Sir extavias here....
Well we left the continent and landed at Portsmouth where we had a delightful dinner with Prince Borre and some of the De ganis clan!!! It seems that there are three new and youthful members of the clan that are catching everyones eye. The oldest brother is Sir Gilmarus, a handsome yet somber and courteous lad of 25 years. He wears the latest continental fashions, and weather he realizes it or not the ladies adore him. The second is Sir Amhar, a rather serious fellow with a scarred face that turns his mouth up into a perpetual sneer. He is very curt and says very little , though i suspect that is because of his maimed face. And lastly is their cousin sir Cephilio who is tall, handsome, in fashion, and very friendly, often taking on the role of negotiator and head orator of the group, but always careful to defer to Sir Gilmarus in matters of importance. A curious group, made even more curious by there other traveling companion Iorweth, a hump-backed, churlish, dirty, rude , cackling fellow that is never without his half-burnt and scarred cat felago. What an interesting dinner. We learned that Prince Borre had King Arthurs blessing to lead an army( composed mostly of mercenaries , but with some volunteers, also ) to the continent to aid the De Ganis in reclaiming there lands. Truly all were amazed at Sir Borres countenance. Where we all had known him as a courtier before he was now a rugged knight that smacked of confidence and wore his blade as if he knew how to use it. Though pleasent he was no longer quite so flamboyant as he used to be. No. he was serious and somber indicating a singularness of purpose that was palpable to anyone who spoke to him for even a moment. He had turned into a proper warlord, some were saying, and he was going to the continent to prove this to any in the realm that may have had their doubts! A brave man!
We left Edar the Younger at portsmouth to recover as the doctor there said traveling would be the worst thing for him. We all then traveled to Leicester. A half day out we ran into the Bailiff samuel, who rejoiced at seeing us and said that Count Edar was a bed and very ill. We hurried to the castle at once.
When we entered the castle we knew something was amis. The servants were wound tight and looked fearful and afraid even to speak to us. Why? as we were wondering our answer came downstairs in the form of a litle imp of a man in dark clothing that was berating a servant at the top of his lungs for getting Hot water when everyone knew that tepid water with spices was what u used on a sick man. As the liyttle imp , or Archbishop Dewi of Britian saw us, we all let out a collective moan. No man was more unsuited to be a persons sole spiritual guide. But here he was.
We attempted to be courteous, but soon that was over and we learned that Dewi had been on his way to the pentecostal feast and tourney at Lincoln and while passing through Leicester 2 days ago heard of edars illness. So of course Dewi SELFLESSLY laid aside his plans to stay and aid our count with his multitude of Bishops and priests which we all noted were living very well at my Counts estates and seemed to be lacking nothing that they neeeded.
Sir CynFyn demanded to see Edar and Dewi admitted him. AS we questioned the Archbishop we learned that Edar our count, was not ill. It seemed he was CURSED!!!! He was simply asleep and could not be awoken. We were all petrified by this and asked Dewi how he knew!? He said that there had been pagan signs left in the bedding of the count bwhen he was first found, but Dewi had had all of the evil things burnt and now a veritable CHOIR of priests was standing a 24 hour vigil over Edar and saying never ending prayers for his salvation, and exorcism. Sir CynFyn argued for a while with Father Dewi, but finally to all of our surprise he and amadis The Candlebees, roughly escorted all of the bishops and priests , Including Dewi, out of the castle!!!!! Father Dewi left the city towards Lincoln with dire threats on his tongue and said of course that the High King would hear of this poor treatment he had recieved while trying to be selfless to a count that had trouble deciding which wife was his at any given month. It was Edars double dealing in wives that was cursing him ,Dewi could be heard saying as he left the city. And he threw the words Leicester, cursed, and ungodly around where all the commeners could here it and be afraid. He even said that he hoped he would not have to excommunicate anyone again for that would be unfortunate. Bastard!
Sir Cynfyn stayed at the castle in Leicester to ask questions and to supervise. He learned that because of the ritualistic idols found in the bedding of the count , it was a the magic of the far North that was used in the curse! Also he learned that the last night Edar was okay many servants saw a Northwoman leaving his bedchamber late. They all assumed it to be his Lady Valerie.
I followed my knight sir Amadis to the small manor that Edar had given to Valerie and her household. It was there that we discovered that Valerie was staying and that she had already been accused by Archbishop Dewi as he was going North to the Pentecost Tournament, but King Arthur was also going North, and hearing of what was transpiring he was comforted that the Archbishop's own household would be so kind as to watch over Sir Edar, and until the Tourney was concluded he did not want Lady Valerie to be judged. This would give her time to make a case, and when Arthur was on his way back to Camelot he would then see to the matter. Until then He left two Round Table knights at the manor to guard the Lady. Sir Morlons and Sir Bevardius. Both new members but able. We heard from Valerie that Dewi was pissed at that, for he must have thought that he would get to try Valerie and Burn her in a day or two, but.........
Valerie and all the others there said it was no secret who cursed Count Edar. It was Valeries own Aunt Hilda. She apparently , was angred by the fact that Edar had publicly Put aside the Princess Valerie in favor to his old marriage to Queen Elaine. Nevermind that people tried to explain the it was for the Good of Edars people who were not getting their spiritual needs met, and that there was little else he could do. Nevermind that he and Valerie married in the Old way and that they both seemed content. In Hilda's eyes the Princess of Trond had been wronged, so , disgusted with men in general, and Count Edar specifically, she Cursed him to perpetual sleep. Then knowing that Valerie would not understand that it had been for her own good, she fled North And we heard ended in OLD SORESTAN In the woods , Just North of Sir Gwalchmai's stronghold of Horncastle. As we arrived in old Sorestan we were traveling through the woods and were ambushed by Saxons. They were easily dispersed and so we moved to a nearby hold that was occupied by A DANISH Lord. It seems that the Dane Guthruum had been given the hold by the Count of Lindsey, and in return he promised to hunt down all Partisan saxons of Old Sorestan. It was at this Hold that we found Old Hilda who had taken protection from Guthruum the Dane!
Guthruum said we could not have her unless she went with us of her own accord. After some dealmaking she consented to come with us if we could defeat a monster of the north that the Danes had brought from their homeland. We consented and Guthruum, who seemed as excited as his men about the sport of watching us die, opened the huge pit on the hall floor. And out came the huge creature that the Danes called a troll. It was ugly, but other than that..... no challenge. Sir Amadis, Sir CynFyn, and the French knight Drogo, all cut it down in under one minute and all emerged without a scratch. It was ugly and strong, but terribly slow.
