A Day in the Country (Sep 9, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

A summons had arrived at our manor, carried by a messenger sent by my lord knight, Sir Evander MacLachlan. He demanded my presence in the Canton of Greenhithe, upon the celebration of a Day in the Country. And so, though the sky was overcast and rain fell from the heavens, my lady Þorfinna, my brother Snæbjörn and I set off on a loaded wagon into the wetness of the east.

We were among the first to arrive, though archers and throwers were already setting up their ranges in the rain. We found a spot to park our wagon, and erected four shades we had brought to protect us and our friends from the weather. We were soon joined by many friends from Bastille du Lac, Petrea Thule and Ramshaven who had braved the weather. We soon had a long stretch of shades and a change tent set up across from the list field. A sea of chairs, chests, armour bags, tables and benches spread out under the shades, and a pleasant morning was passed in conversation and camaraderie.

Around the noon hour the sun broke the clouds, and the majority of the afternoon was sunny and warm. The day’s activities then began in earnest. As the rain had made my wrists too sore for me to don my armour I instead helped marshal, inspecting fighters and assisting in the authorization of Bastille’s newest fighter. To one side a youth combat list had been erected, and under the watchful eye of Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn Ealdormere’s youth did battle with courtesy and honour. A young lad named Cameron authorized that day.

When the pick ups and the authorizations were complete, Sir Evander called on all those present to bear witness as his house was to grow again. My squire-brother Tiberius of Warwickshire, his lady Anne Tinker, my lady, and myself were called to stand with Evander and THL Melusine de la Rose as Lord Cameron MacGregor took a knee before them. (Two of my squire-brothers could not attend: Varenko, as he was in the East, and Brandt, as he was on a quest and unreachable.) With emotion clearly writ on his face, Cameron clasped Evander’s sword and swore fealty to him as his knight. Cameron was then presented with a belt, a chain and spurs. Tiberius gifted a pair of pouches for Cameron and his lady, as a welcome to the House MacLachlan.

When this was done Evander asked his three squires to stand before him, and told the crowd how he had been asked to choose a badge by his dependants so we could show our allegiance on the battlefield. And so he presented us with red houppelandes with black sleeves, bearing on their front the white castle from his device, and on the one shoulder the trillium of Ealdormere. When asked if we approved of this livery we remarked that we did, and that we were happy he had chosen the castle from his device as his badge, instead of the unicorn.

Evander then asked the crowd’s indulgence as he had one more piece of business to attend to. He called before him Ellie of Bastille du Lac, youth combat fighter, and youngest daughter of Kel and Helena of Bastille du Lac. Ellie had long wanted to serve Evander as his page, and today he asked her if this was still her wish. She said it was and he welcomed her into his house, presenting her with a houppelande to match ours. Tiberius also gave her a pouch.

Tiberius, Cameron, Evander, Ellie and I changed into our new livery as the fighting began in earnest. It was an interesting sight to behold my family wearing matching colours, and it brought great pride to me as I saw Evander win all the fighting tournaments (with Tiberius coming in second in most, if not all, of them).

However, the most pride I felt was in watching my brother Snæbjörn, who fought like a demon that day. In a burning house scenario he defended the centre against three opponents before being felled, managing to one shot my squire-brother Tiberius as well as Sir Konrad Mattias Jaegger. In another scenario, where all the fighters were placed in a centre square he was the last fighter to hold said square, until he had to leave it to face Evander in the outer square. Later, when challenges were being fought over a barrier, Snæbjörn was part of a team of four facing another team of four. Very quickly he found himself standing alone as his comrades were defeated, still facing four foes. Fighting well, and managing some impressive blocks, he managed to survive long enough to kill one of his foes.

I am, most assuredly, proud of his progress as a fighter.

While I was marshalling and watching the fighting, Þorfinna and Lady Mahault van der Eych went down to the gate where they and several others were able to paint some ceramic pieces under the watchful eye of THL Aurelia Gabriana.

During a lull in the fighting, Sir Konrad led Lord Ludwig von Eisengrim from the kitchen (where he was preparing feast) to the lists, and before all assembled took him as his man-at-arms, presenting him with a gorgeous belt.

As per usual at Day in the Country, an all around tournament was held, where teams had to have a fighter, a youth fighter, a thrower, an archer and an artisan. (Usually there are also fencers on the team, but no fencers showed up this year.) There were three teams total who partook, and Þorfinna won the thrown weapons division for her team (though her team ended up coming in third over all).

It was around the dinner hour when we departed. My back (which I had thrown out a few days before) was seizing up, and a chill wind was blowing in, so there was no way I could stay for an outdoor feast. Unfortunately, a lot of other folk were also not staying for feast for one reason or another, and so, to support our sister-canton, many of us went to the gate and paid for feast spots even though we could not stay. A benefit to this for us was that we now got to take home feast tokens, which were drinking cups painted in period designs, in either late or early period models.

It was, all told, a glorious day, and I truly feel sorry for those who were frightened away by the weather.

War of the Trillium II (June 28 – Jul 2, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

The year is 1203 and the armies of the Fourth Crusade have Constantinople under siege.  In typically Byzantine fashion the Frankish/Venetian army has been called upon to invade the city by Prince Alexius of Constantinople, son of the deposed Emperor Isaac.  Alexius has begged aid of the assembled Frankish & Venetian armies of the Fourth Crusade to aid him in restoring the scarlet buskins of the Emperor to his father, who languishes in prison where he was thrown after having his eyes torn out by his brother.

After much discussion, the crusaders, who have been much weakened by the desertions of faithless nobles who have forgotten the meaning of their word, agree to aid Prince Alexius against his usurping uncle.   In return for the Crusaders aid Alexius has sworn to then to the following conditions, that he would place the Empire once again under the authority of Rome from which it has been long estranged; 200,000 marks plus provisions for every man in the army; 10,000 men plus himself to accompany the crusaders to liberate Jerusalem; to maintain 500 knights in the Holy City, at his own expense, for its protection so long as he lives.

At the urging of King Phillip of Germany and Pope Innocent the Third the Crusaders agreed to divert their path from Jerusalem to help Prince Alexius to regain his father’s throne.  Thus we come before the walls of Constantinople, the greatest city in Christendom, with the continued hope of the liberation of Jerusalem at stake, as well as the fate of the Byzantine Empire.  On land the combined armies of the noble French barons line up with their German brothers.  On sea the Venetians order their fleet, bristling with mangonels and petraries, fore and aft castles heavy with scaling ladders and lances.  Upon the walls of the city the Byzantines are fortified by English and Danish soldiers armed with battle axes, along with other sundry Eastern mercenaries, while the Greek knights and their mounts wait in reserve behind the imposing city walls.

This was the theme of this year’s War of the Trillium, as written by Lord Wat of Sarum. The forces of the Byzantines were to be led by THL Baldric Leeman of Newcastle Emlyn, while the Crusaders were to be led by Lord Derfel Mallory.

Wednesday

The event this year began on Wednesday, but my lady and I could not take the day off work. As soon as we could we slipped out the door and flew to the site. Once there we went to the House Galbraith encampment which had been roped off on Monday night. A few giant pavilions had already been set up, including one for the vigil for Crowyn and Domhnail Galbraith, the Baron and Baroness of Septentria. We found a nice spot under a tree and proceeded to pitch our new tent. The a-frame that Thorfinna and built back in 2004 had given up the ghost at Pennsic 2006, with a massive waterproofing failure during a pounding thunderstorm. Luckily, Baroness Adrielle Kerrec and Sir Nigel MacFarlane had a Roman-style wall tent they were willing to part with. We bought the canvas from them, and using the instruction provided by the supplier, made tent poles. Once we got the tent up we realized that the rather vague instructions, which had told us to make the front and rear pole ‘approximately 7 feet,’ was too vague. Our poles were seven feet, and they lifted the door flaps up and off the ground. We made a mental note to bring a saw back with us to site the next day and left to run some last minute errands.

As an aside it should be noted that at least two other people also set up their Roman wall tents this event for the first time, and also discovered that their poles were too long.

