Once the bridge works, Edgar wants Ragna to see it. The income from the bridge supports the monks; Edgar is proud of Aldred and the growing village. His next project is to build a wall, increasing the town’s fortifications in case of attack.

Soon, a midwife named Hildi tells Ragna that Wilf is physically healed and can resume sex. However, Ragna no longer wants it, and Hildi is not sure of his mental prospects. When Wilf eats in the great hall, Ragna tries to protect him from questions and hide any sign of his diminished mental capacity. He fondles her under the table as Carwen enters. Wilf follows her from the room as the men laugh.

Wynstan, Degbert, and Dreng leave Shiring for Dreng’s Ferry to burn the bridge. That night, Edgar wakes to Brindle’s barking and the smell of smoke and tar. The villagers and nuns work to put it out. Leaf’s hair catches fire and spreads before she can extinguish the flames; she dies quickly. Part of the bridge collapses, and Edgar finds a rag, drenched with tar. He starts to cry and knows that it was arson.