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 The Fourth Book of the Chronicles of Eoforwic
Page 3
of 7
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.
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]
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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