Thursday

When we returned to the site early Thursday afternoon with the rest of our gack, some of our raven-brothers and –sisters had arrived. Thorfinna and I lay the tent down on the ground, cut down the poles by three and a half inches, stood it back up, and now found that it was perfect. We unloaded our car, loaded our tent and sat down to share some food.

Just as I was about to enjoy a piece of chicken (I love chicken) two members of the Barony of Skraeling Althing entered our camp, concerned over the amount of space that had been set aside for the Galbraith encampment. One of them walked off, but Lord Hamish Gunn and I got up and walked over the vigil area with the second person, explained about how many people were coming to camp with the Galbraiths (about 40 people), how many large pavilions were coming, and that we were hosting the vigil. Still, trying to be nice neighbours, we shrunk the vigil and I moved the road a little bit to give them more room. I got a beard scratch in return, but was disappointed to learn when I went back to my camp that all the chicken was gone.

At one point Lord Berend van der Eych and I were talking to Wat, when we noticed that the edging had all come off his shield. We told him that he should take this opportunity to take the giant concave bend out of his shield. Asking how he would do that on-site, I told him to use a picnic table. He was incredulous and found the idea highly dubious. So Berend grabbed his shield, and we found a table and he began to slide the shield between planks on the table and bending the shield. Now this was noticed by the folk in the Petrea Thule camp, and several of them came over. They stripped Wat’s shield of his handle and arm strap and the massive Lord Augustyn of Ely began to bend Wat’s shield by hand! Wat was looking rather white and worried, but in the end he was astonished and pleased to be handed a nice flat shield with a gentle curve. By this time quite a crowd had gathered to watch.

At one o’clock Artisan’s Row opened. Lady Caitlin had spearheaded an ambitious project to have almost continuous hands-on arts and sciences running Thursday afternoon, and all day Friday and Saturday. Several tents were set up, with armouring trees showing what lessons were currently underway and what lessons were coming up. Some of the classes held included: lace making, hand sewing a Geteld tent, sail making, pewter casting, sprang weaving, netted hairnets, heraldry, and the second Iron(age) Chef contest. I never had a chance to really poke my head in to see what was going on, but every time I walked past the Row was a buzz of activity.

A torchlight tourney was supposed to be held that night, but since only about four or five people (Thorfinna and I being some of them) were willing to put on armour, it was postponed to Friday night.

Friday

Friday morning my lady and I slept in late. We got up and almost immediately put on our armour. Walking to the battlefield we found Lord Derfel in full Crusader kit, complete with chain mail coif and red cape. Once all the fighters were assembled sides were chosen. The numbers would fluctuate throughout the day, but were more or less even for the most part.

Þorfinna and I joined the Crusaders and Derfel gave us a baldric emblazoned with a Crusader cross. Þorfinna was joined by her knight Sir Cennedi, and her soon-to-be squire-brother Wat.

The battles set out for the War of the Trillium followed the siege of Constantinople. This day would be a series of boat battles, and then a landing battle as the Crusader’s landed on the shores.

First we fought a boat battle. Boats had to be at least two fighters strong. A fighter left on their own could not operate their boat and had to stand in place until they were joined by at least two other people from their side. Each side had fifty total resurrections, with the captains being worth three lives. Any Royalty present were also worth extra lives.

The first time we ran through this scenario there was no limit on how large a boat could be. As such, Baldric had his forces gather onto one large boat in front of his rez point. The Crusaders (who were outnumbered by about 50% at this point) died horrifically, but gloriously. In the following boat battles, the boats could be no larger than five people, and this made for more interesting fluid fights. I do not now recall just how many times we ran through this scenario, or even who won in the end, as I was having difficulty breathing and had to step out.

The boat battles were followed by a Galleon battle. Sir Berus, the Marshal in Charge, laid out a rectangle with hay bales that measured approximately 15’ x 12’. Equal forces of Crusaders and Byzantines (numbering eleven to start) took to the galleon. The galleon battles were to the last man, with no resurrections. The battles lasted approximately 10 or 15 seconds. As I recall we ran through this four or five times, with the Crusaders winning all but one bout. Þorfinna—who people had begun calling Juggernaut after Pikeman’s—continued to earn her nickname as she pushed people overboard.

A Ship Landing Causeway Battle was then held. The Byzantines had to defend the gate, while the Crusaders had to breach the gate and maintain control of it for a few seconds (marshals’ discretion). Each side had a rez point and 50 resurrections per side. The battle was to be fought as best two out of three. The first time we ran through the causeway the Crusaders won, though the rules had to be rethought out and this bout ended up not counting. However, the Crusaders would go on to win two of the three bouts to win this war point. The Juggernaut continued her rampage and ploughed through the Byzantine lines (pictures of which were captured by Lord Eirik Andersen).

By this point fighters were exhausted from the heat and mugginess and were beginning to get a little sloppy. Berus called it a day, and only a few hearty souls stayed for pickups. I took the opportunity to have my squire-brother THL Tiberius Brittanicus whup me good.

That night Ramshaven hosted a Bacchanalia party with a Kama Sutra theme in the battlefield pavilion. On the field four torches belched flame to the sky as a small but hardy group of fighters gathered for a torchlight tourney. I could not go to watch the tournament as I was working at a vigil, but I heard from many people later how well my brother Lord Snæbjörn sverðsbrjótr (called Swordbreaker) fought that night. In the end, His Royal Majesty Aaron defeated Sir Nigel to win the tourney.

As I mentioned, I spent the evening at a vigil. The Baron and Baroness of Septentria, Corwyn and Domhnail Galbraith, had both been placed on vigil for the Order of the Laurel. Their fellow Galbraiths strung up Septentrian and Ealdormerean walls about the vigil area in their camp, and set out two tables groaning with food (one holding period food, and one holding modern food). A craft table was set up where people waiting to go in and speak to Corwyn and Domhnail could draw, paint or carve soap. A roaring fire was lit, and people sat around it singing songs. Corwyn and Domhnail waited in the baronial pavilion for each visitor, with one wall lowered so they could look out over moonlit grass and watch the dancing fireflies. They were a bit surprised by the parade of semi-drunken men with glowing nipples who buzzed by the opening at one point, but took it all in stride.

Several memories stand from the vigil stand out in my mind. Most of them having to do with THL Etian du Naval. Firstly, Etian asked me if I wanted a beer, I responded that I did not have one with me. Without a pause he gave me his Hammer cup to drink from and would not take no for an answer. I was honoured to be entrusted with it and held on to it tightly with both hands all night until I returned it, worried that someone might knock it from my hand.

The second and third memory concerning Etian was watching him loose at a drinking game to one of the minions, and Etian eating too many oysters. (Drinking and oysters made for a sick Etian the next day.)

I had to be on my guard all night as the seneschal of Monadh—His Excellency Cynred—repeatedly tried to assassinate me so he would not have to turn in his seneschal’s report. Luckily my beers were +50 healing potions, and all was well. In truth I do not get to hang out with Cynred enough, and spending so much time in his company was a rare treat. We were told that in the dark we were hard to tell apart, but we thought it was quite obvious. After all, he’s a gnome and I’m a dwarf.

The vigil eventually ended at 2:30 am, with the party moving to the Rozakii encampment. The Galbraith and Hrogn then went in together to see Corwyn and Domhnail and give them their gifts. The ‘Thongs of Freedom’ were quite a sight to see. Þorfinna and I gave them the same advice everyone from Ardchreag had given them that night: to keep on truckin’!

The next morning we found out about two practical jokes that had been performed. The first, was the application of non-lubricated ‘protection’ being applied to all of Baron Richard Larmer's weapons. The second concerned Baldric, and the turning of his tent so that when he returned from partying he could not locate the door.

Saturday

On Saturday I woke up with a headache. As such, I went off-site with Þorfinna when she went to buy some tickets online for an upcoming science-fiction convention (where a certain cast member of Firefly will be putting in an appearance). We went by our house, I took some pills, we had a shower and then we did some errands. We picked up some juice and coffee for people on-site, and also grabbed two boxes of popsicles.

