Note to readers:
This is the FINAL episode in the Queensmount Adventure Series. I know what a pain it is to have to go back and read other stories first, but it is necessary in this case.
Here is a link to the series page:
https://www.literotica.com/series/se/queensmount-adventures
As always - leave a comment! I love hearing from readers!
Thanks for taking the time and I really hope you enjoy "Colette at the End of the World".
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The night is dark and the storm is fierce. Flashes of violent lightning reveal torrential rain falling in sheets and running rivers down the cobblestone path. Only a small gable over a heavy, oak-hewn door keeps us from being washed away. A sputtering gas lamp supplies the only light. I knock firmly on the old, worn wood and we wait.
The sound of footsteps on stone and then a small panel slides open.
"Who calls on such a dreary evening?" The voice is strong and female, clearly elderly and careworn.
"I am Father Sarducci on an official quest for the Church." I try to sound assured and official. "We have come to meet with Father Serra."
A squinting eye gazes at me through the door opening for a long moment. This isn't going to work.
To my surprise the door slowly swings in, complaining with a loud, rusty squeak. We step into the foyer and shake the water from our cloaks. I remove my wide, soaked hat, hold it to my chest and bow slightly to the nun standing before us.
"Bless you, Sister. This rain harkens back to the fifth chapter of Genesis."
The elderly nun frowns. "I wouldn't know. Is the Father expecting you?"
"I don't believe so. We have never met, but he knows my companion. Please tell him that Father Guido Sarducci and Sister Constance need to avail ourselves of his expertise."
"Very well. Wait here." She turns sharply on her slippers and pads out of the room.
Sister Constance turns to me with a sly smile under her dripping, black hood. "Avail ourselves?" She laughs softly.
"I'm sorry," I reply, acting offended. "I am not as skilled at this as you," I explain, shaking the water from my hat and removing my sopping cloak. I help Sister Constance out of her dripping, hooded cape and hang the wet garments on hooks by the door.
After several minutes our grim greeter returns.
"Come with me."
We follow her down a long, dark hallway. The floor is rough granite; the walls alternate between faded wood panels and textured stuccowork. Flickering lamps cast warm pools of yellow light every five paces or so. She stops at a door at the end of the hall, raps softly, swings it open and stands aside for us to enter.
We step into a cavernous room. Three of the four walls are covered in floor-to-ceiling shelves, spilling over with books, scrolls and various dusty antiquities. The high, dark wood ceiling is broken by skylights that flash bright white in the storm. At the far end of the room is a great, stone hearth with a blazing fire, crackling and spitting. Before that is a heavy oak table piled high with open books and loose papers. The large man seated behind the table looks up, a wide smile on his even wider face. He stands, spreads his arms and cries out, "Welcome! Come in!"
He moves to us quickly and grabs Sister Constance up in a smothering embrace, laughing out loud.
"Oh, it's so good to see you again! How long has it been, my dear?"
When the bear hug ends, she pulls away enough to answer, "Much too long, Father."
"Indeed!" He turns to the elderly nun. "Sister Agnes. We should provide for our guests. Some hot tea and cakes would be much appreciated, I am sure."
"As you wish, Father." She gives us a slight, solemn bow and turns to leave, pulling the door gently behind her.
Father Serra holds Constance at arm's length and looks her over from head to toe. "Now, my dear. What brings you to my library on this furious night?" He glances my way as if noticing me for the first time. "And who might this be?"
She reaches up and pulls off her white, silken sari, freeing her long, dark hair. The excessive humidity has tightened her curls and she shakes her head softly. Colette, my lovely pirate queen, reveals herself at last.
"First, I have a gift for you." Colette holds her hand out to me and I retrieve a small box from my satchel. She hands it to the Father. "I know how much you love these cigars."
"Oh, bless you, my dear! " He grabs her up in another giant hug. "My only vice," he says to me with a wink.
"How can I repay your generosity?"
Colette looks at me and nods. I retrieve the "Looking Glass" map from my satchel and hand it to her.