Historical setting: 589 C.E. near Poitiers
The moon set, leaving us in a long darkness, but not at all for sleeping and already we are gathering for morning prayers. Ana and Colleen are draped in huge woolen robes hidden completely in hoods and sleeves. There are no secrets in this hall though nothing is spoken.
I’ve always known the stable master is chatty and a hub for gossip. And this morning when I go to check on the horses he already has a story I didn’t know.
“The earl’s guardsmen are searching everywhere for two young women on a dapple gray.
“So Brother Lazarus, this morning there is a dapple gray right here, who seems quite accustomed to sharing a stall with the bay you ride.”
“And so it is. The abbot is well aware of this.”
“You will have to hide this horse better. The guards will be back.”
I know what must be done. I will ride back to the Loire today, and deliver both of our horses to their proper stable at Jesse’s farm. Tomorrow I will walk back down this long road, and when it is safe for the women to travel the open roadway again we will make a pilgrimage to the pagan village where the Druid Largin is planning for an heir.
A constant autumn rain washes every good plan over with a dull drudge but the horses were returned, and now I’m making my way walking along the muddy road to Poitiers when I meet with a donkey cart driven by two sopping wet “monks.”
My gracious hugs are for Ana, and I hear their story.
“When I told Lady Elise’s family what had happened the magistrate was alerted, so the earl’s guards are no longer looking for us so it is safe for us to travel. The earl has to answer for his crimes. Lady’s mum was so grateful she showered Colleen with this donkey and cart, and supplies for our journey, though maybe that was also because Colleen was let go for lack of need for a midwife. She was given a small purse of coins and some supplies as we go on this mission together to attend the birth of Tilp’s and Thole’s baby.
“And Laz, by spring it will be us needing a midwife. I will be glad it is Colleen we have with us.”
Thank you God.
(Continues Tuesday, October 4, 2022)
Lazarus Ink 