Historical Setting: 610 C.E., Vosges Mountains
Greg is telling me that he has completed his indenture and Gaillard’s family may release him but he fears that would be so that Gaillard could take a wife. He tells me Gaillard finds the solution for that in calling Greg his “precious concubine.”
What can I say? He is awaiting some fatherly wisdom and I am very uncomfortable with this issue. I have no argument considering him “precious?” Of course, he is precious; his mother and I have always thought that of him. But it is our word for our children, not Gaillard’s word.
And what does this mean, “concubine?”
I know what it means. Father Columbanus is in a dispute over this very word with King Theodoric II and with the king’s great-grandmother, the regent for the young King. It seems Theodoric is in a relationship that would normally be sanctified as marriage. But his regent, Queen Brunhilda, is against a marriage because it would mean the king is of age to rule without a regent. And this, just when Brunhilda is bringing together two kingdoms, Burgundy and Austrasia, into a Frankish union and Theodoric is rising to rule his own kingdom of Burgundy. So, a marriage would undermine the queen’s power. Brunhilda offers the compromise for the king to take the mother of his children as a concubine. [footnote]
Now, that Theodoric and his so-called concubine have sons, Father Columbanus has issued his moral opposition. He is firmly against a young man taking a concubine. With that the Father has roused the raging wrath of Brunhilda. So now, the complaining bishops of Gaul share this common enemy with the queen. It is a dangerous stand for the Father.
I answer my son, “Greg, I fear that continuing a relationship with Gaillard would become troublesome in these times.”
“So, Papa,” Greg qualifies, “You are suggesting Gaillard and I keep our tryst secret?”
“No Greg. That’s not what I was saying.”
A lone, wild gander flies overhead, honking its grieving song in the autumn brisk air. It is the season for the migration of the geese and this one is alone.
“So, Papa, you are opposed to my keeping Gaillard as my lover? Momma knows us well. She knows I can’t just pretend away my love for Gaillard simply because it is inconvenient for his family. I should’ve just asked Momma about this in the first place.”
“Please Greg, hear me out…”
[footnote] https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Columbanus
(Continues Tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 