The Sixth Book of the Chronicles of Eoforwic

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Introduction

This is the sixth of the books of history of the Royal City of Eoforwic. The first was that of Etienne de L'Isle, the second was that of William of Roncesvalles, the third was that of Hyrcanos ben Jacob of Oporto, the fourth was that of Magnus of Iona, and the fifth was that of Susanna of Leicester, sister to my patroness. That fifth book concluded with the twentieth anniversary of Eoforwic, and was recorded not long after those events. Some ten years have passed since those happy days. Many citizens of the City have dispersed and traveled afar, or are no longer seen. Others, after a long absence, have been once again seen in the City’s streets, my patroness among them. Newer citizens, having read the first five books, have clamoured to hear what transpired in the ensuing ten years. And so Magistra Nicolaa, being civic-minded and intensely proud of the City in which she has again come to dwell, persuaded upon me to share the private chronicle that I had kept for many years and often shared with her in the days in which she traveled in southern lands, and longed for tales of her homeland and its people.

I shall confess that I shall leave the tale somewhat incomplete. It was in March of AS XXIII that I took leave of Eoforwic, along with the lady and lord in whose service I toil. It shall be left to another scribe to tell the tales of the dark days that followed, but also of the joy of rebirth. My Mistress returned to Eoforwic in January, AS XXXVII, and found it full of new townsmen and women, talented in the arts, full of zeal for martial activities, and extending hospitality and friendship to all who joined. If it were not for them, I would be loath to share this tale, which sees such soaring highs and crushing lows, and ends in pain and sorrow. Know, reader, that the seventh tome shall not end thusly.

Dedicated in the thirtieth year of the City of Eoforwic to the people of the Royal City, in the term of Gunnar Halfdan of Lund, thrice Mayor of the Royal City, anno Societatis XL.