The First Book of the Chronicles of Eoforwic

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March A.S. XIV (C.E. 1980)

month later Baroness Gillian held court again and received forfeits; she was not, however, satisfied yet, and some members of the canton were sent off on other tasks. Illtyd and Alist(ai)r accused Duke Finnvarr, noweturned, of deceit. He had been the guest, not the captive, of the Saracens, they claimed, and had disported himself in their company in a most lascivious and unchristian manner. Finnvarr hotly denied this, and challenges were issued.

On this occasion an unknown peasant stumbled into the court. Upon questioning he identified himself as John the Churl. he was both service and impudent, claiming to know nothing of the Kingdom or Barony, but to be a member of the People's Autonomous Collective of Eoforwic. Baroness Gillian in her mercy sent John home; but ever after there were rumours that this obscure band of rebels were planing or had executed various seditious acts.

That same month Starleaf Gate hosted its first tournament, which honored Clancy, a dog. It was a large event: Eleven knights and all the royalty attended. Prince Talymar won a hard-fought lists. King Alen awarded arms to Megan of Silverthorne, Llyra d'Arbre Mer, and numerous others of the barony. The Skraeling Wait graced the revels with song and morris dancing. Mordain Blackcloak was made squire in House de Taahe, which saddened Duke Dagan, who had hoped to have Mordain as his own squire.

The next week there was another great tourney of the Ice Dragon in Rhydderich Hael. Many nobles from both the East and Midrealm were present, and the fighters of Eoforwic acquitted themselves well. Alistair Kirk was squired to Sir Hugo and Torbin became Sir Seamus' squire. Also, King Vissevald of the East knighted Barak Elandris Hasdrubal, the first knight of Rhydderich Hael. For a second time Caitlin Stuart won the arts pentathlon, which was better attended than ever before.

April A.S. XIV (C.E. 1980)

Even these tourneys were not enough to slake the battle-lust of Eoforwic. As soon as the first good weather came to York, a local tournament was arranged, and the good fighters bashed each other with great abandon.

Once more this month Baroness Gillian held court in Eoforwic, and once more she judged her subjects lacking in virtue. When she assigned new forfeits and quests the canton came near to revolt. Some even said openly that joining the peasant rebels -- if they could be found -- would be preferable to the present oppression.

May A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

n this month North Woods celebrated its tenth year of existence. Duke Finnvarr, who had helped found that barony, wrote a history of North Woods for the occasion. It was copied by Torbin, illuminated by Caitlin, bound by Kaffa, Aedan, and Ragni, and then presented to Baron Thorvald.

Morgan of Lindisfarne placed second in the Midrealm pentathlon of the arts. She began planning a baronial pentathlon for novice artisans.

At this time, too, Bolverk and Seamus left Eoforwic for their native An Tir, much to the distress of the canton. They had plans to return in the fall, but these came to naught.

June A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

oforwic held a midsummer tourney, which was hosted by Baron Torbin of Amberhall. Many folk from Greek and Slavonic lands and the Orient attended, so that it became known as the Meeting of East and West. Obedient to the Baroness' Twelfth Night command, the nobles and gentry of the barony brought the Belt of Peace; or rather each of them wore some sash, rope, or girdle and claimed it as the only true peacemaker. The Baroness wiselyecided that the belts could only be tested in battle, and set the claimants on each other. Finally Alistair Kirk, with the help of his liege lord, prevailed, and was suitably rewarded.

On this occasion the noble Afghan game of bouzkashi was introduced to Eoforwic and the Middle Kingdom through the efforts of Baron Torbin. Also, the Baronial Novice Pentathlon of the Arts took place, and was won by Lady Enid Aurelia, followed closely by Lady Ragni and Lady Tsivia. It was fitting, then, that Enid should succeed Morgan in the baronial arts office when the latter was appointed deputy to the Kingdom Mistress of Arts. In the evening of the tourney, everyone feasted well on both Saracen and Christian food, most excellently prepared by Ragni and the Culinary Guild.

July A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

t the founding of the barony, Gillian had made a special favor to be worn by the baronial champion. the favor had not one guardian but was granted anew at each tourney. In this manner many worthy fighters had worn it. Now Gillian broke her custom, and announced a tournament to chose a baronial champion for the whole of the next year. This contest took place at Afon Araf. The day began badly, with a great storm that chased the fighters into a warehouse, but despite this the tournament went well. Many noble deeds were performed by the knights, by Caelwulf and Durnhardt of Altenau, but particularly by Mordain Blackcloak, whom Gillian chose as her champion. Ironically, he spent much of the next year in An Tir.

About this time Wulfram Wulfscilding resigned the office of Baronial Seneschal, and Ciaran O'Donnell succeeded him. Jorunn Sophia was pursuivant for the barony. Robert of Two Cliffs, who had formerly held the office, came to dwell I Eoforwic.

