Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts.
My worry is for our youngest, Layla, living as a serf at the Castle of Waldelenas with a man, who seems to me, blundering and abusive. Maybe that is just a father’s point of view, seeing his youngest daughter now starting her own family at such a young age. And I know human nature well enough to see myself possibly blaming another man for the very thing that is my own flaw. When I see this fellow’s oafish behavior as “controlling,” I know that is something I am often said to be by my own family. So, before I go off to confront him with an idea of changing his whole nature just to suit my wishes, were that even possible, I need to pray for better understanding.
Help me God.
One step in my caring for Layla is speaking with Hannah about it. Checking up on the health of her little sister is something Hannah will do most dutifully.
She agrees, “Papa, I know just what you mean. Layla and this man, Will, were married in a quiet ceremony without friends or family up at the castle where they are serfs. I know Momma worried over it but what could we do?”
“How did this fellow even find Layla?”
“You know Layla has a very quiet nature, harboring secrets — probably secrets from you and the rest of her family. So, with you not here, she was something of a wanderer.”
“If I had been here, she might not have stayed home either. It is one of those things where the more a father protests, the faster she will be out the door. I do know Layla.”
“Okay, Papa, you aren’t to blame for this. Maybe. But whatever she needed she sought elsewhere than here.”
“What do you suppose she needed, Hannah?”
“I think she went looking for a papa to tell her what to do.”
“So, you think she was looking for someone to control her?”
“No, please, not that. I think she didn’t know what she wanted and you were what was missing—so she found a thoughtless oaf.”
“So, I am best replaced with a thoughtless oaf?”
“Of course, I guess that’s clear isn’t it.” Hannah goes on, “I think she wanted to know she is important enough to set a man on edge. And Will is one who can be set on edge.”
“I wish I could go back and make this right for her before…”
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 