The Fourth Book of the Chronicles of Eoforwic

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More business and bounty.

gain the Crown ventured north for there was business to be done in its Crown Principality. Many worthy folk deserved to be honoured and the Crown would do justice. On the twenty-fourth day of June, Anno Societatis XXIV the Crown held court.

Lady Tarkwyn of Balanjar was awarded Arms that day. She was a Rozak woman, one of the wards of Thorgrim the Khagan of the Rozakii, who was destined to hold great office as Principality Chronicler and greater honour as fourth Princess of Ealdormere. Feardubh of Eoforwic also was ennobled, and more is spoken of him elsewhere.

Lord David Failsworth was made a member of the Order of the Dragon's Tooth, for he was a mighty fighter, as was Lord Cordigan de Arnot ^[19] who also joined that worthy Order.

^[19] This was the same Cordigan who was head of Clan Faeringold and was also the second Bard to the Court of Ealdormere.

This was the very day that Lady Gwynfyr an Sheoladair, one of Eoforwic's most faithful servants, received the award of the Purple Fret, which was mentioned earlier.

Two ladies received membership in the Order of the Willow; Lady Hannorah O'Neil, a spinner and weaver, and Lady Tangwystl Siwan Failsworth, who possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things relating to clothes and fashion, especially in the lands of the famed Faerie Queen, Elizabeth. These two ladies would again find themselves brought together, in the finals of the first Ealdormere Coronet Tourney.

Finally the Crown would honour great service and devotion and did offer membership in the Order of the Dragon's Heart to Lady Katerina de Turenne. This did Lady Katerina accept and with good cause, for she was the Principality's first seneschal and did serve such honour and more besides, as the Crown would come to see in later days.

A Brief Account Of Pennsic XVIII

s was the King of the Middle's wont since days gone by, he did decide to wage a just war against his neighbour, the Tyger King of the East. The King of the Middle called out his army and bade them foray to the Debatable Lands and there take to the field. This the fighters of the North did, and the Eoforing Militia did take its rightful place. Many did bear arms with some trepidation, for they remembered the grave campaigns of the previous summer, where all had gone wrong on the field and Ealdormere's fighters had tasted bitter defeat, as the old song does recall^[20]

^[20] Please refer to "The Field Battle, Pennsic XVII" in The Book of the Reign of David and Tangwystl.

This summer Baron Aedan, the Lord Lieutenant, led all Ealdormere into battle. As memory serves it was a strange and rare day when the two armies met on the open field in the shade of Mount Eislinn, for the plan was that Ealdormere would sweep to the right side of the field and fall on the enemy's rear, and the plan did succeed, beyond all expectations. Many did call Aedan a genius, though all recognized that the Ursine Law of Battle ^[21] says a bad campaign may be followed by a better one. Regardless, the scarlet tabards of the North again swept the flanks and the East and its friends did rue the day.

^[21] Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you.

This was the War where the archers could have won all, but it was not so, for on the day between the greatest of the battles the King of the East proposed a friendship battle, for joy. King Palymar did well enjoy the clash of sword on shield, and he and his knights and sworn men sallied forth and met the East in a great melee. While this went on the archers of the East took to the line and shot the two great competitions, the "clout" and the "advancing man". The next day the King of the Middle realized that all times remaining to draw the bow in competition coincided with the battles upon which the War might well be decided. The King did draw his bow, but many of his knights and sworn men missed their opportunity to so do, and without their contribution the archery points were lost and without the archery points the War was lost.

This was also the War which saw the first link forged in a great chain, and thus it came to be. On the day of battle over the bridges, the Fyrdmen and Huscarls of Calontir said that they would form a wall with their great shields and resist the onslaught of all the Eastern army if need be, to allow the Middle to send its swords across other bridges and win the day. They would do this, they said, if the force to their fore could guarantee two minutes of peace so that the shieldwall could form. Ealdormere's fighters said they would buy two minutes with their very lives, and prepared to lead the opening charge.

