They wish to express their love to their cousins and seemed surprised that there
was a claim of land so far reaching as to lay ownership of your Excellencies’
estates. In this regard, their Excellencies insisted the need for
additional time as to ascertain further information involving this dispute and
They ask for your Excellencies’ indulgence. They believe that they will
be able to conclude the matter with further discussion on this 20th day of June if your Excellencies are willing and ask for your
forbearance until then. Also, as I witnessed, They brought to the
forefront another issue. They maintain that a member of our populace left
an item at our last meeting between the baronies and IT was found floating in a
nearby lake. When I later inquired as to the nature of this item privately
with her Excellency, she informed me that she would not say what it was, but did suggest to me that it was alive. I admit to being intrigued, your
Excellencies, and would suggest that we examine the various cantons within the
Barony and see if any of their populace has been absent for a similar time.
Secondly, I will tell a brief account of rapier combat that took place in Three
Hills. The day began both warm and breezy and promised to be a good day of
fighting, but quickly changed into a windswept tempest as combatants readied
themselves for the Baronial Championship. It was during this time that I
accepted a challenge for the Sword of Pentamere from my henchman, Lucan Reynes.
He acquitted himself well and fought honorably but the challenge was mine at the
end by the narrowest of margins. The light combat then moved to within the
keep itself to seek shelter from the storm which, in turn, prevented me from
observing the armored combat (of which I will leave to others to describe).
I then participated in the Andelcrag Baronial Rapier Championship with her
Excellencies’ permission to test her potential champions. The tournament
was conducted by Lord Rhys and was of a Valhalla Circle of Death format whereby
the tournament is a grand melee
between combatants and if a combatant is defeated they must quit the field and
rearm with a differing weapon style. If, however, the person that defeated
them is in turn defeated, then they must return to the field, thereby insuring
the victor of the tournament must have defeated all other opponents. Her
Excellency of Andelcrag performed the role of the Valkyrie by removing
individual fighters for the remainder of the tournament at her discretion (and
pistol shot). I fared well, but in the end was removed from the field by
two Valkyries (2 simultaneous shots) as perhaps it was thought that it may take
two to carry my form. Khaalid, Lucan, Ron and April Grey and Jacob
of Fearann na Criche, Barekr Silfri, my House Brother and myself fought against
Aelfwine se Pytell, Amanita Villarosa, Collette du Vallois, Beryl and Alexander
Blackram, all of Andelcrag. Lady Collette was the victor against Lady
Amanita. I then accepted additional challenges
for the Sword of Pentamere from Ron and April Grey from Fearann na Criche as
well as Jacob of Fearann na Criche. I was victorious in each of these
challenges and retained the sword. My last challenge of the day came from
Lady Beryl of Andelcrag. She was possessed of a stout defense and was
defeated by only the most strange and obscure of strikes. She showed
tremendous fortitude and perseverance and impressed me with her skill. In
the end, however, I still retained the Sword of Pentamere and bear it still
after 10 defenses. We later practiced our melee skills for the coming
summer campaign season and then readied ourselves for court.
Lastly, allow me to convey what other events transpired during court.
First, many members of the populace of Andelcrag were honored with foreign
awards similar, I believe, to our Northern Stars. Warder Alexander
Blackram was selected as the new baronial rapier champion. It was after
this, and nearing the end of court, that the Honorable Lord Edward Aelredson of
Denby, the archery champion of their Excellencies of Andelcrag stated that he
had news and information for their Excellencies about an incursion into their
lands. They spoke softly and I did not hear much of what was said, but I
am sure it is similar to the inflammatory language used on the missive that he
earlier sent which was intercepted by our scouts. I was in turn called
into court- given not much of an option by the armed woodsmen of Edward’s whom
escorted me. Their Excellencies inquired why I had made such an incursion
into Their lands. I responded that I was sent as an
envoy from your Excellencies to inquire as to the reasons for such a border
dispute to occur and that I was invited by Their previous rapier champion and
given permission to fight on Andelcrag lands by her Excellency Kassia.
They then wished that I convey message to your Excellencies on their behalf (of
which is recorded above). They also asked that your Excellencies provide
for just recompense for their ‘hospitality’ to me within Their court.
I suggested that his Excellency Odo makes a tincture which removes many ill
humors from the body and serves as a wonderful internal perfume, but that this
would warrant further discussion. I was then approached by my Brother of
the Bronze Ring, Alexander Blackram, who, upon noting the similitude of our
positions as champions, suggested that if an agreement could not be reached in a
timely and just manner, then we should seek Divine Justice itself in trial by
combat. I agreed to his terms of this with the time to be just before the Baronial Border War rapier tournament on the list
field. I stated that as he was naming the conditions of the combat, I
should determine the style and means of victory. I suggested they we bring
our best weapons form with the victor claiming the better of 3 touches out of 5
passes and he agreed.
As can be seen, the Barony of Andelcrag fielded many brave and honorable
fighters and would undoubtedly bring more to their borders in June. I ask
your Excellencies that we do no less. I look forward to your response.
Your humble servant,
~Lucien Featherstone
(note: THL Lucien Featherstone is the North Woods Rapier Champion, a Warder, and the current holder of the Sword of Pentemere.)
