Hautvillers, 858 AD
Hautvillers, 858 ADA rider in a state of panic informed the abbot that a Viking longship had entered the Marne: raiders would be upon the abbey within the day. The abbot, no less overwrought, immediately summoned John for advice.
“Oh, God help us! What are we to do?”
“There is much to do,” John replied stoically. “Do I have your permission to organise the brothers, Father Abbot?”
“Ay, ay, anything! Do what you must.”
My friend wasted no time, ordering every able-bodied man to drag dry twigs and branches from the forest. He had them create a long barrier in front of the monastery. Some grumbled, wondering how a low obstacle that a man could jump over might serve any purpose. But John knew what he was about; the pouring of oil over the brushwood revealed what he plan
