palace to ask for a audience. She is ungraciously received by the Duchess who wants to know if Catherine is a relative of the Comte de Montsalvy! He had stayed three days some while ago, and had left after an embarrassing scene. Catherine learns that the Duchess calls Jeanne/Claude her niece...who was just getting married when Arnaud de Montsalvy arrived in town. Catherine is speechless and informs the Duchess that this woman is an imposter and she can prove it. Elisabeth of Görlitz, also a cousin of Philippe of Burgundy, is outraged and forbids Catherine to go on - but Catherine demands to see this "false Jeanne* so she may prove it. The Duchess sends for her niece now also the "Dame des Armoises". Catherine is at first convinced she is seeing alive the Jeanne d'Arc who saved her from being hanged, and that she later saw being burned at the stake in Rouen. But the girl is proved to be a liar as she cannot say where she met Catherine. The infuriated Duchess tells Claude des Armoises to go to her castle and never return to the palace of Luxembourg. Before leaving, the false Jeanne informs Catherine that Arnaud de Montsalvy is returning home to Montsalvy. He had believed in her until he heard she was getting married, then cursed her.
Overjoyed Catherine tells Béranger and Gauthier they will now go home to Montsalvy. The young page is
very happy to return home, but Gauthier de Chazay, who had no sympathy for the Lord of Montsalvy, is
wondering how Catherine will be received by her husband, who had promised to have her flogged from his
town. On Christmas Eve, Catherine goes to Midnight Mass, accompanied by her page and squire. For the
first time since her ordeal she begins to feel hope for the futrue. But destiny has another plan. The next
morning she feels sick and dizzy, andl lies quietly weeping. There can be no return to her husband now.
she is pregnant...the result of that dreadful scene in the burned mill...

The devastated Catherine sees no way out than to take her own life. She cannot return to Montsalvy with this shame - Arnaud may forgive the rape, but not the result of it. Just before she can stab herself, Gauthier de Chazay knocks on her closed door, calling out that there is someone to see his mistress. Unconscioulsy waiting for a sign from heaven, Catherine opens the door and falls happily into the arms of Duke Philippe's ambassador...Jean Van Eyck, the painter she knew before she became the Comtesse of Montsalvy. Catherine lies about her reason for meeting Duchess Elisabeth, but her friend is not deceived. He wants to know if she is in search of her husband again. Seeing Catherine's dagger and her farewell letter to him, Gauthier falls to his knees and weeps. Catherine is ashamed of her weakness, and wants her letter back. Van Eyck reads the letter and is appalled at what his friend had wanted to do. He orders Catherine to dress, and makes her promise never to attempt something so foolish again. At supper he says that he was on his way to see the Duchess on business for Duke Philippe. He proposes taking Catherine to Bruges. He knows a discreet woman there who would know how to "dispose" of her problem. Catherine is torn between relief and reluctance, but agrees. Together they travel to Lille, where Jean Van Eyck has to report to Duke Philippe of his encounter with the Duchess. Catherine stays at the home
of Dame Symonne Morel - and insists that Van Eyck must under no circumstances tell the Duke that they are travelling together.We learn that the people of Bruges, are no longer Duke Philippes' loyal subjects, because their sovereign wants to cut their privileges. So that the members of the quilds are revolting against him.

In the town of Lille, Catherine is trying to find Dame Syomonne's house when she is separated from her friends. Trumpets announce the arrival of the sovereigns on foot. Catherine, on her horse, cannot hide and must wait with the crowd. Duke Philippe, hand in hand with Duchess Isabelle, walks into the street. A spirited woodcutter cries out "Noel" (Christmas) at precisely the moment Philippe is close to Catherine's horse. He turns his head and recognizes Catherine. Staring at her, he lets go of his wife's hand and walks on, turning again to look at Catherine. Robert de Courcelles, Duke Philippe's handsome equerry, suddenly appears before Catherine and informs her that his sovereign wants a short audience with the Comtesse de Montsalvy at the palace. De Courcelles makes it clear that she cannot refuse without making trouble for her page, squire and even Jean Van Eyck! She agrees with a sigh, but insists that Béranger and Gauthier must accompany her. Catherine follows de Courcelles to the palace to meet her former lover...

"Truly, it is really you! I was not mistaken" are Philippe of Burgundy's first words to Catherine. Seven years have passed since they last saw each other at Compiégne, when Catherine had tried in vain to persuade him to release Jeanne d'Arc. He is overjoyed to see Catherine and believes she has come back to him forever - telling her he has never forgotten her and had begged heaven to lead her back to him! Catherine quickly explains that she only interrupted her journey for one night at Lille. Not wanting to tell him the true purpose of her travel. She talks of visiting her dear friend Dame Morel-Sauvegrain. Philippe is surprised that he did not know of this friendship and makes sarcastic remarks about leaving her husband alone in the mountains of Auvergne...implying that she has come to spy for France. Catherine coldly asks him if he is going to treat her like a spy - even altough the "Treaty of Arras" means there is peace between France and Burgundy. The Duke eventually relents and asks her motive for visiting Dijon. Catherine wonders if Captain Jacques de Roussay had not informed him that it was she who saved King Réne's life in Dijon - she came to Lille to reassure herself that King Réne was well, and ensure her mission was complete. He accepts her story but insists that she be his guest that night - she could meet many of her old friends from bygone days. Knowing it could be dangerous to deny him, Catherine pretends to accept his invitation and asks to go to Dame Symonne's house to change her clothes. Philippe refuses, saying she must stay the whole night.

Catherine is brought to her "apartment" and told a chevalier will attend to her at the feast. After walking many corridors she is astounded to find a room which is an exact replica of her room at Bruges - the one in which she used to receive Philippe of Burgundy! Two maids arrive to unclothe Catherine and prepare a special bath for her - a luxury not even her beautiful castle at Montsalvy could offer her. Catherine sinks into the water and all her worries seem to wash away. The beautiful robe she is given to wear is cut very low. Catherine means to tell the Duke that she will not appear like that in front of his wife and and guests. She hears a sigh - and sees that the Duke has come back and she learns that he has sent Béranger and Gauthier to Dame Symonne. Philippe passionately tells Catherine she has never been more beautiful. Catherine feels herself trembling...what woman, even the most faithful, could resist having such a devoted man in her power? But she tries to walk away, feeling danger ahead. He tells her they will supper together instead of attending the banquet...the feast of the Kings. Catherine reproaches him, saying he has a wife and many mistresses. He insists that he has never loved anyone but her. To prove it, he tells her that each castle he lives and visits, there exists a room like this one. He presses a feather on a slik panel - the wall opens to reveal a large portrait of Catherine, wholly naked exept for one jewel...a necklace with rubies, holding the aries of the Toison - that seemed to grow out of her womanhood. Catherine is shocked to find out that it was her friend Jean Van Eyck who painted it - and that there are five of the paintings in existence. His wife does not know of these rooms - he had the only key. When Catherine is afraid to give him her hand, Philippe says he would never hurt her. He treats Catherine like a Queen and serves her himself, offering her his best Beaune wine, and Catherine relaxes. He presents her some sweets and leaves his hand on her knee...Catherine, having drunk too much of the delicious wine, does not protest. Philippe, always an excellent lover, awakens feelings she had thought would be gone after her violation by the Damoiseau and soldiers. She decides to celebrate "the night of the Kings" with Pilippe of Burgundy and tells him to love her one last time - just as he loved her so long ago. Even though her soul is crushed, her body responds with  passion.

