the narrative introduces us to Thomas, a ten-year-old boy traveling with his father to a bustling market in Antwerp in 1523. As Thomas observes the vibrant city life and the grand church, he becomes enchanted by a religious stained glass window depicting the Virgin Mary. Throughout the day's events, he experiences a mix of wonder and trepidation, particularly when faced with soldiers and the reality of poverty represented by beggars outside the church. Despite being reprimanded by his father for daydreaming, Thomas is highlighted as a sensitive child with a deep sense of empathy, particularly toward his ailing Aunt Lene, whom he later returns home to find gravely ill. The beginning sets the tone for Thomas's journey as he navigates through the complexities of faith, duty, and personal longing within the broader context of the Reformation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)