The shields of Ealdormere prepared to charge, and as they formed they sang the ancient air of the Clan Glenwhorple, and the stern Huscarls and Fyrdmen pounded their shields, having never heard this glad song before. A lady of Calontir came to give water to the Northern fighters, and they did sing her love songs and she did find the Northmen charming rogues. This lady was the head of the Calontir Guild of Water-Bearers, and her name was Baroness Finola O'Clary. She did tell her daughter of Ealdormere and its fighters, and her daughter was well pleased at these Northmen, and the daughter's name was Jenna of Southwind, whose name appears again in this Chronicle, on another happy day.

Came the moment and the shields of Ealdormere charged onto the bridge, with the City's shieldmen led by Grimwulf in the van. Forward they charged and then fell to their knees and anchored the Northern line, and it was a sight from the olden tales, for

Ealdormere fought like angels at the last trump and the East's men fell in rows like wheat before the sickle. All watched in amazement as Ealdormere fought to the last, and behind them the Huscarls and Fyrdmen stood in their appointed place and leaned on their shields for five minutes. Finally the Northmen were winnowed away, but they gave no ground and Calontir saw before them a weakened foe who had paid dear for a toehold and then saw the door bolted before them. And the last of Ealdormere's men was Cospatrick of the City Militia.

These things the Calontiri saw, as did all the world, and Calontir remembered.

Thus the warriors of Eoforwic returned home, their women sated from the excesses of the marketplace, their sword-arms weary from their great day in the field and their hearts heavy, for their King's love of fighting had lost a War which needed not be lost. Still, King Palymar was a good King and well-loved, and though in this he erred he made many more wise decisions than bad ones and was a firm friend of the North.

Of the discovery of an ancient document and the first election of a Lord Mayor of the City.

hroughout the summer and early autumn of Anno Societatis xxiv there was much discussion of the state of the Canton. All agreed that Eoforwic, while still mighty and rich, was proceeding in a style better suited for a lesser place. Indeed an ordinary style of affairs was utterly inadequate for the golden treasure of the North, the seat of the Baron and Baroness Septentria and the oldest of the Cantons in all the land. Much thought was given to the Canton's status and learned men researched the history of Eoforwic.

Lord Grimwulf the Hairy, long known as a wise man and cool in the fiery face of battle, announced he had made an amazing discovery in the dust of the local archives. It seems that in the dawn of time Cariadoc, the King of the Middle, had granted a petition to Eoforwic declaring it a Royal Burgh (or City) and thus making it exempt from all taxes. By some amazing oversight this singular proclamation was overlooked by all previous published chroniclers; it can only be assumed that the proclamation's antiquity (having taken place at least two years before a young Count Sir Finnvarr first landed on the deserted beaches of what would become Eoforwic) had obscured it from less careful or imaginative scholarship. In fact local scholars obtained confirmation from Duke Cariadoc himself that his ancestor Cariadoc I (or II; the records are unclear, as is often the case with the Royal Genealogy of the Middle) had made such a proclamation. Reports from that meeting indicate Duke Cariadoc initially had no knowledge of the City's charter, but after a token of esteem ^[22] changed hands His Grace's knowledge of his forbearers' activities improved admirably. Such are the vagaries of historical research!

^[22] "Graft" is such an unpleasant word. It is said that Grimwulf proffered a ring of great artistry and explained that this was found rolled up in the charter that Cariadoc had signed. Cariadoc slipped the ring onto his finger, saying something to the effect that he'd wondered where it had got to, and thus Eoforwic won its charter.

As the Known World's sole Royal Burgh, it was decided that no common Seneschal should carry the Honour of Eoforwic. Rather the populace decided that their City should have a Lord Mayor, a Sheriff and sundry other officers. These worthies would be selected by ballot of the City's guilds. Many guilds did register themselves with the City Registrar and their guild masters and mistresses did pay fees for the privilege of casting ballots. The various candidates decided amongst themselves that they would circi;ate monetary incentives among the populace to encourage participation in the electoral process and to support guild registration, for "graft" is such a coarse and vulgar word.

