World Without End

It's a time of upheaval in England and no less so than in Kingsbridge. King Edward II has been defeated in battle by his wife Queen Isabella and she crowns their son who becomes King Edward III. With the Queen's authority Sir Roland returns to Kingsbridge as the new Earl of Shiring, arresting the current Earl for treason. Roland agrees to spare the lives of his two sons, with Ralph becoming his squire while Merthin is apprenticed to Elfric Builder. He also arrests Edmund Wooler but the condemned man's daughter Caris and his sister Petranilla buy his freedom. Caris takes an interest in medicine and learns from Mattie Wise, the barber's daughter. A wounded Knight, Sir Thomas Langley, makes his way to Kingsbridge priory in the hope of becoming a monk. He carries a great secret.

Elfric and Caris are married, though their marriage is far from a happy one. While she tries to be a dutiful wife, Caris does not love him. She even tries to get work for her husband's apprentice Merthin. When Elfric hears of it he beats her and when Merthin intervenes, both he and Caris are thrown out on the street. It's time for the annual spring festival in Knightsbridge and many people are in the village. Gwenda the Saxon resists her father's sexual advances and soon finds herself sold to local farmer in exchange for a cow. Sir Roland is to be married and his squire, Ralph, finds that several women are attracted to him. During festival celebrations, Caris is aghast that her close friend Mattie Wise is to be executed for being a witch. Tragedy ensues when the bridge collapses killing many people. It also gives Petranilla an opportunity to take steps to advance her son's career. In London, King Edward III takes control from his mother.

Many people are killed in the bridge collapse, including Gwenda's father, the Prior and Caris' good friend Mattie Wise. Earl Roland however is saved by his squire Ralph and successfully treated by Caris using the surgical techniques Matte had taught her. Caris tries to convince Mother Cecelia to build an inn where the sick could be treated. Roland soon marries Lady Marjorie but deals with her swiftly when he learns of her betrayal. With the Prior's death - dead thanks to his mother - Brother Godwyn makes his plans to become Prior. His main opposition is Sir Thomas Langley who he manages to convince not to run. Merthin wins the contract to build the new bridge. The king meanwhile believes he's seen a sign from God that he is the lawful King of France.

Prior Godwin inflicts his strict religious views on the locals. He decides he wants a house of his own but it puts him into conflict with Mother Cecelia who decides to go ahead with Caris' proposal to build a hospice. He plots to take over the lands in question and then has Merthin dismissed as the bridge builder - and is prepared to do anything to win. When he accuses Caris of witchcraft, Mother Cecelia can think of only one way to save her. Merthin confronts his brother Ralph when soldiers begin taking wool without compensating the local merchants. Ralph is taking everything and anything he wants and soon finds himself in prison accused of rape. The King musters his army to do battle with France but the wars goes on longer than expected. The king needs more men and empties the prisons to replenish his army - something that comes in the nick of time as far as Ralph is concerned.

It is now 7 years later and Caris hears from Merthin who lives in Florence and is married and has a child. She continues practicing medicine and cares for Gwenda's son who is injured. Sister Meir sees Brother Thomas and Brother Matthias together in bed but after consulting Caris, decides to say nothing. Thank to a bequest left to the convent, Caris now has the funds to build her hospice. Prior Godwin schemes to get his hands on the money. Caris seeks assistance from the king, who is still in France in what is seemingly a never-ending war with the French. Surrounded by their enemies, the King's main concern is to find a way to get his men back to England.

Merthin returns to Kingsbridge alone as his wife and son have both died from the plague. He wants Caris to run off with him, but she refuses knowing that Prior Godwin would hang her as a witch if she were to leave the convent. Sir Ralph also returns, knighted by the King, but he is not well receive by Sir Roland who is still the Earl of Shiring. He is also rejected by Phiippa who sees him as a convicted rapist. Gwenda and Wulfric can barely make ends meet but Ralph refuses to help. The plague comes to the village and many die. Caris tends to the sick but Prior Godwin flees almost immediately with only Sir Thomas Langley staying behind. The plague gives Petranilla a opportunity for revenge.

Mother Caris, Merthin. Brother Matthias and Brother Thomas set out in Btother Godwyn footsteps to recover the gold he stole. When they catch up to him, they find him the sole survivor of the plague and half mad. The King is heartbroken to learn his daughter died of the plague en route to Spain. The Queen returns to mourn her granddaughter. As acting Prior, Caris offers anyone a fair wage to farm fallow land. Gwenda for one decides to take her up on her offer even though she is bound to the the lord of Shiring. Sir Ralph learns of his parentage from his true mother and takes a hard line with the peasants who stage a revolt. Petronilla schemes to ensure the future of both her sons.

Caris and Merthin decide they have no future in Kingsbridge and make plans to leave. Brother Thomas reveals his true identity and together, they manage to produce a document ending the priory's control over Kingsbridge but Godwin moves quickly to administer the death sentence placed on Caris' now that she's left the Church. Wulfric and Gwenda decide to continue their battle against tyranny even if it means giving up their lives. King Edward III, knowing that his throne is at peril, decides to lead his army personally and stop the uprising.