When we got back we gave a newly constructed ‘Clue x 4’ to THL Anne Tinker who was working the gate, complete with handle. We then got changed and made our way to the fighting field and became exceeding popular as we handed out popsicles to the over-heated fighters.

We didn’t end up fighting at all that day, which is unfortunate, for Berus’ excellent scenarios continued that day. The most talked about was the single sword woods battle.

Earlier that day there had been a newbie tournament, which was won by Lord Derfel’s son. I heard that my brother did well in this tournament too. Both he and Þorfinna were given war points by the captains for their martial endeavours.

At this point my mother showed up on site, and Eirik lent her a t-tunic, and Þorfinna gave her the ‘Girdle of Strength’ that she had won years ago at a Galbraith party. My mom had a good time, even belting back some Scotch with Baldric which took everyone by surprise. She’s not even sure if she’ll ever be able to come out again, but she’s already started thinking about what kind of garb she likes.

Once the fighters had all clomped out of the woods, Sir Cennedi called to all those who wished to bear witness as he took a new squire. Before a large crowd (the largest I’ve yet seen at a squiring) Cennedi spoke of Þorfinna, and how in the past year as his student he had seen her transform from someone unsure of themselves on the battlefield to a fearless warrior. He quoted from the Havamal, and then exchanged oaths with Þorfinna. She was presented with a box—painted by Cennedi—which was adorned with his badge, his knight’s badge, his grand-knight’s badge, my badge, as well as her own. The quoted verse was also painted on the box, in Norse runes. From the box I pulled out a beautiful red belt, hand crafted by Lord Berend and Lady Mahault van der Eych. The buckle and belt end were made in the Norse style, and the quote from the Havamal had been carved along the belt’s length. A silver knotwork accent adorned the belt just above the belt end. I wrapped the belt about her waist, and then Tiberius brought her a mug of ale which she downed in one gulp. After that came the hugging and the congratulations and the picture taking. As well, Þorfinna was tasked her teacher Baroness Adrielle to research the source of the poem (which she already has) as well as the buckle and belt end.

The squiring complete, the Hrogn lads and I cleaned up the fighting pavilion for court. Two days of fighting and a Kama Sutra party later there was a lot of trash to clean up. It was at this point that the skies opened, and rain, at times pounding the earth in fury fell upon us all. Everyone squeezed under the fighting pavilion to watch.

In Septentrian court Lady Raya of Petrea Thule was made the new baronial bard, and Etian was given an axe and a bear pelt and named the barony’s fighting champion. The Canton of Caer Draeth donated funds from the last Kingdom Crown to Their Majesties and to Their Excellencies.

The Canton of Ardchreag was called into court. Knowing that the barony required a new baronial pavilion, they donated $2000 towards the purchase of a new one.

Mahault announced that the Crusaders had beaten the Byzantines in the war, due mostly to points earned in non-fighting venues (such as archery). In a strange twist, due to a write-in campaign, Baron Konrad of Ramshaven received as many points as Derfel and Baldric together. In recognition of this, he was given a hand crafted box. Derfel and Baldric were both presented with treasures brought back by the Van der Eychs from their recent trip to Greece and Turkey.

Two ladies from Monadh—Florence and Magdelina—were given Bear’s Claws for the construction of tabards.

Their Excellencies then retired, to prepare themselves for entry into Their Majesties court. Kingdom court than began, and several good gentles were recognized, including:

Lord Eirik Andersen and Baroness Gaerwen of Trafford who were inducted into the Order of the Wain; Adelaide van der Eych, who received an Award of the Wolf's Cub; Lord Hamish Gunn and Lord Rhisiart ap Merududd, who received an Award of the Maiden’s Heart; Lord Thorulfr inn smithr, who received an Award of the Scarlet Banner; THL Anne Tinker who was inducted into the Order of the Crucible.

Unfortunately I watched most of court from the back of the pavilion, as the members of House Hrogn and House Galbraith had gathered to lead Corwyn and Domhnail before Their Excellencies. When they were called we marched into court, singing and carrying banners. As luck (or fate) would have it, the rain ceased long enough for them to walk from the bathrooms (where they had taken shelter after changing into their beautiful new clothes) to the pavilion. Once under its roof the rain began again, though falling lightly this time. As Corwyn and Domhnail kneeled in front of Their Majesties a rainbow broke out in the sky over the pavilion and THL Ulvar van der Nederlanden sounded the horn of Ealdormere’s scouts. Many good gentles then spoke about the virtues of this pair, including Garraed Galbraith, Olagh, and Duchess Marion FitzWilliam who spoke of the past, Sir Berus Wolfsson and Baroness Adrielle Kerrec who spoke of the present, and Lady Þorfinna gráfeldr and Lady Lassarfhina ingean Uilleag who spoke of the future. Their scroll was a wooden triptych, crafted by Lassarfhina, that stole the crowd’s breath away.

After court the fifth Annual Lord Ulrich von den See Memorial Mead Competition was held. I know there were winners in a few categories this year, but the only one I can recall is Lady Marian Golightly who again won the cordials category.

As usual I missed the mead competition as I was back in camp getting ready for the Galbraith party. The party was again going to be held on the battle field, and some of us began to lug supplies over. Coming back to camp from one such trip I was just in time to catch the tail end of Lady Dagmar halvdan being taken as a man-at-arms by THL Etain du Naval.

Corwyn had a bottle of Blackeye Mead, used as part of the Galbraith initiation ceremony, which he passed around even though no new Galbraiths were being recognized. The truly brave, foolhardy and/or stout of heart took a swig of the noxious brew.

The party began, with a bonfire, free mead and home brewed beer, lots of food, the traditional Galbraith toss and the finals of Ealdormere Idol. Before too long the rain began to thunder down, and everyone crowded under the fighting pavilion again. This was just after Thorulfr had taken his turn ‘Flinging the Fencer’—and taking the lead for longest throw—and it was remarked that Thor, god of thunder, was obviously not being impartial. Due to the constant rain the toss did not resume, and Thorulfr won the men’s category with a throw over 39 feet. Lady Mary of Caer Draeth won the women’s category, with a throw around 22 feet. Callum mhic Hector won the children’s category with a throw of over 9 feet.

The party was shorter and a little more subdued this year due to the weather. Still there were several memorable moments, including Adrielle’s turtle squirt toy that shot many of us in the face; Lady Raya of Petrea Thule being named the winner of the first Ealdormere Idol competition; and Bubba’s violation of Sarnac that left Sarnac laughing so hard he could hardly breathe.

After the party ended, Þorfinna and I hung out at the Squires’ Lounge where I let out a burn that earned me a standing ovation. We finally went to bed at a very late (or technically early) hour, just before Ymir (known as Butterfly) had his tent ‘collapse’ in retaliation for the previous night’s tent turning trick. We had just gone to bed, but heard the poles fall and the resulting fit of giggling.

Sunday

Sunday was bright and hot, and Ardchreag was faced with a little problem. Twenty-four bales of hay had been brought to War for use in the battles, and due to the rain, had not been burned in the fire pit as planned. No one wanted the hay (it was garbage quality) and we couldn’t leave it on site. As such, the Ardchreag fire-corporals were formed and many of us spent a few hours burning the hay in the pit. We took turns circling the roaring fire, turning the hay with sticks so that air could reach the bottom layers of hay. It was for many a very medieval moment, like watching farmers around a charcoal fire, especially when Siegfried took a turn since he was still in garb.

Once all the hay was taken care of, I got to hand out copies of Septentrian Geographic for free. The magazine had been put together as a fundraiser for the barony, but with the donations made by Caer Draeth and Ardchreag the funds were no longer needed. So Corwyn, Domhnail, Þorfinna and I paid for the printing costs and I handed out the issues to every Septentrian I happened across until I ran out. The magazine contained articles on every canton with the barony, told in a tongue-in-cheek manner, as well as articles on aspects of Septentria life (such as special awards and the White Bear Fian). Reactions were good, and who knows, maybe a second issue will appear in the not too distant future.