There was much merriment as the various candidates greeted the populace on election night, the first civic meeting after Michaelmas, and when the guilds' votes were tallied it was seen that Eoforings are honest and true. Once bought they stayed bought; Grimwulf was declared the first Lord Mayor and Lady Anthea Lovatte the first Sheriff of the Royal Burgh, or City, of Eoforwic. There was loud rejoicing and Grimwulf immediately set to selling Civic appointments to the highest bidder. There was even louder rejoicing when it was discovered that the City's singular procedures for distribution of graft meant a civic election made the Eoforwic coffers grow, not shrink (as is the case with much political money management elsewhere, if one may believe travellers' rumours). In honour of this wonder of wonders, the City established a Lord Mayor's fund. This fund was in the purview of the Lord Mayor alone, a discretionary fund outside the reach of Corpora and the Kingdom Exchequer ^[23] , founded upon guild registration fees and other charitable donations. All other administration remained the same and, while the Lord Mayor of the City basked in municipal glory, the Seneschal of the Canton and her slate of officers continued in good works, humility and quarterly reports to regional superiors.

^[23] Before the reader gets too upset at what appears sin, anarchy, tax evasion and violation of good Corporate policy in the City, the Exchequer of the Kingdom recognizes the City of Eoforwic as a household within the Society, which by coincidence has the same membership as the Canton of Eoforwic. As long as the Canton manages its corporate money correctly, the Society does not care what a household does with its funds. So there is neither tax evasion nor violation of Corporate policy going on. As for sin and anarchy, well, everything you've heard about Eoforwic IS true.

Of the UMRA and divers unpleasant topics best forgotten save as instruction to future generations, and of Angharrad of Nankeivel who is well remembered with gladness by all.

ord James Schoen MacAndrewes, Lord Rory mac Erc and several other folk were displeased by the customs and manners of some people in Eoforwic. Jamie and Rory organized events which were limited in scope and in the period to be re-created. These were of some success, though many saw them as merely "theme events", amusing diversions from the regular course of things in the City. These events became "private" functions, where if one was not garbed and accoutred in the manner decided upon, with great attention to research and detail, one could not attend. Such functions were not official events of the Society and therefore Jamie, Rory and their friends could discriminate as desired, just as may be done at any private party.

After some success with private events, these enthusiasts resolved to create the University Medieval and Renaissance Association, called UMRA (or Oomrah). In a heated Canton meeting, held at the beginning of the school year in Anno Societatis XXIV, it was proposed that the Canton of Eoforwic become the UMRA. Oomravians (as some called the supporters of Oomrah) argued that this would allow Eoforwic to exist in two places at once, within the Society and as a club sponsored by the University. Several learned folk mumbled about the failures of alchemy as the debate raged on.

As well as casting off the Society's alleged reputation as a refuge for Klingons, Orcs and heavy-metal fans (whatever they all are -- ^[24] ) which some Oomravians saw as slighting their own standing as scholars in the University, it was also argued that the UMRA would provide greater authenticity and freedom of action, away from the restrictions of Corpora and Kingdom law. It should be noted that several Oomravians were enthusiastic practitioners of the art of the rapier, banned for various reasons ^[25] in the Middle Kingdom at that time. Being separate from the Society and outside the King's laws would allow Oomravians to fence on the University grounds with impunity. Finally, for those who wanted more (or less?) than the cult of Oomrah offered, the Canton of Eoforwic would still exist as a parallel entity.

^[24] Perhaps they are particularly perverse types of heretics? If so, they can probably be found in Starleaf Gate, dancing at midnight on the grave of the dog Clancy.

^[25] Primarily those reasons were safety, a lack of rules, a lack of Kingdom experience and most of all, a lack of insurance coverage for rapier combat. This situation was rectified in the reign of King Finn I and Queen Garlanda I, who did authorize rapier practice as a test which proved successful, to the joy of many good folk. First among the Kingdom's test sites was Eoforwic's northern neighbor the College of Skeldergate, which practice took place under the tutelage of a rapier enthusiast named Hoskuld Thorleiksson and was immediately frequented by Eoforwic's budding fencers.

