The Fifth Book of the Chronicles of Eoforwic

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

he Queen of the Middle Kingdom did travel this month north to hold a great Moot of the folk of Ealdormere. And there was much discussion about the nature of Kingship that day. And after she had already departed, Sigridr was called into court by Queen Garlanda, who had heard great tales of the knowledge of that Lady in matters pertaining to the Norsemen, and for that she inducted Sigridr into the Order of the Silver Oak.

Several of the folk of Eoforwic traveled south later that month to the great Passing of the Ice Dragon in the Rhydderich Hael. Nicolaa and Hoskuld fought with rapiers, and Aelfwine, Richard Larmer, Eduoard, Raedmund, and Siegfried fought as a team in the melee tournament, wearing the red tabards of Ealdormere. This tournament was presided over by the child Princess Jaqueline, who was most gracious in her bearing and attracted the attention of many of the Royals there attending the War Council. Plans of a Great Southern Alliance surfaced, and in anticipation Hector did perform the Salt Ceremony with Thorgrim, the great leader of the House of Rozakii, in order to enlist the help of that valourous household in the training of the Eoforwic forces. Some say that the charms of a certain young lady of Tara had a part in forging the alliance, but this is but rumour. Also at this event was the favour in the Bayeux tapestry style that Nicolaa had made for Gunthar was selected as the Baroness' Choice in the Arts and Sciences exhibition.

This month also were many Deputies created: Luanmaise as deputy Pursuivant, and Aidan and Senga as deputy chatelaines. And public complaint was made against the Lord Mayor in the town broadsheet in the following manner: "The Lord Maior is not answering his people! He skulks around in Pubs and Guldhalls and never says what he's doing with our Moneys! The Maior had better talk or he shall be Peached! That is an Oath from the People's Committe for Responsible Town Government. PS. The Committee will look for him at the Carnival and with many Peaches if he remains silent!!!! Beware!" Despite the complaint, no Peachings followed upon this warning.

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

t the great Artisans Fair held in Afon Araf, many of the artisans of Eoforwic exhibited their work, and there were far more exhibits than the year before. And the skill of Eoforwic and her neighbors at the Arts and Sciences was once again made manifest, as several gentles received first places, including Catriona for her costuming and illumination, Madinia for several items (including her green Elizabethan dress), Nicolaa for her embroidery, costuming, and research, and most of all, Catherine de Guise, who was declared as the Pentathalon champion.

Also that day was it announced that Ieuan and Adrielle would be invested as Baron and Baroness of Septentria at Coronet, and Prince Belgar admitted Grimwulf the Hairy into the Order of the Peregrine for his great leadership at Pennsic.

Later that same month, the seventh Coronet Tournament of Ealdormere was fought in Trinovantia Nova, and for the first time, several from Eoforwic and her neighbors were among the combatants. Eduoard Beausoliel fought for Anthea (who made for him a most wondrous garter as a favour), Elise Morgan ferch Owen fought for Master Hector (and Hector fought for Madinia), Richard Larmer fought for Tsharyl, his lady wife, and Raedmund d'Arden from Ardchreag fought for Morrigan. And indeed, these valourous fighters, many of whom had only one campaign season behind them, acquitted themselves quite well; Eduoard and Raedmund reached the final six before being at last defeated. The winner of the tourney was Viscount Killdare, who defeated Hogarth Tyrson in the finals, and crowned his lady Lella as Princess. And the Eoforwic Guard was well pleased, as Killdare was an honourary member of their lot, and so presented him with a gold coin of the Realm, as those of the City Guard had received upon pledging service at that evening's court.

