The Third Book of The Chronicle of Eoforwic

The Third Book of
The Chronicle of Eoforwic

being
A Truly Written Account
of the Events of Moment
in the Canton of Eoforwic
from Earliest Times,
Including the History of the Founding
of the Crown Principality of Ealdormere

Written at the hand of
Hyrcanos ben Jacob Porto of Oporto

Printed with the aid of God in the City of Eoforwic
XXIII A.S.

The Chronicle of Eoforwic of Hyrcanos ben Jacob
Copyright (c) 1989 A.J.S. Nusbacher

With great respect and devotion do I, Hyrcanos the Judge the son of Jacob
Porto of Oporto, present this chronicle to my employer the Lord James
MacAndrews (of glorious name) in honour of his liege lord the Duke
Fionnbarr de Taahe, may he live for many good and long years. Long have I
laboured in its making, and long have I polished the bare innards of my
purse, preparing to honour the remuneration which must surely come.

I have read the past chronicles presented to Duke Fionbarr (may he live for
years that are good and long), that from Etienne de l'Isle, and that from
William of Roncesvalles and Trevarius (the Trierite). I have read the
histories compiled by the great Duke himself into the famous Tales of the
Midrealm Kings. I have read the histories of Orlandus Ambrosius. Now do I
attempt to make a chronicle of Eoforwic which combines a great deal of the
brevity and accuracy which befits a chronicle as well as some of the wonder
and glory which accompanies an history.

IVCCXL BCE, VCCVIJ AAS

In this year the World was created in six days. At this time the land of
Ealdormere was fashioned by God, separated from Northwoods by the Lakes of
St. Clair and Loggan Mor (see note 1), separated from the Cleft Lands and
the Middle Marches by the Silver Tarn (see note 2) and separated from the
East Kingdom by the Old Lake Ealdormere (see note 3) and by the River
Ottawa. Together these and other lakes are called the Middle Seas, for
while their water is sweet yet together they are as large as a sea, and
their waters as stormy and treacherous.

In this year were the stars created, and the astrologers group them into
constellations. And just as the land of Ealdormere was created as a
separate and distinct place so was the constellation Ealdormere set out in
the sky as a distinct creature of the heavens. And Ealdormere wears a belt
of three bright stars and some call her Orion the hunter.

IIICCL BCE, VCCXVJ AAS

In this year Adam died, and he was the first man. From him was descended
Noah, and from Noah was born Japheth. From Japheth came Ashchenaz and from
Ashchenaz came Zarphath, and from Zarphath came the line of de Taahe. Great
scions of that line have included King Fionbarr of the East, King Fionbarr
of the Middle, Sir Barinn de Taahe and Duke Fionbarr de Taahe (a righteous
gentile).Also from Japheth came the Trojans, and of the heroes of the
Trojans there was one Aeneas, who did found the City of Rome, and from him
were descended the Scoti, and whatever uneducated men may say, they were
descended from Adam through Eve his lawful wife and not through any other.
Others say that the Scoti are descended from Scota, the daughter of Pharaoh,
 who brought the Stone of Destiny from Egypt to Tara in Ireland and thence
to Scone in Scotland. From the Scoti sprang the line of Brian Boru, the
King of the Irish, and one of his lieutenants was the Baron Aedan of
Kincorra, the Baron Septentria. From the Scoti also sprang the line of the
kings of Connaught. And from this blood was born Maeve, Queen of Connaught,
and from her came Caffa Muiraith, the Baroness Septentria.

I CE, MCMLXVJ AAS, December

In this year Jesua ben Joseph was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, and the
Paynims call him a prophet and the Christians call him the son of God.

MCMLXVJ CE, I AS, May

In this year the Lists were made in the lands of the Mists in the West.

MCMLXXXV CE, XX AS, July

At this date the Seneschal of the Middle King was Countess Genevieve du
Vent Argent. the king's herald was Baron Charles O'Connor, who was the
first Baron of Knight's Crossing in Drachenwald. The mistress of Arts for
the Kingdom was Myrra of Blackwood, who was later the Seneschal. The Earl
Marshal was Sir Lucas Oswald Gustav Otto Stephan von Schnecke, called by
his initials Logos. The chronicler of the Kingdom was Siobhan Medbh
O'Roarke, of North Woods. Bardolf Ulfacson was the Chirurgeon General. The
Chancellor of the Exchequer was Robert MacGryffun, who sat his office for
many years.

At this date the Seneschal of Eoforwic was Aethelwold Mierca. His exchequer
was Jane of Hendon. The Knight-Marshal was Baroness Caffa, who would hold
that post for a long time, and the Mistress of the Lists was Genet of
Ashertor. The Mistress of Arts and chatelaine of novices was Dierdre
Carlyle, and the mistress of sciences was Mordreth Colwyn though she
concealed that. Eanor of Amberhall was chronicler. As was Eoforwic's wont,
there was no official chirurgeon, though many were skilled in physik and
surgery. The pursuivant was Tarver the Pole, though he soon turned the
sacred tattered baldrick of office over to James MacAndrews.

At this time was Elizabeth de Lom first seen, and the Saxon maiden Brithwin
of Wolfstead as well.

The chronicle of William of Roncesvalles and Trevarius has described the
day in the reign of the second Corin when Lord Iago, sometimes called Iag
or Yog the Undesirable, a Welshman (and thus called by his own people other
names, not pronuncible by the sons of man), won the tournament and was made
Champion of the Land of Ealdormere. His lady, Hannorah O'Neill, was known
at that time not only as a lady of great beauty and charm, but for openly
keeping Glandeth Rhysmordwen as a concubine. Since Glandeth and Iago were
great friends, there was no contention. As soon as the tournament ended,
Hannorah and Iago returned to Ben Dunfirth, and Hannorah commander her
ladies to spin scarlet wool into thread and plait that thread into cords,
that she might have tokens to give her people in times of war.

At this time James Macandrews was in the Holy Land, and he desired greatly
to know who had won the tournament and what had befallen that day in
Eoforwic. So James sent messengers from the desert monastery where he lived,
 to go to Rhiannon of Wye who lived near the place of the tournament. And
Rhiannon of Wye was engaged in the general f?ete in honour of Iago, and she
was not at home. So the messengers came back empty-handed, having merely
left messages nailed to her door. then James sent a message to Tech na
Cerdchad M?oire, the Baron's house, to know what had come to pass. And the
Baron and Baroness were caught up in the f?ete, and they were not at home.
But Fionn, Aedan's son, was at home, and he told the news.

That night in Judaea there were seen many falling stars. James consulted
the wise men o the land, and though some said that stars always fell in
July others said it was an omen and a dire one indeed.

MCMLXXXV CE, XX AS, August

In this month did Corin the Sun-king (the second Corin) lead the array of
the Middle into battle against Morguhn the Sheridan, King of the East, the
first of that name. In this war did Corin's army defeat the East in the
woods, and it is aid that after the victory Corin's countenance did shine
like the sun for which he was named. In a battle on a bridge, the East was
affrighted by the serried ranks of the Middle, and did withdraw. They hoped
to draw the Middle forces across the bridge, and press the Middle against
the raging river beneath. But the forces of the Middle, including the men
of Ealdormere who chanted for beer and who were whipped into lust for blood
by Naon's drummers, were held in check. And Duke Siegfried and Master
Kobayashi and Duke Aonghais Dubh issued out from the Eastern array and did
attempt to break the bridge with their swords and bare hands, but to no
avail. In the battle on the field there was much carnage, and when the dust
cleared, there were but two men standing from the Middle, and they were
James mac Art of Tree-girt-sea and Iago, the Champion of Ealdormere. And
the Easterners allowed them single combat, and James mac Art was killed.
One after the next Iag slew his foes until he was too weary to fight more.
And on the field that day Corin the King awarded Iag the Dragon's Tooth.

At this war the soldiers of Septentria first wore the crimson tabards made
by Domenica of the Welfengau that had the golden bears upon them, and they
did carry the plaited cords of scarlet which Hannorah and her ladies made.
They marched out in shining array, with drummers playing the cadence on
broad Irish drums. And in the field they were led by Iago, and under Iago
were Baron Aedan and Sir Mordain Blackcloak who had been Sir Fionbarr's
squire before. At this war did the Septentrians begin the tradition of
forming the majority of the royal guard, and Charles of Hamme did first
stand guard at this war and for many hours.

At this war did Amanda of Walworth, a squire of Count Tadashi's Dreadnought
household in North Woods, convince James Macandrews to fight for the Middle
rather than the East, and James Macandrews was forsworn of his command of
the Eastern banner rangers for the love of his lady, and for one year he
dared not look Duke Hasdrubal in the eye, for that duke, stout of heart
though narrow of limb, had been General of the Eastern armies at this war.
At this war did Constance of Purneos pitch her tent with Ealdormere as did
Barak ben David, called Red. And the love of the people of  Ealdormere for
Constance grew. And there were great downpourings of rain at the war and
many were soaked. And the miserable were succoured, by Tamarra de Romany
and Frederic l'Avare, who set out hot food and drink for the weary and wet
in their tent, and by Gunnar Halfdan who did the same in service to Tarver,
Fionnbarr's squire.

At this war was Robert of Two Cliffs made a Master of the Laurel, and there
was much rejoycing. Also was Fern made knight, and for her there was such
cheering that the hall in which court was held was near unto falling in
upon itself. Tarver the Pole was made a companion of the Silver Oak. And
soon after court was Alistair Kirk made squire to Countess Fern.

MCMLXXXV CE, XX AS, September

As had been their ancient custom, now the citizens of Eoforwic exhibited
their skills and works at the walls of the White Tower that is also called
Fort Book. Once they held their display at Philosopher's Walk, but in AS
XIX the Queen of Albion had been visiting Eoforwic on the day of the
display, and in the interest of space and transport the Eoforings moved.
>From that time until AS XXII, the display was held at the White Tower. In
AS XXIII the site was moved to the common before King's College, in order
that the Eoforings might assist the University in bettering relations
between town and gown.