A few at the meeting believed the proponents of the UMRA were enlightened; it was said such an arrangement was in place in the prosperous and stable Barony of Rivenstar. More saw in the UMRA a warrant to issue badges to self-appointed Authenticity Police who'd also be allowed to write laws and pass judgement on others. Ever-wise Baron Aedan asked the Oomravians a pointed question; "Who controls the money?" If the UMRA received any and all the University's financial support, held its own events to raise money and had the University's blessing to book space instead of Eoforwic, what could the City of Eoforwic become save a memory? Aedan asked his question several times but never received an answer. Perhaps no answer was an answer in itself?

The majority of the civic populace resolved to not support the UMRA but to uphold Eoforwic as part of the Middle Kingdom. Many harsh words were said that night on both sides, and from that time forth Jamie MacAndrewes was seen less and less often in Eoforwic, as was the case with Rory and several other Oomravians, until they were not seen at all. The UMRA held events from time to time thereafter in the environs of the City, but these remained an individual fancy and not a reflection of a popular movement. Eventually Oomrah changed its name to the Tabard Inn Society, as Rory and Jamie had graduated from the University and their personal activities no longer could profit from such an association.

Among Jamie's more moderate supporters in this endeavour - and many others, for she was both patient and kindly - was the Lady Angharrad of Nankeivel, a scholar at the University. She had come to Eoforwic from far Rivenstar, where Duke Moonwolf was her adopted uncle and sang her many of his famed songs. Angharrad was talented with both needle and ladle; her fine campfire cooking reflected Mistress Tamarra's tutelage and a good collection of Master Sylard's ironmongery. For several years Angharrad did stay at the University, during which time the Baron and Baroness did make her a member of their Order of the Bear's Heart. About the time Duke Finnvarr did travel north from Eoforwic to find a new holdfast, Angharrad did graduate from the University. Having completed her many years' study, she found employment as a tutor in the land of Flaming Skies, far to the north of Eoforwic. Then she did marry Belisarius ^[26] , once Jamie MacAndrewes' man-at-arms. Angharrad and Belisarius travelled north andwere seen no more, though they did send letters from time to time.

^[26] This is the same Belisarius Anatolikon who received a Purple Fret from the beloved Queen Brynhildr and was inducted into the Order of the Silver Oak by King Palymar II and Queen Katherine II on their Coronation day, so he was a fitting husband for this wise and gracious lady.

Another Royal Visit.

n the twenty-eighth day of October, Anno Societatis XXIV, Their Majesties Tadashi and Ariake travelled North of the Inland Seas to see their new possessions and do some business in their court. Included in this business were two Awards of the Dragon's

Treasure to two precocious and prodigious ladies of Eoforwic, Luanmaise Ceantine and Lasar of Eoforwic. These two were well known for their good humour and willingness to serve within the City, and later became apprentices to Rhiannon of Wye.

Lord Terrence Kirkpatrick was ennobled with Arms, and all agreed this was a right and proper thing. Terrence was well-known within Ealdormere and without, for he did love to dance and would travel afar to dance and teach dance. He also fought with distinction and flair, and his armour was most beautiful to behold.

The Crown also awarded Arms to Ragnar Thorbergsson, the viking. This was the same Ragnar who founded the famed House Venshaven, known both for its war-band and for its love of learning.

Of a new Baron and Baroness in the Skrael.

gain the bounty of the Crown was felt in Ealdormere, for on the second day of December, in the twenty-fourth year of the Society, Their Majesties Tadashi and Ariake did enrich their Court with a new Baron and Baroness; Their Excellencies Menken Brechen and Elizabeth Stafford, from the Barony of the Skrael. These worthy folk were well known to all in Ealdormere and the Crown was counted fortunate to have such subjects as they.

