Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux
It is one of the brothers who answers the door. I ask that they come out with me to the construction site. August slips by into the house unnoticed as we are leaving.
“We met earlier” I remind them, “I’m a fellow traveler of Nic who owns the statue. We’re traveling with the two monks taking the art on to Ligugé.”
“Yes, I know. You’re the one they call Laz.”
“It’s Lazarus. I was looking over the site earlier and I wanted to ask you something. Surely it isn’t just the two of you — this is a massive project.”
Shollo laughs, “It’s not just us. There is a large crew for this. We just live right here, so we are first to start work and the last to leave. Our father likes to think of himself as the building master ready to give instruction; but he is along in his years, so he just wraps himself in wools and finds a perch on the stones-in-waiting to watch over the work.”
“I did see you have this large treadwheel. I supposed you had a larger crew or else a great need of a crew. And apparently we will be staying here a while waiting for a healing. I’ve done this kind of work in years past so I was hoping I could be of use, if not for my skills, at least to walk the treadwheel.”
Kairn asks, “What project have you worked?”
“At the time I was in the area of Jerusalem, on the Eastern end of the Great Sea. Do you know that area?”
Kairn answers, “No. Is it near Aux?”
Shollo interrupts, “Whatever, I’m sure our wheel master can put you to good use.”
Kairn adds, “We always need brawn.”
“And whenever you go to raise up a Christian edifice like this the project seems to incite the hoards of frail-bodied holymen.” Shollo continues in a near rant. “What I’m talking about is those churchmen…
Kairn explains, “What Shollo means is it is a rare day someone steps up who can actually do the work especially with a humble willingness to walk the treadwheel.”
“I’m willing. So where do I find this wheel master?”
“Come back in the fullness of the day tomorrow. If you show up at first light, you won’t find him here. The new master is not as driven as our father was once.”
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 