Historical Setting: 610 C.E., Vosges Mountains
Greg and I are butchering the lamb that was slaughtered for the homecoming feast for those who returned today from a peace and charity mission to the strangers across the rivers.
Greg is helping me prepare the lamb so he can talk with me alone. He told me he and Gaillard have seen a “vision of peace.”
He goes on, “So now it is for Gaillard to try to explain this pacifism to his family who are warring aristocrats. My task was easier than his. Thank you, Papa.”
Of course, I appreciate hearing it said with words, that my son has accepted an obligation for pacifism, and I am glad to know he is a man of wisdom, but there must be something more he has to tell me that requires Gaillard not hear this. And he does have a concern.
“Papa, Gaillard’s family fears I, of a common root, have influenced Gaillard to grow weak in the face of war. They blame me for what we’ve both learned of war and peace now.”
“You say, blame, surely God sees it as a credit to you. And who is it you wish to please, Gaillard’s family or God?”
“Papa, it is important that I please his family. I’ve completed my indenture now, to pay the gift for Gabe to be at the monastery. I’ve worked for a wage and paid for my own horse and armor, and now they may choose to release me from my obligation.”
“Congratulations, Greg, I am so proud of you.”
I don’t have to say that on a bird’s leg message – I can put my arm around him, and say my blessings on him person-to-person here.
He continues, “That they release me may not be a good thing, Papa. If I am sent away, Gaillard and I will have to part. And I fear that is what his family would wish. Gaillard has been told they have arranged for him to take a wife from a noble family to bear children and carry the lineage forward. He tells me not to worry because I can still be his precious concubine.”
I wish he’d phrased it another way, maybe “partner in arms,” or “special friend,” or “friend forever” whatever… It seems so strange to hear this full-statured man, strong and bold and wise, standing here with a lamb’s blood dripping from his blade, saying he is called a “precious concubine” by his lover.
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 