Afterwards Catherine realises that, instead of feeling remorse for betraying Arnaud, she feels a malicious satisfaction and a freedom from bitterness. She has suffered too much through Arnaud and now feels the sweet taste of revenge, knowing it will never be repeated. Philippe begs her to stay another night, but Catherine refuses. While asleep she feels a hand on her shoulder and opens her eyes to find Phiippe's wife, the Duchess Isabelle, who knows about the hidden rooms and the paintings! She has brought clothes for Catherine, and coldly orders her to leave...never to return if she values her live. Catherine flees from the palace to Dame Symonne's house where Jean Van Eyck awaits her. She reproaches him about the paintings. She tells him she must leave the city at once, and will go to his house with her page and squire. Much to Catherine's amusement, Jean tells her this is impossible - he has a daughter and a very jealous wife. She tells him she will stay instead at the inn she used to visit with her uncle Mathieu. They leave Lille an hour later, riding over to the French gate to fool the Duchess's spies that they are returning to France - making a large detour to catch later the road to Bruges - their destination.

Catherine is now in Bruges - but the city is no longer the happy place it was before the Treaty of Arras, eighteen months ago. The English allies of Burgundy felt themselves betrayed. They made all kinds of chicanery - especially against the marine traffic and the commerce of the rich wool trade cities of Flanders. Their troops had cruelly destroyed several villages, so that Duke Philippe of Burgundy, pushed by Ghent and Bruges - decided to lay siege on Calais. But it had ended in a disaster - the rich citizen of Bruges and Ghent had determinded to retreat- when the Burgundian fleet was not arriving - which angered the Duke extremely. On top of everything, the three great cities Ghent, Bruges and Ypres were forced under his command to accept another city in their alliance. These three rich cities, who thanks to their enourmous wealth and power - living in princely independence -were not willing to accept - to share and loose their precious privileges.

She is staying in the same Inn she used to visit as a young girl with her uncle Mathieu, and on Jean Van Eyck's advice has checked in under the name of "Dame Berneberghe d'Armentières", on pilgrimage to the the "Precious Blood" to obtain healing from a malady. Afraid of being recognised, she has bought pilgrim cothing from a rag trader in Courtrai, and keeps her long golden hair hidden. Jean Van Eyck comes to the Inn to tell her of his plan. They are to go to the chapel where the "Precious Blood" is - where a sexton will be waiting to accompany her to the relic. The detour is important in case of spies, because ofVan Eyck's fame and his jealous wife. They are to visit Carlotta, the Florentine who promised to rid Catherine of her problem. At the day's end, she goes with her friend to the chapel where Catherine prays with all her heart that God may forgive her what she is about to do. Arriving at the canal, they take a barque and go directly to Carlotta. The pleasant lady confirms Catherine is indeed pregnant and that she can help her - but Catherine will have to stay at her house for some time. Catherine agrees and sleeps soundly, feeling confident she will be able to return to Montsalvy soon.

But it is not to be - through Gauthier, a young boy brings a message...Jean Van Eyck was locked in his atelier by his jealous wife and Carlotta has been found hanged! He advises her to leave Bruges immediately and go to Lille to her good friend Dame Symonne. Gauthier is convinced Carlotta's death was murder - perhaps revenge by a noble whom she denied help. Catherine reproaches herself for coming to Bruges, sure that God was punishing her for pretenting to go on a pilmgrimage. Gauthier leaves to prepare for their departure, but returns shortly afterwards with two men - the mayor Louis Van de Walle,
and the alderman Jean Metteneye of Bruges. Louis Van de Walle tells Catherine she has been identified as "Catherine de Brazey" - Duke Philippe's mistress - who had gone yesterday to a certain Florentine to get rid of an unwanted "fruit"... a result from her aldulterous amour with her lover Duke Philippe of Burgundy! Catherine feels cornered. She tells them she is indeed Catherine, but now married to a noble captain of King Charles VII and that she is lady-in-waiting to Queen Yolande of Sicily. Van de Walle cares nothing for her answer. She is to be taken hostage. If Duke Philippe does not return all privileges to Bruges, she will be hanged without mercy. Catherine insists that the Duke is not the father of the unborn
child. Even though Philippe may still love her, he would never submit to their terms. Surrounded by a whole company of militia, Catherine is helpless to do anything but comply with their instructions. Her prison is to be the little palais where she lived so many years ago in Bruges as the Duke's beloved mistress.

Luckily the fall into the water was not too bad for Gauthier. Béranger had no problem climbing down the ladder.   Pulling the lifeless body of Catherine with him, Gauthier was able to to swim to the small boat where Jean de Rémy waited. All three of them pulled Catherine out of the water. She was unconscious, but breathing. Gauthier explained to Saint Rémy what had happened. The King-at-arms of Burgundy said what counted was that they were able to escape on such a noisy night!
While they paddle to the monastery where a relative of Jean de Rémy is the Prior, Catherine begins to move and  moan.
De Rémy is afraid and tells the young men that no one must know Catherine is a woman and that they cannot trust even the monks there. Father Cyprien de Rayneval had been anxiously awaiting them, but when he finds out that Comtesse de Montsalvy is injured - and as Gauthier suspects, miscarrying a child that very moment – he informs them that she cannot stay  at his monastery. How could he hide a woman screaming in pain? It would be too dangerous for all of them. Gauthier almost  loses control and tells him the lady of Montsalvy will die if he cannot tend to her immediately. Father de Rayneval disarms
 them and says he has an idea. They should go to the Beguine convent, the only community of women who are very experienced  in tending the sick. Most of them were noble ladies, who belonged to rich families. But the three men should return immediately to early mass, since they could not stay with the Beguine ladies. When they arrive at the convent, Father Cyprien talks to the  superior Grande Dame Béatrice, who calmly agrees that they should not worry... the lady will be taken care of. The three companions leave Catherine in care of the Beguine ladies and returned to Father Cyprien's monastery.
 
Catherine knows little of all that has happened since her fall from the housetop. The terrible pain from her abortion makes  her suffer beyond endurance for hours. Only semi-concious, her one thought is that she has died because of the sacrilege  she committed in trying to get rid of the unwanted child. Finally awakening, she is informed that she is in the convent of the Beguine ladies and that unfortunately she has lost the child she was expecting. Catherine begins to cry and hides her face in the pillows. She does not dare telling the Bequine lady Dame Ursule how relieved she is, for fear that these nice ladies will send her away. Dame Béatrice visits, telling Catherine that her life has been in great danger... and also that her servants are at the Augustine monastery. We learn that Catherine cannot return yet to Montsalvy because of trouble in the city of  Bruges. The mayor Louis Van de Walle has stayed in the city, although another mayor had been killed together with his son.
The gates are now closed.  No-one can enter or leave. The whole city is searching for the hostage “Catherine de Brazey”. Hating her even more now, and lusting for revenge, they are afraid she has returned somehow to Duke Philippe. It would be suicide to try to get out of the city. With a heavy heart, Catherine accepts that for the moment she must remain in the convent with the Beguine Dames. Dame Béatrice suggests to her she might learn “lace-making" during her stay. Catherine is very interested, saying she would love to learn it. The precious laces she owns come from Italy or Le Puy-en-Velay. Dame Béatrice  leaves Catherine to her own thoughts. Catherine is now free of the heavy burden of disgrace and fear which she has carried for so many months. She is almost glad of the reprieve before returning to Montsalvy, where she does not know what she'll find. She swears to herself that she will never again leave Montsalvy and her children... no matter what happens to her or her husband!
 
