Spring Crown Tournament 2009

By Magistra Nicolaa de Bracton

Crown Tourney was hosted by the Canton of Caer Draeth in a new site in Holland’s Landing (the familiar curling rink they’ve used for many years is now under renovation.). Reports received of the tourney were that it was fought well and hard. In the finals, Sir Evander, fighting for THL Melusine, met Sir Nigel, fighting for Baroness Adrielle.  Sir Nigel emerged victorious, and Septentrians will once again take the High Seats of Ealdormere this coming September.

Spring Tune-up and Septentrian Thirtieth Anniversary 2008

By Magistra Nicolaa de Bracton

Unusually cold weather (and rain on Sunday) could not dampen the enthusiasm at Spring Tune-up this year, with the commencement of celebrations of Septentria’s thirtieth year. Caer Draeth did a great deal of work to make the event special, including scheduling classes and erecting “Hadrian’s wall” inside the hall, greatly enhancing the atmosphere.  A relic table was made available in the upstairs hall and was filled with wonderful relics of Septentria’s history. The evening’s feast featured thirty dishes in honour of thirty years, as well as “birthday hats” for all in attendance.

A special competition was introduced on the archery range.  A thirty-sided target known as “Percival’s Pendulum” will be taken to events around the kingdom over the next year.  Participants will shoot thirty arrows—twelve through a castle window, twelve from “horseback”, and six in a regular standing posture.  The winner gets bragging rights and a bottle of maple syrup.  A special trophy will be given to a participant randomly drawn.

The day also featured tournaments to determine Queen Rustique’s champions.  These were Lady Rusalka in Rapier, THL Dafydd ap Sion in archery, and Lady Catriona in thrown weapons—another Septentrian sweep.

In Their Excellencies’ court after feast, Sir Nigel stepped down as Septentrial marshal, and Lord Streonwold was appointed in his place. In thanks, Sir Nigel was given both the Award of the Bear’s Claw and the Bear’s Heart.  Finally, Lord Bjarn Thorolfsson will take on the duties of Septentrian Warlord for this coming Pennsic.

Tuning Up for Spring (Caer Draeth Spring Tune Up and Commissariat Fundraiser, 2002)

Thorfinna gra’feldr

           

I awoke the morning of Spring Tune Up very groggy, and very tired. I had no energy to jump up and get ready. Needless to say, we did not get away on time. This however was not a bad thing, as not too much was happening when we did arrive. The site was great, there was a ton of room inside for merchants and classes and tables to game at and drink at, and a huge field outside for the equestrian stuff, and another for fighting. What wasn’t so great was that the site fee, advertised as $1 off with membership, was not being honored. I don’t care about paying the extra buck, what bothered me was that it was advertised on the website but they knew nothing about it at Troll.

Anyway, no one from the Games Guild was there yet, and though we’d promised to do the early shift at the table, Colyne and I had spent the week desperately getting our wardoors ready so we could get some instruction time in with them. So we asked Eirik to sit in at the Games Guild table for a while so that we could suit up.

            Things didn’t go that great after that. First off, it was freezing! The wind! The wind! That damnable wind! Secondly, the only thing our wardoors were used for were windbreaks!! We stood around in armour forever before any of the classes got going, and the only two that really did seem to start were Master Worgen’s alternative weapons class, and some spear training. No one wanted to teach us wardoors. Those that were asked, laughed. So that was disappointing. Then, Colyne had to go inside because the cold was doing terrible things to his tendonitis. He couldn’t even hold his sword. So the day of fighting was shot for him.

Kenric introduced me to his squire brother Benedict and we had a short bout which I enjoyed a lot, however, my leg armour was acting up again, and I got some serious armour bites from them, so that was a downer.

            After that, I decided to go in and do my time at the Games Guild table. Except when I got in, no one was playing games and none of us really seemed eager to push them on the crowd. A few games were played eventually, mostly among the ‘Creaggers present, but when we finally got a good game of Glic going, we had to move so they could set up feast! Oh well.

Most disappointing was that Master Hector was teaching two classes that I would have loved to have taken, but I missed them while I was standing around hoping to fight and freezing my patootie off. Not only that, I missed the whole Iron Chef competition! Apparently the secret ingredient was Waterloo Dark!! How SCA. Alyce beat out Naga by a mere three points. All in all, they said it went well, and we can look forward to other challenges in the future.

