* * * * * * *
Crow was completely out of breath when he landed. He had been up all night watching the Brotherhood in prayer and now he wanted to share the news, but he could not speak. The glen was filled with a solid mass of the gathered creatures. Firefly had warned everyone that Crow was coming. The irony was that just as Firefly had finished his announcement, they all heard Crow's cawing in the distance. Many years later, Firefly would remind anyone who brought up anything about those times, that he was the first to herald crow's imminent arrival.
Now three hundred eyes were focused on crow. Finally, he spoke, “The brothers have decided. They are taking Robin, Worm, Vole, Firefly, Raccoon and myself.” At first, there was no reaction as each one took it all in. Then there was a kind of silent applause and affirmation. The choices were good and everyone knew it. The hush was broken when Raccoon let out a whoop, “May this journey be blessed!”
It was Eagle who broke the ensuing reverie when he spoke: “The Brothers have chosen eight, not seven, when we consider that Camel with join us when we arrive.”
Creator said seven. What are we going to do?” Crow was sincere.
(to be continuing)
“We are going to take our seven and Francis can add Camel if he wishes when we arrive.” Eagle was resolute.
* * * * * *
Sebastian was the first to rise the next morning, followed shortly by Francis.
Sebastian had arranged a rendezvous before their departure. Francis was just an early riser. This day was like any other day for him. Like every other day with the exception that Francis was filled with great joy, thankfulness and anticipation at the prospect of finally beginning the great journey to the Holy Lands. This was to be Francis' first (but not the last) trip to the Holy Lands. He would meet Rumi and Rumi's teacher Shamsuddin of Tabriz.
Sebastian and Francis greeted one another with a wordless embrace. They shared some herbal tea; this in silence still. Sebastian gulped his down, almost burning his throat, and quickly mounted the Donkey for town. Although they rarely spoke of it, Francis knew where Sebastian was headed. He neither approved or disapproved of this relationship between a Brother and a woman. And, although Sebastian kept his relationship to himself for the most part, all the Brothers knew of it and some even whispered intimate details behind his back.
After sipping his tea for some time, Francis walked down a footpath to the river where he sat down to do his morning prayers and practices. He thought briefly of Sebastian and his Lover. But he quickly began to focus on the journey ahead. 'Could he keep all the Brothers safe? What unknown adventures awaited them? Would he measure up as their spiritual mentor?'
(To be continuing)
Francis prayed for wisdom and strength for the long journey and for the ministry that was sure to ensue. He had no idea how much his life was about to be transformed.
* * * * * *
Eagle did not sleep. None who were to accompany Francis' Band slept that night. Crow flew the entire shire announcing the news of who were chosen to go. Vole gathered seeds stuffing them in an old cocoon. Worm opened to the warm glow that had overtaken him and contemplated the meaning of this unfolding adventure. Raccoon slept soundly having made his peace with the world.
Eagle watched. He watched it all … with total acceptance of that which he witnessed. He saw Crow announcing the journey and its participants. He watched Vole gathering seed. He watched Worm glowing in prophecy. He watched Raccoon snoozing. And, he watched himself, watching.
Eagle had asked that all his traveling companions meet in the glen at dawn. The Sun was just transforming the purples and pinks into brilliant reds and oranges and yellows and whites when the last traveling companion arrived. It was Robin. She had spent the night tidying up her nest. Now she was ready for the adventure of her life.
Eagle had something to say to the gathered travelers. He smiled as only wise old eagles can. He gave a gentle stare to each before he spoke. Then, drawing three deep, calm breaths, he began to speak.
(to be continuing)
“Friends, this journey will test our abilities to remain friends and allies. There will be times when the Brothers need our help. There will be times when we will need each others' help. And there may be times when it is every one for themselves. But, whatever happens, know this: you chose this journey as it also chose you.” With that, Grandfather Eagle fell into silence.
Crow was busy trying to think of an appropriate cheer. Raccoon just yawned and nodded his head in approval. Worm drew in a deep breathe, for no one knew better than he, what breath arresting moments lay ahead.
Robin was also breathing deeply. She tried not to worry; even used positive self talk, “I can do this because Creator chose me. All that comes to me, comes as an expression of Creator's love. I can do all things through the Mystery that created me.”
Vole was packing her last seeds. “What help,” she wondered, “could she possibly be?” Firefly circled above. From his vantage point, all was in order and he was ready to go.
