Historical setting: A Dark Age The third day of rowing in the calm we come around rocks to see a small cove with charred pilings marking a one-time quay and now abandoned shore. At a deep distance we drop anchor and the officer tells me this is the harbor of Constantia. “Are you anContinue reading “Post #8.12, Thursday, May 28, 2020”
Author Archives: J.K. Marlin
Post #8.11, Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Historical setting: Said to be 6th Century on the channel near Gaul This night’s port is one of the wilderness places added to the Gaul side of the patrol after the Saxons parted from Rome. The officer gives me no favors now so I’m assigned the forth watch from darkness to dawn. He reminds meContinue reading “Post #8.11, Wednesday, May 27, 2020”
Post #8.10, Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Historical setting: A forgotten time, on the Saxony Shore The officer tucks the stone Nic gave him under his personal bag in the bow. I know I am breaking protocol, but I have to ask. “What is that stone Nic gave you, Sir?” The officer is honest. “He said he wanted you toContinue reading “Post #8.10, Tuesday, May 26, 2020”
Post #8.9, Thursday, May 21, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul The stationed militia sends two guards for the next watch. I probably won’t sleep tonight. My thoughts and hopes are racing in a great cacophony of thanksgivings. My need and Nic’s longing is a beautiful synchronicity beyond my own mind’s ability to unscramble. It is good thisContinue reading “Post #8.9, Thursday, May 21, 2020”
Post #8.8, Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul I break the silence with a comfortable question of fact. “Did you speak to the bishop at the monastery when you were turned away, Brother Nic?” “Oh yes, certainly I did. It was bishop himself who sent me away.” “Did he offer a reason?” “HeContinue reading “Post #8.8, Wednesday, May 20, 2020”
Post #8.7, Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul I, the newest recruit at the oars, am serving guard duty with one who has completed his full obligation. He seems to be contemplating his life and the opportunities before him. At the next tower turn on the wall with this man who calls himself NicContinue reading “Post #8.7, Tuesday, May 19, 2020”
Post #8.6, Thursday, May 14, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age in Gaul With God thought to be on a distant shore we light the watch-fires on the fortress towers. Maybe any passing pirates will see our torches and fires and the moored dromon and know that this is a night for rest not war. There is a serene darkness overContinue reading “Post #8.6, Thursday, May 14, 2020”
Post #8.5, Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age along the channel off Gaul We’re landing at Aletum near a rumored haven for pirates. Two of us are assigned the night watch, I, in my hemp tunic, and he in his leather gambeson, tunic of chain mail, fine plumed helmet, scarlet cloak, shield and a clean, sharpened broadsword.Continue reading “Post #8.5, Wednesday, May 13, 2020”
Post #8.4, Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age along the Channel off Gaul Seated as I am, the last rower of this facing, my forward view is of the shoulders of thirty-one other men all moving evenly in the dance tempo of the row. Each man has his shield facing the sea above his oarlock, and onContinue reading “Post #8.4, Tuesday, May 12, 2020”
Post #8.3, Thursday, May 7, 2020
Historical setting: A dark age along the Saxony Shore of Gaul It is the dance. “II, I, Pull,” over and again in 3/8 time, the Hora, it is without the full circle of the wedding. We’re all aligned facing back. “II, I, Pull, II, I, Pull,” shoulder-to-shoulder together in the drumbeat of the dance.Continue reading “Post #8.3, Thursday, May 7, 2020”
Lazarus Ink 