True to her word Hilda went with us and released Edar from his curse. Not only was our Count saved , but he wasnt even angry. He took Hilda and Valerie into his confidence and by the time they were done speaking, They were all laughing, and Edar had Given Hilda a fine manor and a rich one, on the border of Bedegraine. Wow. Anyway... that was my last year of adventure as a squire, for Count Edar knighted me and gave me my ancestral manor of Tilton-on-the-Hill, as Sir Brandegoris of the Hambones last son. I will try to uphold my good family name. I had to fix Tilton up as the year before the old mill had burned down, and there were other repairs that needed tending. So I spent some of the 30 Librum in Roman coin that my Mother Brianna had sent me from Caerwent upon my knighting. In fact I spent them all. Then I gave count Edar my last 9 libra that I had. This Libra was the result of my loot as a squire in three years on the continent as a mercenary, but I knew my Count needed Money to pay his debts to the De Ganis clan. Well I cant wait till next year!!! Hazzahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
539: The Mercenary Life, Year Three
Sir Amadis here...
Do you know, in these parts they have a marvelous way with wine, turning it into a most potent yet flavorful drink? Armagnac, they call it. Whenever we pillage a monastary or town with a distillery I try to grab a bottle or two. When I sip it, I recall the strangely green fields of Faerie, or sometimes the almost-fetid forest smell of Britain, when summer is high and the woods choked with vines, rotting fruit, and earth. I love that smell. Here it's all dry and dust and resinous, even when we're marching through the endless fields of lavender. As I lie here in camp, my head resting on my saddle as I sip a small cup of armagnac and watch Arce, Crespo and Escara play dice, I can still smell the lavender on the leather.
In two or three days, the king says we will be in Bordeaux, in the same place as the largest remaining Aquitanian army. We are all wondering what will happen: will allies show up as promised? Will we win this fight then go home to our wives and children? Or will King Theudis turn his sights on kingdoms and counties beyond the Dordogne?
We've heard that King Arthur and his Round Table knights are fighting the King of the Franks in the north, chasing after a damosel. Everyone says Arthur is after a new wife. What happened to Queen Guenevere? I wonder, are Sirs Gwalchmai and King Edar there, too? Will we march toward Paris after we take Bordeaux?
Julian, my trustworthy squire of many, many years, died from a fever. We buried him under an old oak tree. Sanza's my squire now, but he is hopeless.
Extavias here...
What a trial. We were given our freedom by the suprisingly noble knight of the green fields, in return for our pledge to pay our ransom later. So for the last 3 years we have been selling ourselves as mercenaries on the continent to the highest bidder. I know I am only a squire still, but with all these years of fighting under my belt, id wager that I am a good deal hardier than most of my Leicester brethren even though I am no knight. Some men say that I am finally starting to fill out and gain my muscle and a little mass and thats making me look more like my father Brandegoris, but In reality I will never be as large as my father. I have too much of my mother, Brianna in me. The roman heritage from Caerwent runs fairly strong within me. I am not small, but I am no giant.
Anyway, the most ludicrous thing happened during the fighting. We met up, quite accidently with brave sir Amadis!!!!!!!!!!!! There has been much tragedy these last few years and Amadis gives us a little bit hope and joy. He and CynFyn even made amends, and have accepted each other as fellow candlebees and brothers.
Now we await the " BEEHIVE" 's return as we sit in Bordeaux. We all did very well in the pillaging and bought our freedom, with still s decent amount of coin to aid Count Edar with his financial problems, as was the reason behind our coming to the continent initially. So with Good sir Amadis in tow we hope to be back home by pentecost at least! HAzzaahhh!!!
Do you know, in these parts they have a marvelous way with wine, turning it into a most potent yet flavorful drink? Armagnac, they call it. Whenever we pillage a monastary or town with a distillery I try to grab a bottle or two. When I sip it, I recall the strangely green fields of Faerie, or sometimes the almost-fetid forest smell of Britain, when summer is high and the woods choked with vines, rotting fruit, and earth. I love that smell. Here it's all dry and dust and resinous, even when we're marching through the endless fields of lavender. As I lie here in camp, my head resting on my saddle as I sip a small cup of armagnac and watch Arce, Crespo and Escara play dice, I can still smell the lavender on the leather.
In two or three days, the king says we will be in Bordeaux, in the same place as the largest remaining Aquitanian army. We are all wondering what will happen: will allies show up as promised? Will we win this fight then go home to our wives and children? Or will King Theudis turn his sights on kingdoms and counties beyond the Dordogne?
We've heard that King Arthur and his Round Table knights are fighting the King of the Franks in the north, chasing after a damosel. Everyone says Arthur is after a new wife. What happened to Queen Guenevere? I wonder, are Sirs Gwalchmai and King Edar there, too? Will we march toward Paris after we take Bordeaux?
Julian, my trustworthy squire of many, many years, died from a fever. We buried him under an old oak tree. Sanza's my squire now, but he is hopeless.
Extavias here...
What a trial. We were given our freedom by the suprisingly noble knight of the green fields, in return for our pledge to pay our ransom later. So for the last 3 years we have been selling ourselves as mercenaries on the continent to the highest bidder. I know I am only a squire still, but with all these years of fighting under my belt, id wager that I am a good deal hardier than most of my Leicester brethren even though I am no knight. Some men say that I am finally starting to fill out and gain my muscle and a little mass and thats making me look more like my father Brandegoris, but In reality I will never be as large as my father. I have too much of my mother, Brianna in me. The roman heritage from Caerwent runs fairly strong within me. I am not small, but I am no giant.
Anyway, the most ludicrous thing happened during the fighting. We met up, quite accidently with brave sir Amadis!!!!!!!!!!!! There has been much tragedy these last few years and Amadis gives us a little bit hope and joy. He and CynFyn even made amends, and have accepted each other as fellow candlebees and brothers.
Now we await the " BEEHIVE" 's return as we sit in Bordeaux. We all did very well in the pillaging and bought our freedom, with still s decent amount of coin to aid Count Edar with his financial problems, as was the reason behind our coming to the continent initially. So with Good sir Amadis in tow we hope to be back home by pentecost at least! HAzzaahhh!!!
538: The Mercenary Life, Year Two
Sir Amadis here...
The king continues to punish the Franks for murdering old King Theodoric and invading Carthaginiensis. He and his men have been on the move for years now, fighting in the north of Spain, the majestic mountains of Navarre, and now the rich river-fed lands of Aquitaine. We've battled in Septimania, Toulouse, and Gascony. I remember how a certain Sir Lucius of Caerwent, as I recall, would go on and on about the superiority of the Romans, and how we'd Leicestermen would shout him down. But after living in and campaigning through these old Roman provinces and seeing the splendor of their works myself...when compared to the old stone pile of Medbourne castle, the graceful arches of aquaducts really are a cut above. I wonder if Sir Lucius was just repeating the stories of his fathers, or if he ever saw these marvels himself; I hope he had that pleasure.
