The Second Book of the Chronicles of Eoforwic

Page 3 of 7

July A.S. XVII (C.E. 1982)

bout this time, my lord Robert of Two Cliffs returned from the West Kingdom, whence he had journeyed in A.S. V. There, in the Principality of the Mists, he had met many Society folk and made many friends, and become a squire to Sir Mark von dem Falkensfenn, who was a Companion of the Order of the Silver Mollet. Robert marvelled at the ways in this, the place of birth of the Society, and he was loathe to leave; but affairs required his return to his homeland, and so he returned to Eoforwic.

Upon the lengthening of the days, Eoforwic was fain to celebrate the summer tide, and thus hosted an event upon the XVIIth day of the month. Baron Torbin of Amberhall proclaimed that no sort of weather should forestall the Event, and it was thus named the Fair and Foul Day. Alas, it is ill luck to tempt the gods, for partway through the day the heavens opened and a great torrent poured down upon the populace, such that the tourney was unable to proceed, and all those present headed for higher ground to escape the flood.

The Warlord Tourney, therefore, had no victor save the rain. Duke Finnvarr, who had fought in a lightning-storm in the IVth Pennsic War, removed his armour post-haste at the first intimation of thunder. Among the other activities of the day there was a foul insult consult, but the gentler arts and sciences were also set forth in a competition organized by Lady Mordreth, of which the winners were: First, Kaffa Muiriath; Second, Tsivia bas Tamara, and Third, Sylard of Eagleshaven.

The evening proved sultry, yet the populace was well-met at the feast hall, whereupon, in keeping with the day's theme, were served forth Fare and Fowl removes, including capons with artful coverings resembling Swans. Peacocks, and Flamingoes. A Mythical Beast costume competition was won by Lady Tamarra, who set herself on to be a Hydra. Illtyd the Apostate was this night made the principal of the new Baronial Order of the Bear's Heart, which was to be given for outstanding service to the Barony in an especially courteous and nurturing manner. It took some time to find the noble Illtyd, because he was assisting those who were cleaning the hall, even while the others were all gathered for Court.

And in the fateful theme of the day, all things fortunate were matched by something less so, for this was Gwynedd's last appearance.

The same summer's eve saw the first appearance of the Eoforwic Singers. This troupe of many jongleurs was led by Monika z Gniezno, who longed to hear more music grace the feast hall. Monika gathered about her others of like mind and talents, and the Eoforwic Singers practiced at House Inness, in the presence of the swaddling Trista. Perhaps this is why she later proved to be so musically adept.

Around this time Northwoods once again found itself in need of Pacification. Baron Aedan led a five-man melee team consisting of himself, Kaffa, Frederick, Torbin, and Sylard; and these fighters wore upon their helms torses plaited of red and yellow with a golden bear painted upon them, and at the War which soon followed, all the warriors of the Barony came to wear torses such as these.

August A.S. XVII (C.E. 1982)

n this month the Barony of Septentria, and Eoforwic with it, went forth again to aid the Kingdom in the Debatable Lands. The XIth Pennsic War was a low point in the fortunes of the Middle Kingdom, for again victory was lost to the East. The Barony of Septentria, however, did greatly aid in the capture of two War Points for the Midrealm. For it was Septentria that held its bridge so well that none did pass, and it is thought that this action greatly helped the Midrealm's ultimate victory in that Battle. In the Field Battle, Sir Hugo slew the Prince of the East in single combat. And whenrchers took to the field, the Midrealm showed itself victorious, and Lord Ricard of Sabletree did shoot his bow so well, that he was received into the Order of the Bear's Claw. Shortly afterward, he became the Baronial Archery Champion.

Also, there were Septentrians present in the Battle of the Champions, these being Duke Finnvarr de Taahe, Graf Hugo von Feuerklippe, his squire Lord Vladimir Bohdan Blahuciak, and Baron Aedan o Kincora. Sir Finnvarr was so eager to advance upon the foe that he forgot to close his visor, and he had to be reminded of it by his opponent, Sir Siegfried.

A group of Septentrians visiting the great Kha-Khan Korok were detained at the camp of the Dark Horde at the behest of King Andrew, for he had decreed that until a certain Chivalry meeting held there had been resolved, none should leave that Camp's enclosure. This vexation was diluted if not washed away entirely by the many interesting draughts offered by the hospitable and apologetic Hordesmen.

This year were seen many snakes.