In this month the Welfengau held a Tournament of Romance, and unto the most
promising fighter did Lord Iago give a sword and a gauntlet and this became
a custom of his to give the most promising fighter a sword and gauntlet.
The swords were known by the red enamelled hilts, and the gauntlets by the
brass decoration that marked them as Glandeth's work. And Robyyan of
Elandris, one of the last to bear the name of that fierce and noble house,
and Countess Fern and Amanda came from North Woods.

Now at this tournament there was a feast, and at this feast there was a
contest to see which of the ladies could flirt, leer and wink the best, a
most unseemly competition. The judge of the competition was to be a bishop.
Tsivia of Amberview, of Skraeling Althing, entered this competition. "This
man cannot be a priest," she said unto herself, "for no bishop would
consent to judge such an unseemly competition. This man must needs be an
impostor." And so Tsivia pitched woo with great vigour, aiding her case
with a curious pomander she had fashioned from a cucumber and some cloves,
though some say it was with a pickled onion decorated with a single clove.
Only when she had coaxed the bishop into very intimate circumstances did
she desist. Later that even, she had cause for shame when she discovered
that while not a bishop, the priest was indeed a genuine man of the Cloth.
And there was much mirth on this account.

In this month the Shire of Noergate hosted a fall fair, and many attended,
even some from Eoforwic.

In this month Angharad of Nankivel came from the Midlands to Eoforwic,
having heard of the scholarship of the Great University of Saint George and
of the power and knowledge of Duke Fionbarr. She had heard tales of
Fionnbarr's greatness and wisdom at the table of her uncle, the Duke
Moonwulf Stakaaderson. At this time Tarver the Pole departed to study the
Trivium and Quadrivium at the small university in Rising Waters. Although
he was seen occasionally thereafter, there was nonetheless much sadness at
his departure. Soon after this time did Sir Mordain Blackcloak and Aelfleda
fitz Alain his lady leave Skraeling Althing to live in An Tir, where
Mordain would study siege guns and engines.

MCMLXXXV CE, XX AS, October

In this month Alen Elegil claimed the throne from Corin and Myfanwy. At his
last court Corin awarded arms to James Macandrews while Tamarra de Romany
received the Purple Fret. James contrived that she would receive the award
in Eoforwic at the same time as it was awarded in Gwyntarian. At that same
court, a dog was made a lord, and comparison was made by some between Corin
and the Emperor Gaius, who raised an horse to the rank of consul. At about
the same time, Siegfried was crowned king in the East, the third of that
name to rule that land.

Soon after the coronation, the folk of Rising Waters held their Feast of
Bacchus and Duchess Kunegunda came from the Rhydderich Hael, and she
brought the Hens, her ladies. And John of Slaughterfield came to a feast
for the first time, for while John had long attended tournaments, he had
been of ascetic bent, and would retire to meditation after the fighting. It
was at this feast that he developed great admiration for the Duchess. At
this tournament there was joy for a nearby alewife still brewed her Brown
Mead after the ancient fashion of North Woods and not after the new fashion,
 and many bought her mead. This was the time when the Guild of Imps,
founded by Rhiannon gan g'Wye in January, celebrated its last meeting.
Seeing in her wisdom that the mirth had gone from the game, Rhiannon
disbanded the guild soon after.

In this month there was a Crown Tournament in the Roaring Wastes to choose
a successor for Alen. The tournament was held in a barbarous section of the
town, and there was much fear of barbarian bandits. Palymar fought Dag
Thorgrimsson, who is lately called Svartvargr, in the final round and was
victor and prince, and there was much mirth among the squires of the
kingdom that two squires should battle for the Crown, with a pile of the
bodies of knights rotting beside. Baron Aedan and Duke Fionnbarr fought in
the tournament as well, and did great honour to Baroness Caffa and Lady
Ragni.

Soon before Crown Tournament, the guild of merchants in Leaside in Eoforwic
paid the exchequer of Eoforwic a great deal of money to have the Eoforings
revel and fight on their high street. And at a theatre on that high street
was appearing the actor Atkinson, who made popular the gestes of Edmund
Blackadder. But this was early in the career of Atkinson, and the Eoforings
knew him not.

In the next month, Richard Tempeste came to Eoforwic. Now Richard was a
friend to Etienne, who was chamberlain to John of Slaughterfield. Richard
was a hearty fellow with many tales to tell of his years in foreign armies
before he came to Eoforwic.

MCMLXXXVJ CE, XX AS, January

Rising Waters hosted a feast on Twelfth Night, and Prince Palymar came. On
his return from the feast, he was attacked by bandits and though none of
the enemy survived, his carriage was destroyed. This was taken by some as a
sign of favour from God, and by some as an ill omen indeed. It was
fortunate for Prince Palymar that his lady, the Princess Katherine, was a
prudent woman. For she, for(e)seeing this sort of danger, had prevailed
upon Palymar to wager with a local bookmaker that just this sort of
misfortune would befall him. Since the odds of this misfortune were long,
Prince Palymar paid only a little while the bookmaker wagered the entire
value of the wagon. So in the end, though Palymar lost his carriage, he won
his wager.

Constance of Purneos came to the feast. At this feast there appeared a lady
named Anne Cr?eveuve whom no one knew, but whom some said was a friend of
Constance's who came with her from Purneos, while some said she was kin to
James Macandrews. Catherine de Guise and Elsbeth of Sherbourne came to Vest
Yorvik at this time, and this Twelfth Night celebration was their first.
Here did the Baron and Baroness award to Ricard of Sable Tree the Cauldron
of Ceridwyn to keep for a year in honour of his inspiration of the folk of
the Barony to both gentle and warlike pursuits, and his contribution to the
great Game of the society.

In this month, Eoforwic celebrated Twelfth Night at Cumberland House, and
Deirdre Carlyle was the lady of the hall. James MacAndrews was Lord of
Misrule and Lady Angharad was Lady of Misrule. Some said Deirdre had
contrived this, but all knew that the choice had been that of chance, by
the ancient method of baking a bean into one of a lot of cakes. Belisarius
toadied splendidly and Baron Torbin was the Royal Banner, and he banned
many things. These revels were the last to be heard in Ealdormere for a
time to come.

As had been the custom from of old, the king and queen celebrated the
twelfth night of Christmas at North Woods, and there was Dag made knight.
The noble Brenainn of Roscommon, who was later Buckler Herald and Trillium
Herald, as ennobled as well.

And James and Tarver and Angharad and Rhiannon did go to W?urm Wald for the
Festival of Maidens, and many unseemly things did happen. And James's
banner was adjudged the best in the hall. On their long journey there was a
great storm and much hardship. At this tournament did James first carry the
Baroness's favour. He set the favour down when John of Slaughterfield was
made Champion of Septentria.


MCMLXXXVJ CE, XX AS, February

Vest Yorvik held a Tournament of Love in this month, and many gentles came
to the College at Erin Dale to fight. At this tournament it was decided by
Fionnaidh Averylle, the Trillium Herald, that the generative organs of the
Septentrian bear ought to be tinctured azure.

MCMLXXXVJ CE, XX AS, March

At the beginning of this month many malevolent omens were seen. There was a
great plague amongst the livestock which caused them to grow thin and
resemble ferrets. There was a cloud upon the land, and the frost was colder
than even the oldest Septentrian could remember. The star called Comet was
not seen, and though some sages considered Comet a bad omen, others said
that Comet's not coming was itself  a bad omen. There was an outbreak of
leprosy in the hinterlands near Skraeling Althing, and several towns had to
be burned. This, all agreed, was a bad omen.

Towards the end of this month the Baron of the Rhydderich Hael invited all
to come to his lands for the annual tournament of the Passing of the Ice
Dragon. Many from Eoforwic and Ealdormere travelled to the Rhydderich Hael,
braving the winter storms and the avaricious bandits who haunt the bridges
near Rising Waters. Word was out that Prince Palymar would be there, and
since many rightly accounted him a friend of Ealdormere, many attended
merely to see him.

Now some weeks before the tournament, while King Alen Elegil was sitting in
council in his keep near the Great University at Cynnabar, there came to
him two letters. One latter came from Lady Hannorah, consort to Iago the
Champion of Ealdormere. The letter concerned various citizens of Ealdormere
and their worthiness for royal honours. The other letter came from James
Macandrews, and it was a request that the Land of Ealdormere be made a
Crown Principality, after the manner of the Crown Principalities of the
West Kingdom (see note 4). King Alen went to his closest advisors and
friends, and said "Who are these of Ealdormere? Who is this champion? He
swears me no fealty, nor to my barons, yet his lady would be arbiter of
honours as though she were queen! Who is this Macandrews? He would take a
subject province and turn it into a separate realm to stand against me! No,
they go too far!" And King Alen's advisors agreed. So King Alen sent
messengers to all his council and told them that Ealdormere did rise in
revolt. He proposed to outlaw the "regions" which had been the names for
the lands of the Middle. No more could Northshield be Northshield or
Ealdormere be Ealdormere, and none could utter the names of the regions on
pain of high treason. No more could the lands have their own champions.
Some said that he wished to take this action from the start, and that he
only awaited an excuse, but cooler heads said he acted in the heat of the
moment at the promptings of his advisors. Now his council heard is words,
and agreed that the regions of the Middle, Ealdormere in particular, must
be laid low.

The king called a meeting of the bare minimum of his council at his keep,
and since it was so quickly called this meeting has been called the
"Washroom Curia" based on the fiction that the King held court in his
garderobe with only his intimates.