And that day also were Ieuan and Adrielle invested as Baron and Baroness of Septentria, though the western cantons had not yet taken their leave of the Barony. And at their side as Pursuivant stood Vladimir Blahuciak, who had returned to the Society after some fifteen years' sojourn. And many were glad that the long days of waiting were finally over. Also was Balderick of the Pathless Wastes made a Peer of the Realm and a Master of the Laurel for his skills in making parchment, though all were forced to wait as he was called forth from the lavatory. And Dathi Thorfinsson, protege to Baroness Fiona of Rising Waters, was himself elevated to the Order of the Pelican, for his great service to the College of Heralds. Soon thereafter, he departed for Calontir.

And of the folk of Eoforwic, Heoroward the Feorobuend and Vincent Travis Greywolf were awarded arms, as was Raffe the Scholemaystre,who had dwelt in Eoforwic before founding the canton of Ardchreag; and Nicolaa de Bracton of Leicester was given the Award of the Purple Fret for her wide-ranging service, particularly as the Chronicler of Septentria.

May A.S. XXVIII (C.E. 1993)

he new year saw Finn and Garlanda relinquish the Dragon Thrones to their successors, Dag and Ilsa, who in turn held a great tournament in the south to find a Prince and Princess. Sir Jafar bested Duke Palymar, to whom he had once been squired, in the final battle, and thus bestowed the Princess' coronet on his lady, Mistress Catherine de la Rose. Viscount Thorbjorn Osis particularly distinguished himself in the lists, advancing as far as the semi-finals.

Many from the City journeyed south to the Barony of Rising Waters, where the tournament in honour of the Lady Mary Campbell was once again held, and Duke Eliahu was the victor, fighting for Countess Tangwystl, who none had seen in many months. And on that day, the first anniversary of his authorization, Eduoard Beausoliel was made Prince's Champion by Prince Killdare.

Also in this month the City formed a delegation to visit the nearby canton of Ardchreag, and presented them with much clothing, for they were new in Society ways and had no collection with which to clothe visitors.

June A.S. XXVIII (C.E. 1993)

he canton of Eoforwic managed to host two celebrations this month. Market Day was held at the Market Square again and featured many past favourites, including plenty of sumptuary laws, mostly for wearing purple. Sheriff Gaerwen presided over a crack squad of torturers, including Rhiannon and Morrigan. Certain gentles were actually trying to get put in the stocks and thrashed. However, when Gaerwen attempted to prosecute Konrad of Bryniau Tywynogg for wearing too much fur, he ate the list of rules. Also presented was Elspeth's latest play, this one a pantomime called "Aristotle and Phyllis". Many gentles, but mostly of the town, attended the gathering. There was much controversy this year, because the Market had conflicted with an event hosted by a new group some hours away, and though there was no fighting nor feast at the Market, many claimed that haughty Eoforwic purposely paid no heed to the travails of a new group. This caused many in the City some pain, as the gathering had been meant mostly for cityfolk.

Now, this pointed out a great problem: it seemed that many believed that Eoforwic felt itself to be Centre of the Known World, and thus did not deign to associate with other groups, nor did it pay the Calendar any heed when scheduling events. It was oftimes muttered by those from without that those from Eoforwic did not bother to travel to the feasts and celebrations of others. Why, said they, does not Eoforwic become a Barony, since she is so large in population, but so isolationist in nature? Alas, these things grieved many of the townsfolk much. It was true that many of the citizens could not venture far from home, but that was because many lacked waggons. But then it was realized that time was indeed passing, and the great names who had made Eoforwic great had moved away, or retired, or simply were no longer seen so much. In vain those of other cantons searched for these faces; not finding them, they concluded that Eoforwic was not present. The younger townsfolk had not yet gained recognition as Eoforwicians. Much was done in the next years to rectify this problem.