            I did see a friend from Skeldergate, Len, authorize but didn’t get a chance to actually congratulate him. And our own Wulfgang made his first authorization attempt after sparring with His Highness, who told him he was ready. He was good, his only problem was the low knee shots he gave, common enough with new fighters. (Like I’m a big bad fighter who knows what I’m talking about or something, sheesh.) Anyway, Wulfie knows exactly what to work on and I’m sure he’ll breeze through next time! Way to go Wulfgang!

There was a ton of money raised for the Commissariat, about $1000, which is pretty amazing. They had an auction pretty much like our penny raffle at Snowed Inn, and lots of donation jars all over for classes and such. And the Iron Chef competition alone raised over $400! Truly outstanding.

Feast wasn’t bad. There was duck and cheesy bread and venison and sherbet. I was definitely full afterwards. My main complaint about the whole experience is that people started smoking in the room, which was pretty small and enclosed, and it was murder on my allergies. I was already sniffly from our recent heat wave (everything bloomed at once!) and the smoke just about did me in. Four days later and I’m still recovering.

             All in all, it was a pretty laid back event, from my perspective. There were lots of things going on, most of which I missed out on. Next year, hopefully I’ll get a chance to have more fighting lessons, and take some classes too. And lets remember to sacrifice a goat or something to the Weather Gnome so its not so bleepin’ cold!!

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.

A Squire’s Tale (Crown Tournament of Edouard III and Genevieve II, May 24, 2005)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

On the 28^th day of May, a grand tournament was held in the lands of Septentria, within the canton of Caer Draeth. There, the following good gentles did cross swords to determine who would be the new Prince and Princess of Ealdormere:

Mistress Aelfwyn of Longwood for THL Hereward the Far Dweller

THL Baldric Leeman of Newcastle Emlyn for Lady Brayla la Vienette

THL Corrig McKail for THL Emer nic Aidan

Lord Derfel Malory for Lady Melisande du Rocher

Viscount Edward the Red for Viscountess Rylyn Buchanan

Sir Evander MacLachlan for THL Melusine de la Rose

THL Kayla the Cheerful for Sir Trumbrand the Wanderer

Lord Lothar the Gregarious for Lady Katherine of Renfrewshire

Baron Phaidrig McNeil for Baroness Etaoin O'Fearghail

Count Sarnac Ba'adur for Countess Joleicia of Litchfield

Lord Tarquin Bjornsson for Lady Caitlin inghean Tomais ui Dhuibihir

Master Trumbrand the Wanderer for THL Kayla the Cheerful

Baron Tynne Duair ap Beul for Baroness Tabitha Dearval

Lord Wat of Sarum for Lady Oksana z Moravy

Herr Wulfgang Donnerfaust for Lady Jean-Margaret Donnerfaust

There I did accompany my lord knight, Sir Evander MacLachlan, and proclaim him before the king and queen. In my hands I bore his mighty helm, while THL Anne Tinker did bear his shield. It was for me a busy day, as I was the only MacLachlan squire in attendance who could wait on my lord knight. For one of my brothers is living now in the Kingdom of the East, one has gone on a quest and never returned, and the third—my eldest brother—was busy that day. For Lord Tiberius of Warwickshire was acting in the capacity of Kingdom Earl Marshal, as Edward the Red was participating in the tourney. From comments I overheard it seems my brother did an excellent job, giving me even more reason to respect him.

And so I heralded for my knight, carried his helm, ushered him about for spontaneous illuminations, watched from the sidelines while he fought and helped him with his equipment as required.

The tournament was a best of five round robin, which lasted for over five hours. This was, in this squire’s most humble of opinions, likely the cleanest crown tournament in the past few years. Many were the points of honour granted that day, and the combatants all seemed to be smiling and enjoying themselves on and off the field. One tale of valour and honour was later related in court, concerning THL Baldric. Baldric had given his squire chain to his friend Count Sir Aaron Preslee Worgansson, with instructions to not return it if he did not acquit himself with dignity on the field. Aaron related in court how Baldric, upon taking both of an opponent’s arms said, “My lord, I cannot defeat you in such a manner,” and asked the marshals to restart the fight. To applause Aaron gave the chain to His Majesty, who placed it back around Baldric’s worthy neck.

