Historical setting: 602 C.E. Metz
Bishop Agilulf is receiving visitors this morning. It seems he had heard the news of the violence in Châlons from Baro Dithrum. So, it was not a surprise for him to learn that one of my sons was especially enthusiastic about finding a place with the young boys preparing to become the Bishop’s Guard. But it was a surprise to the Bishop that Greg’s father hadn’t actually perished while acting as messenger to the disgruntled bishops, and that I have come with letter from the overseer of gifts for the monastery.
The bishop opens the letter, noticing, as I had, that the abbot’s seal was skewed so the letter was closed but not sealed. Of course, he knew I had read it if he any thought that I could read.
The bishop spoke first to Greg. “So, you were one of the boys who accompanied Baro Dithrum on the journey to Châlons?”
“Yes, your holiness,” answered Greg.
“We received news here about the unfortunate happenstance of the abbot’s messenger, Ezra.”
“Yes, your holiness, that is my father who is here with me today. And as you can see, he has recovered from his injury.”
I need to speak here, “And I’m only here today because Greg and his brother rescued me, obtaining a wagon, and taking that long trek homeward into the Vosges all on their own.”
The bishop continued speaking only to Greg, “Very commendable son. And this letter says that your brother is fully literate and he is entering the monastery of Luxeuil as a novice monk.”
Greg answers, “Very true your holiness, and I also am literate if that should be helpful to you, as I hope to enter training as a guardsman here.”
“In this letter the holy man of Luxeuil tells us that you are prepared to accept the terms of indenture in order to provide the gift for your brother’s entrance into the monastery.”
Greg answers, “I just want to work with horses and learn the sword.”
“Yes, that is what we supposed.”
“As his father, may I speak to this?”
“If you must.”
“It is with a deeply wounded conscience I yield to his wish. But possibly you will understand my plea for Greg’s assignment to reflect the pacifism which is his Christian birthright.”
The bishop seems intrigued at least.
“This child has a ‘Christian birthright, you say? And it is ‘pacifism’ …as in cowardly soldiering?
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 