The Fifth Book of the Chronicles of Eoforwic

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May A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

n this month at Skeldergate was held the Artisan's Fair, and it was a hastily arranged affair, since the place previously appointed in Rising Waters had been overrun by barbarians. Gwynfyr, whose task it was to plan the Fair, luckily arranged with the scholars of York for the use of one of their halls. There were scarcely thirty entries, but the people of Eoforwic were well represented. Raffe Scholemaystre was placed in the first rank for his cotehardie, the first piece of garb he had ever made; Rigunth af Bern was likewise placed in the first rank for the dress she had worn at her wedding and for two research papers, and these were enough to make her Champion for all of Ealdormere. Killdare and Catherine made her Cupbearer for their reign.

In this month did Ronin and Katya take the Dragon Throne for their own; and at the great tourney on the next weekend Finn Rhydderi Herjolfson, who had been defeated in the finals twice before, at last prevailed in the lists, and presented the crown of the Princess of the Middle to Garlanda de Stanas.

And Rising Waters did hold the Lady Mary Memorial Tourney, which Duke Sir Palymar did win. On that day, Edward (later called Beausoliel) and Angus Albani were accepted officially as fighters.

June A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

he Lord Mayor had set the annual market day and fair as the second Saturday in June and had fulfilled his campaign promise by serving as autocrat, along with his wife. As Eoforwic was intensely preparing for the Althing to be held the next month, the fair was meant as a relaxing day for the populace. Elspeth staged a new play in the Eoforwic Cycle, this time a moral tale, in which Adam and Eve bore more than a passing resemblance to a certain former Baron and Baroness of Septentria. And as would become traditional, Ludwig von Neurenburg portrayed God. The play culminated in Eve (played by Catriona) giving an Angel of Vengeance (play by Lord Mayor Gunthar) a good kick in the pants.

This was the first year in which formal sumptuary laws were drafted by the Lord Mayor for enforcement by the Sheriff and her staff of torturers, who, led by Rhiannon, were quite up to the task and applied their whips with enthusiasm to the various miscreants who were unwilling to pay coin for a license from the Lord Mayor.

July A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

he people of Eoforwic did assemble this month for the Althing. Long had Sigridr and many others planned for this day, so that all might see and enjoy the culture and crafts of the Icelanders. Many of the Norse had indeed visited the Guildhall and shared their knowledge with the populace, including Brynhildr Jarla Kormaksdottir, whose tales of the ways of Norse women were a marvel to hear; indeed, they were printed in the Althingboke which Sigridr, with the help of Rigunth, did publish for the edification of the populace. The fame of this book later spread far and wide.

Four chieftains came to the Althing, and they were Tarver, Ragnar, Gunthar, and Solvi. Each had over the preceding weeks gathered together followers, because they anticipated some disputes might be heard. Because of the great weight of the proceedings, two Lawspeakers learned in the lawcodes of Iceland were summoned to hear the cases, and they were Robert of Two Cliffs and Grimwulf the Hairy. The business between Gunthar and Ragnar concerned the carrying off of Arnora, a kinswoman of Gunthar, by Ragnar, without proper compensation to the family. Now Ragnar contended that the kin of Gunthar was without honour, as some of them, including his wife Rigunth, had of late adhered to the Christian religion, while Gunthar contended that religion should be no block to the lawful settlement of a marriage, and that the Christians in his family did not force their God upon others. After many heated words and testimony of witnesses, and after discerning that Arnora herself was not loath to the marriage, Robert declared that a simple feat of strength by the chieftains should prove their respective honours, as he could find no blot on the reputations of either, and as the marriage itself was not repulsive to either side. He decreed that both

Ragnar and Gunthar were to carry their wives on their backs around the perimeter of the Althing-place, which perhaps would break the tension among the chieftains.

But alas, Rigunth became tangled in the costly silks her husband had procured for her and fell to the ground as she climbed upon her husband's back, and was carried into a nearby tent in great pain. A substitute was found in the form of Anne, the small daughter of Richard Larmer, one of Gunthar's retinue, and it was no surprise that Gunthar traversed the course much faster than Ragnar. And so Ragnar gave over armrings and torcs of gold as a brideprice, and the two chieftains parted as friends. Rigunth later emerged from the tent, limping but happy at the settlement.