But I ramble and get ahead of myself. For before court the tournament of course had to come to an end. And in the end, Viscount Edward the Red (who was undefeated) and Count Sarnac Ba’adur (who had only lost to Edward) faced each other in the finals. The finals were to be three best of five rounds. The first round was polearm, which was won by Edward. The second was sword and shield, which was won by Sarnac. The final round was in great sword. Both Edward and Sarnac won two fights in the third round, leaving the balance of the tournament in one final clash of arms. Edward was to emerge victorious, and he and Rylyn were recognized as Ealdormere’s new heirs.

While the tournament waged on for many hours, good gentles from across the kingdom partook in many pleasant pastimes. For there was merchanting, archery, thrown weapons and other such activities spread across the grounds. In one corner youth combat was held, with some very energetic resurrection melee battles.

In the evening a brief court was held after a sumptuous feast. At this court, Tarquin (who was caught napping) was awarded a Scarlet Banner. Also, Baron Eric of Longacres retired from the position of Trillium Herald, with Lord Percival deLaroque being sworn in as his successor.

The Tailor's Tale (Spring Tune-up, May 1, 2004)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

Pull up a chair, stranger. Sit down and have a drink. The ale's not too bad here, but I'd avoid the wine if I was you. The Jaunty Troll is not known for its wine, but by St. Crispinus they serve a good ale!

By your looks I'd wager you're a merchant, my friend. Come up to sell us northerners some of your southron wares, are ya? Hah! You may find it hard to sell some of your thin cloth this month, as the ghost of winter is lingering in these parts, I fear.

It's Spring, or so they tell us, but you'd never know it to look out those windows, would you? Cold and damp, its more like November than May. What's more, in some parts round 'bout here, there's been snow!

In fact, on New Year's Day it was awful damp! I'm a tailor by trade, and I thought I'd go to the annual Spring Tune-up, held in the Canton of Caer Draeth, to get some business. See, it was being held on New Year's Day this year, and there was to be a masked ball to celebrate, so I thought I might be able to get a few gentles to part with some coin for a costume or two to go with their masks.

Well, when I set out in the dark dawn it was so foggy that the light from my lantern could barely penetrate it. I was worried I'd loose my way, perhaps fall prey to bandits, but luckily the barony's army kept the roads cleared of brigands, and the fog eventually lifted. However, what I saw when I could see again was not good! For the king's engineers had decided to shut down large stretches of the King's Highway. Now mind you, I ain't criticizing the king, heaven forbid, or his engineers either, it was just an inconvenience as the lines of wagons and wains was awful long.

I decided to go off into the woods, as I do know some short cuts through there from my younger days, of which I will not bore you. It took a while, but eventually I made my way to another great road and soon I was approaching the hall. I could see some brave archers out in the wet, for it was raining again, and the yard about the hall was more water than dirt.

I heard there was supposed to be some horse riding, and some atl atl throwing outside (atl atl being some kind of spear sized arrow, or so my friend Timothy tells me), but all that was shut down by the rain.

Gaining admittance, I set up my booth and did indeed manage to sell a few items of clothing. From time to time I'd pay a young lad to watch the booth so I could wander a bit and stretch my legs. Due to the inclement weather outside, the hall inside had a tendency to be damp, and my poor joints swelled up something fierce.

To pass the time, I enlisted my services with the marshal and helped watch over the knights and squires and lords and ladies at tournament upon the list field. I don't know if the weather had made them surly, but there were a few occasions of raised voices. Now stranger, I'm no gossip, and names wouldn't mean anything to you if I said them, so I'll leave that part there.

I got so caught up in the tourneys, that I forgot about my booth altogether, and by the time I got back to it I found the lad fast asleep. Luckily nothing was missing, and I sent the lad off with a penny and a finger wagging. After locking up my gear in my wagon, I wandered into the feast hall where I volunteered my services. With several other good gentles I served up brimming bowls and laden plates, all over loaded with humus, sausages, chicken, fried tomatoes, beef in a coffin and many other dishes. My compatriots and I were given our own food to eat, and we fell to it at the back of the hall with gusto! A few brave souls stood up to entertain the crowd during the meal, singing jolly songs.