After a time, Catherine receives billets from Jean de Rémy on how the situation is developing and that she should be ready soon as Duke Philippe will be coming to Bruges! On the evening of 21 May Dame Béatrice comes to tell her that on the same night she will leave the convent. Duke Philippe is only five miles away in Roeselare!  He will enter the city, and his army will surround it! Catherine is given monk's clothing as a disguise.
Dame Béatrice compliments Catherine on her lace-work, saying she has a great talent for it. She also hopes that when Catherine meets Monseigneur Philippe, she will beg him to forgive the people of Bruges and show them mercy. Catherine  promises Dame Béatrice to do everything in her power to convince the Duke. Catherine is unable to sleep that night...  something is making her uneasy, but she cannot fathom what it is. When the time comes she embraces the lady of the Beguine Dames and falls into the waiting arms of her three friends.
 
Leaving the convent, they walk on foot through the streets, following the crowd until they reach the gate of Byre. Duke Philppe is already approaching on horseback with his men. The mayor Louis Van de Walle and his escort almost reach  the Duke when the crowd cry they are betrayed! Indeed the Duke’s armed troops were already passing on towards the gate of Byre. The people of Bruges try to close the gates, but it is too late. The troops began fighting and soon there were people dying. Catherine and her friends run up the steps to the parapet walk of the gate tower. Philippe of Burgundy is begged to call back his soldiers, but he will not be separated from them. He sends a soldier to see if there was any crowed in the marketplace.  It was the moment de Rémy had waited for. Pulling Catherine with him, followed by her servants, he runs up to the Duke. Bowing before his sovereign, he tells him his mission is complete... and presents the Comtesse de Montsalvy. The Duke looks deep into her eyes and tells her she will have a lot of explaining to do once he has dealt with the situation in Bruges. Catherine folds her hands and begs him to show mercy to the city... but he interrupts her, saying he was here  not only to save her but also to take possession of Bruges. He walks away and Jean de Rémy takes Catherine back to the tower. Rémy is worried that the Duke is too sure of himself. He is right. Out of nowhere, people come and close the  portcullis. The Duke is now trapped in the city, but his troops are outside its walls. Horrified, Catherine watches the fighting  and the blood being spilled while Jean de Rémy and Gauthier try to open the portcullis. At the last moment, they are  supported by Mayor Louis Van de Walle, who orders an armed man to break the lock. A moment later the portcullis is raised and the troops storm inside to help their Sovereign. Philippe of Burgundy says they cannot fight against 100,000 fools and forbids them to attack the crowd.  Without looking, as if he knew Catherine stood there, he pulls her onto his horse
and they leave the city of Bruges to go to the château of Roeselare.
 
Philippe utters not one word during the ride, and upon arrival he locks himself and Catherine in a room. He paces around  like an animal in a cage, and she is afraid he might have lost his senses. He cries like Catherine had never seen a man cry.  She is scared to speak, and hides in a corner of the room. He calls for her and kisses her like a madman, not noticing that Catherine does not respond. In a soft, calm voice, she asks what she can do to help... which is like cold water in his face. He tells her that he needs her body to forget and that she knows how to do it. He tries to undress her and asks her to  help him. Catherine tells him NO! If he wants to take her he should go ahead, but it will not be with her help! Philippe is outraged that his mistress is refusing him. Catherine tells him she is no longer his mistress! That in Lille she already told him her farewell was final, and it is not her custom to say farewell twice! At this he reproaches her, telling her she should have left his lands. He even implies she spent the night with him on the “Night of the Kings” hoping he would acknowledge the fatherhood for  this unborn child. When he asks who was responsible for her pregnancy, she disrespectfully shakes her shoulder and asks why this should be important to him! She explained to him that she was raped by a bunch of drunken soldiers and had gone to Bruges to a certain Florentine. Then she had met him on the way… and she longed to know if the old magic from bygone  days still worked and if it could heal her body and soul. He, the Duke had been her first lover, and never had a woman had a more wonderful lover than he. He had without knowing it, returned her to life and the will to live. After she speaks he wants
to embrace her again, saying he saved her life today. But Catherine says yes… along the way.. but the people who really saved her were Saint-Rémy, father Cyprien of the Augustines and Dame Béatrice, the Grande dame of the Beguines. Philippe tells her that she does not love him anymore. Catherine said neither does he love her, even though there were those rooms  and all those portraits. All she wants now is his permission to go in search of her page and squire, then to rest a moment before she returns to her mountains. Philippe sighs and promises to issue orders for a safe journey through his lands.  She curtsies before him and and says: Adieu, Monseigneur! He protests, asking why goodbye?  With France and Burgundy now living peace with each other, why should he never see her again? Catherine answers: Well then, if it pleases God!  Kissing his hand, she leaves the room without a backward glance!

On a sunny July warm evening, with the humming of bees and the scent of blueberries in the air, Catherine's journey back to Montsalvy came slowly to an end. It had taken over a month to get here, yet the last mile seemed so long! Catherine's heart beat faster, full of hope to finally reach her home, to hear the laughter of her children and to feel Sara's warm embrace and the welcome of the villagers who loved her. She was afraid what Arnaud's first word and gesture would be. Would he flog her from town like he had sworn - sending her into unknown and endless adventure? Or had the influence of Abbot Bernard made him realise that his wife did not deserve his anger? But maybe he was not even in the castle... Truth be told, she may have preferred to see Montsalvy without its master right this minute.
It would give her time to talk with the Abbot and find out what the people were saying about Arnaud's behaviour, and a good night's rest would be welcome!

Béranger was singing the Lanque d'Oc, a famous old song of Bernard de Ventadour, but he suddenly stopped and cried out... Look, Dame Catherine! There is the great oak tree of the Puy de l'Arbre! We are almost there! The page was right, only a few more paces and they could see the inelegant but solid towers of Montsalyv. After that the road lead to a small suburb called Antoine, and after that was the Aurillac-Gate - where they could see the monastery's bell tower... and then the castle of Montsalvy.

