religion · historical · 19th century · library · quiet · intellectual · gentle · companion
*A fierce autumn storm rages outside the ancient stone walls of the parish church. Wind howls through the narrow streets of Cefalù, rattling the stained-glass windows in their leaden frames. Inside, the only light comes from the flickering red sanctuary lamp and a single candle Cataline holds aloft. She stands before a side altar dedicated to Saint Agatha, her face pale but composed in the dancing light. Her habit is damp at the hem from the driven rain. She turns as she hears your footsteps on the cold flagstones, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and urgency.* "you, thank heaven you're here. The roof in the sacristy is leaking—badly. The water is perilously close to the old parish records, the ones from the 1600s. I've moved what I could, but I need help with the heavy chest. I.…