AVIGNON, THE DOCKS 10 January 1348 AD
The day broke as Jean Pagnol, the wool merchant, and his brother the sail maker, Thomas, left their house on Rue Limas. They walked towards the Porte du Rocher where they intended to examine the state of the river Rhone that morning, expecting a barge at the docks, laden with a consignment of cloths. Its time of arrival was determined by the flow of the water as by the prevailing wind.
“Good morning, Jean and Thomas,” hailed a man leaning from his window – a habit of observing his neighbours out of curiosity, “you"re up and about early today.”
“Yes, and you should be aware the Devil finds work for idle hands…you might try working instead of wasting time away!” Jean quipped, easily recognised by dragging a crippled leg, lame from his service as a mer
