#58.3, Thursday, July 4, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. The Farm in the Vosges Mts.

         “Horses?” Ana dreams.  “We could go and visit all our children in their own places now.”

         “After all these years would you still want to try a long journey, Ana?”

         “We won’t have to go hard and long with just the two of us having no obligation to carry messages on time.”

         “Of course, we can go softly Ana and take our time.”

         “That will surely confuse Greg’s war horses. But if we can go softly, I would love to go riding off again.”

         I don’t think the horses will be confused at all.  Ana already has an itinerary – a firm and solid plan.  The journey will have purpose, not simply the horse choices of random searches for grassy patches.

         “First, we will go to see the new baby Willinod, then we will ask the keeper of the birds at Luxeuil to show us the mural Brandell is painting at the healing pools.  And we will be back here in two days to see if Hannah has remembered to return to her family.”

         “Hannah is the wanderer now. She’s the one we never thought would leave.”

         “And she’s the one I need to see most immediately,” confides Ana.

         We set out westward on the creek path, and even at a slow pace we are turning onto the road to the Waldelenus castle by afternoon.  The first time I came up this road it was easy to discern which was Will’s sliver of field. The land was untilled and the house was just a leafy lean-to.  Now the house has all its sides and a roof.  It seems woven of river reeds and I am sure Will would like to impress me with his skill in thatching.  He is a beginner, so I will have to shelter words of truth in my honest appreciation for the challenge my son-in-law has taken on.  Now, the field of oats is even and green, with stalks and stalks of perfect grain heads.

         We meet Will outside and he seems sober and ready to help us with the horses.

         “We hope you don’t mind our surprise visit.”

         Will answers, “It’s a good surprise, Grandpapa Laz, and Grandma Ana. Layla and the baby are resting just now, shall I wake them?”

         “No no,” Ana tells him, as I help her dismount. “We aren’t in a hurry.”

         So, this baby who can’t even speak in words has already taught her father familial names for us. It is an amazing child who can make me the same family as Will. Thank you, God.

(Continues Tuesday, July 9, 2024)