The Babe

"What is this place?"

"It is a gap in the clouds between the sun and the earth where we can shelter for a while," Bernard said, vaguely.

Martha shifted the bundle on her back, with gentleness and care.

"Bernard, I can see that. Sometimes, I think you are deliberately obtuse." Martha looked at her guide, her saviour with knitted brows of amused irritation and she was rewarded with a wry smile from the monk.

"Enjoy it as it is now, girl, as it is not as wondrous as it is viewed from here." He paused, retrieving a water skin from his bag. "But it will be a safe port for the night."

Martha knew they were being pursued. She had been grateful for Bernard's taking charge.

Bernard could do nothing less, having dreamed of the girl's escape from the castle in a blinding vision of incredible clarity. Deeming it a proposal from God, he was propelled to assist. Details were unclear but the child the girl was carrying, a peaceful babe who never made a sound of protest, was at the heart of it.

He knew it was not Martha's, but his instinct compounded by the vision told him that it was important to become involved. He had an old friend, who he could call on here, who was discreet.

"The dark is encroaching. We must move if we want to be there before nightfall and gates closing."

Martha nodded and they once more set out on the path.

*

When Mary heard the knocking, she was afraid. But it lacked anger and so, tentatively, she opened the door to find Bernard and a young waif of a girl.

"We need your help," and she ushered them in.

*

Mary held the babe. The girl slept fitfully.

"What's this about, Bernard?"

Bernard looked at her wise face, filled with gracious kindness.

"The girl has taken the babe. And God told me to guide her."

Mary gasped.

"A vision?"

Bernard nodded.

"Then this is it, Bernard."

Bernard knew that Mary was going to confirm what he had known in his heart all along.

With great gravitas, Mary spoke.

"The time of change has arrived."

It was what Bernard feared.

***

366 words

Inspired by a photo I found on Unsplash, I just wrote this morning, no plan, to see what story formed. And here we are. I feel like I have to expand this at some point. But next week, I will be resuming "The Bag" and so, I don't want to start another series until that one is finished at least.

Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please do leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers, for the most part.

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