Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges
This night our little children are asleep in the loft above us, and Greg and his guest, Gaillard, are sleeping in the hayloft above the stable.
Ana whispers her retort to my silent worry. “You have the worst thoughts of that fellow, Gaillard, I just know you don’t like him.”
“I’ll just keep that to myself, Ana. Greg is infatuated with him. I don’t want to argue and then send them off without my blessing.”
“What worries you Laz? Is it that church rule for the chastity of monks?”
“Ana, you know well I follow God, not the utilitarian edicts of religion.”
“Okay, Laz, you pray silently about it, and don’t mind me talking on about what a nice young man he is. He is a little bit of a tender flower though. I mean, when you were still off doing the chores and Greg was telling his tall tales to Haberd and Brandell, Gaillard came and offered to help Hannah and me at the hearth. So I sent Hannah and the young man out to fetch a chicken. He has a sword. I thought he would make quick work of it. But Hannah came in and said he has the whole coop all riled, and none can be caught and he has no idea to use his sword for that. So I went out and got an old fat hen, and then took it around to the other-side of the shed to whack it and pluck it. He followed me, so he could apologize. He said he never killed anything before. That was odd, so I asked, ‘do you not eat meat?’ And he said he loves to eat meat. He just never saw it dead before. Then I realized he has a lot to learn about the real life of a commoner. And like a woeful kitten he purred on and on about the strength and beauty of his young teacher, Greg. I realize you are thinking Gaillard’s an old Roman soldier raping your child, but really, he and Greg are simply in love.”
She stopped her whispering now. I have a moment to think about this.
Dear God, give me wisdom.
Ana intrudes on my silence, “So if it is what it is, Greg won’t give us grandchildren, but then Gaillard’s family probably considers theirs the greater loss because titles can’t be kept without grandchildren.”
It seems everyone makes rules about this except Moses and Jesus.
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 