Prince Palymar came, on his way to the Rhydderich Hael. The king's
seneschale came, the Countess Genevieve, and Isabella the Queen. Some say
others came as well, and some say that Mistress Graidhne, the Pale Herald,
was there. The council agreed that the king's will would be done (see note
5), and Prince Palymar was dispatched to tell the folk of Ealdormere since
they loved him well, and would not feel the hurt of the degree so much an
it came from their beloved Prince.

So, two weeks and two days later, at the Ice Dragon tournament, when the
fighting had ended though the feast had not yet begun, the heralds called
all folk of Ealdormere to a small chamber, where Mistress Graidhne and
Prince Palymar was waiting. Genevieve, King Alen's seneschal, was at the
tournament but she disdained to address the folk as well. There Graidhne
and Palymar told the nobles and gentles of Ealdormere of the king's
decision, and they were confused. Some waxed wroth and shouted that an
injustice had been done. Some were sad and cried freely, rending their
garments in sorrow that their land was treated so ill. Others merely sat
quietly and asked why the king had not first asked them to mend their ways
before punishing them.

That night and all the next day the folk of Ealdormere wended their way
back home in sorrow to a land that could no longer bear its name. It was a
black day in Septentria and in Skraeling Althing there was no joy. Wailing
could be heard throughout the land. It was not that they were so concerned
with a name, nor the champion; for all knew that these things were but
bagatelles which could be adopted or discarded at will. What caused them to
cry was the meanness of spirit which had been directed against them by
those whom they thought were friends, compatriots and comrades in arms.

In this month was James Macandrews stripped of the office of Eoforwic
Pursuivant by the Dragon Herald, Baron Charles O'Connor. Charles gave as
his reason that James was an herald in the East Kingdom, though even
Charles himself knew that was no longer so. Wise men said that Charles had
been instructed by the King himself to so punish James for proposing that
Ealdormere be made a Crown Principality. And some in Eoforwic said that the
post should be left vacant in protest, but James said that this would hurt
the commonwealth of Eoforwic and do their enemies no harm. And so Angharad
was made Eoforwic Pursuivant.

MCMLXXXVJ CE, XX AS, April

In this month was the great judging of the arts and sciences in Eoforwic
for all of Ealdormere. And Fern came, and there was revelry though it was
subdued. And the collars of the office of the Champion of Ealdormere and
his consort were both displayed. At the feast the Baron caused to be read a
tragic tale called "The Doom of Ealdormere," concerning the betrayal and
death of the heroine Ealdormere. And Alistair Kirk read the tale, and in
all the hall no eye was dry (see note 6).

Later in this month there was a tournament in the Middle Marches and some
from Eoforwic travelled there. And at court afterwards did King Alen relax
the kingdom's census requirement for principalities. And a wise woman said
that this was an invitation for Ealdormere to become a principality (see
note 7).

MCMLXXXVJ CE, XXJ AS, May

On the very eve of this month and the few days preceding was the
celebration of the twentieth year of the Society. The celebration was in
Ansteorra, and it was a great hardship and expense to travel there, but
from Eoforwic Frederic and Tamarra travelled thence, as did Duke Fionnbarr
and his lady, Ragni Dzintara. From elsewhere in Ealdormere went several,
including Mistress Tsivia, Fionnaidh Averylle, Dathi Thorfinsson, and
Cerdic o Cuilamhan. And there was a great storm there, and Frederic and
Tamarra's tent was cast down. It was then that Frederic resolved that he
would have a vast pavilion that would never be cast down save when he
willed it. And on his return to Eoforwic he began to employ tradesmen in
the crafting of the pavilion. The great pavilion of Frederic l'Avare took
nearly a year to complete, and although it was not ready for the next
Pennsic War, it was completed for the one after.

In this month was Palymar crowned King of the Middle at W?urm Wald. And
there was a great tournament fought among groups of eight men, and the
group of House de Taahe included Count Nathan von Daritz who had rarely
been seen in the years before the tournament, Ranthulfr Asparlundr and
others, as well as James and Tarver. Frederic l'Avare and Tamarra his lady
came, and when James was injured, Tamarra provided soothing salve which was
made from the fat of puppies. At this coronation there was a great judging
of the arts by various nobles. Tamarra was adjudged the Arts Champion of
the Middle. James Macandrews was adjudged the best at calligraphy, and his
team-mate Ranthulfr was adjudged the best at illumination. Many others of
Ealdormere were adjudged to have submitted entries that were of the finest.
Thomas the Mailer, then of Rivenstar, entered gloves crafted of mail so
fine that many assumed them to have been made by machine. At this time
Sigridr R?ognvaldsd?ottir was first seen, and she was Tarver's lady.

Later in this month was there a tournament held at Carraig Ban to ensure
the succession, and Emrys of Gwyntarion was the victor and he was made
Crown Prince. His Princess was Emmelynne, who was named for Emmelynne who
had been queen to Alen I.

At this time the fair of Doon, near to Dubhras, was first held there;
before it had been held at Barrie (see note 8). Now did the folk of
Eoforwic and Vest Yorvik and Ben Dunfirth and the Welfengau meet there and
celebrate with the folk of the fair. And the folk of the fair gave the
Septentrians ale in return for protecting the site of the fair by night.

 

MCMLXXXVJ CE, XXJ AS, June

In this month Palymar the King and Katherine his Queen came to Septentria
seeking soldiers to fight with the unbelted champions at the upcoming war.
And there was a great tournament of teams at Ben Dunfirth in the Dunmark
Park near Ancaster, and at this tournament many great deeds were done. The
winners of the tournament were the King and his friends who travelled with
him for they were fell fighters indeed, and Emmelynne the Princess fought
with them. The de Taahe team gained great honour for their courtesy, and
they were invited to fight with the unbelted champions, and they were given
tokens of favour by the Queen herself. And the team consisted of Finnvarr's
squires James, Tarver, and Alasdair of Raasey, Alasdair's man Alaric de
Brus called Cato, and John of Slaughterfield, who fought with the de Taahes
for love rather than fealty.

Baroness Caffa gained some renown for her crying out in no uncertain terms
to Michel d'Arques to stand and fight, and many nobles were entered into
orders of honour. Angharad of Nankivel was admitted to the Order of the
Willow for her needlework, and because of the mysterious heraldic ceremony
just prior to the court she was more than a bit inebriated. Charles of
Hamme was ennobled, and John of Slaughterfield and many others. Belisarius
of Anatolikon was ennobled for his "frank service" to Eoforwic, a
left-handed compliment from the Crown, for to a Greek the appellation Frank
is no honour. Maximilian Morganed of the Baron's house was ennobled, as was
Marigha ni Sean de Sianan, who was also called Liana. Glandeth Rhysmordwen
was made a companion of the Silver Oak, Deirdre of Carlyle was entered as a
companion of the Queen's Favour and both Tamarra de Romany and Fionnaidh
Averylle were created members of the noble order of the Dragon's Heart. And
at this time, the Kingdom Spear of the Middle was given to the Baroness of
Skraeling Althing to keep. And Michaele del Vaga, the Exchequer of the
whole Society came, and with her from Thescorre James Macandrews's cousins
Friedrich and Oriana and their family with them.

In Skraeling Althing was there a midsummer's revel, and there was fought a
tournament to select a champion for all of Septentria, Skraeling Althing
and Noergate. And this would be a champion for all of Ealdormere though he
would not be called such. And John of Slaughterfield was the victor and
champion, and Dierdre of Carlyle was the lady for whom he fought. An John
was Champion of Ealdormere for a long time thereafter.

So after this, Tarver the Pole and Charles of Hamme and Monika z Gniezno
departed for Drachenwald and Tarver travelled further to the lands beyond,
those of the Iron Curtain, where the boar-hunting was good. His search for
boar carried him past the borders of Poland and even into the lands of the
Rus, who were a fierce people, not keen on hunters poaching their game.
Fortunately for Tarver the Rus did not find him. Tarver claimed these
latter lands of the Iron Curtain for the Middle King, and returned with
much amber.

MCMLXXXVJ CE, XXJ AS, July

In this month Robert of Two Cliffs and Jane of Hendon did host a feast in
commemoration of the Battle of Hastings. It was a hot day indeed, in combat
as well as in weather, though it ended in rain.

And Rosanne came from the North Woods, and Robert fitz Hugh of Bannockburn
came, and from that time on were he and his lady famous friends with
Bronwyn Meredith and Lothar von W?ulfing of Eoforwic.

At this time did Deirdre of Carlyle resign her office as Mistress of Arts
and Chatelaine of Novices. Angharad of Nankivel took up the office, and
resigned as Eoforwic Pursuivant. Belisarius of Anatolikon took up the
ancient felt baldric of the pursuivant's office.

MCMLXXXVJ AD, XXJ AS, August

Early in this month, Branwen o'r Gelli Aur was first seen in Vest Yorvik,
and she would later come to Eoforwic.

Late in this month, King Palymar led the Middle to war against Ronald the
King of the East on the Pennsic fields. It came to pass that once again
that valiant warrior the Duke Laurelen Darksbane, the Baron of the
Cleftlands, was asked by the generals whom he would have under his command.
And he said the folk of Septentria, for the Septentrians had done well by
him in past wars. So the Septentrians fought in the Woods with Duke
Laurelen; and although he was a fighter full fell, sin that he knew little
of proper deployment the Septentrians were slaughtered, though their lives
they sold dearly indeed. And sin that he did not reinforce the Septentrians,
 the banner and the battle were lost. In a battle on an open field, the
East attempted to deploy in maniples, after the fashion of the Romans, but
their lack of discipline betrayed them. Their left flank, in trying to
sweep the Midrealm right, was trapped between the forces of Septentria and
Calontir, the latter of which had defected to the side of the Middle from
the opposing army. In attempting to flee from their predicament, the
eastern left ran directly into the forces of Myrkfaelinn, led by John the
Pell. There was much slaughter and the Easterners died to a man.