King Theudis holds me in some regard because even though I am a foreigner, and low-born, the glory of my exploits is known far and wide, more than is usual for knights in his army. And the king himself, as I have mentioned, is not of noble birth himself, but has raised himself to his exalted station through dint of native skill and ability. After we'd run wild through Septimania, and prevailed in pitched battles outside Narbonne and Carcassonne, the king spoke to the assembled army. He said that he was creating a new class of noble in order to reward his brave and loyal followers and to settle new-won lands in friendly hands: these new-made knights were henceforth to be known as the caballeros villenos. So now I command a banderas of 25 villein-knights, my cousins and others that have proven themselves adept with spear and sword. Perhaps it is the time spent fighting bulls, but they're pretty good with a lance, even if their stand-and-fight spearwork lacks luster. Just as well, really, for in general the southern armor is light and flimsy. Oh, how I miss my fine partial-plate armor, rusting at the bottom of the French ocean!
I turned 44 this year, and for the first time ever, I felt old. In the autumn I was laid low for several weeks from a bad side of beef, so bad I thought I might never ride again!...it took me months to get over it; even so, my grip feels weaker than it has before, and I still tire easier than before. Sigh. I wonder how my family fares.
The king continues to punish the Franks for murdering old King Theodoric and invading Carthaginiensis. He and his men have been on the move for years now, fighting in the north of Spain, the majestic mountains of Navarre, and now the rich river-fed lands of Aquitaine. We've battled in Septimania, Toulouse, and Gascony. I remember how a certain Sir Lucius of Caerwent, as I recall, would go on and on about the superiority of the Romans, and how we'd Leicestermen would shout him down. But after living in and campaigning through these old Roman provinces and seeing the splendor of their works myself...when compared to the old stone pile of Medbourne castle, the graceful arches of aquaducts really are a cut above. I wonder if Sir Lucius was just repeating the stories of his fathers, or if he ever saw these marvels himself; I hope he had that pleasure.
King Theudis holds me in some regard because even though I am a foreigner, and low-born, the glory of my exploits is known far and wide, more than is usual for knights in his army. And the king himself, as I have mentioned, is not of noble birth himself, but has raised himself to his exalted station through dint of native skill and ability. After we'd run wild through Septimania, and prevailed in pitched battles outside Narbonne and Carcassonne, the king spoke to the assembled army. He said that he was creating a new class of noble in order to reward his brave and loyal followers and to settle new-won lands in friendly hands: these new-made knights were henceforth to be known as the caballeros villenos. So now I command a banderas of 25 villein-knights, my cousins and others that have proven themselves adept with spear and sword. Perhaps it is the time spent fighting bulls, but they're pretty good with a lance, even if their stand-and-fight spearwork lacks luster. Just as well, really, for in general the southern armor is light and flimsy. Oh, how I miss my fine partial-plate armor, rusting at the bottom of the French ocean!
I turned 44 this year, and for the first time ever, I felt old. In the autumn I was laid low for several weeks from a bad side of beef, so bad I thought I might never ride again!...it took me months to get over it; even so, my grip feels weaker than it has before, and I still tire easier than before. Sigh. I wonder how my family fares.
537: The Mercenary Life, Year One
Sir Amadis here...
I received a letter from Gilet while on the battlefield outside Vasconia, from a young man wearing bits and pieces of armor and riding a very tired cart horse. I went to the king's chirurgen to get the letter read, but he was still busy tending the wounded and sent me to the chapel tent to have it read.
The friar-clerk said the letter was from the priest in Gilet, who had the words from Desdemona, my wife: she thanked me for the spoils I had sent, and that she had invested them wisely. She and the baby were fine, though now he was old enough that old Barro was teaching him to ride the pony, and had made him toy spears with which he terrorized the chickens in the yard. That made me smile, thinking of how my father used to thrash my older brother for doing the same...but later that night I wept thinking of my wife and my son, who I have not yet laid eyes on.
There have been no more messages from Queen Valerie, and no word from King Edar. I am alone in a sea of fighting men, floating on a raft of boisterous cousin-knights.
I received a letter from Gilet while on the battlefield outside Vasconia, from a young man wearing bits and pieces of armor and riding a very tired cart horse. I went to the king's chirurgen to get the letter read, but he was still busy tending the wounded and sent me to the chapel tent to have it read.
The friar-clerk said the letter was from the priest in Gilet, who had the words from Desdemona, my wife: she thanked me for the spoils I had sent, and that she had invested them wisely. She and the baby were fine, though now he was old enough that old Barro was teaching him to ride the pony, and had made him toy spears with which he terrorized the chickens in the yard. That made me smile, thinking of how my father used to thrash my older brother for doing the same...but later that night I wept thinking of my wife and my son, who I have not yet laid eyes on.
There have been no more messages from Queen Valerie, and no word from King Edar. I am alone in a sea of fighting men, floating on a raft of boisterous cousin-knights.
Monday, June 29, 2009
536: Adventure On the Continent
Sir Extavias here......
Well.....what a foul year it has been. My half brother Sir Arddur ap Brandegoris was slain in battle while pillaging the franks of Aquitaine( Ganis). High King Arthur had all his troops go to the continent and make war on the franks there for generally being belligerent and finally angering him too much by imprisioning our Queen Guinevere's own cousin Elyzabel falsely. Our King could take no more and so we marched on France. Many of the De Ganis clan wanted permission and Aid in taking back their homeland of Benoit and Aquitaine. Arthur granted it. The knights of Leicester were not exactly summoned to the continent by Arthur, but Our Lord Count Edar sent a small contingent under the command of his grandson and heir Edar the lesser. It Consisted mainly of 10 knights and about 100 screaming and well equipped Irish Kerns under the command of Prince Aedon son of King Anguish of Ireland.
We heard , as we landed at Nantes , in Brittany, that there was war between mighty Vennatais, and its King Conan, and Duke Hoel of Cournailles. We didnt necessarily want to get involved but when we heard that the mighty and chivalrous Sir Tristram was helping defend the righteous Sir Hoel, we decided then and there to aid him as well...... for a fair price of course....... well..... our upkeep doesnt pay for itself after all.
I am squired to sir Quillam, and I accompanied him to the battle of Nantes, where we fought long and hard and ended at a standstill. Indecisive. But Vennetais left to lick their wounds and were damaged enough that we, in effect, saved Duke Hoel. Our Friend , the mighty, Sir Cynfan, was hurt sorely and could not travel . He was too near death, so he would stay with Sir Tristram and Duke Hoel, while the rest of us would travel to Aquitaine to pillage and raid the Franks there. My Brother Arddur was well wounded and I urged him to stay behind with Cynfan, but he felt that he would be safe to raid. He is large like myself and I think often overestimates his prowess. Well we recieved much plunder over the next two weeks, but as we were returning with it , the famous Aquitanian banneret, called The Banneret of the Green fields found us and ambushed us in the woods we were traveling in. He had much in the way of archers and infantry and outnumbered our weary band by at least 5 to 1 and we fell quite easily I am afraid. My Brother, the mighty Arddur was slain in the battle as well, and now we are all captives of this banneret. I have sent this letter to you my friend so that you know what has become of me. Please tell the rest of the family. I cant believe Arddur fell. He was so like our father in size and ferocity. But many people did speculate that he was softer because he was raised all those years in Camelot. I am just as large and I was raised in that hellpit called Tilton-on-the-Hill, so I vow that I will make my father proud, by becoming a candlebee, and by garnering such a reputation in battle that men will know me as my father's ONLY son. I swear it by all the Sons Of Thelos...... Damn these franks to hell. Since sir Quillam was killed as well, I am a free squire, and will ask to be made a knight. I must avenge all the wrongs done to my family and make the Lineage of Brandegoris Tilton ring through all the Land!!!!!!
