#52.2, Weds. Jan. 3, 2024

Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges           It was just a little gift that Greg and Gaillard brought with them from their last journey to Constantinople.          They came leading a caravan with horses and some mercenaries as guards and also with pack animals laden with all varieties of riches. The treasuresContinue reading “#52.2, Weds. Jan. 3, 2024”

#51.7, Tues., Dec. 19, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. the old road from Besançon to Luxeuil          Gabe is telling he was called before his teacher because another novice accused him of “heresy.”          “I told my teacher that when I first went to Luxeuil there were so many different ways people speak of God it set me to questioningContinue reading “#51.7, Tues., Dec. 19, 2023”

#51.1, Tues., Dec. 5, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Besançon Fortress          The plan to free Father Columbanus from the old lion’s cage of Besançon is nearly accomplished. The abbot of Luxeuil and the five prisoners who suffered in chains are all freed and a bishop is presently sorting out the details of absolution for the five rescued, regardless ofContinue reading “#51.1, Tues., Dec. 5, 2023”

#50.14, Thurs., Nov. 30, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Besançon Fortress          We are, with the help of God, setting the prisoners of Besançon free. The Father and Gabe have already escaped into the tunnel and no one was alerted to that escape to chase after them. Surely they are safe by now.          The prison guard and the fiveContinue reading “#50.14, Thurs., Nov. 30, 2023”

#50.12, Tues., Nov. 28, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Besançon Fortress          Here we are in the midst of this daring plot to free Father Columbanus from his cell on the main level and I’ve already broken the chains of the other prisoners.           Our plan is that the three of us Ezras will seem as only one monk whoContinue reading “#50.12, Tues., Nov. 28, 2023”

#50.1, Weds., Nov. 1, 2023

Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Besançon Fortress          We’re starting the plan to go into the dungeon to set free Father Columbanus and other prisoners. We assume the soldiers at the north gate expect a “Brother Ezra” to arrive as the Father called for at his capture.  In time, this story of rescue may be attributedContinue reading “#50.1, Weds., Nov. 1, 2023”

#49.7, Tues., Oct. 17, 2023

Historical Setting:  610 C.E., Vosges Mountains          Gratitude in this darkness that ends a day of homecoming and feasting should be all we have in our hearts. But Ana and I both want each of our children to be loved as we know love, and now for Greg, this love is tenuous.          Ana whispersContinue reading “#49.7, Tues., Oct. 17, 2023”

#49.5, Weds., Oct. 11, 2023

Historical Setting:  610 C.E., Vosges Mountains          Greg is telling me that he has completed his indenture and Gaillard’s family may release him but he fears that would be so that Gaillard could take a wife.  He tells me Gaillard finds the solution for that in calling Greg his “precious concubine.”          What can IContinue reading “#49.5, Weds., Oct. 11, 2023”

#49.4, Tues., Oct. 10, 2023

Historical Setting:  610 C.E., Vosges Mountains          Greg and I are butchering the lamb that was slaughtered for the homecoming feast for those who returned today from a peace and charity mission to the strangers across the rivers.          Greg is helping me prepare the lamb so he can talk with me alone. He toldContinue reading “#49.4, Tues., Oct. 10, 2023”

#48.9, Thurs., Sept. 21, 2023

Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains          Even as the sun rises these guests are sleeping soundly. This could never happen under the rule they keep at their own communities. So, to keep the quiet in the cottage, Ana and I take the four little ones outside into the sunny autumn day. Haberd andContinue reading “#48.9, Thurs., Sept. 21, 2023”