The Cybersybils present The Madonna Nera of Comacchio

"Excuse me, are you looking for the Madonna Nera, perchance, my children?"

"Oh my Gods! Father Frappy Cappy!" the strawberry blonde CyberSybil cried with happiness, leaping out of her chair and embracing an older gentleman dressed in the manner of a Capuchin. "Where did you come from...and you speak English! My name is Olivia..."

"...Peyton and her life companion Domenico Pistolini," the older gentleman supplied after he had managed to disengage himself from Olivia's enthusiastic hug. "I am Father Cadiro of the Capuchin Order, sent to escort you to the Chiesa Santa Maria for a private viewing of the Madonna Nera, or Black Madonna, as you would call Her.

"How...how did you find or know us?" Duke asked, wonderment in his tone.

"Shhh...he's a Sufi - I told you, silly. They are all telepathic - he probably was the one who sent me the message at Salute. So Father," Miss O continued, "lead the way - you need not ask twice."

"Good. Come my children, we have much to discuss," Father Cadiro pronounced and the trio left the riverside restaurant, Domenico scarcely aware that he had not finished his lunch.

"Your church is certainly lovely, Father, however where is the Black Madonna?" Olivia asked, glancing about a simple sanctuary. "Didn't you bring us here to see Her?"

"Why, She is everywhere...and nowhere," the Capuchin laughed. "You certainly must know that - you, a CyberSybil, no less."

"Father, my fiancée is truly interested in your devotions! We have traveled from France to Venice, now to Comacchio to understand better what might be done concerning the matter of the lost Sybilline Books - do you have any insights as to their whereabouts, perchance?"

"How perceptive of you, young man, for I brought you and your precocious lady to the Church of Santa Maria to show you something in our library - something precious that you have been selected to view by the Bretheren of Sincerity. Here, come with me...yes, this way," the gentle Padre instructed, as he took Miss O's hand and led the party from the nave of the omnipresent Madonna Nera.