Sir Gede here...
How quickly the fortunes of men turn! Sir Quillam, rich from jousting, only a few months later laid low with a spear to the side, never to rise....young Boots, beloved grandson of Count Edar, bloodied and held captive by the Banneret of the Green Fields in Benwick....mighty Sir Arddur, gone to sit at the right side of St Guinefort in Heaven....
I don't see what good we are doing for our liege lord now, sitting prisoner in Aquitaine instead of collecting the funds to pay the fine levied by King Arthur. At least Sir Aiden, the Irish prince, is hale and seeing that we are well taken care of. Boots was not badly hurt, and was up and about in short order—he has his grandsire's constitution, surely—and when I was newly on my feet again we received word of Sir Cynfyn's presence, and were much cheered. The man himself looked haggard, and explained that he'd left for Leicester as soon as he was recovered from his own grievious wound, but the word he brought back from court was not encouraging. After years of war and plunder by our beloved high king, Leicester's vassals said they would raise the ransom as soon as possible...hopefully within five years, perhaps seven. Seven years! I will be an old man of almost 30 by the time I gain my freedom.
Heaven help us, and Leicester!
Sir Amadis here...
The tide goes out, the tide comes in, and once again I ride for King Theudis of Spain. Two of my cousins and my dear squire Julian survived the shipwreck, as did the captain and several of the crew. The horses did not, being tied into their stalls and drowning when the ship broke apart on the reefs. I shall miss Eustice; he was a fine animal, battle-hardened and true.
The Gascon peasants who live near where our ship sank took us in, gave me a new pair of shoes, and took us to the local lord. I was nervous showing up unarmed and unarmored at the hall of someone who could very well be a deadly enemy, for I did not know if the lords in these parts were friendly to King Theudic, the de Ganis, the King of France, King Arthur, or some other lord of high repute. Fortunately for me and my men, now that the de Ganis are mostly dead, the region has splintered as each lord fights and squabbles to assemble his own little fiefdom out of the carcass, with the Kings of Spain and France on either side. Our host, a Sir Childeric, dubbed the Girthy, was himself engaged in skirmishes with his neighbors over lordless lands. He was happy to outfit us in spare armor and mounts in exchange for news and the chance to play the generous lord.
Three days later, Julian, Garza, Rodrigo, and I rode off to find Theudic....when the army saw us riding up, they started shouting "Torres! Torres!" until the king himself came out to see what the commotion was all about. We were warmly welcomed back, and are once again fighting for the king as he pushes north.
Well.....what a foul year it has been. My half brother Sir Arddur ap Brandegoris was slain in battle while pillaging the franks of Aquitaine( Ganis). High King Arthur had all his troops go to the continent and make war on the franks there for generally being belligerent and finally angering him too much by imprisioning our Queen Guinevere's own cousin Elyzabel falsely. Our King could take no more and so we marched on France. Many of the De Ganis clan wanted permission and Aid in taking back their homeland of Benoit and Aquitaine. Arthur granted it. The knights of Leicester were not exactly summoned to the continent by Arthur, but Our Lord Count Edar sent a small contingent under the command of his grandson and heir Edar the lesser. It Consisted mainly of 10 knights and about 100 screaming and well equipped Irish Kerns under the command of Prince Aedon son of King Anguish of Ireland.
We heard , as we landed at Nantes , in Brittany, that there was war between mighty Vennatais, and its King Conan, and Duke Hoel of Cournailles. We didnt necessarily want to get involved but when we heard that the mighty and chivalrous Sir Tristram was helping defend the righteous Sir Hoel, we decided then and there to aid him as well...... for a fair price of course....... well..... our upkeep doesnt pay for itself after all.
I am squired to sir Quillam, and I accompanied him to the battle of Nantes, where we fought long and hard and ended at a standstill. Indecisive. But Vennetais left to lick their wounds and were damaged enough that we, in effect, saved Duke Hoel. Our Friend , the mighty, Sir Cynfan, was hurt sorely and could not travel . He was too near death, so he would stay with Sir Tristram and Duke Hoel, while the rest of us would travel to Aquitaine to pillage and raid the Franks there. My Brother Arddur was well wounded and I urged him to stay behind with Cynfan, but he felt that he would be safe to raid. He is large like myself and I think often overestimates his prowess. Well we recieved much plunder over the next two weeks, but as we were returning with it , the famous Aquitanian banneret, called The Banneret of the Green fields found us and ambushed us in the woods we were traveling in. He had much in the way of archers and infantry and outnumbered our weary band by at least 5 to 1 and we fell quite easily I am afraid. My Brother, the mighty Arddur was slain in the battle as well, and now we are all captives of this banneret. I have sent this letter to you my friend so that you know what has become of me. Please tell the rest of the family. I cant believe Arddur fell. He was so like our father in size and ferocity. But many people did speculate that he was softer because he was raised all those years in Camelot. I am just as large and I was raised in that hellpit called Tilton-on-the-Hill, so I vow that I will make my father proud, by becoming a candlebee, and by garnering such a reputation in battle that men will know me as my father's ONLY son. I swear it by all the Sons Of Thelos...... Damn these franks to hell. Since sir Quillam was killed as well, I am a free squire, and will ask to be made a knight. I must avenge all the wrongs done to my family and make the Lineage of Brandegoris Tilton ring through all the Land!!!!!!
Sir Gede here...
How quickly the fortunes of men turn! Sir Quillam, rich from jousting, only a few months later laid low with a spear to the side, never to rise....young Boots, beloved grandson of Count Edar, bloodied and held captive by the Banneret of the Green Fields in Benwick....mighty Sir Arddur, gone to sit at the right side of St Guinefort in Heaven....
I don't see what good we are doing for our liege lord now, sitting prisoner in Aquitaine instead of collecting the funds to pay the fine levied by King Arthur. At least Sir Aiden, the Irish prince, is hale and seeing that we are well taken care of. Boots was not badly hurt, and was up and about in short order—he has his grandsire's constitution, surely—and when I was newly on my feet again we received word of Sir Cynfyn's presence, and were much cheered. The man himself looked haggard, and explained that he'd left for Leicester as soon as he was recovered from his own grievious wound, but the word he brought back from court was not encouraging. After years of war and plunder by our beloved high king, Leicester's vassals said they would raise the ransom as soon as possible...hopefully within five years, perhaps seven. Seven years! I will be an old man of almost 30 by the time I gain my freedom.