Before long the site was deserted except for members of the host canton who began pulling down shade tents, cleaning up the few bits of garbage left behind, packing boxes, and other such after-event chores. Lady Oksana, Wat and Donovan went off site and soon returned with pizza, and we enjoyed a canton lunch which was only momentarily interrupted by a police cruiser that came flying down the road. Apparently armed robbers were running through the conservation area after ditching their getaway car nearby. We never say any sign of them though, and the rest of the tear-down was uneventful.

And so ended War of the Trillium, second of its line.

Households Unite! (Murder Melee in the Meadow, June 13 – 18, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

Team: The Ursinators

Roster:

Sir Evander MacLachlan

            THL Tiberius Britannicus

            Lord Brandt das Lederwerker

            Laird Colyne Stewart

            Lord Cameron MacGregor

Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn

            THL Dafydd ap Sion

            Lord Eirik Andersen

            THL Augustyn of Ely

            Lord Amelius Claudius Rattanicus

Sir Rory Cennedi

            Lord Wat of Sarum

Team Record: 5 – 1

Overall placement: 2^nd

The day was bright. The sky was clear of clouds, and the sun was shining. The heat was high (in the mid 30s), it was humid, and the plant life was spreading its pollen.

Ah, summer had arrived, in all its blazing, burning, eye watering, sneezing fury.

Around half past eight in the morning, Sir Evander yet again stopped his wagon at my keep to pick me up. This time I went alone, as Þorfinna would be engaging in her other geekdom that day (that of the Browncoats). With Evander were Rattanicus, Cameron, Kel of Bastille and Argyle of Bastille. We loaded up my gear, which included a sun shade. Since there was room, we slide in a second shade as well.

We got to the site in good time, taking a shortcut that Rattanicus asserted saved us twenty minutes whereas Evander insisted it saved but ten. We set up our shades beside Sir Sarnac and Sir Kasamir’s combined team (called the SarKasmic Horde), with whom we were to share good food, drink and camaraderie throughout the day. We were quickly joined by Tiberius, Eirik, Dafydd and Augustyn who were already on site. Brandt arrived not too much later, giving me a second half gauntlet bearing my device that he had been labouring on for me. Fighters began slowly putting on their kits, a little lethargic in the heat.

Sir Siegfried pulled me aside and said that he wanted to name the team in honour of Septentria (as he has tried to name his teams in the past) and suggested the Ursinators. He wanted me to suggest the name, knowing that his good friend Evander would resist it if he suggested it himself. I agreed. Later, when Evander spoke up and said we needed a name I instantly said, “Ursinators.” Evander was surprised that I had come up with that suggestion so quickly, but everyone seemed happy with it and that is what we went with. When he later found out he had been played, Evander made one of his trademark faces, and I’m sure I will pay for my petty treachery later.

Amid a rush of Terminator jokes (“Come with me if you want to win”) we finished armouring up, and Wat and Cennedi showed up just before the list table closed. They put up a third sunshade, which was just enough to cover us all.

Since we had twelve people on the team (and only ten could be on the field at a time), Evander found another team for Kal and Argyle to join to ensure that everyone would get in as much fighting as possible. They joined the Marines, and made quite an impression (especially Arglye).

Lord Ludwig von Eisengrim arrived, blinking sleep out of his eyes, and found that due to a miscommunication error between himself and Evander that there was no longer a spot for him on the team. Luckily he was able to join the Ramshaven-Eoforwic Alliance and got in a full day of fighting.

While I was speaking to Her Excellency of Septentria, the Baron of Ramshaven came over looking slightly sheepish. He told Domhnail that Ramshaven had stolen away the Citie Guard of Eoforwic to fight at their side. Domhnail asked if Ramshaven was trying to invade her territory, but I remarked that it sounded more like her loyal Eoforings were taking over Ramshaven. Her Excellency Alyce, who had joined us, asserted that this was simply a friendly contractual arrangement between cousins, which was sealed amiably when Konrad gave Domhnail some liquid fortification.

When everyone was finally ready to fight we found that there were seven teams. They were: the Ursinators, the Rozakii, Septentria, the Ramshaven-Eoforwic Alliance, the SarKasmic Horde, the Marines and Tark’s Mongol Horde. The tournament was a round robin, and with only seven teams the tourney went very fast.

We had to cycle through our fighters a little bit, since we had twelve members. Even though I tried to take a turn to sit out it never transpired until the finals (when I was wounded). Generally, Siegfried, Cennedi, Evander, Wat and Rattanicus acted as flankers, so I was placed in command of our shieldwall since I had the most combat experience out of the others. I can tell you, it felt pretty good with the giant Augustyn on one side of me and the sturdy Dafydd on the other. Our speed was not so great, but we did not lack in strength.

In the first few encounters our shieldwall was destroyed fairly quickly, but since we had never acted as a unit before I was not too surprised. As the day went on we became much more coherent and became much more effective at moving as a unit and staying together. Both Cameron and Eirik fought very well.

In our battle against Septentria I took a sore wound. I was felled by a pole arm, and as I was falling someone hit me very hard across the back of the neck. I almost had to stop fighting because of the pain and the ensuing headache but I stuck with it for the body of the tournament.

In one of the Marines’ battles, Argyle found himself alone, facing seven opponents. In an amazing display of swordsmanship he managed to wittle the other team down to only two before being felled himself.

When all the battles were done, it was announced that the two finalists were to be the undefeated Rozakii, and the Ursinators. We were given a fifteen minute rest, and then we set up on the field again. The final was to be a best two out of three, though we had agreed to fight the third fight even if it wasn’t needed, simply for friendship and the joy of battle. I took part in the first battle, which we lost, but then my injury sidelined me for the last two fights. We lost the second battle as well, making the Rozakii the victors of the day.

I was not planning to fight anymore that day, but an Unbelted practice was being held, so I put my armour back on, promising my team mates I would stop if I needed to. It was announced to us that THL Etian du Naval was the official new captain of the Unbelts while Baron Tynne Duair Ap Beul would be the tactician. The Unbelts were sent to one end of the field, while most of the other fighters still present took the other side. In the battles that ensued, the Unbelts tried to implement the strategy that the Rozakii had been using all day. It did not work as well for the Unbelts as it had for the Rozakii (which is not surprising since as I understand it, the majority of the Rozakii have the opportunity to practice together once a week). Still, the Unbelts worked better together in each subsequent melee.

When our lines would meet, I always ended up facing Sirs Konrad and Edward the Red, and as such took many pole arm blows to the head. This, on top of the previous shot to the neck, caused me to withdraw from the practice. When I came off the field, Dafydd put his hand on my arm and told me that I was burning hot to the touch, right through my clothes. I stripped down to my pants, and my team mates made faces at the bruise on the back of my neck. My raven-sister Lady Dagmar Halvdan attended me, and gave me a menthol cooling pad which eased the swelling and the pain, and I am most grateful for her kind attention.

When the Unbelted practice was over, a Kingdom Fight Practice was held, but most fighters were dropping their kits because of the humidity. However, a few brave and hardy souls did fight on.

Several of my team mates then had to run off for a meeting of the Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer, and the rest of us took the opportunity to eat, drink and relax in the shade. When the meeting was over, several folk took advantage of the Saxon Showers. We left site just before court, and went in search of steak.

Swimming with White-belted Sharks (Sir Osis Memorial Fighter Day II, June 10, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

The day was cold. There was a fairly strong breeze blowing, and it brought an unseasonal chill to the air. However, for those of us who had attended the Sir Osis Memorial Fighters’ Day last year, who remembered how hot and humid the hall had been, we welcomed the chill.

Once again Sir Evander MacLachlan stopped at Drew’s Keep to pick up Þorfinna and myself, this time accompanied by Lord Amelius Claudius Rattanicus and Lord Cameron MacGregor. We quickly stowed our gear and headed out, already running behind schedule as the good knight and his two companions had been held up by a very slow waitress named Wendy at her inn.