Later that month, with Murder Melee come and gone (and not without a most amusing dance involving a most sheer chemise, performed by Glandydd in honour of Ceallach's upcoming nuptials), the square of Trinity College was transformed into the city of Venice. This celebration had been the idea of Ceridwyn, and though more lightly attended than Market Day, was one of the most beautiful events in Eoforwic history. Many of the populace had endeavored to sew clothing in the Italian style, and the square was bedecked with colourful silks. Here for the first time did Elizabeth Cadfan, called Kestrel, produce tokens of pewter, in the shape of a dolphin. Here was also contested a horse race without horses, featuring Prince Killdare as Trillium Boy and Syr David as Northern Dancer, though both were bested by Raimond, who wagerers had rated the longest shot in the race. Here also was seen Guillaume di San Marino distributing cigars, for Guynedd had given birth that very day to a boy, christened Peter Francis. There was dancing all day, and the feastcooked by Thomas Grozier and the Temperance Society, surpassed even the beauty of the hall in which it was held. And here a betrothal was arranged between Syr David and Elina, a young lady of noble birth, after much bargaining by her overanxious parents. This would have consequences for the future.

July A.S. XXVIII (C.E. 1993)

t was this month in which Tarver the Pole and Dace were wed publicly in the park named after the Holy Trinity. It was a most unusual ceremony, done in the custom of Latvia, and many of both Eoforwic and of that land were present, including Finnvarr and Ragni, who stood as sponsors to the groom. And Elspeth did present the play "EveryTarver", in which the hero was forced to overcome his multitudinous sins in order to obtain redemption and wed his lady.

This year the folk of the City were contracted by the city of Orangeville (called Monadh by Society folk) to watch the tollgate at the great festival there. And Robert of Two Cliffs ran the tourney, to exhibit the great chivalry of the fighters, and Sylard and Hannorah set up a Norse camp of exquisite perfection. A company of jousters traveled there from Southern lands, and the most exquisite forms of the jousters did much amuse Morrigan. Some things passing strange were seen, as John of Slaughterfield and Lothar von Wulfing both returned to the field and were approved for combat, though nothing came of this.

August A.S. XXVIII (C.E. 1993)

nce again the people of Eoforwic did wend their way south to the plains of Pennsia, where a great battle was brewing. Alas, the waggon bearing the advance guard of the City did break down, and Hector and Madinia did not arrive in time to claim the City's allotted space. Rather, the townsfolk were forced to make their camp on the outskirts of town, close by the roaring sea, which crashed and clanged night and day. This place was dusty and treeless, and hard by the waggon trains of all the inhabitants of Pennsic Town. Many citizens abandoned these grounds and found lodgings with friends elsewhere, but a hardy few remained. In that year the winds had blown hot and humid air over Pennsia, such that one could barely stand a moment in one's tent.

Once again the Eoforwic Guard took the field, but this time under the banner of Septentria and Baron Ieuan and Baroness Adrielle, fighters both, and once again the Lord Mayor's treasury provided ample refreshments for those who fought. This year when the East and Middle took to the field, the sides were evenly matched, and a grand sight it was to see the bold flanking moves of the armies at the first horn, to see Grimwulf leading the Guard through a hole in the lines, to see the banners of Septentria and de Taahe riding high in the midst of the fray. Though the battle went to the East, once again, few units showed better discipline than that of Septentria and the Eoforwic Guard, together the largest unit in the army of Ealdormere. In the woods battle the next day, the Midrealm again went down to defeat, but there was a marvelous story told. It seems that Duke Talymar, the Midrealm commander, took a force of 150 into the woods near the end of the battle, to see if he could espy the elusive Eastern banner, and Hector accompanied him as spearman. Gradually, the Midrealmers were killed, until only the Duke and Hector remained. Coming upon some more Easterners, the Duke revealed his identity and promised them a fair fight--but he wished to see the elusive banner before he died. The Easterners complied. Coming upon the Eastern Shield wall and the banner, the Duke announced that he was the commander of the Midrealm forces, and then allowed the Easterners to attack. First the Duke, and then Hector were dispatched, just as the final cannon signaled the end of the battle--meaning that the Easterner who had dispatched Hector had the distinction of defeating "the entire Midrealm army" single-handedly.

