Historical Setting, 631 C.E. the family farm in the Vosges
This morning more horses were delivered to the pastures and I asked one of the young soldiers, who was it who ordered this. Of course, he names “Captain Greg.” I asked if this was preparation for a military operation or for escorting a journey of dignitaries. The soldiers with orders from Greg were probably not privy to such information and I know they wouldn’t be allowed to tell me even if they knew. I will have to wait to hear it from Greg himself. There are mules for packing for a journey and here are some large and powerful war horses amid the geldings and trail horses.
It is no secret that Greg and Gaillard will arrive here soon making their preparations for whatever it is that is happening. Haberd’s wife is baking extra, and Haberd and young Sam are walking among the sheep choosing a beast to butcher for a feast.
Greg and Gaillard arrive with no entourage, just the two of them on their own horses as they always come home for these stopovers. We haven’t seen them since Ana’s death, so it’s been a while.
“Do we have a war coming?” I ask.
Greg knows I’m not a loyal patriot wishing our “side” lots of “wins.” He knows this papa is a stubborn pacifist. He answers tactfully.
“The war is not here and it isn’t even our assigned mission this time. Dagobert is in a Frankish dispute in Iberia at the distant edge of Gaul.”
“Then why are the war horses here in Burgundy?”
“King Dagobert knows something of military might and he sees that Burgundy has the best military. He is right, you know.”
I know any other papa would be so proud of this son. But I only want to hear of his great works in taking charity to the needy and words of peace to a would-be enemy.
“So” I surmise, “the king is sending the military of Burgundy all the way beyond the Pyrenees to the far ends of earth for battle? Why not call up the army of Aquitaine?”
“Because the soldiers of Burgundy will win the war. But Gaillard and I aren’t assigned to that war. With our military elsewhere it would be an opportune time for the tribes to the east to rally against Metz. The Wends are on their haunches showing their fangs just now, not to mention the intrusions of the Anglos and the Saxons in the East.”
(Continues Tuesday, Oct. 8)
Lazarus Ink 