We arrived on site around eleven of the clock, and found that most people were still arriving so we had not missed anything. Like at Pikeman’s the week previously, we would be fighting in a hockey arena. We quickly armoured up and I walked out on the field and grabbed the first person standing on their own to warm up with. As fate would have it this was Lord Stevan Ulfkellson of AEthelmearc, who I had warmed up against at this event the year before.

After warming up with a few more folks I made the aquantaince of the Wandering List Table and the Fencer’s Melons. THL Gwerydd verch Rhys—with a sign saying ‘List Table’ on her back—walked around the arena, looking wistfully at the fighting that was going on without her. Ladies Rusalka Galbraith and Jocelyn Cranewell plied all fighters present with their melons (watermelons, you dirty minded buggers) as well as orange slices, crackers and pretzels.

Something was in the air that morning, and I was not the only one to remark that they were finding it a little hard to breath.

As last year there were several out of town guests, including Sir Rurik and Master Ruslon. This year we had an extra-special guest in the form of Duke Paul of Bellatrix, who had come to take part in a Scola Durus Maleus, organized by Lord Derfel Mallory. For a sum (to cover the travel expenses), several fighters—going in in pairs—each got twenty minutes of instruction from the good duke. This lasted most of the day, while the rest of the fighting was taking place.

The first organized activity was a session of Meet the Chiv. All members of the Order of the Chivalry present scattered themselves around the arena, and all other fighters interested in taking part could walk up to a knight or master-at-arms and talk. I joined Master Worgen along with Streonwald Hlaford, Lord Leod, Lord Bjarn and several others. Worgan talked to us about the mental aspect of fighting, and then ran us through a bear-pit. I fought him at least four times, and each time he legged me with the exact same little under the shield wrap that gave me a nice series of stripes that grew together into one large bruise by the next morning.

After around twenty minutes people moved to a new member of the Chiv, but as I was off talking to someone by this point I missed the announcement.

A shark pool tournament followed, with each pool growing up around a member of the Chivalry. Since I had never fought Master Trumbrand the Wanderer before I joined his pool, along with Arminius the Footsore, Lady Dagmar Halvdan, Lord Hamish Gunn, Baethan, Lord Bjarn and THL Etian du Naval. We quickly ran through a round robin, best two out of three, where I only managed to score two victories. The victor of each pool then went on to form a new pool, but I did not watch these finals. Instead I went in search of more pick-ups.

I found Sir Konrad Matthias Jaeggar von Dubrau looking lonely, having just emerged from his Scola with Bellatrix. With his mind awhirl with new knowledge to try and apply we went at it. We had some good bouts, with one standing out in my mind. I managed to get a head shot in on him that popped his visor out of alignment. We must have made an odd sight as Konrad hit himself in the head with his basket hilt, while I pushed up on the grill to try and get it back into place. When we were done, Konrad told me that I had some good stuff, which I take as a high compliment.

Next we fought a warlord tourney. My first draw was my raven-brother Hamish Gunn, armed with a pole arm. I defeated my brother, to become a warlord for the first time ever. He and I faced a team of two, and I quickly dispatched their pole arm, but was slain by their sword and shield. Undaunted, Hamish took out their shield man, and we went on in search of a team of four to face. This battle we lost, and I was a warlord no more. After that, details get foggy. I do remember one battle where I was killed, but as I fell I got entangled with a person beside me who had died at the same time. The battle surged over us and our tangled limbs, and I found myself lying on my back, with my shield flat out at my side. Someone stepped down on the edge of my shield and twisted my arm (which is still sore as I type this five days later). I am not sure who in the end won, but the battles were much fun.

At this point both Þorfinna and I were feeling a bit unwell so we went outside. I know now that this was the onset of a stomach flu that would plague us until Wednesday. I considered stopping for the day. However, when we went back in the arena I saw Etian talking to a group of fighters and went over to listen. I asked Derfel what was going on and he said, “Unbelts,” and dragged me by my squire’s chain into the circle. Etian, new captain for the Unbelts this year, gave some rousing, enthusiastic talks, and then had us all split into mini-units of five fighters, each with specific functions within that unit. We then ran through several melees with all the other fighters present. We started out a little slow, but as we went on we improved, and at the end of the last battle Etian called for all dead fighters to take a knee. His point here was to show the Unbelts that we had killed two-thirds of their vastly more experienced team.  At the end of each battle Etian would go up and down the line praising what we had done well and gently pointing out what we needed to improve. He was an inspirational man to fight under.

When the Unbelt practice was over, Berus ran a Kill the Warlord melee. His Majesty Aaron and His Highness Roak each collected fighters to be on their teams. As I stood talking to Dagmar and Emma of Greenhithe, Aaron walked up and swept out his arms and carried us to his end of the arena. Once both sides had been set, we had our helms taped, and the Warlords took their place in the creases (from which they could not leave). The battle would be a limited resurrection battle, with each team having one hundred lives total. The object was to kill the opposing Warlord before they could kill yours. At one point in the melee that followed I was legged (likely by Trumbrand who legged me at least five or six times throughout this battle), and one of the opposing fighters yelled at his comrade to “Ignore the guy on his knees!” His comrade listened, and I killed him for it. Eventually, my back gave out (as it sometimes will) and I had to leave the battle and watch from the side lines. Our two teams were fighting very differently. Roak’s team was being very defensive, setting up a long line in front of him, letting Aaron’s team throw themselves onto their weapons. If Aaron’s side had made a concentrated assault to break through the line we might have had a chance, but going in in little groups just ate away at our numbers.

When the first Kill the Warlord melee was over (with Roak’s side victorious I believe) I took over marshalling for THL Dafydd ap Sion who was preparing to leave. The Warlords were changed (so Roak and Aaron could get more fighting in) and the number of resurrections was dropped to fifty. In all I think we ran the scenario three times.

During the third bout of Kill the Warlord Rattanicus dropped his gear, and went to Dairy Queen in honour of his squire-brother Lord Eirik Andersen. (Eirik, who could not be present that day, is known for taking trips to DQ when at events.)

Many fighters had by this time begun to drop their kits, but since we still had the field for fifteen minutes, those that remained fought an unlimited Resurrection Battle to run out the clock.

Once we had all changed, we went upstairs for an Osis-style feast: wings and beer. Master Worgan, not content with just his wings, had a friend smuggle him in a hamburger from Lick’s, which he had to protect from many other hungry fighters.

During the mass consumption of wings, Berus toasted the memory of his good friend Osis, who had passed away after a car accident while he was reigning as king of Ealdormere in 1999.

Derfel then took the floor on behalf of the Scola, and thanked all those who took had taken part that day, and in all the past scolas this year. He especially thanked all those who had taught at the scolas. At each scola, points had been awarded for attendance, placement in tourneys and for chivalrous behaviour, and Derfel was pleased to announce that Lord Wat of Sarum had acquired the most points this year. To acknowledge this, Derfel had bought a warhammer (the symbol of the Scola) and had placed a plaque on it with Wat’s name. Wat will hold the hammer until the next Scola winner is announced. He then unveiled a Scola t-shirt (that fittingly came in black and blue) that each of the day’s Scola participants were to receive. The Scola’s hammer was on the front, with a list of all the year’s teachers on the back. Derfel should be congratulated for organizing what is (I think) a worthy contribution to our kingdom.

There then began another Osis tradition—the signing of bruises. Those with nice bruises would unveil them for all to see, while those who had given them the bruise would sign it with a pen. Emma of Greenhithe went first, with a very large purple bruise on her upper thigh. Worgen then drew me over so I could drop my pants and show the similarly placed bruise that he had given me. People seemed shy this year, but soon they got into the spirit of things and many bruises were oohed and aahed over.

When the event was over, many retired to the keep of Berus and Marion for a post-rev.

Floods and the Fian (Pikeman’s Pleasure 16, June 3, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

The waters of Cynred’s Bath surged with mighty fury, gushing down the spillway and sweeping under the bridge, lapping about the boards. The rain was—at times—torrential, and the waterways of Petrea Thule were swollen and wild. Thusly, many of the festivities for this year’s Pikeman’s Pleasure, the 16^th of its line, happened inside.