Meanwhile more weighty matters were dealt with. Vychata, brother of Solvi, brought a tale of woe wherein Signy, sister to his wife Solveig (a lady who greatly resembled a certain Tudor lady of York) and her only son were driven from their home by a fire set by raiders, led by one Artair of Orkney--a man of Tarver's district. Having set out for help, Signy and her son were caught by a storm; they were later found in the fields, frozen to death. Incensed at the needless death of her sister and nephew, Solveig had charged Solvi with bringing suit against this Artair before the Lawspeaker, for the penalty for such a crime is greater banishment, and Solvi had given the suit to his brother Vychata to bring, for he was unable make it to the Althing in time himself. When the parties came together before Grimwulf the Hairy, who had been appointed to give the law in this case, Solveig produced from beneath her apron her sister's badly singed dress, and threw it to the ground, demanding justice for her sister's death. Seeing this, so inflamed did Vychata become at the offense against his kin that he shoved Artair to the ground -- an offense itself punishable by greater banishment, and at once, swords appeared in hands amongst the retinues of both chieftains. Grimwulf stepped between the two men, and drew out Rhys from Tarver's retinue and Onami from Vychata's, to be held as hostages; should anyone move, they would both be killed. Then Grimwulf called for those not directly associated with the two adversaries to gather and decide their fate. Wise were the people, who deemed that it was Solveig's place, as the wronged kinswoman to decide whether Artair should be consigned to greater or to lesser banishment--but that whatever fate she chose, her own kinsman Vychata should share it. And thus, because of love for her knisman Vychata, she chose to be merciful and proscribe lesser banishment; and a bloodprice was given for the lives of her kin by Tarver and his retinue.

Prominent at the Althing was Aethelwin, a certain Anglo-Saxon missionary who greatly resembled various other Eoforwic residents with similar names. Confident in God's protection, Aethelwin went about promoting the new religion--a good thing, for certes--in a loud voice. Perhaps he was weighted down by the sin of Pride however, for he attracted the attention of a certain skald and was forced to leave the gathering in disgrace.

Not all things were so charged with controversy. Sylard had set up his forge nearby and was working on a sword; many folk participated in a game of chance to procure it, and Richard Larmer won, Hannorah brought a warp-weighted loom for the weaving of cloth, and Mortraeth worked on providing food for the masses. Also nearby men trained at arms, and Heoroweard was for the first time authorized to join them. And all marveled at the beauty of the surroundings, particularly the number of tents decorated in the Viking manner and the absence of those of strange fabrics wrought by Polly Esther.

Now as was traditional, the Althing-goers gathered together for feasting, and Mortraeth brought forth a plenitude of food.

And the folk took their seats on blankets; in order of the number of War seasons they had passed, with their chieftains at their head. And as the sun set, the folk passed the time in conversation and storytelling.

Now this Solvi of whom I have just spoken had only recently arrived in the City. He was a quiet lad of tender years, but was fair in speech and had many talents, most notably in the carving of wood and the making of clothes. It was later discovered that in fact his name was Jasper, and that he was really a Dutchman. Jasper was for several months the object of many sighs by the ladies of Eoforwic on account of his fair visage and long hair, but he soon took up with Catriona, and together they took on the task of caring for one Spike the Budgie.

It was in this month that the Canton Upon-the-Cliffs (later renamed Ardchreag) first met in the lands to the east of Eoforwic. Long had the residents of those parts made the arduous journey into the City to the Guild Hall, and though they liked the company, they disliked the journey. And so did Raffe Scholemaystre organize these citizens, and they began to meet in their own parts. And among these were Siegfried, Raedmund, Connor, and Rhys yr Saethydd, who had heretofore made the journey to Eoforwic; and there were others as well.

There was a great Fair held in the city of Orangeville to the North of Eoforwic, and many were the citizens who demonstrated their trades and fought in the tournament. It was after this great fair that the canton of Monadh came into being. The Monadhi were simple, yet talented folk, fond of archery and immensely proud of their beards. They kept safe a sacred field of thistles, which they memorialized on their arms. The Bearded Men of Monadh, who seemed to increase in number at every event (thanks, perhaps, in part to ready-made beards some enterprising merchants had prepared for purchase) were forever chastising the Faringolds letting their sheep wander into the sacred Field of Thistles, often publicly, thanks to the razor-sharp wit of one Foote the Potter. Some dubbed this group the Septentrian Retirement Home, due to the presence of many long-term members such as Sylard of Eagleshaven, but the observant noted that they were far from retiring.