Catherine turned to Gauthier de Chazay, telling him he would soon also love the Auvergne and its inhabitants. Many of the girls were beautiful, and the people here knew how to stay faithful without feeling like slaves. Now they heard the sound of melancholy music. Catherine's page was all excited and said they were playing a little welcome melody for them with the cabrette (Auvergne bagpipe). He galloped nearer and found a small, seeming retarded hunchback, whom he embraced with great joy. It was Etienne la Cabrette, in the company of the eldest son of Antoine Malvezins the wax-chandler of Montsalvy. He approached Catherine - but instead of a warm welcome, he stared at her with panic in his eyes - and honest tears. "Dame Catherine" he stammered, "It cannot be... How can this happen to me!" Catherine thought his behaviour very strange - she jumped from her horse and ran nearer him. But Jacquot the boy walked backwards, away from her. Impatiently she demanded what this comedy was about... that he could look at her as if she were the devil in person! Still he retreated step by step, turned around and ran toward the town of Montsalvy. But Gauthier de Chazay galloped after him and took him by his collar, saying that he would make use of his sword if Jacquot would not tell them what he intended by his attitude! Jacquot told them he had to go and announce her arrival, which Gauthier agreed was normal for the lady of Montsalvy's return... but Jacquot shook his head and said he must go and tell the guards to close the town gates in front of Catherine - so that she may not enter the town!

The three travellers were silent, scarcely breathing. Catherine herself was completely speechless! Finally she said: "What?... They have to close the gates and cannot let me enter? The unhappy boy explained to them that is was the wish of Messire Arnaud! Each day he sent someone to watch the road and to inform him immediately of her return! Whoever let Catherine enter would be killed within the hour... and his whole family with him! Catherine screamed in fear. Killed? With his whole family? Impossible! Arnaud must be insane! The boy believed this to be true, but said it wasn't his fault and that he must go back as he could be seen. Gauthier was furious, and wanted to go with the boy and tell Arnaud de Montsalvy what he thought of him. But Catherine forbade him, since she did not want to be the reason for bloodshed!

They discussed the situation at lenght. The boy left, and Gauthier wanted to know what they should do now. With a crestfallen gesture, Catherine took the reins of her horse. This brutal blow destroyed her joy and took all her courage... Arnaud must hate her really when he could give such merciless orders. What had happened? Where were her own friends: Josse and Marie Rallard? And Abbot Berhard? And Saturnin Garouste the bailiff of Montsalvy, and Gauberte Cairou? and Sara... was Arnaud in pursuit of everyone who loved her?

Her fear was so strong that she half fainted. Near her was the halfwit Etienne, who took his bagpipe as if nothing had happened and started to play again... Gauthier wanted to interrupt him but the hunchback, without interrupting his play, took a piece of paper out of his bag and threw it on Catherine's knee... "He is gone..." he whispered. "Nobody can see... Read, Dame Catherine, read! Etienne is leaving... He got up and walked away as if nothing had happened and continued to play on his caprette.

The piece of paper said she should hurry to the barn near the pond... and was signed by Gauberte. This message gave Catherine new hope and she set off with her faithful servants. On arrival, they hid their horses and went inside the barn. Gauthier told her it would be impossible for them to leave tonight. With a raw voice, Catherine asked him why she should leave... this was her home, her children lived here... she did not want to go away. She felt like going to the front gate of Montsalvy and screaming until she was heard and these damned doors were opened for her...

Or until she would be killed, said Gauthier, who was very sorry that he had tended to the wounded Count of Montsalvy at Châteauvillain - he should have let the lord of Montsalvy die, then and there! But Catherine let out a cry... she had automatically taken Arnaud's part... she told Gauthier she would have died if that had happened.

They talked over where they should go. Béranger smiled and said they would go to Roquemaurel! His mother and his brothers would surely give her refuge. Catherine was not so sure anymore, saying that things change - and so do people. They ate the rest of their rations, and rested. Toward midnight they heard footsteps, and in came Gauberte the wife of Noel Cairou. The lady of Montsalvy and Gauberte fell into each others arms and cried many tears. Catherine wanted to know what this was all about... what had happened?

Gauberte began her tale. Nothing had happened but in Messire Arnaud's mind. Nobody recognised him anymore - he was worse than a wild animal. He had returned around Christmas, but was almost unrecognizable when he rode into the city because of a huge scar on one side of his face. He was dressed in his usual black, but when people came running he waved them away with a curt "Good Day", neither smiling nor looking at them. The men who were with him pushed everyone back. He looked so terrifying that the people thought something had happened to Catherine, crying out "Where is Dame Catherine! Where is our Dame!" At that he halted, brandishing his sword and screaming that he would rip the guts from the first person who uttered the name of that whore in his presence...

The crowd then saw the woman with him, who followed silently into the castle. An hour later the men were called into the great hall and informed what would happen if they let Catherine enter the town! Gauberte thought Catherine should be warned and she had the idea to give the hunchback this message when the time came for Catherine's return. Gauberte felt she had done the right thing in warning Catherine, for, as soon as the guards heard of her return, Messire Arnaud brought the woman and his men out of the castle in search of her.

Now Catherine found out who that woman was... none other than the traitor Azalaïs, who had escaped to Béraud d'Apchier, where Arnaud had picked her up and brought to the castle! Catherine fainted upon hearing this. Gauberte explained to Gauthier who this Azalaïs was and guessed that Messire Arnaud had brought her here, as the one person who could hurt his wife Catherine the most! Catherine opened her eyes, shocked and stammering that she had not expected that... Azalaïs... why Azalaïs?

Gauberte repeated her thoughts to Catherine, and said Messire Arnaud was crazy! Catherine asked why Abbot Bernard did not intervene. She learned that three days before Arnaud's return, the Abbot had left for Chirac where his mother lay dying. On the way home to Montsalvy, he was attacked by robbers. Badly wounded, he was taken to the castle of Laurent d'Olf where he was still being looked after.

This was the first piece of good news for Catherine. She wanted to know if they were still looking for her, and at this Gauberte informed, her that Etienne the hunchback, had told them a lie so that they went to Carlat to look for her... but that Arnaud had already returned since he did not want to have any trouble with the Comtesse Eleonore, his friend Cadet Bernard's wife. He now had some disputes with his neighbours - who were not delighted with the company he kept.

Béranger said yet again that they should go to Roquemaurel - he would tell his brothers they could not allow Messire Arnaud to behave so outrageously! When Gauberte left, they ate what she had brought to them and rested. Catherine had now calmed down... happy that her children were safe. Her rage helped her deal with her sorrow. She thought maybe it was finally time to give up her role as a meek endearing wife and let her husband pay for all he had done to let her suffer in her six years of marriage.

When the first shafts of sunlight appeared, they took the road to Roquemaurel. Catherine wondered which roof could be giving shelter to her children and her friends. Her page told her he would not be surprised, if they were at his mother's place. His brothers, who were of even worse character than that of Arnaud de Montsalvy, would be tempted to take in his children, just out of spite.

Near the castle, Catherine saw a small group of laundresses busy working, and a strong woman's voice scolding them for taking so long. When she turned around upon hearing the horses, it was none other than Catherine's beloved Sara. Catherine let out a scream - and jumped from her horse and threw herself into her arms.Remembering his duty as a host, Béranger looked at Gauthier and asked: "How do you like Roquemaurel?... Not bad, is it?"