Now John the Pell was a great lord, and the virtual ruler of Myrkfaelinn in
the East Kingdom, site of Wriotheseley Hall, seat of great learning. And
Myrkfaelinn was a great demesne, verily the size of a barony; and there was
the shop of Robert de la Mante, the greatest armourer in the known world.
Once, many years before, the eastern king had offered to make Myrkfaelinn a
barony and John a baron, and he refused. He was no baron, he said, only a
simple soldier. Besides, he preferred not to be bound by fealty, and he and
his men fought for whom they list. Years later another king offered to make
John a baron of his court, but John would have none of it, for he was a
modest man, though very generous. Only much later did a king finally
disprove the Pell's contention that he was but a modest soldier by giving
him the accolade, and so was the valiant John the Pell made a peer of the
Eastrealm.

At Pennsic court King Palymar made Mistress Graidhne a baroness of his
court, and all were much pleased by this. And Myrra of Black Wood, who had
once been the mistress of arts for all the kingdom, was made a Mistress of
the Pelican. The same court was an occasion of glory for Septentria since
Queen Katherine created Caffa a Mistress of the Laurel for her service to
the Arts, and there was much rejoycing, and she was showered with laurel
leaves. From court she was dragged to a conclave of the laurels, and there
se was held in converse while elsewhere her people did rejoyce in her
honour. With the Septentrians was their friend Aelred, a Master of the
Laurel who had no truck with these conclaves; and he did go unto the
conclave, and he did cry that Baroness Caffa's people had need of her. So
she left the meeting and joined in the merriment.

Once again did the Septentrians form the greater part of the royal guard,
this year standing watch to the exclusion of almost all others, and this
year did Septentrian heralds take up most of the duties of royal encampment
herald. Soon after did Vittoria Riola first come to Vest Yorvik.

MCMLXXXVJ AD, XXJ AS, September

The Universitas Gryphonica was held this month in the Welfengau, and much
was learned. And Chengir and Akivasha his lady came from Thescorre to the
university, and they brought some of their Eastern ways. Chengir was one of
the many Eastern rebels who fought with Septentria against their own king.
Another of these was called Ursus, for he was truly built like a bear.
Gladly did the Baron give him a bear tabard for the duration of the war.

As had been the custom, the canton of Eoforwic did display their arts and
their military skill at the walls of the White Tower that is called Fort
Book, and it rained and it was cold. Sin that the Eoforings had expected
rain, some asked what they would do in event of a downpour. Here Baron
Torbin answered, saying, "get wet, of course," and all acknowledged his
wisdom.

MCMLXXXVJ AD, XXJ AS, October

In this month was Emrys crowned king, and Emmelynne queen with him. In the
East was Sebastian the Juggler-King crowned and with him Sirillian his
queen. Soon after, at Crown Tournament in Tyrnewidd, was Talymar made Crown
Prince, and Eislinn was made Princess. At about this time did Duke
Fionnbarr close his house in Eoforwic, and move his family to a vast
holding in Mount Albert near Newmarket.

Vittoria and Branwen did begin to frequent the meetings in Eoforwic at this
time. Now these two ladies were persons of great beauty, but also of
learning and skill. In particular were they known as scribes and
illuminators.

MCMLXXXVJ AD, XXJ AS, November

On the kalends of this month, King Emrys came to Rising Waters for the
Feast of Bacchus. And there was a great tournament, and there was a great
feast. And King Emrys held court, and there Thomas Uroshima was made
companion of the Silver Oak, and James MacAndrews was made companion of the
Willow. John of Slaughterfield was here made Queen's Champion and here was
the Spear of the Middle Kingdom given to Septentria to keep, the shaft that
lost its head but had it restored.

At this time was the Feast of the Hare celebrated at Skraeling Althing.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXJ AS, January

The celebration of the Twelfth Night of Christmas was conducted now in
several places on several dates. The Baron celebrated the day in
Trinovantia, on a day with much gaming and gambling. Here was the Cauldron
of Ceridwen passed on to Robert of Two Cliffs. On another day, the
Eoforings celebrated at the hall of the Lochac Merchants, and many came
from Vest Yorvik. And there was a great game to determine the King and
Queen of Fools, and Elsbeth's sister, a child from Vest Yorvik, was
adjudged the victress. And Grimwulf the Hairy was her consort, sin that he
had been next to the victor in the estimation of those gathered there. And
many forfeits were paid by many gentles, and Tarver danced his Slavic dance
of the seven veils, and many were glad. Elsbeth of Sherbourne came to
Eoforwic in this month. Deirdre Carlyle was here gravely displeased by the
conduct of one gentle, and was seen much less hereafter.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXJ AS, April

After an hiatus of several years, the folk of Starleaf Gate held their
feast in honour of the dog Clancy. And there was a tournament held in an
hall at the foot of the bridge to North Woods, and Dag won the tournament.
There, at night, there was a court, and King Emrys and Queen Emmelynne
presided with a portrait of the dog Clancy between them. Arthur ap Idwal
was there awarded arms, and so was Shoni Otomo. There also was Tamarra
Amalthea de Romany elevated to the Order of the Laurel, and made a peer of
the realm, and there was joy for they all loved Tamarra well.

Now was the time that the folk of Ealdormere were wont to hold their great
judging of the arts, so that the best examples of craft and cunning could
be sent to the great judging for all the kingdom. In this year, however,
the competition for the kingdom was not to be held. Some said that the
rules needed to be rewritten to make them more suitable, but others said
that the rules needed to be rewritten to give the folk from outside
Ealdormere a chance at winning, for in truth the folk of Ealdormere did
well at this competition, far out of proportion to their numbers. Some from
other parts of the Kingdom said that the folk of Ealdormere were different
in that they were cutthroats in competition, and thus they did well in the
competitive atmosphere of the kingdom contest; others said the judges of
Ealdormere were lenient in judging works to be sent to the kingdom's
contest. Wiser heads said that the folk of Ealdormere were just the same as
the folk of elsewhere in the kingdom, only more concerned with the arts
than their compatriots from outside Ealdormere, and thus they were more
often the victors. In the end the rules were changed little, and the
kingdom competition was resumed the following year. In this year, however,
Master Sylard issued a challenge to all the known world to compete at the
arts and sciences at Eoforwic, and several came from the Rhydderich Hael
and Myrkfaelinn and other places, and though the display was smaller than
usual, many good works were shown.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXJ AS, May

In this month was the third King Talymar crowned, and with him Queen
Eislinn. And Eislinn was mortally ill, though by some miracle she survived
to reign for many months. later in this month, the Crown Tournament was
fought, and the final bout as between Eliahu ben Itzhak and Dag
Thorgrimsson, both of Cynnabar. And Eliahu won, and he was made Crown
Prince.

And in the East was Randall crowned king, and his fiery lady Marieke
besides. And these were no strangers in the North, for Randall came often
to Skraeling Althing and to Dragon Dormant in the East from his keep at the
Northern Outpost.

It was now that the Canton of Steinbach was first formed on the banks of
the Stony Creek near Ben Dunfirth.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXJ AS, June

Eliahu the Prince came to Ben Dunfirth for the war exercises there, and the
wind and sun were harsh as always. One night, by the light of the torches
and with many a tankard of ale and butt of wine accounted for, Baron Aedan
and Baroness Caffa took W?ulf Borisson and Edward Ungearu into their house
as men-at-arms.

And in Skraeling Althing there was a Midsummer's masque. At this time did
Elizabeth of Cadfan, called Kestrell by all, first come to Eoforwic.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXJ AS, July

Early in this month there was a school held in the Welfengau called
"Collegium Terpsichore," named for the Terpsichorean Muse of Dance. Tsvetan
Arnisson was the host and many strange new dances were taught, and one
Mistress Ellen the Fair came from far away to teach. Also came Johannes
Pelskneippe of Andelcrag.

Aethelwold Mierca hosted a tournament this month at the Great University.
And the day was in remembrance of the Hundred Years' War. King Talymar came,
 and since he was a modest man he travelled in no great state. And when he
came, Belisarius did help him carry his goods from his wagon, and he wot
not who this bearded southron was, and when James did tell him, he fell on
his face and wept for he had not shown proper reverence for a king, and the
king did forgive him.

In the evening, in the quadrangle at Trinity College, Talymar did hold
court, and Fionnaidh Averylle was herald. And Grimwulf the Hairy was
ennobled, and Etienne de chez Tonnerre had done good service for the King
that day and he was awarded a purse of monies. And Edward of Norwich was
ennobled and was seen little in Eoforwic after. Agnar the Goth was made a
lord, after many years of service, and many said that it was such a long
wait because Agnar was wont to change his name, and each time he changed it
he must earn a reputation from the beginning. Catherine de Guise and Mungo
Sheepshanks from West Yorvik were ennobled and so was Ambrosius Providus of
Ben Dunfirth. And Monika z Gniezno was the seneschal and she was awarded
the purple fret. This tournament was the first appearance of Arwen St.
Amour.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXIJ AS, August

And in this month did Talymar III wage war against Randall the King of the
East, and he swept all before him. And the folk of Ealdormere fought
valiantly and well, and this was the manner of it. The Easterners did
attack on an open field, and they were beaten soundly by Talymar, whose
forces outnumbered the easterners seven for every five. And the foe did
retreat to a redoubtable mountain pass. And Talymar did pursue, and his
Calontiri allies pressed hard on the foe, and there was much sweating of
blood and water. And the Calontiris had one of the bakers in the nearby
town deliver cheese pies for to refresh themselves during the battle. The
soldiers of the Middle pushed surely up the slope, driving all before them
until the Eastern rearguard was no more. In this Roncesvalles died Morgan
Elandris who had come out from a long retirement to fight for the
outnumbered Randall. And Duke Hasdrubal was grieved full sore, not that his
old shieldmate and commander was dead but that she died by the hand of
another and he himself did not slay her.