Þorfinna and I arrived early and were mistaken for Cap’n Bloodfox and Cap’n Widow when we signed in at the gate. We quickly explained the mistake and the Guard of Petrea Thule took off the irons and let us go unfettered. We hauled our gear into the fighting hall, which is an arena in which the mundane locals play a game called ‘hockey.’ We used the visiters bench as an armour dump and changed, having some fun at poor Cadugan’s expense (who is a mighty fine sport).

While we armoured fighters were preparing ourselves, many merchants had set out their wares on the other end of the arena, and some fencers made use of the centre. There was an arts and sciences display somewhere, but I never found it as I stayed on the list field until it was time for feast.

Lady Tarian verch Gadarn arrived just in time for authorizations, and quickly put on her kit. She faced Lord Amelius Claudius Rattanicus in her primary authorization, which I am happy to say she passed. She is, as she beamed, now a real fighter chick. Another member of my canton, Lord William Donovan, authorized in double-handed thrust, pole arm and bastard sword.

After fighting some pick-ups the marshals ran a warlord tourney on a bridge marked out on the floor. My first draw was Her Lupine Highness, Jocea. We dueled mightily, both legging the other, until finally she slipped her sword point into my unarmoured arm pit to slay me, becoming not only my princess, but also my warlord. As the teams of two were set upon each other, Jocea turned to me and remarked that she somehow knew that we would face the team of Sir Edward the Red and Lord Edward dit Lyn, visiting from the East (where he had recently moved). I am ashamed to admit that I failed to protect my princess, and so we became subjects to Lord Edward, our new warlord. Eventually we ended up with three teams, one of them half the size of the other two, but made up mostly of members of the Order of Chivalry. A round robin was proposed, but in the end the small knight heavy team was spilt between the other two. We each took an end of the bridge for a best two out of three final. During the first engagement, Þorfinna single-handedly pushed back the entirety of her enemy’s line, in an amazing display of strength. I also had an outstanding moment on the bridge, though unfortunately for me it was comedic in nature. In our third battle I was on the right edge of the bridge, looking straight across at His Majesty Aaron, who had a spear. I knew that spear would be coming for me when we charged. The call came, I ran, I blocked the spear thrust. However, the thrust picked me up off my feet and sent me crashing off the bridge, laughing all the way.

I don’t even know who the victorious warlord was.

There then followed a spear tourney, single elimination tot here counted blows. I battled THL Ulvar van der Nederlanden, and then faced Sir Mordain Blackcloak. In our first engagement I ran past his defense and unleashed my inner badger (as Lord Wat of Sarum calls it) and chased him around the rink, making him duck and block and fight furiously to stay alive. I finally struck him on the shoulder but we both decided the blow had not been sturdy enough. We reset and I never got past his defensive stance again, and he struck me three blows to carry on (and eventually win the tournament).

At the side of the area, Sir Evander MacLachlan began a feat of arms. The Lady Safrida Axehammer had baked some shortbread, and she had given it to Evander. However, to keep the shortbread, Evander had to fight one hundred fights, and win at least fifty-one of them. I believe I was the second person to face Evander in his feat, while he was still nice and fresh and rested and he easily beat me in the two fights we fought.

While Evander continued his challenge, a bastard sword tournament was held, which was won by Sir Rory Cennedi.

Around this time Tarian had turned the penalty box into our lunch counter, and fed those of us from Ardchreag (and our friends) a constant stream of cheese, bread, pepperettes, cake, cookies, strawberries and other refreshments.

More pick-ups followed, and one of the people I fought was my squire-brother Lord Brandt das Lederwerker. Brandt had disappeared for almost two years due to mundane concerns, and upon his return this spring had brought upon himself the ‘wrath’ of our knight, Evander for a bit of schtick he did at court. As penance, Brandt was told to seek out every person who had been elevated to the Order of Chivalry, all those who had been elevated to the Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer, and all those who had received an Award of the Scarlet Banner during his absence and fight them. My Scarlet Banner, though received at the event after Brandt’s return, is dated as of the event just before his return, and so I was on the list. We fought three battles, all of which I won. Brandt, smiling, told me, “Boy, have you improved!”

The White Bear Fian—Septentria’s fighting order—then walked out onto the bridge. Sir Konrad Mattias Jaggaer von Dubrau, Sir Edward the Red, Sir Cennedi, THL Tiberius Brittanicus and I then challenged all who still had energy to face us in honour and courage until all were satisfied. Many brave and stalwart challengers answered the call, and we fought many group melees on the bridge, until we finally took a brief break. For Their Excellencies of Septentria brought us news of one who would challenge into our order. And so THL Baldric of Newcastle Emlyn was called before Their Excellencies and the Fian, and he made his public challenge, and his challenge was accepted as a good and right thing.

Sir Evander—also a member of the Fian—was then about to face his final fight, against his Majesty Aaron. Evander managed to defeat the King, and then learned that he had won sixty of his battles and thus got to keep the shortbread! However, in an act of largesse, he vowed to share the shortbread during feast (which he did, and it was delicious).

While the other fianna put back on their helmets, I walked back out onto the bridge, for our worthy opponents had been left waiting. I then faced three in single combat, losing the third bout, but winning the first two. The second bout was against THL Etain du Naval, a hulking giant with a reach almost as long as my body and great at the martial skills. We battled to and fro and I suddenly realized that we must be close to the bridge edge and so I gave a small nudge to the giant and he fell laughing into the drink.

More singles followed (with Þorfinna pushing Sir Konrad off the bridge), and then more group battles (with Sir Evander joining us for at least one). It was some of the most enjoyable fighting I have ever had the pleasure to partake in. In all the Fian held the bridge for an hour before we laid down our arms.

We then quickly changed for feast, which was a most scrumptious meal prepared by THL Augustyn of Ely and his staff. We sat at the end of a table beside Lady Ariana de la Rose and Lord Gavin of the Rozakii. I had never met Gavin before and found him to be a funny, affable fellow.

During the meal Their Majesties held an installment of Ealdormere Idol, and many good gentles stood up to entertain the crowd. The most skilled was Lady Raya of Petrea Thule, who sung a 7^th century Arabic song, accompanying herself on drum. Lord Rattanicus, who was to squire to Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn later that evening, was told by his future knight that he was to sing for the crowd. Though at first unwilling, Rattanicus rose to the challenge and did his best. However, Melusine (playing the part of Simon) grabbed Sir Nigel MacFarlane and used him as a gong to try and end Rattanicus’ pain (as well as everyone else’s). Rattanicus, oblivious, continued on. Sir Nigel was gonged many times until finally he ran up to the front of the room, swept Rattanicus up over his shoulder and carried the poor man-at-arms away. Other singers included Sir Konrad (who got points for his hand gestures depicting flying reindeer), Master Worgen (doing a Wolfman Jack impression, albeit unknowingly), Edward dit Lyon and Lord Martin Bildner. Everyone in the room then got one free vote to cast for one of the singers, though extra votes could be bought for one dollar as a fundraiser for the kingdom. The three people with the most votes would take part in the Ealdormere Idol finals at War of the Trillium. Rattanicus bought many votes for Sir Konrad to ensure that he was not one of the finalists. In the end Raya was in first (by a landslide, and rightly so), with Master Konrad in second (much to the delight of Baroness Alyce who wanted to face down her husband in the finals), and Master Worgen in third. Worgen beat our Rattanicus by one vote, which Rattanicus bought just before the books closed.

THL Anne Tinker presented a flask to Edward dit Lyon for being the most chivalrous upon the field that day. A toast was then raised to absent friends.

When feast was completed many folk walked out to the island in the rain to witness Haus Sternstaubt as it welcomed two new squires. THL Augustyn and Lord Rattanicus (previously men-at-arms) both swore oaths of fealty to Sir Siegfried to become his third and fourth squires.

I then rushed back inside to attend His Majesty, for Lord Wat—the King’s Champion—had asked me to stand in for him that day and attend Aaron at court. I leaned the sword of state against my shoulder and took my place behind Aaron in the procession and walked into court (managing not to catch the sword on the two low overhangs we had to walk under). As His Majesty took his seat I took my place behind him and got to watch court from a most interesting perspective.