Missives leading up to Andelcrag Althing
A’salaam alikum,
Peace be upon you, though I fear that peace may be short….
I bring word that a courier has been intercepted. It seems we have spies in
our woods and we should ever be wary of any messages we send along our
western lands. I too have heard many rumblings of late about the Dread
Barony of Andelcrag’s attempt to claim our own very dear Baronessa and Baron…. We, the Great Barony of
North Woods, can not let this continue and
must seek out these spies and ruffians who dare to cause such trouble in our
lands. Let up rise up and continue forth to seek justice for these lies and
the insidious encroachment onto our lands and of our beloved Baron and
Baronessa.
Sukran Jazilan,
Sayyidaefendi Jahan Ara bint al-Yehya amat al-Hafeeza
Seneschal of the Great Barony of North Woods and Their most Excellent
Excellencies Baronessa Dulcinea and Baron Odo…
Following is the Intercepted missive from the West…..
_____
Greetings unto the good populace of the Barony of Andelcrag, from THL Edward
Aelredson of Denby, Archery Champion to Their Excellencies Garth and Kassia.
I have come upon grave news indeed. My woodsmen have intercepted missives
from the Barony of North Woods indicating that they plan an incursion into our lands. Here shows that missive and its insidious lies:
--- Intercepted message from North Woods lands:
Greetings unto all good citizens of the Great
Barony of North Woods,
I bring to you information of great import. Namely, that the Dread Barony
of Andelcrag has recently laid claim to our western lands and, with even
more audacity, have attempted to lay claim to the very seat of our beloved
Baron and Baronessa. Perhaps the populace of Andelcrag is dissatisfied with
their current baron and baroness and wishes to claim our own. More likely,
however, their Excellencies of Andelcrag wish to claim our lands (and our
fine people) as their own.
Furthermore, Their Excellencies of Andelcrag have sent their current rapier
champion to gatherings within our own borders. At events during the peace
of winter did I hear him make mock of the prowess of our rapier and armored
fighters. I also managed to overhear that plans were underway so that They
may select new champions. Perhaps this was an unintentional slip caused by
the disgruntlement that Their current champion bears. Regardless, this plan
was discovered and there is yet time to act!
So now do I, Lucien Featherstone, Rapier Champion of the Magnificent Barony
of North Woods and Warder of the Bronze Ring, call upon the populace ofNorth Woods to answer this affront. We should act quickly (perhaps as early
as this coming Saturday) before their Excellencies of Andelcrag mistake our
silence for acquiescence. If we show them the skill and honor that the
people of North Woods possess, they may not be bold enough to attempt an
outright besiegement of our western lands with the coming summer season.
Thus do I ask Their Most Imperial Excellencies of North Woods for their
blessing in this endeavor, for although I would seek to defend the honor of
this Barony myself, I would never presume to assume Your authority in
calling for additional forces. Thus will I travel to the Canton of Three
Hills in either case a proud citizen of the Barony of North Woods.
Cave Lupum
Yours in service to the Dream,
~Lucien
----- End intercepted message -----
As you can see, they have once again spread horrible lies about our beloved
Baron and Baroness. Last year it was that They were raiding trade routes and
stole tea. Now they insinuate that we would take over their lands. Will it
never stop?!?
(Webminister note: the statements by THL Lucien
are correct as well as the raids by Aldelcrag of our trade routes in our recent
past.)
Worse yet, the nefarious Baron and Baroness of North Woods do condone these
actions!!! See here the response which was intercepted:
----- Wrote Their Excellencies of North Woods:
Good People of the Barony of North Woods,
We too have heard news that our lands, and perhaps even ourselves, are in
danger of being stolen from North Woods. We love our Barony and hold all of
our people dear in our hearts. We support Lucien in his endeavors and wish a
good showing of gentles (and fierce warriors) to go and let the will of our
Barony be known to our nefarious cousins to the West!
Baron Odo and Baronesa Dulcinea
----- Here ends Their Excellencies missive -----
I have spoken long with Their Excellencies Garth and Kassia. They claim
knowledge of no such plans (although They admit that it does warrant merit.
The only deterrent being the incredibly warm air which does surround the
Capitol buildings of North Woods lands). They have instructed me to send
forth my woodsmen to spread word to take up arms and prepare to fend off
these intruders. They ask that all infantry of both light and heavy come
prepared to do battle with those who invade our lands in the coming days.
Their Excellencies do expect this to be a drawn out endeavor and have taken
intelligence that North Woods plans not only to invade this coming weekend at
Allthing while They choose Their new Champions, but also in the coming
months as They attempt to take Their leisure in Their lands of Three Walls
in June. They call forth all forces of Their armies to attend Them at that
time to make a final push to expel those who would take our lands.
I myself will take up whatsoever arms I am able, be it light, heavy, or bow,
to aid our Great Baron and Baroness to this end. I encourage you all to the
same. Let us make our eastern neighbors pay for these lies!!!
Somnio Serviens,
Ðeawfæst Hlaford (HL) Edward Aelredson of Denby
Archery Champion to the Barony of Andelcrag and Their Excellencies Garth and
Kassia