Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges
Greg and Gaillard are in from the stable. The morning chores are light these days, and we have time to talk with these boys who are in the midst of the amazing dreams of youth facing a star-field of possibilities for their years to come.
“So, Gaillard,” I ask, “when you are fully a capable writer, what is it you hope to write?”
“I will write all the answers to the questions we haven’t yet learned to ask.” His grin belies a glint of wisdom.
Going deep, Hannah fears, and she takes Layla by the hand and they follow the wanderings of little Haberd and Brandell out exploring the gardens in case there are new blooms today.
Greg tells us flat out, “When I am as skilled with the sword as Lord Gaillard, and he is as literate as I, a commoner, then his uncles have a special assignment for us.
Gaillard explains, “We are supposed to travel east, not as soldiers but as students, to learn the languages of Christians there, and of the Persians too. My uncles of the house of Waldalenus suppose the empires of the east are gathering armies to come across these mountains for war with the Franks.”
“What makes your uncles so fearful?”
Gaillard answers, “Not fearful, but ready. The days of our legendary kings are behind us now, my uncle, the Mayor tells us.
“The nobility of Metz ride with more glory than the king of Burgundy, and who is there even known to rule Austrasia?”
They say every nobleman will need to host his own army in these times. And maybe we will learn that this place where we are on the eastern border of the Frankish lands leaves us most vulnerable to a new horde of warriors planning to sweep across the Vosges. We are at the first land to fall if war comes from the East. So my uncles are sending us out to be the vanguard for this preparation, not as soldiers, but as students of the enemy.”
“So, Papa, you see how the nobility of Metz has honored your wish that I not become a soldier? Here I will be a spy for our soldiers in the foreign lands. Isn’t that wonderful news, Papa? Momma? Wouldn’t you rather have a spy with a sword, than a soldier, or some defenseless Christian messenger?”
“Was there no option to be a messenger of peace?”
“No, Papa, that wasn’t offered.”
(Continues Tuesday, August 22)
Lazarus Ink 