Another event which brought great joy to the people of Septentria and Skraeling Althing was the elevation of Mordain Blackcloak to the Order of Knighthood, during which ceremony Sir Finnvarr wielded the Sword of Estate. As well, Awards of Arms were given to Rose of Gryphonwood and to Hieronymous, the Skraelinger who came to be called Thorgrimmir. Also at this war, Frederick and Tamarra set a new standard of comfort in the field with a splendidly appointed pavilion, complete with furniture.

So it was that Septentria did snatch glory for its Kingdom from the jaws of defeat.

September A.S. XVII (C.E. 1982)

Vladimir and his lady wife Leslie were hereafter little seen, but Aethelwold o'Mercia did join the Canton in this month, and, sometime later, Jane of Hendon.

On the XXVIIIth, which was his birthday, Tarver the Pole brought numerous sweetcakes to Eoforwic's weekly gathering to celebrate the second anniversary before his eligibility for authorization in the lists of the Middle Kingdom. At the public house of the magistri artium after the meeting, his birthday was loudly proclaimed; a fortuitous error in the reckoning of his years allowed Tarver to drink there with the others.

The folk of Eoforwic made much use of the hall of the magistri artium, for fighters' practices were at this time regular and well attended there under Kaffa's direction. The situation was ideal, for the martial practice hall was under the same roof as, and not twelve steps from, the public house. Indeed, many non-combatants frequented the practices, and met there. Graf Hugo would practice in this manner: He would arm, hold the field usually defeating all challengers until he was too tired to fight on, and then disarm. He then allowed Tarver to train in his sweaty armour. In time, Tarver made armour of his own, one of the first items of which was the infamous Human Pillow Gambeson.

October A.S. XVII (C.E. 1982)

At this time began the reign of King Talymar and Queen Eislinn, who was widely renowned for her kindness, grace, and nobility.

On the XXXth day of this month, the folk of Eoforwic travelled to Northwoods to see the tournament that would determine the succession of the Crown, which was won by Corin du Soleil. The Barons Aedan o Kincora and Torbin of Amberhall participated in these lists. At the evening Court Alasdair of Raasay, Monika z Gniezno, and Elizabeth of Moravia were summoned before the throne and received Awards of Arms, and the Baron Torbin was made Companion of the Order of the Willow by virtue of his great skill at the art of dancing and his teaching thereof.

November A.S. XVII (C.E. 1982)

n this month, the Canton of Rising Waters observed a festival in honour of the god Bacchus. Folk of Eoforwic and from all of Septentria were present. There was a grape stomping contest for which each Canton put forward a Grape Stomping Champion, and Lord Tarver the Pole was made the Eoforwic representative by reason of the size of his feet, which were in proportion to his great height. In the contest, participants showed such vigour that the vessels used were burst asunder, and Tarver was called "Thumper" by Aaron of the Black Mountain. Sylard of Eagleshaven won the tourney, and Steppan Ruthenko placed second. There was also a competition of the Arts and Sciences. In all the god's health was mightily observed, and revelling was great, so that it was agreed that this was an occasion to be feasted every year at the time of the grape harvest.

December A.S. XVII (C.E. 1982)

On the XVIIIIth day, there was a revel and a Wassailing at the western fringe of the city, and it was hosted by Rose of Gryphonwood.

There arrived in Eoforwic a messenger bringing news that King Talymar was upon a Royal Progress, to assess his Kingdom and his people. Eoforwic hastened to make ready to receive their King, and the Lady Bronwyn Meredith Kirk was hostess upon this occasion. His Majesty was made welcome with a feast and revels upon his arrival.

There were many timely awards presented at Court, and among these were Awards of Arms for Bronwyn and Alistair Kirk of Inness, Charles d'Arnaud, and Lothar von Wulfing, as well as a Willow for Kaffa. While the ink was drying on the scrolls before Court, Monika and Mordreth sang and Alistair juggled to entertain the assembled populace. Gunnar Halfdan of Lund, who was noted for his gentle manners and generous disposition, was first seen here. This was upon the XXVIIIth day of the month.

West of Eoforwic the new Canton of Der Welfengau was formed at this time, and Tsvetan Arinsson was the Seneschal.