August A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

his being a time of War, the citizens of Eoforwic made ready their baggage trains, and the Lord Mayor sent messengers ahead to insure that the populace might have a place to pitch their tents. But when the first scouts arrived, they discovered that a host bearing the banners of Trimaris had occupied their campsite and that they would now have to camp on hilly ground next to a swamp. Many recalled the time when the King of the East had turned the citizens of Septentria out of the selfsame space in order to cement an alliance, and they raged with fury against the Trimarians. Even greater was their rage when a rainstorm nearly washed away the camp. Only the sapping skills of Hector saved it from destruction. I must note that this summer was unusually chilly, which made the hills of Pennsia quite pleasant.

It is here that I turn to the creation of the Eoforwic City Militia and their exploits in times of War.

The levy this year had revealed a great number of untried fighters dwelt in the domains of Eoforwic and the College of Skeldergate. Though new to the arts of war, this group was possessed with an enthusiasm not seen in these parts for some years. Seeing this, Lord Grimwulf did form in his mind a Plan: that experienced fighters be induced to fight for the City, such that the newer swordsmen be guided by experienced leadership, and such that their shield wall be backed by other weapons. And Grimwulf did offer the Gold Coin of the Realm to all who would serve for four battles, and the Silver Coin to all who would serve as Scouts in the woods. Hearing this, the Lord Mayor decided that this worthy corps would not lack in support from the City, and opened the City treasuries to provide good ale for the militia, and recruited provisioners to staff a pavilion beside the field. And his wife created City badges for all the fighters.

The Militia drilled with Grimwulf and the other unit commanders, Aelfwine, Aedan, and Hector. And other notables were recruited, including Sir Mordain and several from the Skrael, Duke Sir Finnvarr, Frederic L'Avare, and others from the East and the far reaches of the Middle. And when the forces of Ealdormere processed to the field, nearly half wore the badge azure, on tower argent a sword sable. (The the heralds eventually returned it for conflict--though is this not appropriate for a martial badge?)

The legends that may be told about the Militia are legion. Indeed, they formed the single largest fighting block in the forces of the Prince of Ealdormere. And in the face of overwhelming odds--for the King of the East had levied two-thirds again as many fighters as had King Ronin-- they proved that inexperience was no hindrance to them. Few cares weighed their brows, and smiles were on their faces even in the face of death. So loud was their singing as they entered the town in the third battle that the Eastern forces were demoralized completely, and in close quarters on the bridge they held off Tuchux and Duke Merowald alike until the forces of de Taahe broke through and trapped their enemies from behind. And around the campfires the spirit of Eoforwic was reborn, and the singing was led Hector, who had led his forces on the field as a simple lord, but emerged in War Court as a Peer of the Realm, inducted by, it is said, unanimous vote of the other members of the Order of the Laurel for his great talents as a bard (although Grimwulf, dressed in sappers' garb and carrying a shovel, did offer mute testimony to Hector's other skills during the ceremony).

Great were the thanks of the Prince, such that he personally donned the badge of the Militia, and far and wide spread the tales of the conduct of the young fighters of Eoforwic, no longer a mere militia, but by Mayoral decree, the City Guard of Eoforwic.

That was the year in which fencers from Ealdormere first appeared in the Pennsic lists, including Rigunth and Hoskuld Thorleiksson. Now Hoskuld was a Norseman who had thought to make his way with more traditional Viking arms, but one day, he picked up a rapier and discovered that his skill was great with this weapon, and that year he won a novice tourney at Pennsic. It was also there that he met Eyrny Ormarsdottir, a Norse lady likewise fond of bright colours and long sharp swords, who would one day be his lady. It was these two gentles who were in the most responsible for the rise of the arts of defense in Ealdormere, and Hoskuld would become its first Principality Marshal of Fence.

It was also the year of the Green Man, a certain notorious inn on the far side of the lake, which was responsible for corrupting many an Eoforing.