After the meal there was to be a court. Their Majesties Ealdormere processed to the front of the hall, and they asked Their Excellencies Septentria to join them, praising them for the work they had done maintaining the lands they held for the Crown. Their Excellencies Ramshaven were also invited to sit by Their royal side.

Perhaps the most memorable moment during the court, stranger, was when Baroness Ursula na Clan na Rath was called for. Her Excellency was actually in a room overlooking the court. A page went forth to tell Her Excellency that she had been summoned, and all present witnessed the resulting reaction. Namely, her jumping up and throwing her arms around the hall's bar! Deciding that more force than the page was required, Her Majesty Marion II, followed by spear bearers, went to persuade Ursula to come to court. His Majesty Berus II, seeing that even this persuasion was failing, decided that if the baroness would not come to court, court would come to the baroness. Therefore Baroness Ursula was inducted into the Order of the Wain in the bar. His Majesty, announcing that there was no further business, and that the bar was open for business, then closed court.

A masked ball was then held under the guidance of Lord Darius the Dancer and Lady Catharine of Eoforwic, both clad in green man masks gifted to them by Their Majesties. Many good gentles danced the better part of the night away, clad in masks they had purchased or created that very day.

It was a good day stranger, and many tales of it could be told. Such as what was behind the Septentrian herald's remark, when he led Baron Corwyn into court as "he who brings sunshine." Tell you what, friend; buy me an ale, and I'll tell you all about it!

Everyone in Rain Cloaks (Spring Tune-Up, May 24, 2003)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

The day began wet and cold. This was not a good thing. Though the wise women and soothsayers had indeed been calling for rain we had been hoping they would be wrong (as the not infrequently are). For the canton of Caer Draeth was holding a revel that day, and much of the planned activities were for outdoors. Rain would ruin their plans. I consulted with one last prognosticator who promised thunderstorms and chose to ignore him. Thorfinna and I loaded our wagon in the rain and lumbered off to pick Eirik up from his keep.

The going was slow as the wagons laboured to move through the mud, and at times the mist and fog was so thick it was like moving through foam. We arrived at the hall two hours after it opened and were dismayed at how few wagons were already there. The threat of bad weather had apparently frightened many people off.

After signing in at the gate we went upstairs and sat for a time talking with Baron Auguste Valizan, Baroness Adrielle Kerrec and Baron Halfdan Blackanvil. Some of it was business, but most of it was fun. We watched Mistress Alyce de Sheppey and Lady Paitlin prepare for the Iron Chef cooking challenge while discussing matters serious and frivolous. To Halfdan I delivered an illuminated thank you note for shield blanks he had donated to fighters training at our canton.

A gaggle of Septentrians then went downstairs and watched as Baron Corwyn, His Excellency Septentria, donned his armour. Today he was to attempt his sword and shield authorization.

How can I describe the sight of my baron in armour? He is a mountain of metal, a bear in scarlet, an oak-thewed giant who will strike fear into the hearts of Septentria's enemies.

Lady Catharine of Ben Dunfiorth did him the honours of being his opponent, and we watched as their swords flashed and their shields leaped to their defense. When Master Worgan MacGregor announced that Corwyn had passed the hall erupted in cheers and thunderous applause. That however was not the end of Septentria's gains that day, for Petra Hall of Eoforwic did likewise authorize in sword and shield! Wassail to Corwyn! Wassail to Petra! Wassail to the fighters of Septentria!

His authorization over, Baron Corwyn quickly changed and rushed upstairs to sit as a judge for the Iron Chef competition. A group of Septentrians, known as Baron Corwyn's Cadre, and led by countess Marion FitzWilliam and myself, raised $170 to secure him a seat as a judge. Even though we only needed to use $80 to pay for our seat, such is the generosity of Septentrians that the full $170 was donated to the Teachers' Travel Fund. In a like vein, Noergate donated all the money they had raised, though their seat had been secured for less. The mystery ingredient for the challenge was turkey and the competition was fierce. When it was over Mistress Alyce was judged the winner, but only by a narrow margin of 4 points! (I am told by reliable sources that all the dishes were excellent!)

The fighting continued and by the end of the day three fighters emerged victorious. Baron Siegfriend Brandbeorn won the Atlantean Speed Tourney, while Master Worgan and Duke Sir Roak tied in the bear pit tourney.

