“Antimony is linked to protection, purification, and clairvoyance,” she continued. “Chromite influences strength, while sulfur is used for banishing. And the lead that holds it all together creates a neutral space to keep things in or out.”
“I never thought about the construction of a window being magical,” Erik replied. “Just the image.”
“When the glassmaker is also a powerful witch, all the pieces reinforce each other,” Sister Mary Barbara said. “The image. The direction that the window faces, especially if it catches the sun or moon at key ritual times. The number of pieces, repeating patterns, and protective sigils, especially when they’re worked into the borders where no one notices. It all works together under a master’s hand.”
“Was Louis Comfort Tiffany a witch?” Ben asked.
The nun shrugged. “That’s debated. If he wasn’t, then he enabled powerful witches to create windows that went out under his name.”
“He also did stonework.” Erik looked like this new information about stained glass windows had thrown him for a loop. “Headstones, mausoleums, and carved figures like the angel statue. How did those factor into the magic?”
“Modern people think statues and carvings are just decorative,” she replied. “Ancient people knew they could be more. Sacred statues were sometimes thought to be manifestations of the deities they represented, a temporary ‘shell’ for their energy.
“Over the centuries, people believed that carvings amplified power or provided protective warding. Stone carvers who could create images that were both beautiful and imbued with magic were revered,” Sister Mary Barbara explained.
“Was it really Tiffany himself doing the carving, or someone under his name?” Ben asked.
“Both, perhaps,” the nun said. “The man was, by all accounts, extremely gifted in many regards, but I don’t think one person could personally create everything that came out of his studio during his lifetime. But he might have contributed key magical elements that a trusted artist completed.”
“That would turn the art world upside-down if it became widely known and people actually believed it,” Erik mused. “But it makes sense, especially about commissioned pieces.”
Ben thought back to the windows in the Catholic church where he grew up, and the ones he had seen since then. He knew he would never look at them the same way again.
“Houses of worship are places where all those elements come together and amplify each other,” Sister Mary Barbara said. “Ritual and incantation. Sacred space. Windows, carvings, vestments, blessed food and drink. There’s a reason evenskeptics can be aware of energy in a place like that. But coupled with belief and intention, and the ability to work magic, you’ve got the potential for a nexus of power. Then realize that many holy places were intentionally built in locations believed to have special energy, and you start to see why it’s not just your imagination that there’s something otherworldly in that space.”
“Mausoleums and cemeteries are, at least metaphorically, portals to the afterlife,” Erik mused. “A different kind of energy, especially with necromancy.”
“Wardings to keep bad things out, and carvings to help the deceased find their way. Blessings and protections or, in some cases, bindings. There are many old ways woven into our modern traditions, even if we don’t recognize them.” Sister Mary Barbara picked up her water glass as she watched them.
Ben’s head spun as he thought about all the funerals and graveside ceremonies he had attended, and the times he and Erik had been obliged to dig up a body to stop a greater threat. He made a mental note to talk to Erik and Alessia afterward about how to factor this new information into their plans.
“Why was the angel statue moved from the cemetery to the convent?” Erik asked. “I know the public story is about protecting it from the elements or vandals. But after everything you’ve told us, I’m betting there’s more to it than that.”
“To protect the statue, and also protect the worldfromthe statue,” Sister Mary Barbara replied. “It channeled enough power to be a tempting prize. Cape May has earned its reputation for being haunted. But it would be worse without the precautions put in place and maintained by the town’s supernatural community. That includes intentionally landscaping our cemeteries to reduce negative spirit energy.”
Ben’s skepticism must have shown in his expression. “It’s not perfect,” the nun reproved him, “but it would be much worse without the measures.”
Ben’s Catholic school training came back, unbidden, and he ducked his head. “Sorry.”
Erik snickered, and Sister Mary Barbara smiled as if she could guess the history behind his expression. “This isn’t information that we share with everyone. There’s a reason you didn’t know.”
“Over the years, we’ve beautified our local cemeteries in ways that help confused spirits move on and neutralizes those with ill intent. Next time you go, notice the juniper, sage, mugwort, lavender, and rosemary plantings,” she said. “Those are all plants that cleanse and protect, intentionally planted.”
“I’m guessing that the bequeathed statuary and other elements also play a role?” Erik asked, and Ben wasn’t going to be surprised if his partner hauled him out to see for himself as soon as their guest was gone.
“Not all, but definitely some of them,” Sister Mary Barbara confirmed. “No one without training thinks twice about the sense of calm most people feel in a cemetery. Some of it comes from those decorations.”
“I’d hate to think about what a spookapalooza this town would be without all those interventions,” Ben replied.
“You wouldn’t like it,” she assured him.
With that, Sister Mary Barbara set her empty glass aside and stood. “I thank you for the hospitality. It’s good to make your acquaintance. We are very aware of how much both of you have risked to protect this town. We’ve quietly helped when we could, even if you couldn’t tell. With the coming storm, we will make every effort to avert harm. Call me if you need me.”
She handed a card with the convent’s contact information to Erik, then made her exit with a nod and a smile.
Ben watched her walk down the sidewalk and head toward the beachfront convent.
“That blew my mind a little,” he admitted.