As always, I can not recall all of what transpired, but I do recall a few things.

In Septentrian court, Lord Cadugan was given an Award of the Golden Bear for his brewing and THL Anne Tinker handed over the keys of Petrea Thule to Lady Mahild de Valognes. Lady Mahild was recognized as the new baronial archery champion, taking over from THL Augustyn.

Lord Rattanicus was brought forth, and made a challenge to join entry to the White Bear Fian. To prove that he did truly care for the safety of the barony—and especially for the safety of the baron—he presented Corwyn with a scarlet hand-made leather jockstrap emblazoned with a white bear. The Fian conferred and agreed to accept Rattanicus’ challenge, but only if he agreed never to make such a thing again, and that he had to wear the jockstrap to at least three events.

In kingdom court Their Majesties called Þorfinna before them. Aaron told her that many people had approached him and told him of her mighty shield push, and so impressed was he to hear of it that he presented her with an axe.

Lady Mahild presented THL Anne Tinker with a token for being such an outstanding and giving person. Their Majesties bade Mahild remain with them in court, and presented her with an Award of the Maiden’s Heart. The archers of Peatrea Thule (who had shot in the rain) presented Her Majesty with gold (which she shared with the crowd).

As I said, there was more, but I cannot now recall it.

When court concluded, I returned the sword of state to the Royalty Room, and came back to the arena to find Sir Konrad talking with Þorfinna. He told her that he had brought a gift with him that day, which he was to give to someone who had impressed him on the field. After doing some singles with Þorfinna earlier in the day, he was most impressed with her improvement since the last time they had fought, and therefore he presented her with a beautiful knife blade.

We then packed up in the rain and headed home, exhausted and happy.

Just Whose Birthday is it? (Spring Crown, May 27, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

The sun was bright and the sky was clear upon the morning of May 27^th. Þorfinna and I awoke early, please to see that the constant rain of the past few days was no where to be seen. We quickly packed and awaited the Bastille Boys, who were going to pick us up in their carriage. Before too long Sir Evander maneuvered his large carriage into our yard, and he, Kel, Lord Amelius Claudius Rattanicus and THL Baldric Leeman of Newcastle Emlyn hopped out and helped us load up our gear. An uneventful trip along His Majesty’s highways soon found us entering the lands of the Canton of Caer Draeth.

The site was a bustle with activity as many people had made it to site before us. Fencers were stringing up a list field, as were youth combat marshals, and archers were already bending their bows. A crowd of folks walked around talking and enjoying the sun as the Crown participants armoured up in shade tents along the side of the outdoor list field.

We hauled our gear over to the far side of the lists, and set up beside Baroness Adrielle Kerrec, Sir Nigel Macfarlane and Lord William Donovan. We were soon joined by Lady Tarian verch Gadarn, Lord Eirik Andersen, Lady Lassarfhina inghean Uilleag (looking radiant in her new blue bliaut), Lord Rhisiart ap Meredudd and several others throughout the day. A shade was erected, a table set up, and food spread out.

On the other side of Nigel and Adrielle House Hrogn and House Galbraith had a pavilion where I was to later consume some most excellent lemon loaf.

When I went to change I discovered that I had forgotten my pants. Luckily, Evander lent me his to use.

Our Lawspeaker, THL Keja Tselebnika, gave me several issues of the Ursus to scan in an effort to bolster the Baronial Archives. Also, Lord Normand Hauberger gave me a copy of Dame TSivia’s Kingdom Histories to further the study and recording of our kingdom’s history.

Evander, Nigel and Rhisiart all armoured up and Evander warmed up against Lord Wat of Sarum, King’s Champion, looking very fancy in his new surcoat. I spent my time embroiled in squirely duties, fetching that and carrying this. The tournament’s procession was held inside the hall, with the thrones sitting under banners depicting each reign in the Line of the North. Each combatant and consort were given a handmade ceramic bottle created especially for the tournament.

Once all the combatants and their consorts had been introduced and made their pledges everyone filed outside so the tournament itself could commence. The full list of combatants and consorts were:

Count Sarnac Ba'adur for Countess Joleicia of Litchfield

Lord Evan Quicktongue for THLady Arnora Dunestan

Master Trumbrand the Wanderer for THLady Kaylah the Cheerful

THLady Kaylah the Cheerful for Master Trumbrand the Wanderer

Duke Roak of Ealdormere for Lady Jocea of the Rozakii

Lady Jocea of the Rozakii for Duke Roak of Ealdormere

THBaron Tankred of Tanglewood for THBaroness Rosalinda de la Fuentes

Lord Derfel Mallory for Lady Melisande du Rocher

Baron Phaidrig McNeil for Mistress Etaoin O'Fearghail

Sir Evander MacLachlan for THL Melusine De La Rose

Mistress Aelfwyn of Longwood for Baron Hereward the FarDweller

Lord Rhisiart ap Meredudd for Lady Lassarfhina inghean Uilleag

Streonwold Wulfesbana Hlaford for Lady Seonag nic Thomais

Sir Siegfried Brandboern for THLady Mauvrneen MacKellar

THLord Phelan Gann for Lady Maiwen Scarbrow

Sir Nigel MacFarlane for Mistress Adrielle Kerrec

The tournament was a good old-fashioned double elimination best of one tournament. The fighting was quick, exciting, and—from what I could see—clean. Evander made it into the quarter finals, but in his duel with Sir Roak his sword became entangled and this led to his defeat. The semi-finals were Sir Siegfried against Sir Sarnac, and Sir Roak against Master Trumbrand. Sarnac and Roak went on to the finals, with Roak crowning Jocea as Ealdormere’s new princess.

There then followed a very long meeting of the Order of the Chivalry that went on for many hours. So many hours in fact, that it ended just after feast had begun. Those of us who had not made it onto feast waited for our knightly companions to emerge so that we could go and find sustenance off-site. While we were waiting we spent the time in excellent conversation, and in trying to help a poor fellow who had lost his key in the grass.

We also celebrated Rhisart’s birthday with a small rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and a chocolate cake provided by his family. And though it was not my birthday I did receive a late birthday present from Their Excellencies Corwyn and Domhnail Galbraith—a hand painted box. They also gave Þorfinna and I a large spoon brought back from their recent trip to China.

Eventually the knights and masters-of-arms emerged blinking into the sun and my companions and I set off for a certain Scottish restaurant for a quick dinner.

After we had eaten, Evander, Rattanicus, Þorfinna, Lady Ariana de la Rose and I were waiting in the lobby for Kel to rejoin us. After a few moments it was determined that someone should have to go in search of him in the garderobes. Evander proposed a game of paper-rock-scissors between the three men, which I tried to get out of by saying that I was not from their shire. No dice. So we played, and kept tying. And tying, and tying and tying. Until finally, with a muttered “Damn,” I was defeated and went at once to be about my mission. I entered the garderobes and called out for Kel, going to far as to look for his feet under stall doors, all the while being watched by a confused man drying his hands. I returned to the group empty handed, when someone suggested looking outside. Sure enough, there was Kel sitting on a bench sipping at a drink.

When we arrived back on site, we prepared for court. Since Evander now needed his pants I went bare legged.

A member of Bastille du Lac had contacted 3M, a company that produces a product dear to most every SCAdian’s heart—duct tape. Upon explaining to them what it is we do as a hobby, 3M delivered a flat of duct tape to Bastille. To that end, Bastille (and people who were drafted into helping) were going to deliver 200 rolls of duct tape to Their Majesties Aaron and Rustique. At court Evander presented himself to Their Majesties, and explained that Bastille had a gift to deliver to them. He then called for the gift to be brought in and Baldric ambled into court juggling rolls of tape, followed by Rattanicus and THL Tiberius bearing a chest full of tape. Next came Lord Brandt and Þorfinna with a pole arm slung across their shoulders, draped with rolls of tape. I followed, bearing a great sword holding many more rows. And then came Lord Ludwig, THL Dafydd and Donovan bearing boxes full to overflowing. The display was met with approval by the crowd, who applauded the presentation and cheered the gift from the shire.