By this time the sun had appeared and burned off the ever-present mist. The archers were first to embrace the sun, followed not long after by Drottin Gunnarr skald Thorvaldsson who set up a thrown weapons range. As his newest marshals, Thorfinna and I assisted him and spent most of our day at the range. The first Thrown Weapons Royal Rounds were thrown, Cera began her MIT training and much fun was had by all. A certain Lord Tim and Count Aaron Preslee Worgansson astounded all present with their skill. Lance Gailanasson, of Ardchreag, was also very adept at knives. The range was so popular that Ulvar scrounged up as third stump so more people could throw at once.

I managed to get to the archery range between their Royal Rounds and shot six arrows from a bow lent me by Lady Iolanda de Albornoz. I managed to hit the butte with five of the arrows, three of them actually hitting the target! It had been at least fifteen years since I had last shot a bow, and I so enjoyed it that arrangements were made for me to buy two bows in August.

Eventually the equestrian activities began as well and every activity that had been planned was therefore held. Ealdormerean spirits cannot be dampened, even by weather that does dampen our clothes.

At four o'clock Thorfinna and I went inside as I was to teach a class on period dice games. It started small, with just one participant, but by the end there were at least eight of us rolling the bones.

From there Thorfinna and I went behind the celtic trillium bedecked curtains to join the other servers for feast. As we had the most head table serving experience (having done it once at Snowed Inn II), we were asked to serve Her Majesty, Their Excellencies and Baron Siegfried and Lady Isotta Gianfgliazzi, who were Her Majesty's guests. The chef, Lady Seonag nic Thomais, heaped much food on the servers for their assistance and I can say from first hand experience that it truly was a feast fit for a Queen! Orange pork roast, mint peas, roast chicken, mushroom soup, pound cake with berries...the food just kept coming!

While we were serving Thorfinna was called on by Their Excellencies to sing a song. Since she had been planning to ask them if they wanted to hear one she was well prepared. She sung "Septentrian Battle March", her first totally original piece where she wrote not just the words but the tune as well. Lord Normand Hauberkker, sitting by her where she stood, began to pound his table and soon many around the hall were doing so. When she was done there was much clapping of hands, and she was given tokens by Baron Corwyn and Master Garraed Galbriath. Master Hector of the Black Height also sang many songs to the enjoyment of all.

A certain plaid wearing bard who wished to stay anonymous then asked Thorfinna to find out what drink Their Majesties would most wish to partake in. When he got his answer he came to me, pointed and said, "You'll do." I was given a platter with two Septentrian shot glasses full of gin, which I then presented to Their Excellencies. When asked who had generously sent them drinks I kept my silence and did not betray the completely anonymous plaid wearing bard.

As you give, so shall you receive. Ulvar then came over to me and filled the Horn of Wessex which Thorfinna and I have the privilege to bear for a year and a day. We were honoured for Ulvar, the autocrat of the event, to take time out to see to our needs.

Feast completed we all found our seats for court. Her Majesty has only a few items to announce, and then turned court over to Their Excellencies Septentria. It was announced that a tournament to select a new baronial archery champion had been held in the afternoon, but that the winner would not be announced until Pikeman's Pleasure. The Iron Companions were then called into court and Lord Hamish Gunn pledged his sword, Gunnarr pledged his axe, and Normand and Aodhan Longshafts pledged their bows. Domhnail then called Corwyn into court to much hooting and hollering. She praised him for his authorization that day and presented him with a beautiful favour. Hans Thorvaldsen of Eoforwic was then presented with a Bear's Claw for his martial efforts. Domhnail told him she had heard of the long ship being built in his garage and was planning to sail it to War this summer!

Court completed Master Worgan and Viscount Sir Edward the Red rounded up people to act as pieces for human chess. In the variant they were playing pieces must win at paper-rocks-scissors to capture. Thorfinna held the distinction of being the first piece captured. As for myself, well, a grinning Domhnail glided towards me where I stood before my king and brutally slew me to win the game.

Folk pulled up the tape used to mark the board and rolled it into balls. This led to about an hour's worth of impromptu baseball and dodge ball where Peer and untitled populace stood side-by-side laughing and bonding.