January A.S. XVII (C.E. 1983)

ith the advent oAf the new year, Twelfth Night revels were celebrated upon the XVth day (of) the month, and Eoforwic was host to the Barony. Megan of Silverthorn, using the theme of the celestial Zodiac, prepared the hall and the feast which consisted of four removes, each representing the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The Baronial Court held thereafter saw the first presentation of the Cauldron of Caradwyn, which had been wrought by dwarves and found by Sylard of Eagleshaven. This Cauldron derived its name from the Welsh goddess of those inspired in word and song. The Cauldron was richly decorated, inside and out, and there were runes engraved along the inside rim of the Cauldron, thus:

And this is the meaning of the runes:

CAULDRON OF CEREDWYN GIVEN BY AEDAN AND KAFFA FOR THE GIVER OF THE GIFT OF INSPIRATION

And it was proclaimed that the cauldron was each year upon this day to be awarded to the person who most, in deeds and words, inspired others to do that for which our Society was formed. Then the Baroness Kaffa took the Cauldron, and presented it to Sylard, and he was the first to be the holder of the Cauldron.

After this, the Baron Aedan summoned before him the Lord Strygor von Talmetz, and created him Baronial Master of Steel, and charged him to keep order in the feast hall of the weapons that were carried by the populace, for the Baron had noticed this to be a matter that needed government. And Strygor received in token of his new office a small round token and a bidding to keep an eye on things. He and his brothers in House Eagleshaven carry out this duty to this day.

Lord Alasdair of Raasay proved himself to be a fomenter of unrest at this Court, for he offered certain lands not far from Skraeling Althing to Aedan and Kaffa as a promising site for anew Canton. This caused protest from the Skraelings there present, and Enid Aurelia of the Tin Isles, baroness Skraeling Althing, was called before the Court. Baroness Enid was rallied to by her people, and when the armed might of that Barony, which is to say Sir Mordain Blackcloak, marched before the Court, both Sylard and Strygor rose to protect the interests of Septentria. For a time, there was fear that armed conflict could have broken out, and the word "war" was spoken, but though the issue was in no wise resolved at that time, it came eventually to be peacefully settled.

February A.S. XVII (C.E. 1983)

round this time, Sylard and Finnvarr did much work to instruct the youth of the city about the days when Knighthood was in flower, and they were assisted by several other members of the Canton, notably Alistair, Bronwyn and Trista of Inness, Kaffa, Stepan, Ragni and Eanor, Mordreth, Searu, Alasdair, Gunnar, and especially Tarver the Pole.

Upon the XIIth day of the month the Canton of Dubras hosted an event on the Feast of St. Valentine. Several folk travelled from Eoforwic, and a tourney and a feast was enjoyed. The winner of the tourney was Stepan Ruthenko, and it seemed that as many light fixtures fell to the force of arms that day as did fighters. My lord, Robert of Two Cliffs, was proclaimed Most Chivalrous Lord of the day, and the Lady Bronwyn Meredith Kirk was proclaimed Most Chivalrous Lady. Baroness Kaffa won a contest for favours, even though she did not attend. She also won a Baronial Arts Pentathlon held around this time.

On the XVth, a Court of Love was held in Eoforwic. Also, around this time, Alistair Kirk became the Chronicler and took charge of Ursus, and Guillaume de Provence became Eoforwic's Dancemaster.

March A.S. XVII (C.E. 1983)

he Canton of Starleaf Gate held their annual Clancy Day festivities on the XIIth day of this month, and several folk of Eoforwic travelled to observe the occasion. In the Baronial Court, Tarver the Pole was made squire to Sir Hugo, and did swear solemnly to be chivalrous in all things and to behave always as the Knight he hoped to become. It was a custom among Hugo's household that after a new squire had sworn fealty to him, the old squires girded him with the red, black and yellow Trauhaus belt. It was the custom among Hugo's squires to compete at how tightly they could squeeze their new brothers-at-arms in this ceremony. But Tarver braced himself in such a way that his breath was not wrung from him, and indeed Draymore got his fingers caught in the belt as he tried to cinch it, causing Baroness Kaffa to inquire if he had as much trouble putting on his own belt.

King Talymar gave Awards of Arms on this day to Rhiannon of Wye, Megan Oriel la Rodeuse, and Tarver the Pole, and Lady Mordreth Colwyn did receive a Purple Fret for her service in the Arts.

Also in this month the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael in the East Kingdom celebrated their Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon, and several Eoforwic folk travelled there.

April A.S. XVII (C.E. 1983)

n the IVth day of this month, the Canton of Noerlanda celebrated the annual Feast of the Bear, at which the Arts and Sciences Decathlon for the Middle Kingdom was held. The Kingdom Arts and Sciences Officers were in attendance.

On the XXXth day, the Canton of Rising Waters celebrated the Ascension of St. Avril.