AVIGNON, THE TOWN 15 January 1348 AD
Alice was a woman recognised by but not known to the people of Avignon. She appeared amongst them as if from nowhere. Her past was the subject of much conjecture, based on scant evidence, by the townswomen who thrived on gossip. Walking out from her house, adjacent to Marcel"s inn, she wore a black robe that enveloped her body, reaching the ground. Long, dark hair partly concealed her face so, as she was unknown, she was unseen.
“A sailor from the barges told me she is a Sicani woman from a tribe of pagans on the island of Sicily. Said he once sailed there and saw them dance round campfires and make sacrifices to their gods!” revealed one busybody.
“I"ve heard her family blood-line goes back to Hugh of Arles, the Duke of Provence. Close to royalty as