And the Easterners did retreat unto a wood, and the forces of the Middle
were ready to follow, but Talymar held up his hand. "My friends," said
Talymar, "Wait here. For we now not where the Eastern king and his banners
are." And into the woods he sent an hundred scouts, and several soldiers.
And the scouts did seek the banners of the East, and the soldiers did seek
to vex the easterners by engaging them and then fleeing. And the Eoforings
marched into battle beneath the mascot of an ugly cat nailed to a pole. The
cat was called "Bill" sin that he resembled a polearm (see note 9). And
just when the Eastern banner had been discovered, and the armies of the
Middle were marching to retrieve it, the buzzing of myriad bees tore the
forest, and a great cloud of stinging insects rose from the ground. And the
armies both left the woods lest they die dishonourably from an insect's
poison.

In this war the armies of the Middle outnumbered those of the East seven
for every five, though some said eight for every five, and this was the way
of it. King Talymar sent abroad an ambassador, one Sir Ton the Traveller,
an old soldier who was become a professional legate. The year before he had
been the ambassador of the Atlantean king to King Palymar. Now King Talymar
sent Sir Ton forth, to negotiate alliance with the kings from afar. And Ton
offered them ale in quantity and he offered them cakes to feed them at the
War. In the end, every kingdom that sent soldiers to the Pennsic fields
allied itself with the Middle against the East. Every kingdom save one, for
Hanno, who had been king of the East in the winter of AS XIX, was an
adventurer. And Hanno was become King of Caid, and he allied his new
kingdom with the East. This was no shame for the Middle, sin that he
supported an old loyalty and sin that few fighters indeed came from Caid to
Pennsia. Only the sheer numbers of the fecund Easterners allowed them even
to approach the numbers of the Midrealm allied force. The King of Trimaris
was persuaded to fight with the East, but only in exchange for a choice
place for his encampment. Position of encampment has been a point of strong
contention since of old, and many recall the incident in which Harald
Hardradi gained a choice place on high ground for the camping of his
Varangian guard, and that he did it by sharp practice. So the king
consented, and the Trimarians chose the place where the Septentrians had
camped for many years. And the Septentrians were forced to camp on an
exposed hillside, and John of Slaughterfield built a castle in the swamp.

Now in the days before the battles, a squire called Galen of Newark from
the Midlands rose up and called all of the squires of the Middle Kingdom to
him, and called them his friends. And Galen called for them to join him in
a guard to honour Eislinn the Queen. And he spoke movingly, and the squires
shed tears of emotion. This it was planned that some squires and their men
would guard Eislinn's person during the day, and others whose knights were
away would fight under the Queen's banner on the field. And Sir Fern
commanded the Queen's Guard, for she was the Queen's Champion. And in the
Queen's Guard were James Macandrews and his man Belisarius; and Alistair
Kirk, and his men Shoni Otomo and Grimwulf the Hairy. And the men of Petrea
Thule in Ealdormere, who were great of stature and of skill were in the
guard as well. And those of the Guard who fought under Eislinn's banner
fought well, killed many and died like men. And when the fighting was done,
Queen Eislinn made them all companions of the order of the Queen's Favour,
and soon after their reign was the order closed, and since then instead
there has been made an award of the Doe's Grace, which is not an order. The
folk of Petrea Thule rejoyced for they had not theretofore been of noble
estate, but now as companions of the Queen's Favour they were noble men and
armigers.

And at this war did Tamarra have a great bath-tub, and there was much
rejoycing for from a clean body comes a clean mind, as all men know. And
Eislinn did come to bathe there, and the ladies of Ealdormere did strew
flowers in the water for her. And after her bath, and although many bathed
there afterwards, Eislinn had made the water clean and pure and the flowers
did not die.

And Sigridr Rognvaldsdottir was ennobled, for Tarver had petitioned Talymar
on her behalf. And Alexandra Kingslea was ennobled, for she followed the
example of the Saints and washed the clothes if not the feet of the poor.
Susannah the Unyielding and her son Cennedi, both of Skraeling Althing,
were ennobled then, and Dathi Thorfinnson of Rising Waters was awarded the
Purple Fret. And Kyril Andreieskevitch was made a companion of the Willow,
and the record of that award was scribed upon a chain made of paper. The
scouts of the Middle Kingdom were granted a badge of a purple fretty for
their service in battle. Reynard de Folche of Rising Waters was made a
companion of the Dragon's Tooth for his fell skill at archery. Tamarra de
Romany and Frederic l'Avare were entered into the order of the Queen's
Favour by Queen Eislinn. And that same time Queen Eislinn did create Aedan
o Kincorra, the Baron of Septentria, a Master of the Laurel for his
scholarly researches in the brewing of beer; and the hall shook with
congratulation. It was at this war that Talymar first convened the order of
the Dragon's em, and the name was a cant on the badge which was a dragon's
jamb. And the order was for young folk who distinguished themselves by
their service. And Lord Mungo Sheepshanks, Lady Eanor of Amberhall and Lord
Jacob ben Solomon were created the first companions of the order. Soon
after was the name of the order changed.

The Middle were adjudged the victors of the war wherefore Talymar III has
since been called Orienticus Maximus, that is the Greatest Conqueror of the
Easterners. This is to distinguish him from Talymar II Orienticus, who had
been the last King of the Middle to defeat the East at Pennsic, seven years
before.

There have been those who have called this war "the magic time," but wise
men know that the glory and majesty of Eislinn's War, in which the united
kingdoms of the Known World, with the exception of Caid, stood in
opposition to the eastern menace was not magic. It was the gentilesse and
courtesye and dignitas of the King and Queen, and the heart-breaking love
of poor doomed Eislinn that made this glory and made this majesty. It was
no magic, but it was the virtues of humanity.

And the glory of Talymar and Eislinn shone on Ealdormere, and there was
pride there in service and pride in honourable death on the field. And
Ealdormere was a justly proud nation then.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXIJ AS, September

Now King Talymar had made a vow that he would pass within an hundred miles
of every habitation in the Middle Kingdom on his progresses. And in this
month did he come to Skraeling Althing, and afterward to Vest Yorvik, where
the archers were practicing their skill. And Talymar held court there, and
James MacAndrews was herald. There was Elsbeth of Sherbourne ennobled.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXIJ AS, October

Talymar and Eislinn ended their reign peacefully, and Eliahu II ascended
the throne and with him Elen his queen. And they were crowned in Cynnabar,
where they lived. Here was Eislinn made a duchess. Too was Myrddin Llygoden
created a companion of the Silver Oak.

At the end of the month did King Eliahu call a crown tournament to be held
at the College of Grey Gargoyles neat the Tree-Girt-Sea. And amongst the
others he invited my lord James Macandrews, his brother squire Tarver the
Pole, Baron Aedan, Robert of Two Cliffs, John of Slaughterfield and
Bealdgar Thorbjornsson of the Welfengau who was squire to Sir Reynard the
Brown. The administration of his barony weighed heavily on Aedan, however,
and the distance to Tree-Girt-Sea was further than Robert wanted to travel,
and they stayed in Septentria. And there was a day of mighty combat, and
while Tarver and James each won a fight, they were soon eliminated. John of
Slaughterfield survived longer, laying many opponents low, but Bealdgar
Thorbjornsson lasted the longest of all the Septentrians, and there was
much whispering as Reynard himself laid him low that Bealdgar would soon be
made a Knight of the Society. Soon Reynard was eliminated as well, and he
hastened off at the news that one of his squires had been wounded in combat
elsewhere. Before the day was done there was much grumbling that the
marshals interfered too much in the fighting, and that they fancied
themselves judges rather than marshals. And the Septentrians noticed this,
and so did Comes Valerius Paencalvus who told them of a custom in his own
barony. There the marshals are separated from the lists by a second list
rope so that they could not interfere. The idea found favour in the eyes of
the Eoforings there, and they swore that at the next tournament in Eoforwic
this custom would be followed, and it was.

The final rounds of the tournament were fought between Corwin Dragonstar, a
Norse master at arms from the Midlands, and another Norse master, one Einar
Haakonson. Now it was known of Corwin that many years before, in Crown
Tournament, he had been eliminated by his own hand, when a wild blow spun
around and caught him in the head before he could stop it. So it was to his
great satisfaction and the wonder of all that he killed Einar, and was made
Prince.

During the day word came from Rising Waters to Fionnaidh Averylle who was
the Dragon herald that her mother had died. There was much weeping and fond
reminiscing of Mary Campbell of Inverary. And Tsvetaan said that he would
dance in the lady's memory, but there was no dancing.

At court that eve a lord from Cynnabar made a gift of monies to the crown,
and he cried out in court the amount, and many of the Septentrians were
pained for this common, merchantlike mention of sums. But King Eliahu
betrayed no notice, and received the gift with royal grace, portending a
reign of felicity and happiness throughout the Kingdom and in Ealdormere.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXIJ AS, November

In this month did the Canton of Rising Waters hold its Feast of Bacchus.
Also did the Barony of Skraeling Althing celebrate the Feast of the Hare.
As well, the Canton of Trinovantia held a feast and King Eliahu was there.
There he awarded arms to Dvorah bat Itzhak ha Levy, to Etienne de chez
Tonnerre, to Madeleine de l'Este, to Richard Tempeste and to Vittoria
Riola.