A lady of great fame by the name of Sylvia du Soliel accompanied the townspeople that year. Sylvia had appeared at a meeting one night and been so enthused that she approached her patrons and asked if they might pay her way to Pennsia, for she was a talented artist in the composition of portraits in the modern manner and wished to chronicle the deeds of the Society for all to see. And so she traveled with the townsfolk and camped with them, and on the field of battle, Edward carried her favour. Such was her thanks that she composed a portrait of him in armour a merchant was exhibiting, and placed him on a prominent page on a local broadsheet, where men of handsome features were wont to be portrayed. And thus, Edward received the surname "du Soleil" in commemoration of this, which he later changed to Beausoliel; in the vernacular he is still known to this day as "Sunshine Boy". Sylvia's pictures brought great fame to Eoforwic, and she visited Eoforwic from time to time thereafter, often with pictures of Italy or other places she had visited.

September A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

n this month at Montforet the forces of the West of Septentria did revolt against their friends of the East, and some did say that this was contrived by Baron Cordigan to shame the East, whose interests he no longer held dear; others say it was peasants who fomented the revolt. In any case, when the men of the East beheld the forces of the West, their hearts leapt to their mouths, for they were greatly outnumbered; but they bravely fought on. When it came time to muster the forces for the next battle, Earl Sir David declared that there was no honour in such mismatched sides, and so the men were evenly divided, which was pleasing since most had no quarrel with each other.

The following week, in Trinovantia were Austrechild von Mondsee and Ihsan al-Kilwiyya made noble, and Feardubh was inducted into the Order of the Willow on account of his great skills as a musician. Ihsan was a Portugeuse lady who had dwelt for some time in far Araby, and had adopted a name in the local language; later, she returned to her home and her original name of Ines de Freytis and opened a notorious Inn called the Black Rose. Austrechild was a young lady raised in a monastery here she had learned to write in many hands. Feardubh and Roy War-Bassoon were known by everyone.

The next week was fought the sixth Coronet Tourney of Ealdormere, in Rising Waters. And the lists this time were filled with noble gentles, though none from Eoforwic fought. And in the finals were pitted Sir Belgar against Gunther von Weaselberg, who had twice before reached the finals. They were two gentles known throughout the world for courtesy and chivalry, and no one could say who would win. In the final bout Sir Belgar emerged victorious, to the delight of all.

On that day were Tarver and Rigunth made Companions of the Order of the Golden Otter, and Aelfwine was given the Award of the Wolf's Tooth, for his leadership at Pennsic. And Killdare and Catherine quit the Trillium thrones, that Sir Belgar and Andrea might take them up. And Laurelen, the daughter of the new Prince and Princess, did sleep soundly in her mother's arms through the whole ceremony.

The next week Rigunth and Hoskuld and several others from Septentria journeyed to Starleaf Gate for a great collegium on the art of defence, where Rigunth authorized in case of rapiers and thus became Eoforwic's first marshal in training in this art. And there also did Prince Finn gain approval to practice the art of the rapier.

The Michaelmas moot occurred soon thereafter, and it was held in the refectory of King's College, hard by the City Square. Thomas Grozier (who resembled Aethelstan in all but the bad puns), Edward du Soliel, and Tarver came forth to present their candidacy for Lord Mayor, and Gaerwen of Trafford and Eanor of Amberhall did vie for City Sheriff. Birstan (sometimes called Dann) had withdrawn from the race in exchange for a promise from Gaerwen that she would appoint him as Bailiff should she be elected. And then was Lauren made the returns officer. And then the guildmasters came forth, and all wondered that the City had so prospered that over two hundred guilds now existed.

And before the roll was called, Elspeth and the Player's Guild did present two Satires, one of which featured Ceridwyn as Edward and did raise much mirth on account of the socks stuffed into her tights.

And Tarver then stood and declared that he was removing himself from candidacy and giving his support to Thomas.

The vote taken, Thomas became the fourth Lord Mayor of Eoforwic, though the vote was very close. And Gaerwen was elected as Sheriff. Gunthar did then give Thomas the Ancient Chain of Eoforwic, and thus did his term end.

That month also did Ceridwyn begin the study of Science at the College of Skeldergate, and so Rigunth became sole chronicler for the Ursus.

October A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

n this month two visitors from Coppertree came to teach the art of the rapier to those of Skeldergate, Eoforwic, and Vest Yorvik, and one of them was Duke Morghun Sheridan, whose skill in all martial matters was known near and far.