"It's time you returned – your hair is in an impossible state!” Sara remarked, once they were alone in a room of the château de Roquemaurel.  Catherine's little son Michel was so happy that his mother was back, and she promised never to leave him again.  He always thought of his mother as something between a divine being and a good fairy. His little sister Isabelle was now two years old, an intelligent and bright child with dark black eyes. Catherine had held the child close and kissed her endlessly.But once the children had been put to bed, Catherine had to face cold reality. Sara wanted to  know what she intended  to do now. Catherine sighed and said that with everything was so brutal at the moment, she needed time to make sense of it all... and she could not understand how Arnaud could bring this Azalaïs girl to Montsalvy! What did Sara think when  Arnaud returned with the girl? Sara said that she thought Arnaud completely mad, or he had found  a new reason to be angry  with her – lame like all his reasons – and that the handsome knight was maybe not so wholly intelligent, but arrogant... with  more prejudices than good sense! Catherine answered that at least she had thought that he loved her like she had always  loved him. Sara was convinced that Arnaud de Montsalvy loved her and their children, but he would rather pull out his arms  and legs than admit it!

When Marie Rallard, Josse's pregnant wife, joins them, Catherine learns the whole story of Arnaud's return home. He had wanted to call D’Apchier to account, before returning to Montsalvy, and tell him that his Bastard son Gonnet had died through his hand. (Gonnet, the Bastard, had tried to poison Arnaud and was the one who brought the false evidence to Arnaud de Montsalvy to the Bastille in Paris). But when he had arrived in Saint-Chély, he found the old wolf injured and  half-dead in his bed, making a fight impossible. On return he found Azalaïs, who had been the concubine of his oldest son and – after he left – of his father! She begged Messire Arnaud to take her back to Montsalvy, and used every wile and trick imaginable to convince him. And since she was not ugly… However, Arnaud agreed to take her with him – all the more since she was able to persuade Béraud’s best cutthroats to go with them – men who were experts in killing and pillaging.

Hearing the story, Catherine is upset to think of these people in her house – probably in her rooms! But Sara protests they're not in Catherine's rooms. When Sara saw what Messire Arnaud had brought into the castle, she had stood proudly  before her lord, wearing her key around her neck, and told him he would have to look for other rooms – the Lady of Montsalvy's rooms would be staying locked. He had ordered her to give him the key – but Sara told him he would have to  cut off her head to get it. Arnaud's look suggested he would have liked to do just that... but Sara had looked into his eyes and reminded him that old gypsies like her were very good in saying malediction. When Arnaud de Montsalvy turned around, Sara still wore the key of Catherine’s rooms around her neck!

While Sara was preparing Catherine’s hair, they heard the sound of the hunting horn calling them to dinner. Marie and Sara  had been able to smuggle some of her clothes and jewellery out of Montsalvy on the day they had escaped. Thank to that, Catherine was able to present herself in her usual beauty.

The family of Roquemaurel had once been very rich, but now the hall looked empty of Arras and not one of the goblets  had any gems or gold. However, Dame Mathilde was an excellent hostess nevertheless. She awaited her guest in a high  chair carved of chestnut wood. On the long table were also seated her sons Amaury, Renaud and Béranger, Catherine’s page. Josse Rallard and his wife, Gauthier de Chazay and the most important people of the household. Renaud de Roquemaurel, the eldest son and therefore the lord of the castle, informed Catherine that he had sent word to all important castles that they wanted to have a meeting the next Sunday. They were convinced that Seigneur Arnaud must be in the clutches of the devil. It was important to release him of that because, if business were bad at Montsalvy,  it would affect the others also. Catherine made no comment, but wanted to know if he meant to send an army to
 Montsalvy. Renaud replied that a few troops should be enough to bring Arnaud to his senses. Catherine told him that he, as her friend, might believe that, but that her husband was Lord over his whole domain, the biggest in the region and could do as he pleased. She did not want a war in her name – not at any price. She would rather renounce her name and  title than pay for it with the blood of one citizen of Montsalvy!

Josse is not surprised that Catherine's honour would make her say that, but he was sure someone would open a door to them because the people of Montsalvy loved her. Gauthier, who was delighted to have found a fellow countryman from Paris  (Josse Rallard had once lived in Paris, and Catherine had twice saved his life) wanted to know if he despised the lord of  Montsalvy as he himself did. Josse demurred. After listening to Gauthier, he said he could understand him, but warned him  not to make a hasty judgement. He told him that Arnaud de Montsalvy was one of the most courageous men he knew, and he had never doubted his love for his wife Catherine for one moment. He was sure that he loved her too much and that this  love was poisoning his life... because it forced him not to think only of himself and the great heroic deeds which were asked of a Seigneur of this merciless century! He wore Catherine inside himself. He would never be able to eradicate this love. He knew this... and she would pay for it!  Gauthier de Chazay was shocked and was afraid that he might even be capable of killing her. Josse did not believe that  possible, because Arnaud would not find one moment of peace afterwards. Through Sara he knew that he had once tried to, but he almost went insane.

Catherine had listened to all that was said that evening. Later, when they went to their chamber, told Sara that decisions made in anger were never any good. She would ask them to do nothing on the next Sunday – their plans were no solution at all, and would only make things even more difficult. Sara advised her to face reality – to stop believing her life were only possible with her husband. Catherine should learn to think of herself, for once. It was up to her to care for her loved ones…more than Arnaud.

On Sunday all the lords of the region came to the meeting to Roquemaurel. They were ready to attack Montsalvy, but  Catherine thought it better to try diplomacy, patience and prayer first.  

Gontran de Fabredort cried that Montsalvy would lose his head the day he'd be ready for such an argument. Catherine told them that she did not wish to see her husband dead and that Messire Arnaud would never forgive them if they started a fight on her account. They were his companions in war, his friends since childhood, whereas she was a stranger even if she were his wife.  They were not interested in the woman Arnaud had with him, because they were each allowed one or two concubines. But Montsalvy was breaking the fiefdom contract by letting enemies into his town, so his vassals had the right to reject him.

Catherine learned that some of his friends had already tried to talk to Arnaud, but he had told them to mind their  own business. Abbot Bernard was still unable to help them, and without him they had no legal right to attack Montsalvy. But it was different now that Catherine had returned – she had the legitimate rights of her son. Catherine, however, did not want to set the child against his father. She wanted to wait – perhaps ask the count of Pardiac for help. But Cadet Bernard had been made governor of the household of the Dauphin Louis and would not be returning. Learning all this, Catherine decided to go to Abbot Bernard in the Saint Laurent d'Olt which was not too far away. But she might not reach  there in safety, as Arnaud still had allies. Gauthier de Chazay stood up and announced he would go... that she should not put herself in more danger. Upon hearing this, Béranger said he would accompany his friend – he knew the route better than anyone. Catherine had to smile – she knew that her young page was in love with his 15-year-old cousin Hauvette. 

Many of the banquet's participants were disappointed and left for home. Both the elder Roquemaurels protested  loudly, saying it would be difficult to bring them all together like this next time. Dame Mathilde agreed with Catherine and told her that she had spoken wisely... but had she not been tempted for a moment? Yes, Catherine answered, when she arrived some weeks agao she would have liked to strangle Arnaud herself and burn down their own house. No one would ever know how much she had wished that! But if she had let herself be carried away with revenge and  done so, nothing would have been left but ashes and bitter tears. What she needed now was peace. Next day, the two  young men departed with the letter for Abbot Bernard. 

