Historical setting: 589 C.E. Druid Largin’s village on the Loire Ana is most anxious to meet Tilp and examine her. She wants to assess the limits of her skills against the likely problems with this birth. As we speak in whispers not to wake her, Thole tells Ana of his worsening fears for Tilp’sContinue reading “#35.12 Thurs., Aug. 25, 2022”
Category Archives: Historical Fiction
#35.11, Weds. Aug. 24, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Marmoutier on the Loire Saint Martin’s monastery here on the banks of the Loire, called Marmoutier, (That’s Martin’s monastery in French) is firmly grounded in the Benedictine Rule now. So this night we will stay here in a guest room with Ana wrapped in a monk’s wools so we won’tContinue reading “#35.11, Weds. Aug. 24, 2022”
#35.10 Tues. Aug. 23, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Following the Loire On these days we are riding on the north side of the Loire. These riverbanks had caves where Christian ascetics found solitude. I was among them while St. Martin was living with the monks near Poitiers. Ana listens to my incessant reminiscing. “When I first cameContinue reading “#35.10 Tues. Aug. 23, 2022”
#35.9, Thurs., Aug., 18, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Journey toward the Loire This new day we set out to follow the rivers to reach the Loire. At our pace it takes barely more than a day to come into sight of Sens, a city that keeps its Celtish ways even after the Romans came and built a wallContinue reading “#35.9, Thurs., Aug., 18, 2022”
#35.8, Weds., Aug., 17, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Châlons “So, Laz, right there in the middle of the Gospel of John was that personal telling of your death and all the grief. With those details given of the funeral arrangements and all the people keening, it was surely a first-hand story by the ‘beloved disciple’ of Jesus. SoContinue reading “#35.8, Weds., Aug., 17, 2022”
#35.7, Tues., Aug., 16, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Châlons The servant folds down the sumptuous linens and our ewer is replenished and now Ana and I are alone. I ask Ana what she discovered of a woman’s anatomy in the books. “I’ve learned more from the shepherd. The only medical book was the Roman book fromContinue reading “#35.7, Tues., Aug., 16, 2022”
#35.6, Thurs., August 11, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. King Guntram’s castle in Châlons Father Felix is working hand-in-hand with the King’s men to build a monastery here in Châlons. I’m starting to understand the pieces of power here, so maybe I should congratulate young Felix for elevation to a would-be bishop if the king could only give thatContinue reading “#35.6, Thurs., August 11, 2022”
#35.5, Weds., August 10, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. King Guntram’s castle in Châlons At the King’s meeting we are discussing the complaints from bishops regarding Father Columbanus. Apparently Fr. Felix, the Priest of Châlons, is a defender and follower of Columbanus. I can see that if kings chose bishops, Felix would definitely be the bishop who isContinue reading “#35.5, Weds., August 10, 2022”
#35.4, Tues., August 9, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. King Guntram’s castle in Châlons I am graciously received by this king. As a messenger from Father Columbanus I am accustomed to greetings of disgruntlement from bishops. But here the king wishes to hear from me and he has lots of questions about Father Columbanus and the community at Annegray.Continue reading “#35.4, Tues., August 9, 2022”
Post #35.3, Thurs., Aug. 4, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Châlons This morning I deliver Father Columbanus’s message to Father Felix a bit hesitantly, asking him for whom it might have been intended. Even though it is addressed to “The Bishop of Châlons” he opens it and glances over the letter while we wait; then he explains to us thatContinue reading “Post #35.3, Thurs., Aug. 4, 2022”
Lazarus Ink 