It was then that we learned of brigands who had entered the hall while we were so occupied and stole the bag of one of the guests. Those of us still on site searched the grounds to see if we could find any discarded items but to no avail (other than finding his empty wallet). The authorities were called and before the last people left the site they returned with the culprits in tow and much of the stolen property. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ulvar for his cool head in such a stressful time as he made arrangements with the authorities and helped see to the comfort of the victim of this crime. Ulvar did not find his bed until well into Sunday morning as he coordinated between witnesses, the victim and the authorities. Wassail Ulvar for your kindness and sense of duty and responsibilities!

Though this was a dark moment, it too had a positive side. People who had never met each other before were working together to search the site, going so far as to go to pubs and restaurants in town and walk the streets looking for the culprits (whose appearance was known to at least one witness). From the amount of help he received the victim knows how much he is respected and just how many friends he has.

I should stress that this unhappy happenstance does not reflect on any way to the event, the event staff nor the hosting canton. The culprits walked right past many of us who either didn't see them or didn't challenge them, and it was the event staff who went out of their way to try to resolve this as quickly and as painlessly as they could. Wassail for Caer Draeth!

Except for this one moment it was a grand day, and Caer Draeth proved that they are excellent and generous hosts. Spring tune-Up has just ended, and already I am looking forward to the next!

Great Sarnac’s Ghost (Coronation of Roak and Arlette, September 2002)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

On September 28 there was a hunt held in the Canton of Caer Draeth. The Khan and his Kashek (personal guard) were hunting deer, in anticipation of feeding venison to the masses at feast that night. Good gentles from across Ealdormere, and from points beyond, gathered in anticipation. Thorfinna and I waded through the crowd on various missions. I had Ursi to deliver, and subscriptions to hound for, specific photographs to take, officers to speak to and rattan to buy. As I was perusing the stock of the excellent Syr Ed the Red, a herald announced that court was to be held imminently behind the hall. Paying Ed for his wares, Thorfinna and I found members of Ardchreag with which to sit. (Several from the Chreag were in attendance that day, including: Wat of Sarum, Wulfgang Donnerfaust, Jean-Margaret Donnerfaust, Berend and Mahault van der Eych, Eanor of Amberhall, Siegfriend Brandbeorn, Rhys ap Bledri, Vlad Blahuciak, Kennric Manning, Tatiiana, Iolanda de Albornoz, Eirik Andersen, Ivanna the Oblivious, Brandt das Lederwerker, Gailana Dunkel Pfere, Katerina du Nord, Alaani, Damara of Stormhaven, Fursto de Robnye, Raffe Scholemaystre, Luke Wolfsonne, Marian of Heatherdale, Piero di Paxiti da Vincenza, William the Younger, Thorfinna and myself.)

    The Khaton arrived and bide us sit. She said that the Khan was still on the hunt with Their Highnesses but was expected soon. Before long Prince Roak and Princess Arlette arrived on horseback and seemed surprised that Sarnac Khan was not already in court. They said he had ridden ahead of them. Her Majesty Joliecia was not concerned, for as she said, the Khan had his Kashek and his Champion with him, so his safety was assured.

            The Kingdom bard, THL Gwerydd verch Rhys, then sang a song of the hunt, and as she finished Eanor of Amberhall, Khan’s Champion, rode into court and threw herself at the Khaton’s feet. She groveled and debased herself, for, she said, something terrible had happened. The Kashek then came into view carrying a body on a shield. The body was clad in the Khan’s armour and an arrow had pierced his helm.

            Kayla the Cheerful, Queen’s Champion, chastised Eanor for failing in her duties to protect her Sovereign, and took the sheath from her axe as a repentant Eanor bore her neck for execution. Then, suddenly, Sarnac’s spirit, dressed all in white, appeared from nowhere and called for Kayla to hold her hand. He said that he had died through no fault of his Champion for the arrow had been born of the darkness and no mortal could have thwarted it. His ancestors had granted him permission to come back to complete unfinished business and the last court of Sarnac and Joliecia began.