I then drifted to the back of the hall to watch the rest of court, and could therefore not hear all of what transpired. I can report the following though:

Tiberius received an Award of the Orion, while Lassarfhina and Lady Ceridwyn y Anghofidig both received Awards of the Maiden’s Heart. There then followed the first of at least three standing ovations as the Trillium Herald, Percival deLaroque was inducted into the Order of the Wain, making him an Honourable Lord.

Not yet done assigning new rank to worthy individuals, Their Majesties then called Petrus of the Marines before them and made him a Baron of Their court.

Master Hector then stood to sing happy birthday to the queen, who remarked that it was not her birthday. Blame for this misinformation was spread about and soon Baroness Adrielle and Master Garraed Galbraith were standing before Their Majesties, all three of Laurels trying to explain how the error had occurred. They agreed that though it was not really Her Majesty’s birthday, they still wanted to present her with a gift—that of a new person to be placed on vigil for the Order of the Laurel. They then called on Her Excellency Septentria, Domhnail Galbraith, to join them. The crowd broke into ecstatic applause, and Baron Corwyn’s jaw dropped in amazement. It dropped further when Garraed asked the crowd to be silent so he could likewise call His Excellency Corwyn forward!

When the crowd finally quieted and the current members of the Order had congratulated Corwyn and Domhnail, court was concluded.

East Kingdom Crown Tournament (May 6, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

On a rainy overcast morning Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn, Lord Amelius Claudius Rattanicus, Lady Þorfinna gráfeldr and I made our way to East Kingdom Crown just south of the mundane city of Montreal in the Barony of Dragon Dormant. We were all under the impression that the event was actually in the city proper but it was in a camp ground in the outskirts of the barony, just over the Ealdormere border. The weather was bad—wet, cold and windy. Luckily, Þorfinna and I had brought cold weather gear, including gloves and cloaks. Siegfried and Rat were not so lucky, especially considering that the fighting was held outside in the rain. The rain was not heavy (at least, not most of the time) but it was a constant from when we arrived on site (11 am) until 5 pm just before Crown finally ended.

In the change room we ran into a young fellow whose name I never caught who helped set up Evander’s vigil back in 2001. Rat was quick to point out to anyone who would listen that I was one of Evander’s boys so I got to talk to a few people that way. We met an ex-Calontiri named Esengi who’s a friend of my squire-brother Varenko (who is currently living in the East), as well as Esengi’s lady Bess who both seem very nice. In fact, everyone we met seemed friendly. We managed to talk to Baron Conrad Connor MacAllyn a bit and wish him luck in the coming combat. (Conrad is one of Evander’s former squire-brothers.)

The sideboard was great, with lots of meat, bread, fruit, pickles, cabbage rolls, carrots, soup and lots of other stuff.

Watching the tournament was very interesting, seeing all the little things that the East does differently from my own kingdom. There was no procession or announcement of fighters at the beginning of the tournament, and the first round was selected by challenges. The members of the Chivalry (and a few selected others—like Conrad) were the challenges. The majority of the Unbelted fighters got to challenge which knight, master-of-arms or up-and-coming hot-stick squire they wanted to face first. (I’m not sure if this is common practice in Eastern Crowns or not, this being my first.) They ran four list fields concurrently, and did armour inspections in the lists before the first fights. The two finalists had friends do a boast of how they were about to win the Crowns.

The fighting seemed to be very clean. Shots to the body seemed to be taken harder than we throw in Ealdormere, though head shots seemed to be taken much lighter. This was consistent across the board. The atmosphere was a lot more laid back than Ealdormerean Crowns, with people fraternizing and introducing their consorts to each other during lulls in the fighting in a walk way that ran through the lists.

The quarter finals were Sir Thorvald Halvorssen (called Thorson) vs. Sir Griffith FitzWilliam and Sir Gottfried Kelson vs. Sir Lucan von Drachenklaue. The semis were rather irreverent, with lots of joking and hamming it up. It was odd; not as serious as the Crowns I have attended up to now. Thorson switched from sword and shield to two axes to fight Griffith who beat him twice to advance to the finals. After much tumbling and tomfoolery Lucan beat Kelson once to advance to the finals.

Ah, the finals. I wish I had timed this. Lucan and Griffith faced off and just stood staring at each other. Then, they’d throw one shot each at each other, step back, stare at each other and reset. The first bout lasted at least 15 minutes (with Lucan winning), and then they took a 5 min break. They fought sword and board again and the fight progressed as the first had. Þorfinna, Rat and I did not watch this round as we were inside trying to get warm. We got changed into mundanes, wrapped our cloaks on top of our coats and went back out to the lists. Griffith had won the second bout, so they were currently in the third round. Finally, after about an hour, Lucan beat Griffith to win the Tourney.

It was now five o’clock, and since we were all soaked and cold and Rat had a migraine we headed for home.

It was very interesting to attend an event where we knew very few people and were the only Ealdormereans in attendance (or Ealdormerati, as the ex-Calontiri called us). It was almost like being a newbie again.

St. Maximus Day Market (April 8, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

First of all, we slept in. We were going to the Barony of Ramshaven, to witness the Elite tournament of Renown, and since the tourney was not scheduled to begin until two of the clock, we thought we could get up a little late. Unfortunately we got up a little later than planned. As we hurriedly packed our carriage, we dispatched a messenger to seek out my brother Snaebjorn. Since we were running behind, he could now join us on the trip if his apothecary appointment had been concluded. It had been, and we soon received an answer and speed off to collect him.

Thorfinna, Snaebjorn and myself then spent two hours speaking of the fantastic, and witnessing a carriage beside us on the King’s Highway explode into flames. We arrived at site and were instantly surrounded by a flock of ravens who offered us communion. We quickly changed clothes and I was reunited with my squire-brother Brandt (whom I had not seen for a year and a half) and Sheikh Valizan who was at his first event in nine months.

Morning court had already begun, and the combatants for the Elite Tournament had already been announced when I sidled up with the other bystanders. I was just in time to witness Eleanor Fairchild of House Galbraith invited into court and placed on Vigil for the Order of the Laurel. She was quickly whisked away by the Order to a secret tent where the populace could come and speak with her and offer her advice (and eat cheese). Thorfinna and I did not get in, as after being told we were next for fifteen minutes we wandered back over to the tournament and missed our spot.

Those taking part in the tournament were: Count Rory Cennedi, Lord Tarquin Bjornnson, Lord Wat of Sarum, Duke Roak of Ealdormere, Count Sarnac Kir, Master Trumbrand the Wanderer, Sir Siegfried Brandboern, His Lordship Etian au Neval, Her Ladyship Kayla the Cheerful, Lady Jocea of Ealdormere, Master Tarkatai Bahadur, Baron Luke Wolfsson fra Hrogn, Lord Leif Wolfsonne, Yoshi Kuri Nagoyo, Baron Tynne Duair ap Beul andHis Lordship Baldric Leeman of Newcastle Emlyn.

The format was double elimination three counted blows. In the finals Duke Sir Roak was declared the winner over Count Sir Cennedi.

Most of the day I spent wandering, talking to many different friends, some I hadn’t seen for some time. The fighters continued to battle doing pick-ups until court began. Several gentles were then acknowledged for different skills and their contributions to the kingdom, including myself (who was awarded a Scarlet Banner) and Valizan who was inducted into the Order of the crucible.

As preparations began for feast, we left to begin the journey home. On the way I realized that we had not locked the door to our keep when we had left in the morning. In fact, in our haste we had not even closed the door at all! We sped home as fast as the horses could go, and arrived to find the door closed (Thorfinna’s father had come by and shut it). The door was still unlocked and Snaebjorn and I did a circuit of the keep, looking into every room and closet but no intruder was evident and nothing appeared to be missing. We were most fortunate indeed!

An impromptu post-rev then developed at our keep as those who lived in our neck of the kingdom dropped by on their way home and we dined on a late supper of pasta and bread.