Also, Finn Rhyderri Herjolfsson did claim the Dragon Throne for his own, and did make Garlanda de Stanas his Queen. The next week their heirs were determined, and their names were familiar to all -- Jarl Sir Dag and his lady, Countess Ilsa. Dag defeated Sir Jafar in the finals and so did win his place.

Also it was announced that the new Baron and Baroness of Septentria would be either Ieuan and Adrielle, or Grimwulf and Ursula, or Odd and Catherine. The people of the East were not told what was transpiring in the West, and all reports that arrived were garbled.

The people of Eoforwic once again assembled on the green to the south of King's College for the great fair which was customarily held at that time of year, that the barbarians might come to know civilization. And though it was cold and damp, they did enjoy themselves full well and greeted many.

It was also about this time that Aidan GreyLock, Elaine Middleton, and Senga were first seen in the City. Aidan was known for her skill with herbs. Elaine was a scholar at the university, skilled in the study of morality plays and saints' plays, and was first seen in a surcote of great beauty. Later her husband, one Vladimir, began to appear around the City as well. Senga was a Celtic lass, and she soon caught the eye of one Angus Albani, a sucker for tartan, but was seen less and less in favour of her apparent twin, a French lady called Ysabeau. At the great Bardic Circle customarily held near All Hallows' Eve, the Lord Mayor did appoint certain City Officials. Birstan was made Bailiff, and Lauren Antoine D'Artois was made Lord Admiral. Edward du Soliel was appointed Captain of the night Watch, and Gunnar was made Almoner. Angus was made Ensign and Senga made Seargent, and the Brute Squad formed of Conner and Duncan. And Rhiannon and Ivar were appointed to keep the gates, and Gunthar was made Forester for the Humber. And as some officials had become so proficient in their duties, they were reappointed: Gwynfyr as Harbourmaster, Luanmaise as ratcatcher, and Lassar as Executioner.

At this time did my sister Nicolaa first come to Eoforwic. For the title of Castellan had fallen to her on the death of our mother, and she had recently come to dwell beneath the towers the great castle called Feurklippe that Sir Hugo had once held, and it had become her duty to extend the hospitality of Eoforwic to travellers and strangers. The clever will note that she and Rigunth were never seen together, and in fact Rigunth was not seen so much after her arrival.

Sigridr, Lino, and Tarver made the long journey north to the land of the Flaming Sky, where a wondrous thing did happen. After the trial at the Althing, Sylard had decided upon a course of action, aided by the wise counsel of Robert of Two Cliffs. Long ago Sylard and Finnvarr had made a pact to share in whatever good things the Norns might bring them. As King Finnvarr had gifted him with one-tenth of his lands, those being all territories to the north of the street on which the house of the Poor Clares was situated, Sylard had become rich and prosperous. Now that Duke Finnvarr dwelled in the North, Sylard decided to deed him one-tenth of his own lands, and this was described as the Shire of Flaming Sky and all land within two days' ride. And this is how Finnvarr enlarged his Duchy. Sylard gave Finnvarr a land marker made in the Viking manner and inscribed with runes, that all might know that Finnvarr was master of these lands. Also on this day was Tarver taken as apprentice by Master Sylard, the first since the dissolution of Eagleshaven.

November A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

n this month the Royal University of the Midrealm did convene at Skeldergate, and many from Eoforwic did attend and teach. Anthea did give discourse on gemstones, and Nicolaa did talk about the ways of a scholar. Many of the tailors of Eoforwic were greatly excited at the two master tailors who had journeyed from the South to discuss their art. Mistress Diana, who had brought society out of the pit of ignorance so long ago, did talk about the early years. Tales of the work of the people of Eoforwic had reached the ear of King Finn, and so in sight of the people were Luanmaise Ceantine, Lassar, Birstan, and Edward du Soliel made noble. Luanmaise was specially recognized for her work in ridding the City of vermin, and a poem detailing Edward's heroic conduct written by Master Hector was read before the populace. Also Guynedd was inducted into the Order of the Willow, though there was much confusion since her first name had been left off the scroll, and so the populace puzzled over the mystery Willow.

At the Feast of the Hare the next week there was held a great Moot of the people of Ealdormere. And Prince Belgar took off his crown and said that all should speak their mind, since now he was no Prince, but an ordinary man. And many things of great import were discussed, but nothing decided. And the tourney was won by Cennedi of the Skrael and Raedmund of Ard Creag.