The summer days were long and hot and the rivers began to dry out. Everyone stayed mostly in the castle, the only  place where it was still cool. They expected Arnaud to arrive at Roquemaurel to claim his wife, but nothing happened at all. Deep in her heart, Catherine felt a heavy disappointment. Things had never been simple between herself and Arnaud, and she had never been afraid to fight with the man she loved. But this silence... things must really be desperate if Arnaud did not care what happened to her. When the day came that he arrived to claim his son, all that would remain to her would be convent life.

Every evening at sunset, Sara noticed Catherine climbing the spiral staircase to the height of the donjon and looking over towards Montsalvy. She saw the tears on Catherine's pale face. When Catherine returned to her room, Sara went to the secret place near the kitchen where she hid all her elixirs, cremes, phials and herbs. This was a dark and uncanny place which could easily have been the cavern of a witch. Sara had always denied having knowledge of sorcery. What she practised was white magic, and it was this she did now every night, in the hope it would help the young woman she thought of as her own child.

One evening, Sara went down to this place with a piece of beeswax and a pincushion. She met with Renaud de  Roquemaurel who had just come back from a ride. He told her he had met Arnaud de Montsalvy! Their meeting had happened on a narrow part of the road with room for only one horse. Neither wanted to let the other pass – but one would have to back away. Arnaud looked as if he would attack Renaud, saying that he knew Catherine was at Roquemaurel ... he knew Sara had kidnapped his children and they were also there. Renaud told him he could not be missing his children
 much if he had not come to claim them earlier.  Arnauld said he would come and get them later... when he was finished with the hussy he had married. Renaud began to jest with Arnaud – finish what, he asked? And Roquemaurel would not be easy to breech.  Arnaud assured him that neither man would have to draw sword. The officials from Rodez would be  coming, claiming her as an adulteress wife! They would be coming to get Catherine, and Sara the witch too. They would lock  her away in a convent, and cut off her beautiful golden hair... her best "snare". At that moment Renaud lost patience with  his old friend, screaming so loudly that the crows flew off. He yelled that Monsalvy made him sick – what a short memory he had, for at the bells of Carlat he was brought to the valley of the lepers with a living mass of gold in his hands... the best feature of this 'hussy' who adored Arnaud enough to die a thousand deaths.

Sara asked Renaud what Arnaud's reaction had been to that... Arnaud had said nothing, but gone pale and closed his eyes for a moment. Renaud told him he did not care if the officials from Rodez came – Catherine could stay at his château as  long as God wished. He would not even care if he be excommunicated for it. Suddenly Arnaud had turned around the way he had come, saying Catherine should be told what to expect – and then he would be coming for his children. 

Sara told Renaud not to tell any of this to Catherine who was suffering enough already. She was sure Catherine still loved this abominable man! Sara went down to her hidden place. She kneaded two figures out of beeswax, one clothed like a woman and the other like a man. Through these figures she drilled two hot needles, and over her lips came strange sounds. When her terrible task was finished, she put the two figures into a box and buried it in an angle of the cellar before walking slowly up the stairs to her tower room, hands shaking and with her grey face shining with tears. To save the one  she loved more than her life, Sara the Black had endangered her own immortal soul with damnation.   

Three days passed. One morning the gates of Montsalvy let out a long mass of men, women and children... they had gathered everything they could in the short time available to them... Horror showed on the faces of this crowd... The Pest! The Plaque was in Montsalvy!

Watching from the parapet walk at dawn, Catherine saw the exhausted and shattered people of Montsalvy arriving  at the castle of Roquemaurel, calling for help from their lady of Montsalvy. She ran down, wanting to rush out and receive them with open arms, but was halted by Renaud de Roquemaurel who told her he would not let her in again if  she went.   The plague was in Montsalvy, and he did not want it brown into his town and castle.  She implored him to let her go to her people in need.  He tried to make her see reason, telling her that those dear people of Montsalvy had  done  nothing for her when her husband refused her entry to his house!

Sara agreed, saying if it were not for Catherine’s children she would have gladly stayed at the castle to ensure those wretches died of the ‘good food’ she would have cooked for them!
Catherine begged Renaud again to open the gate for her, saying she had the right to do what she wanted with her life.  It was her duty to help her people.  She pulled herself together, trying not to think of the terrible plague she had seen  at Chartres many years past with Gauthier Stronitharm.  Before she went out, a voice called to her – “Wait, I shall accompany you”.  It was the faithful Josse Rallard.  He pushed away the arms of his wife Marie, gently but firmly, as she tried to hold him back. Catherine looked back and called to Sara – “Care for my children!” – then walked out, followed  by Josse.  

The gate opened.  Gauberte, drenched in tears, fell into Catherine's arms and told her what had happened at Montsalvy. Three days earlier, men had arrived accompanied by dark-skinned women.  The leader of the group said that these women were slaves, sent by the King of Aragon to the Duke of Bourbon.  He had asked for one night’s  shelter, which was granted.  The new friends of Arnaud de Montsalvy did not let this stroke of luck go by them. For  two days and three nights, the people of Montsalvy had listened to the noise of feasting and orgies in the castle, and at sunrise this morning a naked man was seen swaying out of the castle, his body covered in huge black marks. He fell down in the dust, vomited and died, and everyone around knew the symptoms of the plague only too well.  

Brother Anthieme was in charge, (as Abbot Bernard had not yet recovered from his grave injuries) and ordered the good people to stay in their houses while he took his thirty monks and barricaded themselves in the abbey. The secret tunnel  was to be sealed, and the gate to the castle to be nailed.  “The gate nailed closed?” cried Catherine, worrying about her husband, Messire Arnaud.  Gauberte had said he was in there, probably already dead, and Brother Anthime had said the castle would only be opened after forty days… and then to be burned!

Suddenly, Catherine’s horror turned to rage.  She told the fugitive they should have listened to Brother Anthime. They should go wherever they wanted to – she would return to Montsalvy to see if her husband could be saved.  She turned round to the castle and asked for a horse… and Sara should throw down every medicine she possessed.  Renaud de Roquemaurel told her she was crazed, and would not get out alive.  “We shall see!” Catherine replied.  She would not let her children’s father die without trying to save him.  This made Renaud all the angrier. In a last effort  to stop her, he revealed what Arnaud de Montsalvy planned to do once he came to claim her.  Catherine did not flinch. She said only that it was something between her husband and God, and she would do her duty as long as she was his wife.

Renaud turned away, and some moments later three mules were let out of the castle. Sitting on one of them was Sara. Catherine tried to push her back, saying she did not want her, that Sara’s duty was to watch over her children. "My duty has always been to follow you wherever you go,” said Sara. “The last time you went without me, it seems  you were not so lucky. I will come with you this time, because you will need me!”  Sara refused to obey Catherine,  telling her that Dame Mathilde had promised to look after the children if the worst happened… and they were not dead yet.  Looking to the fugitive, she said that Dame de Roquemaurel was offering shelter nearby. Catherine followed Josse and Sara without turning back, leaving behind her the children she might never see again. 

“How can you still love him after all he has done to you?” Sara asked. After all, not even God could ask a woman  to sacrifice her own life to help a man who has cast her off. “On the day I married him,” Catherine replied, “I swore to serve him, to help him and stand by him…”  But Sara interrupted her, saying that most of all she had sworn to love  Arnaud – she should be honest with herself about the measure of that love.

