Remigio and Salvatore's Dolcinian Past

The shared history of the cellarer and his assistant as followers of the heretical Fra Dolcino, which leads to their downfall.

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The Heretical Youth

Joining the Apostles The Call to Poverty Remigio of Varagine, a young Franciscan, is drawn to the radical preaching of Fra Dolcino. He joins the Apostolic Brethren, believing in the imminent renewal of the Church through poverty and violence. Life on Bald Mountain Remigio lives among the Dolcinians on Bald Mountain, sharing in their communal life and raids. He meets Salvatore, a simple peasant who has also joined the sect. They become close companions. The Siege and Betrayal As the crusade against the Dolcinians intensifies, Remigio betrays his comrades to save himself. He provides information to the bishop's forces. He and Salvatore escape and later join a Benedictine monastery to hide their past.

Life at the Abbey

A New Identity The Cellarer's Role Remigio becomes the cellarer of the abbey, responsible for provisions. He lives a comfortable life, indulging in food and secret liaisons with village women. Salvatore serves as his assistant. The Hidden Letters Remigio still possesses letters from Fra Dolcino, which he has hidden. He entrusts them to Malachi of Hildesheim for safekeeping in the library. These letters will later be used against him. The Threat of Exposure When Bernard Gui arrives, Remigio fears his past will be discovered. His fear leads him to act rashly, ultimately resulting in his arrest and confession.

The Trial and Confession

The Inquisitor's Victory Bernard's Interrogation Bernard Gui interrogates Remigio, using Salvatore's testimony. Remigio initially denies his past but eventually breaks down. He confesses to being a Dolcinian and to betraying his comrades. A False Confession Under threat of torture, Remigio also confesses to the murders at the abbey, though he is innocent of them. He does so to avoid pain, hoping for a quick death. Bernard Gui uses this confession to discredit the Franciscan poverty movement. The Fate of the Prisoners Remigio and Salvatore are taken to Avignon for trial. The girl who was with Salvatore is also condemned as a witch. All three will be executed. Their deaths serve the political purposes of the Inquisition.

Years before the story

Eight years before the story

Afternoon of the fifth day