MCMLXXXVIJ AD, XXIJ AS, December

And it was during this reign that the Canton of Rising Waters and the
Canton of Ben Dunfirth sought to join with the Canton of Steinbach to form
a barony, and the Baron and Baroness Septentria knew that this would be a
good thing, sin that their lands were grown too large and their people too
populous for them to administer with full justice. But the King's Seneschal,
 Baron Thrym Odomsson who was called Cein, said that the custom of the
Middle Kingdom was that a canton must first become a shire before it could
become a barony, although none had heard of this tradition before. And
Baron Aedan said, rightly, that the Seneschal sought to rule in place of
the king, by dictating what customs were. And the King knew this too, and
he waxed full wroth for this and other reasons. And King Eliahu and Queen
Elen spake unto Baron Thrym in this month, at the Feast of the Boar's Head
at Caer Anterth, and they told him that for three months he would be on
probation, and that did he displease them within that time he would be
dispossessed of his position.

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIJ AS, January

In this month did the Baron celebrate Twelfth Night at the hall of the
Hansa at Vest Yorvik. Here was held a moot of all of Ealdormere, and
Katrina di Turenne presided, along with the Baron and Baroness Septentria
who wore shoes which were curiously shaped to resemble bears' paws. At this
mot was it resolved that the folk of Ealdormere would see their own prince
set up to rule their land for the King of the Middle. Also was there held a
polling of the populace on this matter, but it was not conclusive. Here in
Vest Yorvik, Baron Aedan held court in the name of the king as his
lieutenant. And Branwen and Guillaume and Elizabeth de Lom were ennobled.
And Robert of Two Cliffs and Angharad were awarded the royal badge of the
Purple Fret. the Cauldron of Ceridwen was awarded for a year's tenure to
Duke Talymar and Duchess Eislinn, and wise folk adjudged this to be a good
choice.

At about this time did Bronwyn Meredith, the wife of Lothar W?ulfing deliver
a girl child, and she was called Ceara. Soon after this was the canton
saddened by Robert of Two Cliffs's departure with Jane of Hendon his lady.
To Hibernia they hied, so that Robert could pursue his calling as a limner.
And it was in the tradition of his house that he went, for his knight Sir
Mark von dem Falkensfenn did hie him to Africa once for the teaching of the
art of silversmithing to the savages there. And Corwin the Pure took up the
office of exchequer from Jane.

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIJ AS, February

It was in this month that the canker which tortured Duchess Eislinn became
too painful for her to bear, and she gave up the ghost. May peace be upon
her, and may she come to her just share in the world to come.

Eoforwic welcomed Sara Mac Lean this month, and she was Richard Tempeste's
lady.

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIJ AS, March

In this month there was a competition of the arts and sciences at Skraeling
Althing, and Sarra Graeham, a new immigrant from Seashire who lived in
Greyfells on the ruins of Castle Royal, won great honour. And she proceeded
to make a thriving canton in Greyfells. Anthaea Lovat first came to
Eoforwic at this time.

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIJ AS, April

At the Clancy Day feast at Starleaf Gate, King Eliahu made Bealdgar
Thorbjornsson of the Welfengau a Knight of the Society, and in Septentria
there was much joy for few Septentrians had been knighted before. The first
Septentrian knight was Fionnbarr, who was knighted in Northwoods first by
Thorvald in Grimmi and then by King Iriel and who was the seventh knight of
the Middle Kingdom. The next was his squire Hugo von Feuerklippe, who was
the first native of Eoforwic to be a knight of the Society. Seamus was a
knight from elsewhere who moved to An Tir after a stay in Eoforwic, and he
was later king of An Tir under a different name. And Torbin was Seamus's'
squire, so was Artair mac Artair of Afon Araf. Mordain Blackcloak was the
next knight, and he was Fionnbarr's squire. After that Hasdrubal came to
Ealdormere and he had been a knight in the East Kingdom. At the time
Bealdgar was knighted there were but the two dukes, Hasdrubal and Fionnbarr
to stand as Knights of the Society in Ealdormere.

Also here was Kestrell Cadfan awarded arms.

At this time, the King instructed Thrym Odomsson that he ought to nominate
a successor, and that the successor ought to be Myrra de Blackwoode. And
like Belshazzar, Thrym saw the writing on the wall; and like Daniel, he
could read it. So Thrym Odomsson appointed Myrra of Blackwoode to be his
successor, and then he resigned his position as the King's Seneschal. In
Ealdormere, where he was seen as the last of a dynasty of seneschals, the
same dynasty that produced Genevieve and the Washroom Curia, there was
contentment. Now Rising Waters was furthered in its desire to be a barony,
and Myrra, a sympathetic lady with many friends in Ealdormere was
Seneschal.

 

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIIJ AS, May

Now was the crown given unto Corwin Dragonstar, and unto his lady, Shoshana
Taleh who was called by all Shana. And the coronation was in the Shire of
Shattered Crystal, many days' journey from Eoforwic; on the very edge of
the Great River facing Calontir. Vittoria Riola, who had lived in Vest
Yorvik but who spent a great deal of time in Eoforwic, and Branwen and
Guilhelm de la Plegn made the journey, and so did Cospatric of Annan Water
and Madeleine de l'Este.

And soon after there was a Crown Tournament in the Middle Marches. And
several from Eoforwic went, including some of the finest dancers from the
canton who sought honour for their skills. And the honour was won. And many
prayed that Sir Reynard the Brown of Northwoods (called by some the Forest
Fox) would be the victor, sin that he was stout of soul and limb, kind of
heart and a great man indeed; and also that his lady was a woman of
generous spirit, gladsome mien and vast scholarship. The victory was given
to Reynard, and although the custom of the Society forbade attributing
victory in the lists to the Divine, so did James MacAndrews make bold to
do. And Reynard was made Prince and Brynhildr was made Princess, and all
the kingdom was glad.

And at near the same time was Earl Gavin Kilkenny of Kilcarren crowned King
of the East, and he was the second Gavin to rule in that kingdom. And King
Gavin's queen was Sedalia McNair, a large and fierce Irishwoman, whose name
was the same as that Sedalia who had ruled years before as consort to King
Viktor.

In this May were the Eoforings invited to play a play for the townsfolk, as
one of a cycle of plays from an unknown English town. And Shoni did direct
the players in the play of Cain and Abel. And Arthur ap Idwal was God, and
Aedan was Adam and Grimwulf was Abel and James was Cain. And folk from
Cynnabar and even from Ansteorra came to act other plays in the cycle. Many
of the Eoforings came out to see the plays and to dance and to revel, for
the days were fine indeed.

In memory of Mary Campbell of Inverary, the Canton of Rising Waters hosted
a tournament and feast. And the prize for the tournament was a great silver
rose bowl, to be engraved with the victor's name and to kept for a year.
And at this tournament of the roses was there a lieutenancy court, and
Aedan and Kaffa represented the King and Queen. They awarded arms to Arwen
St. Amour, Wülf Borisson, Cormar mac an Bhaird and Edward the Unready. They
awarded Gunnar of Lund and Genet of Ashertor the Purple Fret, they created
Madeleine de l'Este a companion of the Willow and Aedan created himself, by
the King's order, a companion of the Dragon's Barb. And Duke Talymar came
from his lands and feasted with the Septentrians.

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIIJ AS, June

Genet of Ashertor ended her days in Eoforwic, and she departed for her old
home in Lancashire, and there was sadness. Now did the Canton of Ben
Dunfirth hold its annual war practice. And Reynard the Prince and Brynhildr
the Princess and their entourage did progress from Northwoods to Dunmark
near Ancaster. There in Dunmark there was much fighting, and howling winds,
and hot sun, and swimming in the lake. And there was merriment.

The Eoforwic Musicians began to play together at this time, under the
tutelage of Rudrig mac Erc.

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIIJ AS, July

In the month of July it was warmed than any summer previous, and there was
a great drought. It was said that all the soil of Calontir had turned to
dust, and likewise the soil near Myrgan Wood and westward unto Borealis.
But the famine was not so heavy that many starved; and all the nobles and
gentles had plenty to eat and drink. And it was the warmest summer in
living memory.

In this warm summer month did Etienne de Chez Tonnerre hold him a
tournament and feast in the quadrangle of University College. And great
misfortune came upon the planning of the feast, and the castellan of
Strachan Hall, which the Eoforings had been wont to feast in for years,
gave the hall instead to the feast of a wedding in the church that adjoined
the hall, there at Trinity College. So Shoni Otomo did cause a feast to be
cooked over an open fire in the quadrangle, and Etienne caused tables to be
brought, and there was merriment. During the day there was tourneying and
James MacAndrews caused a game of foot-ball to be played with a ball made
by Arthur ap Idwal. And there was much tearing of clothing and rolling on
the round, and some blood as well. And there was a game with rats to be
thrown through holes in a board, and an archery target as well. And Anthaea
succoured the thirsty with a drink made from lemons, brought from Trimaris
at great expense. Tarver came with timbers and bolts, and set up a
trebuchet in the quadrangle, and he used it to throw some of the rats from
the game. Kestrell of Cadfan brought her falconer, to demonstrate the art
of the birds. And one of the falcons became lost, and although the falconer
did find it atop The White Tower, it took the rest of the day to coax the
hawk down. The falconer had a vulture as well, and at the feast it sat upon
Rudrig's plate, and upon another man's pate. And the feast was delectable,
and many were surfeited. Sin that the day was so warm, many became sated
quickly, and there was much beef and many gallons of brandied peaches
remaining when the feasters were done. So Duke Fionnbarr did cause his
slaveys to collect the spare hogsheads of peaches and joints of beef, to
put in his waggon to be taken back to his holding on Mount Albert, where
they would be preserved for winter.