The XXVIth of this month saw the long-awaited wedding of Sir Hugo von Feuerklippe and Lady Caitlin Stuart. It was celebrated with a tourney and a revel, the former being won by Duke Finnvarr. Many folk from Septentria, North Woods, and Cleftlands attended to wish the happy couple well, to eat the food prepared by Lady Ragni, and to dance. Afterwards Hugo and Caitlin dwelt in Albany House, formerly occupied by Aedan, Kaffa, and Fin, who had removed to the House of the Great Forge. The later was named for the armory located there. Aedan took Helmut, Robert, and Sylard as partners, and both together and separately they accomplished great things.

August A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

n this month Tamarra first taught herblore to the people of Eoforwic. The Midrealm narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of the East; yet the warriors of Septentria did great deeds, particularly in the field battle. Andamarra gave practical proof of her healing talents. Sir Seamus and Bolverk were present, having arrived on the very eve of battle. After the war they returned briefly to Eoforwic, where they were entertained royally by their friends before they departed once more.

September A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

any from Eoforwic attended an excellent tournament in North Woods. Among them was Baroness Gillian, who briefly stayed behind. Her own fortunes had been greatly diminished of late, and rather than be a burden to her people, she sought now to recoup them in the South. Although Gillian soon returned, all Septentria began to discuss what might happen if she decided to leave permanently.

That same month Eoforwic held a tourney at Philosopher's Walk, hosted by Alistair and Bronwyn. The old custom of the challenge tree was revived here: All the fighters hung emblazoned shields from a tree and challenged each other by rapping the appropriate shield with a weapon. The challenges and melees that resulted were greatly enjoyed by all. Baroness Gillian honored Tamarra as Baronial Healer. At this time Illtyd, long listmaster for Eoforwic, Noerlanda, and Septentria, passed his office to the worthy Henry of Linlithgow. For Illtyd was now a warrior himself.

This fall saw the appearance of several new Eoforings: Aislinne, Kaellyn, Imrahael of Arkengarth, and Edmund FitzTonge. Others followed them, and Eoforwic became a large community.

In this month Breanaidh suddenly disappeared. The peasant rebels claimed responsibility.

October A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

t the Coronation of Laurelen and Ithriliel Aedan, Kaffa, and Caitlin were made Companions of the Purple Fret, and Alistair, Bronwyn, and Helmut were awarded arms. Unfortunately none of them were present to receive these honors.

Later, Sir Hugo, in company with Torbin and Ragni, went to Würmwald where he won the Crown of the Middle Kingdom in honorable combat. Since Caitlin had not been present at her champion's victory, a court was hastily organized in Eoforwic so that Hugo might honor his lady and crown her royally. And this was done, and done well.

At this time Gillian d'Uriel left Eoforwic and Septentria; and she feared that she would not return. Therefore she asked her people of the barony to think upon her successor. In Eoforwic, the people supported Aedan na Kincora and Kaffa Muiriath, although some contrary souls spoke for Finn as Doge.

Artair mac Artair became baronial chronicler and Wulfram left the Society soon after.

November A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

kraeling Althing again celebrated the Feast of the Hare. Their Highnesses and others of Eoforwic attended and took part. On this day Durnhardt of Altenau won both the novice and the open lists. there was great feasting. Their Highnesses held court, and the host canton gave them many witty and appropriate gifts. Robert of Two Cliffs petitioned for permission to leave the realm for the Principality of the Mists, where he planned to aid the wizard Lucas in his art. Hugo was loath to lose such a valuable man, andorbade Robert to leave his presence. But members of House Eagleshaven broke into his court and spirited Robert away. Later there was great revelry, which continued far into the night.

The next day Sylard, who had not been present, was amazed to find that his people had fallen under royal displeasure.

Before this time households had been inconspicuous in Eoforwic. Now this changed. Sylard, long unpaid, broke off his contract with Duke Finnvarr, and to the old stalwarts of his household, Wulfgar and Strygor, added Aislinne and some others. Aedan and Kaffa admitted Helmut, Mordreth, Frederick and Tamarra to Teacht Caerta Mor. Some time later Dea and her lord Geoffrey de Bellac joined House Inness. Also Imrahael of Arkengarth, Edmund FitzTonge and his brother Guilliame formed House Arkengarth.

December A.S. XV (C.E. 1980)

This month Afon Araf celebrated St. Nicholas' Day with a feast and revels, and a quest for the saint's mitre. At this event the wedding of Jorunn Sophia and Thomas of Nil was announced.

That day the Baroness, counselled by her seneschals, decided that Aedan na Kincora and Kaffa Muiriath should act as her vicars in her absence, and that these gentles would succeed her is she (did) not return.

Here also Egil of Afon Araf, a veritable giant of a man, returned the long-missing Breanaidh ni Naoimin to the people of Eoforwic. This was wonder enough or Baroness Gillian to allow the feast to begin without delay. Afterwards, Princess Caitlin, who presided that day, received many gifts from the populace.