Heaven help us, and Leicester!
Sir Amadis here...
The tide goes out, the tide comes in, and once again I ride for King Theudis of Spain. Two of my cousins and my dear squire Julian survived the shipwreck, as did the captain and several of the crew. The horses did not, being tied into their stalls and drowning when the ship broke apart on the reefs. I shall miss Eustice; he was a fine animal, battle-hardened and true.
The Gascon peasants who live near where our ship sank took us in, gave me a new pair of shoes, and took us to the local lord. I was nervous showing up unarmed and unarmored at the hall of someone who could very well be a deadly enemy, for I did not know if the lords in these parts were friendly to King Theudic, the de Ganis, the King of France, King Arthur, or some other lord of high repute. Fortunately for me and my men, now that the de Ganis are mostly dead, the region has splintered as each lord fights and squabbles to assemble his own little fiefdom out of the carcass, with the Kings of Spain and France on either side. Our host, a Sir Childeric, dubbed the Girthy, was himself engaged in skirmishes with his neighbors over lordless lands. He was happy to outfit us in spare armor and mounts in exchange for news and the chance to play the generous lord.
Three days later, Julian, Garza, Rodrigo, and I rode off to find Theudic....when the army saw us riding up, they started shouting "Torres! Torres!" until the king himself came out to see what the commotion was all about. We were warmly welcomed back, and are once again fighting for the king as he pushes north.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
535: Revenge
"One of the requirements of becoming a Candlebee is—"
"—killing a Round Table knight?"
"No."
"The de Ganis are on coke."
--------
Lady Ealhred speaks...
I was in attendance with my lady early spring day when word came from her lord: a journey to far Gales to beg forgiveness from the archbishop, and a lifting of the interdict! Praise Jesu, I am hopeful that this will be so. It is a horrible burden to be cut off from the church. I myself would live in eternal agony if my flesh-and-blood were to die without the last embrace from Holy Mother Church. And surely many mothers are at such risk, as our menfolk resolve the troubles with the high king. Mother of God, please keep my son safe!...
Lady Valery speaks...
The hills around Leicester were just regaining their green blush when a messenger from the bishop came calling to the keep, with a message from my lord and the archbishop, he said. He announced to me and my ladies-in-waiting, with no small amount of satisfaction, that my lord was on his way home after agreeing to annul our marriage. He went on, noting that this would of course reduce the status of my three children to that of bastard. Seeing no reaction from me, he licked his lips, like a cat that licks stolen cream off its chops, and said my lord would be back within the week.
After I dismissed him I looked to my ladies for counsel. Lady Peony suggested taking my complaint to the queen's Court of Love; Lady Glorie said I should fall on my knees and beg my lord's forgiveness, as he'd begged the forgiveness of the archbishop. As if! Lady Ealhred suggested taking up vows. Lady Oriel, understanding me best, offered her townhouse to me, as I was now an unmarried woman and it was unseemly to live in under a strange man's roof.
And so several days later I found myself keeping house across town, my children and ladies and servants with me. I got word of his return, but it was not until some time later that he came calling. I was dreading laying eyes again on my lord, for I did not know what my reaction would be: icy cold like the Trond goddesses of the north? Fiery hot like the savage blood of my warrior countrymen? But when he at last came to my door I found that I could not reject him—I still loved him! And so I said, if he wanted me despite the blackhearts of this church saying otherwise, he must meet me under the eaves of the Charnwood on Midsummer night and we would marry in the old way, the heathen way.
Early on the day of Midsummer Eve I rode from Leicester with my ladies and a few trusted servants, east to the holy well near unto Kirby Muxloe, and took a ritual bath under the ash trees. We slept in the grove that night, and the next day, with all our clothes and horses wet with dew, we rode up to the forest, and the old hill with the standing stones the people hereabouts use on their non-Church festivals.
He was there, which I did not expect, and alone, which I also did not. I thought that Sir Perseus, he of the heathen ways, would at least accompany his lord if his other, religious men could not.
But he came to me on the hill, by the old stones, and we said our vows and, as the custom of this land (and indeed, my own) dictates, I gave to him a gift of the heart: a Roman glass flask, chased with gold to set off the red of the glass, containing a very precious elixir given to me by the wise women of Trond before I departed to this land. Seeing as I have now how perilious the life of a Leicesterman is, I wanted my lord and now again my husband, to have the gift of life should he find himself mortally wounded and far from home.
He took the flask and stuck it in a fold of his tunic, then took my hand and we departed from the hill.
Did my dreams under the ash trees lead me wrong? Does he care for me at all? He had no heart gift to bestow to me...Did he only marry me for the sake of the children? I am so confused and, I fear, falling into a deep melancholy that not even the sight of the flowering hollies can overcome...
Count Edar Speaks…
No matter how long I live, I shall never understand women
As the winter storms drew to a close I took a small host of knights to seek out Archbishop Dewey. Arthur Pendragon is once again my rightful lord, and I have a duty to the people of Leicester and Lambor to look after their wellbeing. The church interdiction weighs heavily on their heads, and I will not allow my people’s souls to be at risk for my pride. Dressed in the meanest clothes I had – I think they once dismissed by Yeoman Bowman’s wife as being too poor for a free man of Allington to wear – I travelled to Dewey. I brought young Perseus with me after getting his pledge that if he attended me, I would expect him to agree to the requirements of the Archbishop, without heed to comfort or what he felt was just. When we arrived I was directed to wait on a stone bench for the Archibishop. For 5 days I sat, stooping to pray, but not too eat or to sleep. At the end of the 5th day I dropped from hunger and exhaustion, but I returned to the bench as soon as I recovered. Soon after that Dewey agreed to see me.
When I arrived and begged his forgiveness he made several demands – I would make a pilgrimage to St. Albans from Leicester, barefoot and do what was demanded of me. Of course I agreed at once. I would pay for the British Church to annul my marriage to Elaine of Garloth – Whatever the cost, I replied. The Archbishop said it would be more than I paid for the Pope to try to annul it. I replied as mildly as I could that it would have to be – the pope annulled my marriage when I accompanied Arthur to capture Rome and have Arthur declared emperor. We later agreed that 25 Librum would be sufficient. No problem. Finally, he said I would have to have my marriage to Valerie annulled, or she would have to convert to Christianity. I wish he had instead asked that I lose an arm or be blinded! But I could not refuse for the sake of my people. I only hoped to reach her and tell her before the Archbishop’s word did.
As we prepared to return to Leicester, we saw a fast rider depart the monastery on the road to Leicester. My horse was not fast, but Sir Aeddan’s was and he rode after the messenger. I would learn later that he was not successful in beating the ill tidings to my hall.