Of Jeames Blaunkheort.

he Chronicles of Saint Brand report that on the thirteenth day of January, Anno Societatis xxiv the Crown was minded to make Lord Jeames Blaunkheort a member of the Order of the Willow. Lord Jeames would in future years move to Ben Dunfirth in Rising Waters (from whence he did travel on a regular basis to the City of Eoforwic), become a most popular and valued Septentrian and win great glory for himself as a Companion of the Order of the Laurel.

Of the death of Master Tsveta'an.

s well as gladness there were tears at the Crown Principality's Twelfth Night in Bryniau Tywynnog, which was attended by many Eoforings. On the evening of the twentieth day of January in the twenty-fourth year of the Society, it was announced that good Queen Ariake and Baroness Enid of Skraeling Althing (a Mistress of the Laurel) had visited the home of Tsveta'an Arinssen that morning. Tsveta'an was a dance master who had taught his art throughout the North; he also had been in charge of all dancing at Pennsic XVIII. He was well-known and liked in Eoforwic, for he visited the City often to teach dance and see his friends, in which number was found Gunnar Halfdann. His health had been failing for some time due to a terrible cancer, and in this most joyous of seasons Tsveta'an was at home abed. At his bedside the Queen, with Baroness Enid, did make Tsveta'an a Master of the Laurel, which act was read into the records of the court that evening. Many tears were wept that evening and Queen Ariake did weep too, for all knew Master Tsveta'an was not long for this world. The day after receiving the medallion of the Laurelate from his Queen's hand, Master Tsveta'an died. The next week many travelled from Eoforwic to attend his funeral and again many tears were ed.

Further bounty from the Crown.

n Vest Yorvik, that most fragrant of locales, on the tenth day of February, Anno Societatis XXIV, three Ealdormerans were rewarded by the Crown for services rendered and all three would go on to greater things, even though not one was an Eoforing. Lord Justinian Clarus was awarded Arms that day, who would later become fifth Bard of Ealdormere to Prince Kildare I and whose voice would shake the Pennsic battlefield. Lady Ragnheithr Thorbjarnarsdottir also received Arms, who would later become a companion of the Willow for her knowledge of all things Norse, and would also be the third Princess of the North. Master Ricard of Sable Tree, once Archer General of the Midrealm, was made a member of the Order of the Dragon's Heart, for his devotion to the kingdom. This is of course the same Ricard who later became the second seneschal of the Principality, following in the footsteps of his wife, Katerina de Turenne.

Of the knighting of David Martin Failsworth and the squiring of Tai Chin Wu.

t was on the tenth day of March in the twenty-fourth year of the Society, the annual moveable feast in memory of the dog Clancy (perhaps the most notable resident of that den of heretics) that well-loved King Tadashi and gracious Queen Ariake journeyed o the ever-incipient Shire of Starleaf Gate. There they did dub as Knight David Martin Failsworth, who had been squire to Sir Bealdgar from Afon Araf. Sir David was a tall and slim man of mild manner. His clothing and accoutrements were ever of the most legant style. On the field and off he was most chivalrous and he was noted for his speed and grace when fighting with florentine swords.

Sir David was the fifth Knight from the Northlands; first was Sir Finnvarr, then Sir Hugo and then was knighted Finnvarr's squire Sir Mordain. Next to be made Knight was Sir Bealdgar and then Sir David who was his squire.

Some months later, at the first Principality investiture, Sir David took his first squire, an Eoforing named Tai Chin Wu ^[27] . Tai Chin Wu was a Mongol and had many tattoos. As his trade he crafted wood in military service to the Crown at the great keep of Downsview, and as a hobby he crafted leather, for which Master Ricard of Sable Tree did take him as an apprentice. Tai was also a fine fighter, granted membership in the Order of the Dragon's Tooth by Their Majesties Tadashi and Ariake, th gh his hands ever gave him trouble and his injuries were manifold.

^[27] This is the same Tai Chin Wu who was made armigerous at Crown Principality Twelfth Night by Their Majesties Tadashi and Ariake.

Tai was well-loved by many ladies wherever he did travel and he did return their love with vigour and enthusiasm, though he was a poor singer, a middling poet and danced but occasionally.