Historical setting: 584 C.E. The garden of Eve
Anatase is more excited to read about babies and tell me about my children and great-grandchildren than answer my concerns about what happened to my friends who were Christian brothers on their way to Ligugè. She asked me if I know the children who were the babies of my granddaughter, Celeste.
“No, I haven’t met Celeste’s new family yet.”
“Well that first baby is Martha now! She is already ten years old. And now they have a child named Loren too, and another, little Marian! Marian is nearly as old as I am now. Marian and I had mint tea and biscuits with berries together when I was away just now on my errand. Aren’t you so amazed by how these things turn out?”
“Yes, I am. Thank you God for all these bright days. And always stay close and guide us through the sorrows. Amen.” She stares at me while I pray aloud.
“Ma’am’s Colleta and Celeste are Roman Christians you know. They don’t know God up close like the old monk did, and like you do now. I mean, they don’t just talk to God whenever about any old thing. They prepare for prayers with bowing and hand gestures, and only choose the most holy moments and places for prayers.”
“Yes, but its prayers to God all the same. God listens to the prayers of the Roman Christians, the creed believers, and even some of us heretics. I think the Roman Christians just take a longer meander to get to the same place.”
Interrupted from the reading lesson, Daniel and a stranger whom I learn is the father of these great-grandchildren I haven’t yet met, are standing here with something so important to say that it can’t wait for this reading lesson to end. Rude intrusion seems the nature of important men in the midst of children.
“This is Bertigan, Celeste’s husband.”
“So you are the father of these children Anatase is reading about.”
Daniel continues, “We need you to come with us to help us trade for some horses.”
“Of course.” I ask for their patience, “We’ll be done reading soon.”
I see they are already waiting with the wagon right here.
“So, Anatase, I still want to know what the monk said about the monastery. We can read that part when I get back.”
(Continues Tuesday, June 15)
Lazarus Ink 