Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges
Brandell prepares for his journey into the unknown of Constantinople. He will be guided by his brother and Gaillard across the mountains, then they will part ways and Brandell plans to join a merchant ship’s crew in Ravenna to earn his travel by sea to Constantinople. Lots of ships are traveling that route. I only hope he will find travel by sea to his liking.
Greg has dressed him up as a traveler with trousers and a shirt instead of a tunic. Brandell thought it was a prank at first but he’s getting accustomed to the outfit. Greg always dresses like a soldier, so he doesn’t wear this traveler’s outfit.
When Brandell reaches Constantinople, Greg has placed a little map of the city in his traveler’s bag so he will know how to find the icon artist when he arrives. Ana worries. She wants him to take a bird to send home when he is safe. But Constantinople is too distant for that so the bird they take will be released after they cross the mountains.
When Ana was so young and bearing these children, we knew each of them by their spirit throughout that dangerous journey into life. In losing and parting we pray that we will always find each of our loved ones in the great milieu of love that is Spirit. We will miss Brandell. May he always go with God. Dear God, always remind him he is loved. Give him courage. Amen.
After the Sunday songs and prayers Mater Doe asks to speak to me alone. Ana and the others go on with the wagon. I’ll walk home. The priest is concerned about a visit she had from two men who are vintners along the river near Trier.
“They came all the way down here looking for something that could settle an argument they have with an edict issued in Austrasia against the Jews.” She continues, “I can only wonder why that would be a concern for vintners in Burgundy. Apparently, this king of Austrasia, Dagobert, who may also be rising to power here, has continued the edict made by the Eastern emperor against the Jews.” [Footnote]
“Oh, I know what this is about. This forum of hate has floated up from the Roman depths these days, as a Church issue because Jews will be baptized to Christian by this rule. This rejection of Christianity’s Jewish root is the same concern that sent Brandell off wandering.”
[Footnote] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_revolt_against_Heraclius retrieved Oct. 1, 2023
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 