Chapter 51 Count Raymond Seeks
Council.
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go
away. – Philip K. Dick
One verse (Job
37:21) states, "And now they do not see light, it is
brilliant (Bahir)
in the skies...[round about God in terrible majesty]." Another verse,
however, (Psalm 18:12),
states, "He made darkness His hiding place." It is also written (Psalm 97:2), "Cloud and
gloom surround Him." This is an apparent contradiction. A third verse
comes and reconciles the two. It is written (Psalm 139:12), "Even darkness is not dark to
You. Night shines like day - light and darkness are the same." - Rabbi Nehuniah ben HaKana
“Joshua,” said Raymond, “I count as my
wisest friend. And I have invited you to
sup with me, just you and I to take your council.”
Joshua bowed his head, “My Lord is too
kind.
“Nonsense,” replied Raymond. “I endeavor to be exactly as kind as
necessary, and in this case, there is no kindness in truth, simply truth.”
Plates of fruits, cheeses, breads, and cooked
pheasant covered the table, with three bottles of Raymond’s finest wines (two
of which came from Jsohua’s vineyard) were placed as if watch towers looming
over the meal to ensure that no thrist was left unquenched between the count
ahd his friend.
“What council will you have from me, My
Lord Raymond? I am, as always, at your
service.” Joshua said before he bit into some pheasant.
“You are aware, of course, the despite my
reconciliation with Innocent in Rome, Montfort continues to nip at my vassals,
and assail the villages of my domain closest to Carcassonne, and to the east in
Monteplier. The ancient rights of the
liege lord are nothing to him. I fear
sooner or later his eyes will fall on Toulouse, this mad dog of the Church.”
“Then” said the wise Cabalist, “You should
take your case, directly to the Pope, take with you your son, young Raymond
VII, visit with the French King to the north on your way. Use the excuse of introducing young Raymond
as your passport to both leaders, and then use the opportunity this affords you
to press your concerns with them.”
Raymond smiled with a twinkle in his
eye. “And this, Joshua, is why you are
my wisest friend. I fret for weeks for a
course of action, and you after a mere moment suggest the wisest course.”
copyright 2017 Diana Hignutt
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