THE KING, THE PAGE, AND THE HERMIT:
A CHRISTMAS STORY
Read Chapters 1 & 2 HERE; Chapters 3 & 4 HERE; Chapters 5 & 6 HERE; Chapters 7 & 8 HERE; Chapter 9 HERE; Chapter 10 HERE; Chapter 11 HERE.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“Then I was told, ‘You must prophesy again’” (Revelation 10:11)
“Perhaps we should set out, my page,” the Duke said, rising from his seat.
“If you will permit it, I’d like to speak with the boy alone before you depart,” Fr. Jiří asked as he rested his tired hand on Podevin’s shoulder.
The Duke nodded his ascent and the priest and page walked toward the chapel, entering behind the curtain.
“It is said that those who live by the sword will die by the sword,” Father Jiří turned to Podevin.
“What you are about to do, do quickly.” Hearing these words Podevin felt a wave of unease wash over him. “Afterward return, so that you may be granted time to repent,” the priest spoke close to him, in an authoritative whisper. He rested both hands on Podevin’s shoulders as his soft, powerful eyes locked on the page’s.
“Father, I do not understand. Your words are a mystery to me,” Podevin shook his head. “They fill me with a perplexing fear,” he said, his voice growing weak.
“You have much love and reverence for your Master, but you also have a youthful sense of justice and loyalty. Not long from now my words will come back to you and you will understand their meaning. For now do not dwell on them. Only dwell on this: Many take upon themselves great deeds of repentance, fasting, and vigil, but it is rare for someone to guard his soul from pride, greed, jealousy, hatred of others, remembrance of wrongs, and judgment. In this they resemble graves which are decorated outwardly, but filled with stinking bones. Become a vessel of humility and repentance, Podevin. God will take care of the rest.”
Father Jiří finished. Pulling the page close and wrapping his arm around him he led him back to the table where the Duke was still sitting, reading a large book with a foreign script.
“Are we off then?” the Duke asked, smiling broadly and looking as kind and loving as he always did.
“You are,” the priest-hermit said with a nod.
Podevin still felt uneasy but made the choice to focus on the advice Fr. Jiří gave him that he could understand.
Rising up from his seat jovially, the Duke quickly made a prostration before the priest could inhibit him, and kissed Father Jiří’s right hand.
“Take this with you,” Father Jiří said, handing the Duke and Podevin small, hand-carved crosses.
“Thank you, my Father, O thank you! What a wonderful gift!” the page proclaimed as the Duke smiled.
“Pray for us, Father,” Vacslav said as he flung his heavy fur cloak over his shoulders. Opening the door of the hut he filled it with sunlight.
Podevin followed behind, holding the small cross close to his heart, his gentle smile reflecting his joy.
***
Although they did not sleep for most of the night – the Duke not even a wink – Vácslav and Podevin’s trek back to Prague castle seemed much shorter and easier than it had the evening before. Then again, the Duke reflected, everything that is praiseworthy takes time and effort to attain.
matushka constantina
lessons from a monastery 
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