The relics
The relics were found at a tower in the forest. Nobody has yet explained who they are supposed to belong to, though the villagers at any rate believe they are martyrsâ remains. The Domina Marcella believes they belong to an ancient hero, older than Christ.
In appearance, the relics are black (possibly but not necessarily burnt), with a cracked and brittle surface, but otherwise sturdy, judging from the one large fingerbone the brothers found on the path in the forest, near the spot where Verecundus was found. (Abraham currently has this.) The reports of others confirm that the bones are black and unusually large. It has also been said that they are warm and odorous, which has been substantiated by direct experience.
The priest has sent to the metropole to have a proper reliquary made. For now, a local carpenter, Conrad, has built a wooden box, measuring some 8x2x2 ft. It is made from wooden planks nailed together. He says that the relics consist of two arm or leg bones, a rib, and a smaller bone (perhaps from a finger), though Stephen in handling the reliquary felt there might be more items inside.
The relics have healed many people from various ailments. Supposedly, so has the âmartyrsâ breadâ baked with ashes found in the same grave as the relics.
Joseph the publican heard that the priest took one of the bones to the dying woman he is attending.
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The death of Verecundus
Verecundus, the bishopâs legate, arrived about a week ago, but died the day after. He was found in the morning, somewhere on the path in the forest (before it splits to lead either to the manor or to the tower) by Conrad, who was on his way to the tower. He saw Verecundus lying dead, with a knife lodged in his throat and a hand grasped around the hilt, and fled back into the village. A crowd was drawn to the body, including young Frederic, but the priest sent away everyone except one or two men. He determined that the man had committed suicide, and had him buried outside the churchyard. He did not carry a note, and it is not clear why a piece of the relic was found near the spot. The blood has been washed away by the rain of the last several days.