* * * * *
Francis had just finished tying his backpack to the mule when the animals arrived as a group. Vole scampered up the mule and climbed into a leather sack. Firefly, wanting someone to talk to, landed on the edge of the leather sack. Grandfather Eagle soared silently above, taking in the entire vista as the group began to move. Raccoon, deciding that a little morning exercise would be good, ambled along beside the mule. Robin flew circles just above the caravan. Worm manged to find a bucket with dirt, where Francis hoped to grow some fresh vegetables. Crow flew on ahead, too excited to rest.
Francis began singing a familiar folk tune to which he had written his own lyrics.
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
|to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.”
(to be continuing)
Chapter 2
The Journey Begins
The sun was fully up when the band of Brothers and critters finally began to move. A few town folks were there to see them off. There were hugs and waves and shouts of encouragement.
Now, they moved, a silent band of unlikely travelers. The first hours were uneventful, with the exception of an occasional peasant wishing them “God-speed”. Francis was going through a metal checklist of supplies and possible future needs. When he was satisfied that they had all the supplies they needed, Francis, began to think about the gifts and liabilities of each of the Brothers on the journey.
There was his closest friend and confidant, Sebastian. He was solid enough with a wicked sense of humor. And, he was in love. “That could be a problem,” thought Francis.
Then there was Parsifal.
(to be continuing)
Francis was not quite sure what to think of Parsifal. On the one hand he was extremely intelligent; but he was lazy. He was always using his intelligence to figure out how to get out of things, especially work. What Francis knew in this moment was that everyone would have to pull their own weight on this journey.
Francis' speculations were interrupted abruptly by Parsifal, himself. “The wheel on our wagon is squeaking badly. I think we need to stop and grease it again.”
At first, Francis was unable to compute what he was being told. When he was able to make the shift of consciousness required by this intrusion into his inner space, he asked Parsifal to repeat himself.
“The right rear wheel on the wagon needs grease now!,” he said with some mild irritation at having to repeat himself.
“Certainly then, we must stop. We will pull into that field up ahead.”
So the caravan was halted almost as soon as it began.
(to be continuing)
With all the Brothers lifting on the back corner of the wagon, there was very little problem removing the wheel and daubing grease on the axle. Francis decided that it went so smoothly, that lunch was in order. Sebastian was the self appointed cook. He laid out a spread of bread, cheese, olives, and wine. Francis broke the bread and offered the wine to commemorate The Lord's death and resurrection.
Forty minutes passed from the beginning of their repair to moving again. Francis was pleased. The critters took the break to eat as well. Their conversation, purely speculative, ranged from who would be the greatest help on the journey to which Brothers were their favorites. Sebastian came out number one on that score. That was because he had a natural woman as his lover.
The unlikely caravan moved toward the east steadily until just after a golden-pink sunset. Then, they pitched camp before darkness set in like a gentle glove. They camped next to a beautiful spring-fed brook. Each Brother had brought his own bedroll, so after a hastily prepared meal of venison and corn cakes, the Brothers dropped off one by one to their chosen sleeping grounds.
(to be continuing)
It is very true that critters have different sleep patterns. Raccoon was up most of the night so he could sleep the next day. Robin was up at the crack of dawn, as was Crow. Vole, like Raccoon was a night owl, as was Firefly. Worm mere took short snoozes all night and all day. During his waking hours he tunneled and digested earth and compost. It seems that Sebastian had created a special pot of dirt and compost that fit neatly on the Donkey's side, and worm was in seventh heaven.
Francis was up before dawn, follwed shortly by Sebastian who had had a hard night sleeping. He was still tired, but the same excitement that had kept him awake during the night, now drove him to greet the dawn standing.
Sebastian greeted Francis with a hardy hug. Francis was glad that Sebastian was up early. He had wanted to share a concern before the trip, but the preparations had left no opportunity. Now, they were alone. Francis cleared his throat. He began, “Sebastian, my brother, I have wanted to share a concern with you.”
(to be continuing)
Sebastian squirmed a bit inside, but his outer demeanor was matter-of-fact. “Brother Francis, you know you can speak to me about anything,” he said with just a hint of tension in his voice.
“Good!” Francis considered carefully how to say his concern. “I am just a little worried about Parsifal.”
“Why?”
“I do not question his commitment to our venture, but I am wondering if Parsifal is just a little too excited about this mission.”
