Came back to this after a month or so hiatus. In the past couple of days I defeated Seath and the Bed of Chaos. I just ran from the Firelink Shrine through the Catacombs, missing a bonfire, if there is one. I unsuccesfully tried to get through this part before and I seem to remember a bonfire, but I past it if it exists. I got through a bit of the Tomb of the Giants and then died to a giant skeleton soon after (SPOILER)that douche kicks you down into the pit. I have the feeling I was close to a bonfire but I don't know. Now I gotta start again from Firelink.