The Rivalry Over the Library

The conflict between Italian and foreign monks for control of the library and the abbey's leadership.

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Alinardo's Grudge

The Old Monk's Resentment A Missed Opportunity Alinardo of Grottaferrata, now ancient, once aspired to be librarian. He was passed over in favor of a foreigner, Robert of Bobbio. This injustice has festered for decades. The Italian Faction Alinardo is the figurehead of a group of Italian monks who resent the dominance of German and other foreign monks in the library. They believe the abbey should be governed by Italians. Whispers of Conspiracy The Italian monks, including Aymaro of Alessandria and Pacificus of Tivoli, murmur against the abbot and the librarian. They see the murders as an opportunity to regain control.

The Succession Crisis

After Malachi's Death The Vacancy With Malachi dead, the position of librarian is open. The Italian faction hopes to install one of their own. Benno of Uppsala, a young foreigner, has been appointed assistant, but he is inexperienced. The Abbot's Dilemma Abbot Abo must choose a new librarian. He is pressured by both sides. The conflict over the library reflects the larger political struggles within the Church. The Fire Ends the Dispute The destruction of the library renders the dispute moot. The abbey itself is abandoned. The Italian faction's ambitions are never realized.

Decades before the story

Sixth day