When I returned to Leicester, Valerie was nowhere to be found. Before I could look for her I was told that Lancelot was here to see me. That fine knight had done well for me, and it was his actions that reconciled the king and I. I had him brought to me and asked how I could serve. He told me that he had a grievance to put to the King’s judgement, or if I would not agree for the king to rule, then we would be foes. I asked him what this was and he said that my household had been responsible for the murder of 5 of his kinsman. I felt that this claim was not accurate, but with Valerie gone, I asked for time to consider. He agreed to let me have the night.
When he left, I learned that Valerie was staying in the house of one of her ladies. I went to her at once. I was prepared for her to be angry with me. I was prepared for her to be cold. I was not prepared for her to see me dressed as an unmarried woman. Seeing her this way tore my heart. I begged her to forgive me. I explained that I had to think of my people. She was unmoved. With tears in my eyes I pleaded – we were married in the tradition of her folk, and thought nothing of the church. We were in love. I married her in the church manner to give the people a cause to celebrate and to show my commitment to the lady in a way they could understand. The blessings of the church mean nothing to me without her. I continued to plead with her and she relented, saying if I would meet her at midsummer in the sacred grove, she would marry me in the tradition of her people. My heart leapt, and I agreed. She said until then she would remain at this house. I left feeling better than I have in years.
The next morning I agreed to present the dispute with the DeGanis to Arthur. I only asked that it be done after I had made my pilgrimage to St. Albans and that I must be here for Midsummer. He agreed to my requests and left at once.
My pilgrimage was a lesson in humility, as it was meant to be. Throughout the ordeal I found myself asking why God would demand that I be parted from my beloved Valerie. Throughout it all, I reminded myself that the penance was for the sake of the people of Leicester. I would spend an eternity in the pagan afterworld for Valerie to look upon me with love again.
Before midsummer, Galeholt, Elaine’s son came and challenged Perseus to a duel. Pereus accepted, and they fought. It was a terrible exchange, but Perseus lost. I grieve for the death of my fellow candlebee, and my friend’s son. I have heard the whispers that it is a good thing for my court to be without him, but noone has dared to say this where they realized I could hear.
Midsummer night came and I met Valerie at the appointed site. No priests were present but I am assured that we are once again husband and wife. She gave me a gift that night of a strange liquid. I took it of course, but I did not know to bring something for her. If only Perseus had been there to warn me of this custom! At first I thought this was not a problem – when we were first joined in Trond I had nothing, but I have since learned that I have hurt her deeply. Like I said, I shall never understand women. I blame Guinevere and her court of love. All that I have, indeed all that I am is Valerie’s for the asking. Were she to ask it I would even leave Leicester and return to her home in Trond. My home and my life is wherever she is. I am a simple man and not one given to great speeches, love poems, or songs. I do not have that gift. Nor do I have money to buy her gifts. Indeed the struggles of the last year have left me in debt to nearly all the wealthy of Logres! Still, if there was anything she wanted, it would be hers. I only hope that she understands what it is that she means to me. It is my fondest wish to live the rest of my years with her at my side.
As the year drew to a close I learned of the kings judgement - I am to pay a blood debt of 220 librum to the Deganis within the year. I groaned but thought, what is another debt at this point? I shall have to send my knights abroad to bring back money for these payments. Whatever comes, so long as Valerie stands beside me I know I will prevail.
Sir Arddur here....
Well the High King was generous. He let Ellidyr and myself go unmolested back to Leicester after there vwas peace made. No ransom was asked. What an Amazing High King we have.
When we returned Lord Edar was not as displeased with us as I thought he would be. We will bve punished I am sure, but he said he has much to think on and that he will get to punishing us later.
Sir Ellidyr confessed finally to Count Edar that while in Ireland he skimmed money from my lord! Edar showed so little emotion that I dont know how he felt. Edar said that Ellidyr should go about his normal duties while he considers the matter, and then he will summon Ellidyr again. Ellidyr was of course sadenned by this turn of events, but overall he is more happy and energetic tthan I have ever seen him. His burden lifted all he speaks about is Leona, and how he will right his wrongs and make Lord Edar love him once again. He is practicing his sword play very hard and getting ready for war in earnest. He said that he knows our Lord needs Librum badly and he has vowed that hew will find a way to help our lord.
For now we go on as usual and wait for word of our punishment, and Ellidyr awaits the arrival of his beloved. Tommorrow we will go pay our respects tpo all the fallen, especially sir Quillam and Sir Perseus. I wish to prove myself to my Lord soon as well and be made a candlebee as my father once was. I want to show my Lord my worth. Maybe I will help Ellidyr to find income fore our Lord. That would certainly put us back in his good graces.
Sir Amadis here...
Once I braved the open ocean for my lord (and a woman), and that ended poorly. A second time I sailed, to that damable island of traitorous Irish, and need I say how poorly that ended? A third time I sailed, to distance myself from jealous flatterers and hangers-on, south to the old Roman lands of Spain, and even though I was sad to leave my lord and companions and homeland, I was glad to be traveling and fighting for a worthy king. But I see now that lovely Spain's waters are also treacherous, as I sit on the sand and watch the waves play over the wreckage of the ship that was taking my cousins and I back to Leicester. Oh damable ocean! Saltier than tears, and just as plentiful.
Now it is light, and the villagers are coming down to salvage what they can of the wrack washing up on the shore. My spears and sword are gone, I have only one boot, and I am nauseous from swallowing so much salt water. But I still have my dagger, if these men prove themselves churls indeed.
"—killing a Round Table knight?"
"No."
"The de Ganis are on coke."
--------
Lady Ealhred speaks...
I was in attendance with my lady early spring day when word came from her lord: a journey to far Gales to beg forgiveness from the archbishop, and a lifting of the interdict! Praise Jesu, I am hopeful that this will be so. It is a horrible burden to be cut off from the church. I myself would live in eternal agony if my flesh-and-blood were to die without the last embrace from Holy Mother Church. And surely many mothers are at such risk, as our menfolk resolve the troubles with the high king. Mother of God, please keep my son safe!...
Lady Valery speaks...
The hills around Leicester were just regaining their green blush when a messenger from the bishop came calling to the keep, with a message from my lord and the archbishop, he said. He announced to me and my ladies-in-waiting, with no small amount of satisfaction, that my lord was on his way home after agreeing to annul our marriage. He went on, noting that this would of course reduce the status of my three children to that of bastard. Seeing no reaction from me, he licked his lips, like a cat that licks stolen cream off its chops, and said my lord would be back within the week.
After I dismissed him I looked to my ladies for counsel. Lady Peony suggested taking my complaint to the queen's Court of Love; Lady Glorie said I should fall on my knees and beg my lord's forgiveness, as he'd begged the forgiveness of the archbishop. As if! Lady Ealhred suggested taking up vows. Lady Oriel, understanding me best, offered her townhouse to me, as I was now an unmarried woman and it was unseemly to live in under a strange man's roof.