Fortunes turned for the Midrealm the next day, in battles fought over bridges and in the town. Just before the town battle, the King and Queen of Calontir requested the presence of the Prince and Princess of Ealdormere. When Killdare and Lella arrived, their bard lauded Ealdormere in a song of three verses, adding the postscript that Ealdormere now had the task of adding three verses of its own--and Justinian and Hector did so, on the spot! Calontir then gifted Ealdormere with a fine sceptre adorned with brass wolves' heads, with the hope that one day it should become the first piece of regalia for the Kingdom of Ealdormere. When examined more closely and swung just so, this "sceptre" was revealed to be a very cunningly wrought mace, and indeed, Killdare was so pleased that the gift was seldom out of his sight. And Tsuranaga, King of the East, was overheard to say after the defeat in the Bridge battle, to paraphrase, " I said it was OK to let Trimaris or Meridies or Darkmoon behind you....but NEVER let those guys in the red get behind you!" Though the final tally showed a victory for the East, much good fellowship was had by all, as evidenced by the rousing rendition of "Strip the Willow" danced by many of the fighters of Septentria--in the midst of the Town Battle (NOT during a hold, in the middle of battle).

The heat of the Serengetti did not dampen the spirit of Eoforwic. One night in Tarver's tent there was a Viking Beer Ceremony, in which the participants had to entertain the others or drink some of the local plonk. Here was seen for the first time Eoin o Beirne, then called Sean, and he had wondrous Riesling. Morrigan won the "wet chemise" contest, and Stephen Edgermont the "wet braies" competition, and the next day he was knighted on the field of battle. There were present this year a contingent of very large fighters from Skeldergate, dubbed by popular wit "Hugo, Huger, and Hugest". They would later form the core of House Hrogn, also called the Spawn.

This year was also paraded the miraculous Shroud of Padua, discovered by St. Ajax the Tombsweeper in the tomb of Our Lord as he bent to leave a mint on the pillow. Also in this year did Nicolaa give public discourse on the life of her liege lady, Eleanor Plantagenet, Countess of Leicester.

Pitying the exile of the townsfolk, Baron Ieuan and Baroness Adrielle held court within the camp. Before court, Rhiannon took Luanmaise and Lassar as apprentices, promising to instruct them in "everything she knows", causing several of the populace to tremble in fear. As the sun dipped over the horizon and a crescent moon appeared in the west, candles were lit and a box containing soil and stones from the Northlands were brought forth such that Court could properly be held on Septentrian soil. First, Aveline de la Rose was accepted as harper to the Baron and Baroness. Then a lovely lady in waiting, demure and dressed in pink, was brought forth, to serve the Baroness in whatever her will. It was noted that her husky voice resembled much that of a certain Raedmund. Then a box in the shape of a castle was given to Ieuan and Adrielle, from the people of Eoforwic. This box was wrought by Raimon of Lower Lorraine; meant to sit between their thrones, the castle came to adorn the Baronial manor. Many Bear's Claws were awarded: to Raffe Scholemaystre, bearer of the Baronial standard; to Ysabeau, for sewing Baronial tabards, to the aforementioned Skeldergate fighters (Etienne, Worrigan and Sexton), to Lord Sean of the far South, who had fought with the City Guard two years now, to Raedmund for his valour on the field, to House Rowanhall, and to Gwynfyr, Alan of the High Cliffs, and Ulvar, who also formed the core of a new archery corps. Austrechild von Mondsee also publicly petitioned for a Bear's Claw for Raimon, who was not present; thus it was given at a later date. Also here was reborn House de Taahe, as Finnvarr accepted Richard Larmer, Heoroweard, Edouard Beausoleil, and Paul as squires. In subsequent years, the de Taahe Lance would once again play a prominent part in the defence of the Northlands.

September A.S. XXVIII (C.E. 1993)

Having bested Sir Mordain in the lists, Cordigan d'Arnot emerged victorious at Coronet Tourney, thus winning the right to crown his lady wife, Diane, as Princess of Ealdormere.