December A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1992)

In this month the citizens did hear a discussion on the mysteries of stonecarving by an itinerant artisan, and many were full well impressed.

The age-old tradition of parading through the town as mummers was this year revived with the help of Elspeth and Eanor.

Many of the populace had heard great tales of the works of Dante Alligheri, and so Sigridr, Lino, Rhiannon, and Gunnar, who were all that time living in the vill of Hazleburn, resolved to host a revel in honor of the poet. And thus the lodgings of Gunnar became Paradise, and he himself took on the guise of Our Lord (with miraculously-printed cards to attest to that fact.) And the lodgings of the others became the Inferno, Limbo, and Purgatory. Indeed a great number of the populace came in the guise of various personages, virtues, and vices. Ludwig reprised his role as God, though he was constantly to be found in Hell's Kitchen. Lino once again portrayed Satan. Other guests included, among others, Beatrice (of the long red hair), Lilith, several angels (including the Archangel Muriel), the virtues of Penitence, Chastity (who was to be seen dispensing backrubs throughout the night) and Purity (who was expecting a child), Vergil, John Milton (who spoke in iambic pentameter for the whole evening, then gave up at the stroke of midnight...with great relief on the part of all), the vices of Pride, Lust, Glechery (a combination of Gluttony and Lechery), and Envy; Rudolf I of Habsburg, Vannifucci, Guy de Montfort, Hubricia, a Fury, the spirit of Fire, Temptation, various symbolic Beasts, and of course Dante himself. Steve McQueen and Charlton Heston showed up, thinking that the Inferno was of the towering variety. Unfortunately, twelve of these guests on the way to the wedding of Hubricia and Muriel spent a great deal of time stuck in Purgatory (the vill's hoisting device) singing strange verses of doggerel (many from the disastrous decade of the 70's) under the pretense that Elevator Music was necessary in these circumstances. Rudolf I was eventually able to pry open the door and release these hap(sburg)less souls.

January A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1993)

n this month did the City hold its Twelfth Night festivities, and Thomas Grozier was made King of Fools and Rhiannon was his Queen, by the vote of the bean-cake. Rhiannon did cause Ludwig that night to imitate all manner of beasts and other objects solely at her whim. (Ludwig disappeared a short time after, not to reemerge until sometime later, attempting to show the folk of his hometown on the shores of the great Northern Inland Sea the ways of the Society. Of that, little has come since. ) And many marvelous Sotelties were brought forth by the populace, including a sleeping dragon done by Eanor and some "magic nuts" from the exotic land of Ohio proffered by Nicolaa.

The Twelfth Night festival by the Barony of Septentria did follow apace, and many of Eoforwic made the journey north to Petrea Thule for what was to be the last Twelfth Night for a united Barony. Great mirth was had when the Lord Mayor hired the singers of that canton and those of Greyfells to perform his scurrilous lyrics to the famous tune Sumer is icumen in. Earl Syr David in a strange twist was declared best flirt and best loudmouth. But strangest of all was the absence of the Baron at his own Twelfth Night, though Baroness Diane did graciously hold court by candlelight and bestowed upon Edward, Gunnar, Anthea, Ceridwyn, Rhys ap Bledri, Constantine, and Birstan the Bear's Claw. It was later made known that Baron Cordigan had followed his Prince south to the Province of Tree-Girt-Sea for the Twelfth Night Court of Their Majesties Finn and Garlanda.

It was in this month that Thomas Grozier and Catriona Gower of York were formally apprenticed to Robert of Two Cliffs, and given their indentures.

February A.S. XXVII (C.E. 1993)

he populace of Septentria was faced with yet another delay in deciding their future. It had been hoped that the new Baron and Baroness would be announced at the event on the last day of January. This was not to be, though all three couples did meet with their Majesties. The populace was told that the first week of March would be the latest a decision would be announced, and Investiture would definitely happen at the Spring Coronet tourney.

Thomas Grozier did give an excellent dissertation on Guilds, followed by the announcement that he was forming a social guild devoted to St. Thomas of Canterbury. Though this was a fine idea, nothing came of it. And Tarver stood up at that meeting and announced his engagement to a lady named Dace, and the populace marveled at the speed of his mind, that he could find such a soulmate in so short a time.

This month also was Catriona inducted into the Order of the Golden Otter, for her great skill at artwork.