And so several days later I found myself keeping house across town, my children and ladies and servants with me. I got word of his return, but it was not until some time later that he came calling. I was dreading laying eyes again on my lord, for I did not know what my reaction would be: icy cold like the Trond goddesses of the north? Fiery hot like the savage blood of my warrior countrymen? But when he at last came to my door I found that I could not reject him—I still loved him! And so I said, if he wanted me despite the blackhearts of this church saying otherwise, he must meet me under the eaves of the Charnwood on Midsummer night and we would marry in the old way, the heathen way.
Early on the day of Midsummer Eve I rode from Leicester with my ladies and a few trusted servants, east to the holy well near unto Kirby Muxloe, and took a ritual bath under the ash trees. We slept in the grove that night, and the next day, with all our clothes and horses wet with dew, we rode up to the forest, and the old hill with the standing stones the people hereabouts use on their non-Church festivals.
He was there, which I did not expect, and alone, which I also did not. I thought that Sir Perseus, he of the heathen ways, would at least accompany his lord if his other, religious men could not.
But he came to me on the hill, by the old stones, and we said our vows and, as the custom of this land (and indeed, my own) dictates, I gave to him a gift of the heart: a Roman glass flask, chased with gold to set off the red of the glass, containing a very precious elixir given to me by the wise women of Trond before I departed to this land. Seeing as I have now how perilious the life of a Leicesterman is, I wanted my lord and now again my husband, to have the gift of life should he find himself mortally wounded and far from home.
He took the flask and stuck it in a fold of his tunic, then took my hand and we departed from the hill.
Did my dreams under the ash trees lead me wrong? Does he care for me at all? He had no heart gift to bestow to me...Did he only marry me for the sake of the children? I am so confused and, I fear, falling into a deep melancholy that not even the sight of the flowering hollies can overcome...
Count Edar Speaks…
No matter how long I live, I shall never understand women
As the winter storms drew to a close I took a small host of knights to seek out Archbishop Dewey. Arthur Pendragon is once again my rightful lord, and I have a duty to the people of Leicester and Lambor to look after their wellbeing. The church interdiction weighs heavily on their heads, and I will not allow my people’s souls to be at risk for my pride. Dressed in the meanest clothes I had – I think they once dismissed by Yeoman Bowman’s wife as being too poor for a free man of Allington to wear – I travelled to Dewey. I brought young Perseus with me after getting his pledge that if he attended me, I would expect him to agree to the requirements of the Archbishop, without heed to comfort or what he felt was just. When we arrived I was directed to wait on a stone bench for the Archibishop. For 5 days I sat, stooping to pray, but not too eat or to sleep. At the end of the 5th day I dropped from hunger and exhaustion, but I returned to the bench as soon as I recovered. Soon after that Dewey agreed to see me.
When I arrived and begged his forgiveness he made several demands – I would make a pilgrimage to St. Albans from Leicester, barefoot and do what was demanded of me. Of course I agreed at once. I would pay for the British Church to annul my marriage to Elaine of Garloth – Whatever the cost, I replied. The Archbishop said it would be more than I paid for the Pope to try to annul it. I replied as mildly as I could that it would have to be – the pope annulled my marriage when I accompanied Arthur to capture Rome and have Arthur declared emperor. We later agreed that 25 Librum would be sufficient. No problem. Finally, he said I would have to have my marriage to Valerie annulled, or she would have to convert to Christianity. I wish he had instead asked that I lose an arm or be blinded! But I could not refuse for the sake of my people. I only hoped to reach her and tell her before the Archbishop’s word did.
As we prepared to return to Leicester, we saw a fast rider depart the monastery on the road to Leicester. My horse was not fast, but Sir Aeddan’s was and he rode after the messenger. I would learn later that he was not successful in beating the ill tidings to my hall.
When I returned to Leicester, Valerie was nowhere to be found. Before I could look for her I was told that Lancelot was here to see me. That fine knight had done well for me, and it was his actions that reconciled the king and I. I had him brought to me and asked how I could serve. He told me that he had a grievance to put to the King’s judgement, or if I would not agree for the king to rule, then we would be foes. I asked him what this was and he said that my household had been responsible for the murder of 5 of his kinsman. I felt that this claim was not accurate, but with Valerie gone, I asked for time to consider. He agreed to let me have the night.
When he left, I learned that Valerie was staying in the house of one of her ladies. I went to her at once. I was prepared for her to be angry with me. I was prepared for her to be cold. I was not prepared for her to see me dressed as an unmarried woman. Seeing her this way tore my heart. I begged her to forgive me. I explained that I had to think of my people. She was unmoved. With tears in my eyes I pleaded – we were married in the tradition of her folk, and thought nothing of the church. We were in love. I married her in the church manner to give the people a cause to celebrate and to show my commitment to the lady in a way they could understand. The blessings of the church mean nothing to me without her. I continued to plead with her and she relented, saying if I would meet her at midsummer in the sacred grove, she would marry me in the tradition of her people. My heart leapt, and I agreed. She said until then she would remain at this house. I left feeling better than I have in years.
The next morning I agreed to present the dispute with the DeGanis to Arthur. I only asked that it be done after I had made my pilgrimage to St. Albans and that I must be here for Midsummer. He agreed to my requests and left at once.
My pilgrimage was a lesson in humility, as it was meant to be. Throughout the ordeal I found myself asking why God would demand that I be parted from my beloved Valerie. Throughout it all, I reminded myself that the penance was for the sake of the people of Leicester. I would spend an eternity in the pagan afterworld for Valerie to look upon me with love again.
Before midsummer, Galeholt, Elaine’s son came and challenged Perseus to a duel. Pereus accepted, and they fought. It was a terrible exchange, but Perseus lost. I grieve for the death of my fellow candlebee, and my friend’s son. I have heard the whispers that it is a good thing for my court to be without him, but noone has dared to say this where they realized I could hear.
Midsummer night came and I met Valerie at the appointed site. No priests were present but I am assured that we are once again husband and wife. She gave me a gift that night of a strange liquid. I took it of course, but I did not know to bring something for her. If only Perseus had been there to warn me of this custom! At first I thought this was not a problem – when we were first joined in Trond I had nothing, but I have since learned that I have hurt her deeply. Like I said, I shall never understand women. I blame Guinevere and her court of love. All that I have, indeed all that I am is Valerie’s for the asking. Were she to ask it I would even leave Leicester and return to her home in Trond. My home and my life is wherever she is. I am a simple man and not one given to great speeches, love poems, or songs. I do not have that gift. Nor do I have money to buy her gifts. Indeed the struggles of the last year have left me in debt to nearly all the wealthy of Logres! Still, if there was anything she wanted, it would be hers. I only hope that she understands what it is that she means to me. It is my fondest wish to live the rest of my years with her at my side.
As the year drew to a close I learned of the kings judgement - I am to pay a blood debt of 220 librum to the Deganis within the year. I groaned but thought, what is another debt at this point? I shall have to send my knights abroad to bring back money for these payments. Whatever comes, so long as Valerie stands beside me I know I will prevail.