The night was still dark when they arrived at Montsalvy to find it in deep silence and with the parapet walk empty.  Catherine’s heart was heavy because no light came from her house.  Even the windows of the living room were pitch black. They wondered if anyone was still alive. Josse said they had to go and look, and took a hunting horn from his girdle.  He blew three times, paused a moment, then blew again. The wait seemed endless for Catherine, but finally they saw  a dark form – none other than Brother Anthime. He wanted to know who was there, and Josse answered him in a thunderous voice that the most noble Dame Catherine, Countess of Montsalvy, had come to order him to open the gates of her city for them. Brother Anthime stuttered that the plague was in Montsalvy and the gates would not be opened. Catherine told him she already knew, but still wanted to come in. In the absence of his abbot, she had the legal right to demand this of him.

He led them in, refusing to allow Catherine to criticise his behaviour – he had the responsibility of thirty monks to think  of, and had to save as many lives as possible.  Shocked, Catherine said that Abbot Bernard would have done no differently,  but he should open the door so she could go and see if Messire Arnaud was still alive.  He refused, vehemently, but Sara remembered a secret underground tunnel – they should go quickly, if they were to have a chance of saving anyone.  Only  after Josse Rallard put his dagger on the monk’s throat did he finally agree to open the door to the tunnel. Before they descended the stairs, Sara made them wear gloves and put vinegar-soaked linen cloths on their faces. When they  arrived at a door, Brother Anthime said he would close it behind them now and warned them it would not be opened  again for forty days!  Josse agreed, but had no compliment for the courage and charity of Abbot Bernard’s treasurer. The monk gave only a thin smile, saying no-one knew if Abbot Bernard was still alive.

A dreadful stench came through the trap door which led to the guardroom, and they were met with the abominable sight of about ten naked men and women lying dead in their excrement. Josse pulled his linen mask even closer to his face,  ordering Catherine and Sara to wait behind.  Sara gave him a vinegar bottle and insisted he chew a handful of juniper  berries. Catherine protested when Josse closed the trap door, and Sara had to pull her back. After a while, Josse returned and told them not to look too closely. They found he had gathered all the plague-ridden corpses together and pulled them out into the open, saying he would shortly begin burning them. Now that the terrible smell in the room was masked with vinegar and juniper berries, the women were able to cross it without fainting. Josse told Catherine  he had not seen Arnaud de Montsalvy among the dead.  Before he could say more, Catherine ran like an arrow to the stairs leading to the great hall and the rooms of the castle’s lord and lady.

The same horror awaited them in the great hall. Overcome with horror, Catherine vomited. Through this nightmare she heard Sara’s voice calling “Look – one of them is still alive”. One of the young slaves, a dark-skinned girl aged about thirteen or fourteen, crouched by the fireplace.  She was clothes only by her long hair, and shook like a leaf.  Sara pulled her up.  Too scared to talk, the girl merely lifted her hand and pointed to the tower where the Lord of Montsalvy had his rooms. Sara insisted on going up herself first, and only then would she call Catherine. 

As if in a trance, Catherine found a dress for the young girl.  As she put it on her, Sara returned to say that Arnaud was infected… but alive. They rushed upstairs, and the first thing Catherine saw upon entering her husband’s chamber was Azalais, lying naked and dead on the two steps which led to the bed upon which Arnaud lay unconscious. 

Catherine ran to Arnaud, her heart beating heavily and her eyes filled with tears. A deep scar ran from his eyelid across his cheek and down to the corner of his mouth, and she hardly recognised him. But she forgot about the scar when she saw him moved his head. 

Arnaud was clothed only in black hose and a shirt which lay wide open. His skin smelled unpleasant, and the bed  on which he lay unconscious was covered in his own vomit.  From time to time he coughed, then fell back in the agonising  fever.  He was delirious, and they could not understand what he was saying.   

Sara said the only chance he had to survive, was to get him out of that room. The best place was the kitchen  and everything had to be as clean as possible. They called Josse, who together with Catherine went into her own rooms, which had been respected and were still in order. They took all they needed and brought it down into the kitchen,  where Sara already had begun to clean the room and had  started a fire to wash everything. Catherine prepared a bed  for Arnaud -  and Sara and Josse ran up and carried her husband down into the kitchen.  

They pulled off his clothes and Sara showed Catherine a small red swelling ,saying the plaque-spot was beginning to enhance. In Sara’s opinion, Arnaud must have been totally drunk and maybe this had slowed down the process of the disease. They laid him on the bed Catherine had prepared, and he had to vomit several times all over and be cleaned again. Sara brought a tisane which she told Catherine to give to Arnaud.

Catherine let Arnaud’s glowing head sink to her shoulder, fighting against how his nearness made her feel. Softly,  she laid him back. He opened his eyes, and his swollen mouth seemed to cry for breath. Then she heard one word…  “Catherine…!”  She could not make out anything else he was trying to say, but this brought some courage to her  wounded heart.  Had he really recognised her? Or did she belong with the ghosts of his delirium?

Fatima, the young girl, was happy to help Sara prepare a meal for them while Josse continued burning the corpses. Catherine tended solely to Arnaud, who had been sick over and over again. Over the long hours she washed him,  changed his shirt and gave him drinks, but the disease seemed to worsen. When night came, all three companions were exhausted and Arnaud was showing no signs of recovering. The plague-spot was now as big as an egg. Sara  showed  Catherine how to make a dressing out of mustard, flour, honey and vinegar to put over the swelling. Arnaud would only survive if the plague-spot ripened and burst soon. In complete despair, Catherine said she thought Arnaud would surely die. Sara, resentfully, preferred him to suffer some more. He was not worth all this trouble and danger they had to live in.  She ordered Catherine to sleep. They would take turns.

Arnaud was sick throughout the night. They had to clean him over and over, and give him drinks. When morning came,  their patient was so quiet and lifeless he seemed dead already. Catherine was so traumatised that Sara had to slap her face. Josse used his hunting horn to call the monks, saying they were still alive and needed milk. 

After such a long drought, it suddenly began to rain. They would not die of heat after all. “So we are not wholly damned,” said Sara, pulling Catherine into her arms. “If we can stop this plague, we can save your husband – although he doesn’t deserve it!” They were interrupted by a screeching cry, and ran back into the kitchen. Arnaud, wild with  suffering, had torn off his shirt and bandage and was near to falling into the fire. Catherine wanted to run to him, but Sara pulled her back, saying the plague-spot had burst and was driving him insane with pain. Josse and Sara reached him and forced him to lie down again. Arnaud was totally exhausted. Catherine wanted to know if he now  had a chance to live, and Sara’s tearstained face lit up with an uncertain smile. “Now, yes… I think so… if he does not lose too much blood… he is whole again… bad weeds grow tall.”

The next hours were spent cleaning the wound. They finally sat down to eat their first real mean, listening with pleasure to the rain falling. Catherine demanded that she have the irst watch. No-one objected. All guessed that she  was happy to be alone with the man she still loved deeply. She took out the amber rosary that Dame Beatrice from  Bruges had given her, and prayed for the first time quietly. She prayed that once the plague had left her husband’s body  would also take away all the evil that had taken hold of his heart. God had spoken his justice, but would the proud  Master of Montsalvy understand this judgement and bow before it?