Later in the month several Eoforings journeyed southwards to the Debatable
Lands, to a tournament in honour of Queen Sedalia's birthday. There they
guested with Tsvia who came oft to Ealdormere to visit. And it was a hot
day in the Debatable Lands, half so hot as boiling water. And there also
from the Midrealm was Graidhne ni Ruadh and some of her friends. At the
beginning of the day, as Sedalia sat to watch the fighters compete to be
her guard at Pennsic War, for she sought to fight there, James came into
her presence and offered her a dozen roses on behalf of his house. And he
said that even the queen of so pathetic and provincial kingdom as the East
did deserve the roses due her estate. And in court, as James and John the
Pell drank smoke outside the hall they heard Mistress Graidhne presenting
the War Arrow to King Gavin as of old. And King Gavin accepted the arrow
from the Middle, calling that august kingdom a provincial principality,
mocking James's earlier words of mockery. For, King Gavin claimed, the
Middle was once, for a quarter of an hour, a principality of the East.
Legal scholars discount this, however, saying that sin no Eastern King's
writ ever ran in the Middle, and sin that no Eastern king e'er collected
taxes west of the Debatable Lands, the Middle was a principality in name
only and not in the sight of God and man. And Mistress Graidhne presented
Queen Sedalia with candied strawberries in honour of her birthday. And in
all that day which was to honour the Eastern Queen's birthday only James
and Graidhne gave her gifts, and they were not her subjects.

At that court was a lord knighted who knew Duke Fionnbarr from of old, and
his name was Alaric Basiliscus. And sin that "Basiliscus" be the Greek word
for King, the heralds said long before that he ought not to call himself
Alaric Basiliscus, for it meant "King Alaric." So, since the heralds were
concerned with the writing of a name and not its speaking, his patent of
arms read "Alaric Smith," though it was pronounced "Basiliscus." And many
said that it made no difference to Sir Alaric for he was an unlettered
gladiator.

MCMLXXXVIIJ AD, XXIIJ AS, August

Now once again did the Middle Kingdom march to war with the East. And it
was the hottest war in memory, and hardly a drop of rain did fall, and only
on the last night did it grow cold. And the Middle Kingdom fought well, and
though their belted champions were ignominiously defeated (only Duke
Fionnbarr and Duke Hasdrubal fighting well), and though the Woods Battle
was lost, the Middle yet emerged victorious. And the Woods Battle was lost
thus. It had been the custom of long years standing for the armies to
parade their banners before entering the woods, so that their rivals would
know them. It had also been the custom of the Easterners for many years to
carry many banners in the woods, to confuse the Midrealm. Indeed, there was
great currency once in the east to the tale of King Hugo leading a great
army against the disciplined troops of Morgan Elandris, mistaking their
black banner for the eastern purpure. So this year, the East did not parade
their banner, and they displayed many banners in the woods, and the
Midrealm scouts were confused. So it was a long while before the Midrealm
officers knew where the banner was, and it was on the same high place where
Septentria had held and lost the banner so many years before. And sin that
there were no generals to lead the soldiers of the Middle, the soldiers
marched a great distance to come to the high place, and they discovered
that they were attacking across a steep gully. And the Eastern soldiers
were standing on the brow of the opposite side, though the Prince of
Drachenwald made a glorious foray through the bottom of the ravine. And the
soldiers of the Midrealm attacked furiously, and they died in their
hundreds. And the dry sands of Pennsia were watered with gore, and the
bottom of the gully did flow red with a brook of blood. After the battle,
Duke Talymar sent ale to the enemy to ransom the banner of the King of
Ansteorra. On the battle of the bridges was there much carnage, and Prince
Reynard had to be restrained by his squires from charging into the affray.
After a great interval of some skirmishing and a great deal of waiting, a
mighty force of the Middle broke through the Eastern wall, and there was a
slaughter of the Easterners. When only five were left with their lives, one
was Cedric the Trimarian who bore the banner of his King, being dragged
through the dust as he clung to the banner pole. And just as several
Midrealm soldiers were about to cleave him from nave to chops and take from
him the banner, master Feral von Halstern, General of the East, did
surrender. He did not wish such valiant survivors to be slaughtered. So
Cedric and his comrades were held prisoner and ransomed.

It came to pass at this war that Graidhne did speak with Fionnaidh Averylle,
 who was the Dragon Herald, and they said that the King, and the King's
Seneschal might agree at that very court to create a Principality of
Ealdormere. First Fionnaidh Averylle did call on Graidhne to procure a
charter. And Graidhne called on James MacAndrews, and asked him to draught
a charter for a crown principality, and in him there was great joy for he
had proposed this once before, as Graidhne well knew. And he did draw up a
charter, and he did pass it to Graidhne, and she was pleased. And she did
pass it to Fionnaidh Averylle, who was pleased. And Fionnaidh Averylle did
pass it to Myrra of Black Wood, who was pleased. And Myrra of Black Wood
did go unto the King, and did beg to be allowed to have a charter draughted
for a Crown Principality in Ealdormere, for it is the way of kings that
they prefer to believe all good ideas to be their own. And the King
assented, and the King's Council did discuss the charter, and make some
amends, and they did discuss the charter with Baron Aedan and Baroness
Caffa, and with Baroness Enid of Skraeling Althing. When this was done,
they consulted the Steward of the Society, Sir Hilary of Serendip, and Sir
Hilary did assent, and it was she who many years ago first suggested the
idea of Crown Principality to James. And then they called upon Kyril
Andreyeskevitch to scriven the charter, and this he did. And at the great
court of Pennsic War did Corwin, the King of the Middle create himself the
Prince of Ealdormere, and his queen the Princess. And they allowed their
heirs to be styled the Prince and Princess of Ealdormere. And they created
Aedan the Lord Lieutenant of Ealdormere, and Enid Aurelia the Lady
Lieutenant. And both Baron Aedan and Baroness Enid were granted seats on
the King's Council. And there was light and happiness and rejoycing and
glee, and the folk of Ealdormere shouted for joy and the folk of the Known
World shouted with them. And if any were gnashing their teeth in envy or
spite they could not be heard in that happy bedlam. And in the Septentrian
camp there was much shouting and drinking of healths, and the cry "Wes
Hael" rang out from many throats, accompanied by the gurgling of many
bottles of ale, of aquavit and of wine. And Duke Eliahu and Duchess Elen
came, and Duke Cariadoc and others. Thorin, King of An Tir, who had once
lived in Ealdormere under the name of Sir Seamus was there, and the King of
the Middle sent word that the folk of Ealdormere need not take up their
perennial guard posts, though a Septentrian stood guard that night as
always. The noble Duke Fionnbarr danced a gigue that night, and he was
sober as a judge: It was elation and nothing else that motivated him to
dance around the fire. Just above the horizon, ascending towards her place
in the winter sky was Ealdormere. And she heard the parts of her secret
heart crying out in jubilation from among her people, and she was glad too.
And the parts of Ealdormere's heart that had been scattered were once again
joined never to be sundered. And all was right in the sight of God and man.

ADDITAMENTA

1. Letter to the Crown prince and several members of the Curia Regis

21 January, A.S. X, A.D. MCMLXXXVI

To all unto whom these presents shall come does the Lord James MacAndrews
send his Greetings.

I make the following proposal for Ealdormere.

§ I propose that the Crown of the Middle Kingdom create a Crown
Principality with borders contiguous with the borders of H.M. Elizabeth II,
the Queen of Canada's Province of Ontario.

§ This principality, to be called Ealdormere, will be a principality whose
officers shall report to the appropriate officers of the Middle Kingdom.

§ Ealdormere's prince shall be the Sovereign of the Middle Kingdom, who
shall add "Prince of Ealdormere" to his other titles and styles. The Queen
of the Middle Kingdom shall be additionally styled Princess of Ealdormere.

§ It might also be done that the Crown Prince of the Middle Kingdom be
styled the Prince of Ealdormere either by courtesy of his predecessor or by
right, with his consort styled the Princess of Ealdormere.

§ Ealdormere's prince shall call a great tourney, at which the yeomen,
squires, and chivalry of Ealdormere shall contend in a manner approved by
the Moot of Ealdormere. the winner of this tourney shall be appointed by
Royal warrant to be the prince's Viceroy of Ealdormere. The Viceroy's lady
shall be appointed by Royal warrant as the Vicereine of Ealdormere. In the
event that a lady shall win this tournament, the styles shall be reversed,
with the winner of the tourney styled the Vicereine and the lord she
champions styled the Viceroy.

§ The Viceroy shall embody the Crown. His voice shall be the voice of the
crown, as shall the voice of his Trillium Herald. the office of the Viceroy
shall carry with it a Grant of Arms, placing the Viceroy in the Order of
Precedence just ahead of the territorial barons, and just behind the
peerage. The viceroy shall be styled "his Highness the Lord Blank of Blank
by Right of the Crown Viceroy for his Majesty (or Royal Highness), the
Prince of Ealdormere."

§ The Viceroy shall have the power to award, grant or issue by letters
patent arms on the authority of the Crown. The Viceroy shall have the power
on that same Crown authority to elevate into Kingdom orders, or confer
Kingdom awards. On specific orders of the Crown, the Viceroy shall grant
peerages.

§ The power of the Barons of Ealdormere shall devolve from the Crown,
through the Prince of Ealdormere, and through the Viceroy. This shall not
restrict the feudal rights of barons to directly advise the king and to
expect direct aid and succour from the king in times of trouble, for the
Viceroy will not hold Ealdormere in fief from the Prince of Ealdormere, but
rather will merely embody the sovereign of Ealdormere.

§ The Viceroy shall be the ceremonial head of the Crown Principality of
Ealdormere, and thus shall bear the arms and honours of the Crown
Principality during his tenure.

§ Upon stepping down from the Viceregal throne, the former Viceroy might be
entered into a kingdom-level order comprising exclusively those who have
served as Viceroy or Vicereine of Ealdormere.

§ The current awards for service to the Champion and Consort shall become
Crown principality awards for service to the Viceroy and Vicereine. The
Crown Principality might confer its own awards on the direct authority of
the Viceroy and Vicereine in their capacities as ceremonial heads of the
Crown Principality. the Crown principality will continue to maintain the
Orders of the Middle Kingdom.

§ The Ursus, now the journal of the Region of Ealdormere, will become the
journal of the Crown Principality.

