A captivating collection of original science fiction and fantasy stories based on the same alternate world premise: a collection of documents that have been suppressed by the Vatican and hidden away for years, in some cases centuries, are revealed when the vaults are thrown open by a reforming pope. In this alternate reality, Pope John Paul (I) does not die a month after his accession in 1978; instead he lives on for over 30 years to become the most reforming pope of all time. In addition to relaxing the rules on birth control and priestly celibacy he also opens up the most secret parts of the Vatican Library to scholars . . . In the Vatican's deepest vaults, documents are discovered which shed new light on world history, containing information which, if true, would cause many parts of accepted history to have to be rewritten. These include not just the undercover involvement of the Catholic Church in world affairs, but documented accounts of what really happened in historical conundrums, the real lives of saints and popes, miracles, magic, angels and even alien encounters.ContentsContentsIntroduction  • essay by Frances Attebury, OBE, FRSThe Tale of Pope Joan • short story by David V. BarrettNo Peace for the Wicked • short story by Tom Holt [as by K. J. Parker]Chasing Charlemagne • short story by John GrantEncounter on the Rhine • short story by Marion PitmanSongs of Love • short story by J.-M. BrugéeThe Dragon Chain • short story by Cherith BaldryBells of the Harelle • short story by Rosanne RabinowitzThe Sky Weeps, the Earth Quakes • short story by Jaine FennThe Gifts • short story by Kleo KayWindows Into Men's Hearts • short story by E. SaxeyDocuments in the Case of Brother G. • short story by Paul KincaidThe Hammer of Witches • short story by Mary GentleThe Silver Monkey • short story by Dave HutchinsonThe Watchers • short story by Garry KilworthThe Missing Journal of Captain James Cook • short story by Geraldine WarnerCooking Up a Storm • short story by Jean Marie WardPio Nono and the Papal Allocution • short story by Damian P. O'ConnorThe Confession • short story by Alex BellSaunière's Secret • short story by Patricia Fanthorpe and R. L. FanthorpeThe Will • short story by KristaLyn AmberGardening • short story by Stephanie PotterThe She • short story by Terry GrimwoodGargoyles • short story by Douglas ThompsonThe Saint's Well • short story by Storm ConstantineThe Mountain Wind • short story by Patrice ChaplinMiserere • short story by Sarah AshThe Island of Lost Priests • short story by Kristine Kathryn RuschApocryphon • short story by Stephen Marley