Historical setting: 589 C.E. Reims The edges of kingdoms that meet in this vague land we travel may explain Reims. Like the aristocratic heritage of bishops, this city itself is steeped in ancient politics. It’s the legendary place of baptism and coronation of Clovis and Kings of the Franks to follow. Now the bishopContinue reading “Post #34.8, Weds., July 20, 2022”
Author Archives: J.K. Marlin
Post #34.7, Tues., July 19, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E., Laon We’ve made a long trek to deliver the message to the Bishop of Loan. While kings who are earthly brothers have wars among themselves, I wonder, do bishops who are spiritual brothers make a better peace? I’m discovering competition among these noblemen of the high church office. In theirContinue reading “Post #34.7, Tues., July 19, 2022”
Post #34.6, Thurs., July 14, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Trier In Trier we’ve been granted permission for Ana to visit the storage of old writings. We asked about a library, but it seems what they call a library is damp cellar room stacked with books and old manuscripts. I’d call it a dungeon, but the only crime punished hereContinue reading “Post #34.6, Thurs., July 14, 2022”
Post #34.5, Weds., July 13, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. from Metz to Trier The bishop queries. “So let me understand. You are a mere messenger for the foreign abbot and your wife is a woman of higher stature than yourself — a literate woman of medicine.” “That seems to be so, Father.” “I know well how youContinue reading “Post #34.5, Weds., July 13, 2022”
Post #34.4, Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Metz Sweet fragrance of vineyards hums a placid summer’s gloss over any purpose for this journey. As we leave the vintner’s wife tells us we are seeking a dark old Roman basilica with baths. It will be dreary and damp, seeping with the laments chanted by women. In MetzContinue reading “Post #34.4, Tuesday, July 12, 2022”
Post #34.3, Thursday, July 7, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. An inn by the River Moselle Ana has learned she was born only a day’s ride from here. “Ana, don’t you want to go there and see what you remember? The church that gave you to the pagans might have written your baptism in their book. We could goContinue reading “Post #34.3, Thursday, July 7, 2022”
Post #34.2, Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Beginning a journey in the Vosgas Mts. Ana and I were delivered two fine horses from the count’s stable. Then Thole and Daniel leave as promptly as they arrived. Father Columbanus has his letters ready in response to the complaining bishops and he’s also given us a messenger’s purse.Continue reading “Post #34.2, Wednesday, July 6, 2022”
Post #34.1 Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Near Annegray in the Vosges Mts. Ana and I have a journey before us and we’ve barely finished preparing. A bird arrives with the message that Thole is waiting at the monastery with our horses. So on this fine summer’s day we take up our traveler’s bags and our bird inContinue reading “Post #34.1 Tuesday, July 5, 2022”
Post #33.14, Thurs., June 30, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Ana’s cottage in the Vosges Mts. The Lenten pilgrims reported to their bishops that Father Columbanus, while true to the creed, allows, and in fact, supports some contrary practices. The complaints seem not about spiritual practices, but more about external details. The Irish tonsure, shaven clean across the top ofContinue reading “Post #33.14, Thurs., June 30, 2022”
Post #33.13, Weds., June 29, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Ana’s cottage in the Vosges Mts. Thole is grateful for Ana’s promise. Before Tilp and Thole’s baby is due Ana wants to search out the resources from the ancient times when medicine was a science and things she needs to know now had been written down. We make a planContinue reading “Post #33.13, Weds., June 29, 2022”
Lazarus Ink 