Stories Thread

[KnightnDay]

Saint Amand, 1080AD

Pere Jules Foucault, priest of the church of Saint-Amand, was entertaining another member of the clergy that beautiful Sunday afternoon. The two chatted amiably and the subject had been the inspiring sermon during mass earlier in the day. The collection plate at the conclusion of the service was particularly full as a result of Pere Jules’ work.

"Yes, the people of Saint-Amand are most giving people. I am truly blessed to be here. Now, what do you say to a leisurely walk through the town, so we may take in the fine air?"

Pere Guy was looking forward to the offer. "Yes, I would like that very much."

As Pere Jules began to make his way towards the door, Pere Guy became rather inquisitive. "Excuse me, but should you not secure your day’s harvest before we go? What if some thief comes here to steal…"

"Oh that’s right, you don’t know the story, do you? beamed Pere Jules. Did you not notice the two candlesticks?"

"Why no, I’m afraid I didn’t. We were having such an engaging conversation, I scarcely noticed." Pere Guy made his way over to the objects of their discussion. They were both of heavy bronze, with a uniquely distinguishing characteristic.

"Mother Mary, is that blood on both these candlesticks?"

Pere Jules became quite animated. "Yes indeed. Those two candlesticks are named Robert and Thomas, after the LeFebre boys. Come have a seat once more, and I will tell you the tale."

"It was almost four years ago that I had had an even better Sunday than most. The plate was more full that day than you see it now. The two sons of Philippe LeFebre, Robert who was 16, and brother Thomas who was 12 at the time, assisted me every Sunday after mass with putting things in order. Thomas was quite a fine altar boy, I will tell you. Anyways, on an afternoon much like this one, I was accosted in this very room by two brigands demanding that days donations. Meanwhile, the LeFebre boys were in the outer room, doing the sort of chores that typically needed doing. What could I do? I was one against their two. At first I thought about fighting for the church money, but then I was afraid that if something went wrong, these wayward souls might do harm to the boys."

"So, I reached for the plate and prepared to hand over the collection, when through that very door come Robert and Thomas, armed with those two candlesticks. The whole thing was over in a short moment. I scuffled with one of the intruders while the boys bludgeoned the other one. You could see the fury in their eyes, Pere Guy, Philippe raised his children well. It didn’t take long as I said before the affair was over. The bloodied one cried out, no more, no more, I beg you! The other would-be thief simply lost his nerve and stopped struggling with me, and it was ended."

"Now, the weapons that defended this house on that day stand where you see them, still with the blood of one of the assailants on them. They stand as a reminder of God watching over us. I must tell you Pere Guy, it was the worst day of my life when we held services for Robert two years ago. He died as a result of the accident which everyone knows about. And now Thomas is in Paris…"

"And the two transgressors, what became of them?" Interrupted Pere Guy. "I imagine no one has ever seen them again."

Pere Jules burst out in laughter. "That IS the best part of my story. Quite the contrary, they have attended mass here every Sunday now since that fateful day, and have never missed one! Truthfully, I don’t think their hearts were in the thing to begin with. They said if the house of the Lord is protected in such ways, then they hoped to be looked after in the same manner!"

"And you know, we’ve not had another robbery attempt made since that time. Thomas is now far from here, but his act and that of his brother in defending the church are things that people remember for a long time. I do wish him well..."