Sir Arddur here....
Well the High King was generous. He let Ellidyr and myself go unmolested back to Leicester after there vwas peace made. No ransom was asked. What an Amazing High King we have.
When we returned Lord Edar was not as displeased with us as I thought he would be. We will bve punished I am sure, but he said he has much to think on and that he will get to punishing us later.
Sir Ellidyr confessed finally to Count Edar that while in Ireland he skimmed money from my lord! Edar showed so little emotion that I dont know how he felt. Edar said that Ellidyr should go about his normal duties while he considers the matter, and then he will summon Ellidyr again. Ellidyr was of course sadenned by this turn of events, but overall he is more happy and energetic tthan I have ever seen him. His burden lifted all he speaks about is Leona, and how he will right his wrongs and make Lord Edar love him once again. He is practicing his sword play very hard and getting ready for war in earnest. He said that he knows our Lord needs Librum badly and he has vowed that hew will find a way to help our lord.
For now we go on as usual and wait for word of our punishment, and Ellidyr awaits the arrival of his beloved. Tommorrow we will go pay our respects tpo all the fallen, especially sir Quillam and Sir Perseus. I wish to prove myself to my Lord soon as well and be made a candlebee as my father once was. I want to show my Lord my worth. Maybe I will help Ellidyr to find income fore our Lord. That would certainly put us back in his good graces.
Sir Amadis here...
Once I braved the open ocean for my lord (and a woman), and that ended poorly. A second time I sailed, to that damable island of traitorous Irish, and need I say how poorly that ended? A third time I sailed, to distance myself from jealous flatterers and hangers-on, south to the old Roman lands of Spain, and even though I was sad to leave my lord and companions and homeland, I was glad to be traveling and fighting for a worthy king. But I see now that lovely Spain's waters are also treacherous, as I sit on the sand and watch the waves play over the wreckage of the ship that was taking my cousins and I back to Leicester. Oh damable ocean! Saltier than tears, and just as plentiful.
Now it is light, and the villagers are coming down to salvage what they can of the wrack washing up on the shore. My spears and sword are gone, I have only one boot, and I am nauseous from swallowing so much salt water. But I still have my dagger, if these men prove themselves churls indeed.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
534: Resolution
August 29
Oh my good Lord Cynfyn, first your commands. This is inside the frenchy room in the count’s outer bailey where you woke in the dark. I read my account to you and you commanded me two things.
You commanded me first to record praise for bailiff Hugh who got the cart and I do here, and Sir, I ask too that you remember Nathan and Thomas and John o’ th’ Well and his wife and boy and girls and ol’ widow redhead who all pulled it, beside your squires when they had to, to get us here safely. Lady Lizabet is no shirker of hard times, Sir, and your children have the iron of their father in their blood—not a tear or whine from them even when the arrows were landing among us. Your squires, sir, they were an army, and it was Jesus Fighting Christ that killed the dog who stabbed your son. Now I am frightened at the face of your God. The God I gave you.
What faerie touch Lady Lizabet has, she says “just honey and two stitches a day,” and you know I am a tender of wounds, but I know not what she does or who guides her. What did she mean when she said, “Odio, didn’t you have a mother?”
Forgive me, this is not about me Lord.
And second, your sword and arms are there, see, where one of your brave squires holds them. I swear again, I will hold you up in my own arms if need be, to help you kill anyone who comes among us.
August 31
Good my Lord Cynfyn, brave knight. This is written now after you have heard me, and you drank the soup that you said had feathers in it. This is the battle I heard of, at Bramcote.
Fifteen to one it was! Cowardly odds, I say, and still Count King Edar is victorious! Sir Perseus said 50 Round Table knights sought out our count at Bramcote, and failed. Marshall Griflet must envy Count Edar’s skill, who brought our whole army home, out of a trap, to our city. A while back a mass of commoners had come here to join his army, but Edar sent them all home. “Your station is to farm, ours to fight.” They cheered him, they did, and they dispersed into the countryside they came from. And good thing it was too, because when the army assembled, to fight Lambor again, some of those commoners boldly came to Count Edar on the field. They told where the enemy had hidden his armies. The army withdrew, with Candlebees fighting in the rear guard.
September 2
Everyone is in the city now. We are glad you can sit up and I pray you get better yet. We can see the siege engines being erected, and kerns swarm like lice. Myself, I have counted 47 banners of the Round Table in the camp, and probably more. I cannot be sure. Is it 5000 men out there against us? Let us see who gets sick first. I heard some of those monks chanting to curse us one night.
September 8
By god’s blood listen carefully my Lord, I scarce believe this myself except Sir Perseus himself told me
September 29
I am Sir Cynfyn, Lord Bannerret of Medlarwod and Bunny, Knight of the Candlebees, sworn man of Count Edar of Leicester. My man Odio here will record this in my true words.
I so swear. –O.
Bless my wife and her Sweet Saint Maria that brought me to health to stand upright by my Lord’s side for this ceremony.
My sigil is now witness to the restoration of Justice in Logres. Beside my good Lord Sir Edar and good King Arthur Pendagon, our Fount of Justice, I was one of the twenty four to witness this agreement and the restoration of Count Edar’s full rights. No longer King, my lord Edar.
Count Edar of Leicester and Lambor—full holder of his rightful inheritance now, entirely unencumbered by foreigners or injustice. You know Odio, this is that dream of my father’s that is now true. He said “When Raetae is whole, all is well.” Isn’t ancient Raetae just Lambor and Leicester? It’s all now his, all lands and towns and wastes and castle. Prosperity beckons.
No longer King, is Count Edar. And sweet Jesus Fighting Christ I am glad to have that evil holding of Ireland now away from us forever. I can only hope that it is given to the de Ganis pigs. They deserve it. But who cares. The accursed regalia and its title and curses, they are now in the care of King Arthur. Hey, Odio, think that’s right? It was that damned Irish junk that was a curse? I best so. Write down that I said so. Here write this.
I tell you, I predict, that now that the Irish Talismans are taken from us, all our lives will improve again, and the good King Cou… that our Earl Edar of Leister and Lambor will return us all to plenty where we can just raise our medlars in peace.
What? No, I don’t want to mention the interdiction, the blood feud or the pillaged land. What do you think will be left at Medlarwood? Put that away Odio.Sir Ardurr here....
well... we got back to Leicester in time to be captured by one of King Arthur's patrols, led by.....who else? Sir Bors. The DeGanis men wanted us dead right away, butSir Bors , to his great credit, showed us every courtesy, and he turned us over to King Arthur. Now we sit in a Tower in London awaiting our fates. We are fed well and even allowed to roam the white tower as we have given our words that we will not try to escape. I have had a priest send a message to my Lord Edar and let him know of our fate. He will be most displeased with us I am afraid. What a terrible series of events.
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