Michaelmas term commenced with the annual elections in Eoforwic. One by one the guildmasters presented their credentials, among them the Guild of Evil Icelandic Women Who Goad their Men into Action; the Guild of Dirty Latin Phrase-Writers, the Guild of Dark Ale-Quaffing Viscountesses, the Guild of Attractive Lady Torturers, the Ealdormerian People Against Gossip (who eventually abstained--for once), the Brotherhood of Stupids, and the Confraternity of St. Doug of Gilmour (exhibiting a miraculous tunic inscribed with the mystic number 93). And four candidates stepped forward for mayor: Gwynfyr, Elspeth, Vychata Igoravich, and Rhiannon; and Birstan and Rhiannon ran for sheriff. Elspeth, who traditionally had made available her services as satirist to candidates, was commissioned by Vychata--to satirize herself, and it was exceedingly well done. In the midst of the campaign Justinian Clarus, who was visiting the city, fell dead asleep and, oblivious, was piled high with the outer wraps of the townsfolk. It was indeed a strange campaign, and for some reason erstwhile Mayor Gunthar even received some votes, but in the end, Vychata received the chain of office from Thomas Grozier, who was immediately placed in the stocks by Birstan, the new sheriff, for breaking his pledge not to pun during his term of office. It was about this time that the Lady Rosina was first seen in Septentria. Greatly skilled in the art of dance in the Italian manner and acclaimed throughout the Known World, she came first to Ardchreag. As her fame grew, she visited Eoforwic more often, and eventually became its Mistress of Dance.

Also in this month did the great scholar of costume Janet Arnold come to the city and discourse on the wardrobe of Elizabeth I, and many of the town tailors did attend, for none was judged so knowledgeable in all the world. And it is said that Madinia prostrated herself at this great lady's feet; indeed, she did attend the same lecture twice on successive nights.

October A.S. XXVIII (C.E. 1993)

n this month did Eoforwic celebrate the wedding of Ceallach and Mary Anne with a day of festivities near the scholars' lodgings at the Market Square. While the fighters challenged each other in feats of glory (for a while in the cloisters, where oft was heard the cry "watch the window!"), more genteel sorts avoided the drizzle and danced away the time inside. Portions of the Eoforwic Gold Key collection were torn to ribbons when most of the men and some of the ladies organized a game of "boar's head" in the Market green, which at this point resembled a pit of mud. The day's highlight was the telling of tales in praise of the newly wed couple, won by Baroness Elizabeth. The day concluded with a marvelous feast cooked by Mistress Tamarra, and seldom have so many coronets been seen in one room before.

And in this month did Robert of Two Cliffs depart Ealdormere once again, this time for the far West, to help illustrate the tale of one Quasimodo for Master Disney. And all were sorely sad to see him go, for he was a paragon of chivalry and grace.

November A.S. XXVIII (C.E. 1993)

n this month a feast to celebrate the reconquest of Spain was held within the walls of Vest Yorvik. On that day Ysabeau de Vauvert and Angus Albani were ennobled, and the charters attesting to this were identical. Also honoured were Morrigan of Tara and Raimond of Lower Lorraine, as well as a fifth gentle whose name has been forgotten in the mists of time. Said gentle had appeared briefly the summer before, and assisted with the waggons on one day, then vanished before anyone learned his Society name. It is said that the scroll is still in the holding of one of the Citizens of the city.

December A.S. XVIII (C.E. 1983)

In this month in Afon Araf was held the annual Wassail, where Albrecht Stampher finished second in the fencing tourney and the ladies of the city prospered on a mission to discover garnets and other things in the town.

It was in this month that Monika z Gneizno, once of Eoforwic and now of Castel Rouge, was put on vigil for the Order of the Laurel. This was done in a special ceremony before her friends while she sojourned in Eoforwic.