Submitted under my hand in my personal capacity as a noble of the Region of
 Ealdormere in the Middle Kingdom, at the House of the Five in Eoforwic,
Septentria

James Mac Andrews

2. The Pale, April A.S. XX, A.D. MCMLXXXVI
The Ban on Regions

This is copied precisely from the Pale, including many errors in syntax and
spelling. The torturous language seems to indicate haste in preparing the
announcement.

>From the Crown

At the  Curia Regis held on March 8, A.S. XX in the March of Gwyntarian,
the main topic of discussion was the undesirable effects which have been
occurring because of "Regionalism" within the Kingdom. The Crown recognizes
that most of what has been done in the attempt to develop "Regions" has
proceeded from the best of motives. We support any efforts to foster
cooperation among groups for the benefit of the Kingdom and the Society,
however events have demonstrated that the deveopment of "Regions" with
their own names and officials outside of the official structure of the
Kingdom often leads to results which are detrimental rather than beneficial
regardless of the desire of most people in the "Regions".

The foremost of these detrimental effects is factionalism, beside the
geographical area with its own name which creates the impression of a real
group, however "unofficial" promoters profess it to be. The "Regional
identity" which a name fosters has been misused as well. In the past it has
gone as far as "Regional official" urging the people within their region to
devote their talents and energies exclusively to the region rather than to
benefit the Kingdom as a whole.

The second detrimental effect is that of the spread of misinformation as to
the way that the Society and the Kingdom work and what groups are official.
Several newsletter inform their readers that the groups are part of the
"Region of X" and list the "Regional officers". Recently a "Regional
Championship" has caused problems in two separate areas, with the "Regional
Champion" being claimed to posess more power and prerogatives than
consistant with Kingdom Law and Corpora. The danger in these claims lies to
a great extent in the dissension they cause and offcers seeking to uphold
Kingdom Law must inevitably conflict with those propounding such claims.

Accordingly a NEW KINGDOM LAW is now in effect:

Article XV 550 - No geographic area other than a group officially
recognised by the Kingdom Seneschal may use a name or have a champion. (All
groups currently listed in the Middle Kingdom Collegium Seneschallorum are
officially recognized by the Kingdom Seneschal).

The possibility of merely defining what a "Region" could or could not do
was discussed, however to do so would be to give official status to the
"Regions" and it was decided that the dangers of this far outweigh the
advantages which would come from the "Regional identity," increased
cooperation within the "Region." The Curia strongly feels that cooperation
between groups is possible within the present Official Kingdom structure
and that just as much can be accomplished this way as could be in a
"Region" but without attendant dangers.

Again, be it known that we wish to encourage cooperation between groups,
especially in forming large fighting units for the Pennsic War. However
this cooperation must be done within the official structure of the Kingdom.

For the Middle,

Elegil Isabella R.

Note: The above kingdom Law was listed in the Laws of the Middle Kingdom,
Eliahu II, as XIV-700, with slightly different wording. No data is
available as to when either version was proclaimed. Per Law II-101 laws
must be proclaimed in court as well as published in the Pale, but no
requirement exists for publishing the data of the court proclamation in the
newsletter. -- Hyrcanos

3. The Pale, May, A.S. XXI, A.D. MCMLXXXVI

New Kingdom Law

XV-600: Prospective Principalities must reach and maintain a level of at
least 125 sustaining plus 50 additional memberships.

Elegil Rex Isabella Regina Genevieve Seneschal

Note: The above Kingdom Law was listed in the Laws of the Middle Kingdom,
Eliahu II, as XIV-600. This is a reduction of the minimum Midrealm
requirement for principality, though the number continued to exceed the
Society's minimum. -- Hyrcanos

4. Story: The Doom of Ealdormere

The Doom of Ealdormere

Many tales are told of the young hero Ealdormere, but the strangest tale
told is the tale of her birth; for they say that she did not come to be in
the usual way, but that this was the way of it:

The wise and mighty of the land desired to draw together the people, to
make their land strong and glorious. For this they needed a hero, yet none
was in evidence, and the omens foretold none to be soon born. Thus they
resolved to create their own.

They drew her spirit and flesh from the land itself, from its wide skies
and waters, from its forests and fields, and from its hard, enduring stone
and soft, fertile earth. Each woman and man of them gave of their own
strength, and at length a perfect infant lay before them.

All the people were called to her naming, and from the highest lord to the
lowest churl they came. Not only the people, but also the hare, the wolf,
and the bear came to represent the beasts of field and forest. Then each
gave a gift that suited their means. the hare gave her cunning and
fleetness of foot, the wolf gave his unstinting loyalty, and the bear gave
his slow wisdom and great strength.

But while the people rejoyced, the first of the Three who sit by the well
and work the loom of the World called to her sisters, saying, "Look, here
is a hank laid ready for spinning that I never carded. Someone is joggling
our elbows." Then they grew angry, and cast about for the mischiefmaker.

At length they noticed the people celebrating, and marked the newborn babe.
The youngest of the Three said, "Here are those who would make themselves
our equals. Sisters, let us teach them a lesson. I see that they are giving
gifts. Let us each give a gift also, and gifts that they shall rue."

Thus it came about that Ealdormere received three bright gifts and three
dark gifts all on the same day.

The first bright gift that the wise and mighty gave was a good mind and a
steady hand, that she might be a great artisan; the first dark gift that
the Three gave was this: Though she might create great wonders, yet nothing
she did would outlast her.

The second gift was a strong back and a keen eye, that she might be a great
archer; the second dark gift the Three gave was this: However true her
shafts might fly, they would never diminish the number of her enemies.

the third gift the wise and mighty gave was a glad heart and a generous
hand, that she might always have friends; the last and bitterest dark gift
was this: Though she might have a multitude of friends, yet none would
stand by her I her hour of extremity.

This is the tale of her birth and many more are told of her youth; how when
she could barely walk she had grown too large for any house, and that while
still a maid she had followed her King to war and done valiant deeds.

They tell how her people loved her, for she was not haughty, but noble and
worshipful; and her honour was bright like a mirror, wherein they saw their
own honour reflected bright.

Of her end no one knows the true tale, but only that on a day in that
season when the hint of Spring first raises hopes and the fast following
frost dashes them, word came from the king that Ealdormere was no more.

Some say that in her youthful rashness, she sounded her challenge before
the gates of the bright gods themselves and was cast down in ruin; but one
among the gods took pity on her brave heart and her beauty and raised her
to the heavens. They say that on a winter night, when the clear sky brings
biting frost, you can see her high in the southern sky, her sword at her
side, guarding the borders of the land that she loves.

Others say that she was not slain at all, but laid under an enchantment of
sleep, wherein she does not age, and at their hour of greatest need she
shall awake and lead her people.

However true these tales may be we cannot know, but we do know that one
thing is true. Before Ealdormere left, she drew forth her secret heart, and
breaking it into a multitude of pieces, she gave a bit to each of her
people to safeguard. And whenever a person is moved to speak of Ealdormere,
and whenever the listeners are moved by what they hear, it is one piece of
her secret heart that speaks, and the others listen.

Aedan

5. The Pale, October A.S. XXIII, A.D. MCMLXXXVIIJ
The Ealdormere Charter

>From Their Majesties

We, Corwyn, by right of arms and law Sovereign of the Middle kingdom and
Master of the Noble Order of Chivalry, ruler from the frozen banks of the
Ottawa unto the mud of the Great River and Shana, Queen of Love and Beauty,
our Consort and Patroness of the Arts and Sciences, sitting in Court and
Council and upon the considered advice of our Heirs, Prince Reynard and
Princess Brynhildr, Our noble peers, Duke Talymar and Duchess Eislinn, Duke
Eliahu and Duchess Elen and our Great Officers of State do issue by these
presents a Charter of Command and Consent.

Recognising the unity of purpose and contributions that the people of the
northern reaches have given unto our Kingdom, by our command and consent do
we create the land comprising the Barony of Septentria, the Barony of
Skraeling Althing and the Shire of Noergate, and any baronies, shires and
colleges that may in future be created within those lands as the Crown
Principality of Ealdormere. They shall stand in fealty and homage to the
Crown of the Middle.

By our command and consent do we, as King and Queen of the Midrealm
recognize ourself and our queen as Prince and Princess and Sovereign of the
Crown Principality of Ealdormere.

By our command and consent do we assign by courtesy the titles Prince and
Princess of Ealdormere to our heirs, the Crown Prince and Princess of the
Middle Kingdom.

By our command and grant will we create a Lord and Lady Lieutenant to
administer Ealdormere in our names and at the Crown's pleasure. Upon
completion of their service, at the discretion of the Crown, we shall award
unto them a Grant of Arms.

By our command will the Lord and Lady Lieutenant, in consultation with our
Officers of State create a Council of the Crown in Ealdormere, to include
those deputies of Kingdom Officers whose purview includes Ealdormere, and
our barons and baronesses and peers who reside within its boundaries.

Done to the greater glory of the Middle Kingdom and the Society, in the
name of Chivalry, Courtesy and the ideals we hold dear, in this our Court
and Council, this 20th day of August, in this the 23rd year of the Society
in testimony whereof we have affixed our seal.

Corwyn Rex Shana Regina


NOTES to Book Three of the Chronicles of Eoforwic:

Note 1: The Loggan More is usually identified with Lake Huron.

Note 2: The Silver Tarn is one of the recorded names of Lake Erie.

Note 3: The Ealdormere or Elder Mere is Lake Ontario.

Note 4: See additamentum #1, below.

Note 5: See Additamentum #2, below.

Note 6: See Additamentum #4, below.

Note 7: See Additamentum #3, below.

Note 8: Where once the town of Dubras stood now stands the town of Bryniau
Twynnog, sometimes called Burning Log Twinky Doodle.

Note 9: There is no note 9.