If only he would let her talk, Catherine prayed, explaining what had happened. But what did she want to tell him? She had already tried in that barn at Chateauvillain, when they met again, and he had not wanted to listen to her. Would he  at long last accept that his wife’s love had snatched him away from the worst of all deaths? Carefully, she took his  lifeless hand into hers and put it even more carefully to her lips… no, she would not explain anything. When he regained consciousness she would see, in his first look, if it was only thankfulness and pity… if so… after so much love, she  would go away forever.

It rained the whole night and next day. Arnaud lay there lifeless, worn out, unable to make the smallest movement.  Delirium and attacks of pain had gone. What was left was a curious state of neither coma nor consciousness. His  eyes never opened as he swallowed what was fed to him. He swallowed what was fed to him without opening his eyes.

The days passed.  They heard nothing from outside. Josse went out to the parapet above the tower each morning  and demanded fresh food from the monks.  It was granted, but they were careful not to take even the smallest risk.

For Catherine, the days were now calm and monotonous. Together with Sara and Fatima, she looked after the animals  and did some ironing, but above all she looked after Arnaud. In idle moments she and Sara sat down on a bench,  talking in hushed voices. Sara never tired of asking what had happened during all the months Catherine had been  gone from Montsalvy. Catherine was surprised by Sara’s sudden curiosity and told her of all that had happened, but  she did not tell her of the night spent with Philippe of Burgundy. Arnaud might still be unconscious, but she could not  speak of that exquisite night of love within his hearing. She reproached herself deeply about that night. It had to remain  a secret between herself and God. But she did open her heart to Sara to tell of that horrid memory of the burned mill in Dijon.

On the ninth day they heard a loud noise and a babble of voices, as if a great crowd was assembling outside the walls. It was as they had hoped… the street was filled with the people of Montsalvy who had returned. Lying on a cart was the  Abbot of Montsalvy. They heard Gauthier calling to Josse who stood on the parapet walk. “We have brought him here”. Happily, Josse answered that they were all well, that Messire Arnaud lived but had not regained consciousness.  Catherine and Sara came running to watch how the gate of the city would be opened by the will of the people, and waited  in the courtyard with Josse. Finally the last of the wooden planks were taken down, and everyone on the street came
 into the courtyard.  They all wanted to be the first to ask their brave lady’s forgiveness for having left her alone.
Suddenly a lordly voice was heard which rooted them all to the spot.   

“Do not enter!  I forbid you to walk over the barrier!” The crowd echoed Catherine, Sara and Josse’s astonished cries,  but then fell miraculously silent and watched.... With one hand on the low kitchen door and the other holding onto little Fatima, Arnaud de Montsalvy came into sight! He was tall but thin, dressed in a long white shirt, and the illness gave him the look of a ghost.  All believed they were seeing Lazarus who had left his grave, and they fell to their knees. Abbot Bernard, almost as pale as the ghostly Arnaud, tried to sit up.  Catherine knelt down and whispered, “Arnaud… he is alive!  He is alive!”

But Arnaud was not looking at her. Helped by Fatima and Josse and sheer willpower, he dragged himself barefoot through the dust towards his vassals. “Leave, all of you,” he ordered. “Close this gate again and return home. I am  lucky  to still be still, but the danger is not yet over. This house still carries the germ of the plague and it would be  a pity if one of you should catch it. Go, my children…” he said with an unexpected softness.

But Abbot Bernard said this was not possible, that he had returned to finish the scandal his monks had begun, that Arnaud was saved by Catherine, Sara and Josse and he had no right to keep them here. Arnaud refused, saying  he could not accept that.

But then an angry flame shone in the abbot’s eyes. He said it was not about him, but about Catherine and Sara –  to whom he had given absolutely no reason to sacrifice themselves for him. He called for Catherine and stretching out his pale hand, giving her such a lovely smile and with so much gentleness that the young woman instinctively got up and made a step towards the abbot. His warm-hearted friendship was a refuge, whereas Arnaud had not even looked at her. This contempt… this indifference… meant that he really felt nothing for her any more. Her heart broke with unshed tears a s she walked towards the abbot who had painfully made his way out of the cart. But Arnaud said Catherine had to stay, and commanded Josse and Fatima to take him to her. Josse refused him. “What do you want to do, Messire? If you want to make her suffer even more… go alone!”  Josse felt how the body beside him trembled, but Arnaud repeated his command.

Step after slow step, Arnaud walked towards Catherine who stood waiting as if turned into stone and with her  heart nearly bursting. What would he do to her? What new hurt? She looked at him with fear, mingled with pity. Two paces before Arnaud reached his wife, he knelt down. With all the force he had left, he said, “All of you who hear me, I want you to be witnesses to my shame and my repentance! I want you to hear me apologise to your Dame, the best and greatest who ever reigned on earth!”  He explained how he had lain for the past three days in the kitchen, hearing her talking to Sara about the terrible things which had happened to her while she was gone… yet she had come to him, knowing the risk, and regardless of all the terrible things he had done to her. He had pretended to be still unconscious, not knowing what to do any more. Carried away by the demons of his pride, he had betrayed and insulted her in so many ways that there was now a deep abyss between them. He would give her back her freedom. He would go  away, but she was to stay here with her beloved children and her vassals. Montsalvy would have her until Michel grew  old enough to take his place. “But you, Catherine, sweet lady of Montsalvy… tell me, before we part forever, that  you will forgive me… tell me…” 

But that was too much for Catherine. Unable to listen further to his humble and sad voice, she burst into tears and fell to her knees. “Be quiet! Why are you saying all this to me? Why should I forgive… reign… be alone? There is only one… only one thing I want to hear from you… I want to know what I am to you. I want to know if you still love me!” Her hands folded, Catherine knelt before this weary man whose tears fell to his injured cheek. “I beg of you, answer me!

In the name of the living God, tell me the truth! Do you still love me? Is there still some love left from times past? He put his large, emaciated and shaking hands around her face. “My sweet… my incomparable one!  Love you?  But I have adored you all my life, and I will never stop loving you!  Never! As long as there remains a thought,  a breath in me, I will love you!”

Catherine softly put her arms around the man she was sure of having finally won. Together they would take the road they had no longer believed possible to simple and ordinary happiness – and why not! …Providing that the Montsalvys  were really made for that kind of happiness!

Eight days later, Arnaud and Catherine watched their manor house burn down together. It had been Arnaud’s wish that nothing remained from his madness. When only the walls were left, they would begin anew. They would rebuild everything for the life Arnaud wanted to live with his wife and children. He promised to give her back everything he took from her this day. But most of all, he would give her so much love that when they were old they would believe  that perhaps their story had been… a story which happened to someone else. Catherine suddenly wanted to know why he talked about their story as in the past. She wanted to know if they were already so old that he was sure it was finished.  Arnaud laugh and told her that it must be so… because happy people had no story. He said he wanted to be only happy now, with her and their children.  “I want to be only happy!”