Part I, Chapter One: Cicilia and the Beggar
In 1437 a young woman named Cicilia left Milan under the cover of darkness, disguised as a young man. In her pack were supplies and trade goods, but also a small and very ancient scroll that had been handed down to her by her unmarried aunt Maria, who many accused of being a witch.
Cici had been educated at home alongside her younger brothers, and the father that doted on her made sure she knew how to read and write, but also how to think. She had been steeped in history, science, and languages. Her family had a little money, and access to books, mainly because of the fact that her father knew prominent people and her uncle was a member of the clergy. Many of the books were hand-lettered and some were printed with woodcuts. Most of the books were copies of others. She loved them all.
Now, somebody was after one of the books owned by her father. He had threatened her family's life and even burned some of her father's papers and belongings. It was then that her aunt gave her the scroll and put her on the road to Venice, to visit a friend. It would be a dangerous journey, especially for a young woman, but Cici was more excited than afraid.