            Three gentles from Ardchreag were granted their Award of Arms that day, being Wulfgang and Jean-Margaret Donnerfaust and Crispinus Spellar. THL Aenaes Oakhammer presented Their Majesties with handcrafted boxes to store the Crowns of State. Lady Alyce de Sheppey was inducted into the Order of the Wain, Tabitha the Cook was given a grant of Arms, Yoshikuri Nagayo Dono, Lady Cera of the Middle Kingdom and Count Kildare Silverwolf Thorkillson were given a Scarlet Banner, THL Randwulf Widefarer, Master Hector of the Black Height, Eanor of Amberhall and Lady Rachael Catherine McLellan were given a personal augmentation of arms, THL Kayla the Cheerful was given a Queen’s favour, Master Konrad Mattias Jaegar was inducted into the Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer and Trumbrand the Wanderer was inducted into the Order of the Chivalry as a Master-of-Arms.

            It was not the most orderly court, as many people were quite spooked by having a shade sitting on the throne. The mammoth wandering about behind the Royal walls was also disconcerting. Earl Syr David ran into court at one point to announce that Valharic Aurelius Caligula, Caesar of the Middle, had died. As such, all agreements between Sarnac and Valharic were broken. This pleased Lady Rachael Catherine McLellan greatly as it meant her daughter, who had been claimed by Valharic as his concubine, could return home to take up her chores again. There was apparently a large pile of laundry awaiting her.

            The Khan and Khaton then released their Champions. Roak and Arlette were sworn in as Their Majesties of Ealdormere, hearing the oaths of the Barons, Baronesses and Peers of our Kingdom. Sarnac Khan was then taken to be laid to rest.

            Word has a way of traveling fast, and soon Sarnac’s northern cousin, a Norseman who looked remarkable like him, had arrived to investigate his kinsman’s death.

            Though the populace was sad to loose their Khan and Khaton they were pleased with their Majesties Roak and Arlette and the rest of the day was spent in merriment. There were equestrian activities, archery, thrown weapons, fencing, fighting and much more. Thorfinna and I had to actually leave court before it was completed as we had promised to do some children’s activities for two hours. We sat upstairs in the hall, surrounded by rambunctious youngsters and played games and told stories until finally they all left in Quest of the Purple dragon.

            We then wandered outside and watched some of the armoured combat. Both Wulfgang Donnerfaust and Wat of Sarum made it to the final five in the newbie tournament, though the final came down to a young lord named Tarkwyn and Eogan de Moray. In the two out of three final bout Tarkwyn emerged victorious. In the ribbon tournament Baron Siegfriend Brandbeorn took the day with eighteen victories.

            We spent the rest of the day visiting and talking until it was time for feast. Alaani, Berend, Mahault, Thorfinna and I sat together while Her Grace Eanor served us. It was an excellent meal, prepared by Lady Seonag nicThomais and Lord Streonwald Wulfsbana and was so large that no one went away hungry. The food wouldn’t stop coming!

            I then helped schlep dirty dishes up the kitchen and was done in time for evening court. Their Majesties and Their Excellencies of Septentria had an interesting court—for a while they took turns handing out awards. Very odd. Those handed out by Cynred Thegn and Baroness Gaerwen included: personal Baronial tokens for THL Aenaes Oakhammer and Hughie of Monadh, a Bear’s Claw for Charles the Clerk and a Bear’s Heart for Maggie Brodie. Those handed out by Their Majesties Roak and Arlette included: Sarnac and Joliecia’s County, Count Aaron Worgansson named King’s Champion, Lord Richard Larmer named Queen’s Champion, Lady Chiara de Montepulciano named kingdom bard, THL Anne Grey’s induction into the White Wolf Fian, Mistress AElfwyn of Longwood’s re-induction into the White Wolf Fian, Sage of Ben Dunfirth given her Award of arms, Lord Ulvar van der Nederlanden’s induction into the Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer and Countess Joleicia’s induction into the Order of the Rose.

            Two matters of international relations occurred during these courts. Master Kiernan and William the Black, both of the new Kingdom of Lochac, brought greetings from Their Majesties Alfar and Elspeth, as well as the gift of a kangaroo. These diplomats and their words of thanks for Ealdormere’s gifts and thoughts during Lochan’s first coronations were treated to much wassailing and cheering. Cynred and Gaerwen gave them both tokens, for themselves and for Their Majesties Lochac. Also, Katerina du Nord read a letter from Prince Raynar of the Principality of Cynagua (of the West Kingdom) pledging his eternal friendship with Ealdormere. This was also greeted with much cheering.

            Once court ended I handed out a few more promotional Ursi, talked with Hughie of Monadh about his canton’s history and finally left (most reluctantly).