Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts.
When this donkey and I have helped a neighbor here plow a strip for planting, I ask a deep favor of this neighbor.
“We have Will’s wife hidden away with her family because Will can have a cruel hand.”
The neighbor has a knowing smirk. I guess Will has a reputation.
I ask, “If Will is raging and crazy with ale, could Layla and their baby find safety here, at least until she can make her way to the castle?”
Of course, the neighbor is hesitant, knowing the danger.
I explain, “Our family has a dove cote. She will have a bird to send home to us, and we will come immediately. Maybe Will won’t come here looking for her at all. He won’t expect her to have a place to come.
The woman answers, “We can see her to the castle for safety if need be.”
The man scolds her for speaking up and agreeing.
“I will let Layla know she has trusted neighbors here.”
When I return to Will’s home shelter he has a cooking fire ablaze, and has a spit with some kind of rodent meat cooking. He is so proud to offer me a “feast in gratitude” for my help. Now, I hope he hears my simple thanks as magnanimously as it is spoken.
Will and I sow the oat seed today and the edge that is left without enough of the oats, we plant the moldy barely seed, just in case it might yet germinate.
He is looking through the family treasures in the cart, the cradle and the blanket … and what is this little jar?
“That is a special thing just for a good father. We needed that when Ana had the twins, because it allowed me to help with the feeding. The midwives have these things to help give a baby drops of water or milk if the mother is too busy or tired or just needs help in feeding the baby. I bunch up the blanket to be baby sized, and hold it in my arm, as though it were an infant, and show him how it would be used. He tries the baby hold with the blanket also.
“See, Will, this blanket is really nothing like a baby, even though it is small and soft. A baby will look at you, when you do this. The baby will trust you to be the full gentleness of a strong father. Practice the tender part while you wait for them to return.”
(Continues, Tuesday, May 14, 2024)
Lazarus Ink 