The year is 1136. Tom begins drawing up plans for the cathedral. Philip is impressed by Tom’s command of both the architectural details and the expenses involved, and he asks Tom an existential question: why should he choose Tom to build this cathedral? “Because it will be beautiful,” Tom replies (298). The answer satisfies Philip, and Tom is promised the position of master builder on the condition that Philip can collect the necessary funds to pay for the work. Tom hopes that the work will secure Agnes’s place in heaven, as she’d been buried in an unmarked grave.

Philip travels to Earlscastle at Walerian’s summons. There, he discovers Aliena, her brother Richard, and her steward Matthew hiding out among the shabby ruins, quixotically awaiting Earl Bartholomew’s return. None of them are aware that William Hamleigh is spying on them from nearby. Philip promises them he will not disclose their presence in Earlscastle. 

Walerian suggests that Kingsbridge might confiscate the earl’s old lands, providing all the wealth necessary to fund the rebuilding of the priory, and they travel to Winchester to muster support from Bishop Henry, King Stephen’s brother. Philip is awed by the size and splendor of Winchester Cathedral.