“In what way?”
“Well, I overheard him talking with Jonathon before we began our journey. He was talking about killing Muslims.”
“Oh, sweet Jesus!” Sebastian was genuinely shocked and surprised. “Would you like me to speak with him?”
“No, I think I should talk with him …. and think the sooner, the better.”
“Yes, I agree.”
Francis turned and walked away slowly, a prayer, just slightly moving his lips.
(to be continuing)
* * * * * *
Grandfather Eagle had overheard the entire conversation between Francis and Sebastian. Now he too was worried. None of the animal kingdom could understand humans in their willingness and increasing ability to kill one another. He was wondering whether to tell the others when Crow landed right next to him. “Good morning, Grandfather.”
“Yes, it is,” replied Grandfather Eagle.
Crow noticed Grandfather Eagle's energy. “Are you alright? I sense some worry.”
“No, I am fine. I am just a little worried about a conversation I just overheard.”
“Oh, what was that?”
“I just heard that the one they call Parsifal was talking about killing another Hu-man!”
“How insane!” Crow was genuinely incensed. “Is there anything we can do?”
Grandfather Eagle thought for a moment before spoke.
(to be continuing)
“I think we should watch this one, Parsifal when we arrive.” It was all Grandfather Eagle could think to say.
“Absolutely!” Crow agreed.
“I think we must tell the others,” said Grandfather Eagle, thoughtfully.
“Absolutely,” Crow repeated himself.
* * * * * *
Francis found Parsifal by the brook that had occasioned their choice to spend the night there. “Good morning, did you sleep well?”
“Like a stone,” Parsifal replied sleepily.
“Good!” said Francis, trying to sound nonchalant. “I am hoping we make some miles today.”
“Looks like a great day for traveling …. shall I roust everyone?”
“Not just yet,” Francis paused for a moment, then continued, “let's talk first.”
Parsifal looked deeply into Francis' eyes, looking for some hint of what was to come. Francis looked away for a moment; then made full eye contact.
(to be continuing)
Sebastian overheard you say that you would just like a chance to kill an infidel. Is this what you said essentially?
Parsifal took a gulpping breath in and the choked on his own spittle causing him a fit of coughing which, simply, he could not control. Francis was about to take that as his answer of 'no contest' when he suddenly managed to get out, “Well …... Yes.”
Francis smiled lovingly, genuinely at Parsifal. “My friend, we are making this journey at some sacrifice of our well being, in order that we many minister to the sick and dying from both sides of this conflict.”
Parsifal nodded.
“If you are not one hundred percent behind this, our stated mission, then you must turn back. Do you fully understand what I am saying to you?”
Parsifal nodded a second time.
Francis' smile broadened even further. In the silence that followed, both men starred softly at the earth.
Francis was listening to his inner heart to see if there we more to share. There was.
(to be continuing)
“One more thing, Brother Parsifal,” Francis was matter-of-fact. “I want you to find the source of the anger that resulted in such an outrageous statement for a Brother to make.”
“Francis, I was drunk and the talk that night was all about wasting Infidels. I just lost my center.”
“Find out why?”
* * * * * *
The critters were all up and ready to go or sleeping in their travel assigned spots. Crow made sure he was watching the conversation between Francis and Parsifal. He memorized every detail of the scene and every word spoken. Now Crow joined Grandfather Eagle who was roosting on the top of the tallest cedar.
“I heard the entire conversation,” Crow was delighted to share his news (and views).
“Did it go well?”
“I think it did! …. Francis asked him to get to the source of his Soul anger.”
“I know the root of his anger,” Grandfather Eagle replied nonchalantly.
(to be continuing)
“Hu-mans are a strange species,” Grandfather Eagle continued. “They do very odd things raising their young. They use a rearing technique unknown to any other species. They call it guilt and punishment.”
“What is that?”, Crow had never heard of such a thing.
Well, punishment is kind of like when we have to warn and protect our offspring from an imminent danger. Sometimes we must be physicallt rough with them.” Grandfather Eagle paused for a long time searching for the right way to describe guilt. Finally he said, “Guilt is so foreign to our experience that I have no analogy to explain it. In fact, I am not sure I understand it.”
“Surely, you can say something about it.”
“I will try,” Grandfather Eagle closed his eyes and tried to think about guilt.
(to be continuing)
