Here's what happens when you get a bunch of egotists sitting around drinking all day under a tarp. They play "Cast the Movie!", which is a favorite game of mine. Dmitri and I often lay awake at night playing this game. We cast comic books, novels, situations (Kinkos: The Movie!).
The rules:
Majority rules
Money is no object.
Time and age is really no object, either. Just don't do anything stupid like cast Jessica Tandy as Dora the Explorer.
If someone really hates the choice, they can request a recast. (So, yeah. Elphin, you owe me. And you can thank Aysha for saving the day for you.)
So...the next logical step was, of course, Painted Wheel: The Movie! We mostly just did people who were at this particular party, with a few irresistable local exceptions. (I'm looking at you, Geldemar.)
Katherine: Loretta Switt (MASH era)
Morwenna: Sigourney Weaver
Vincent: Gene Hackman
Aysha: Janeane Garofolo
Ivar: Johnny Depp
Denys: Vigo Mortensen
Bardulf: Fred Dryer
Dulcy: Lucy Lawless
Etain: Stockard Channing
Elphin: Keifer Sutherland (we decided Doc from Young Guns was pretty much Elphin)
Delia: Carrie Fisher
Geldemar/Kazimir: Jack Black (I mean, really.)
Dmitri: Jeff Goldblum
Leave your suggestions for other Atlantians in the comments section and I will post them as well!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Wake At The Wheel MP3s
Okay, as promised, we've been doing some recordings. These are not fancy studio mixes, so, you know, they are what they are. Basically, we set up a stereo mike at practice and forged ahead.
Special thanks to Katherine, who is the one doing all the behind the scenes work on these.
You can just click the links to play the songs, or if you want to download and save the mp3, right click. You have our permission and our blessing.
Watch this space, we have three more recorded already in the que. We plan to update often.
Thanks for listening!
A Pace-Egging Song/The Burning of Auchindoun
Lyrics for A Pace Egging Song by Dulcinaya. The Burning of Auchindoun is traditional. Katherine sings lead on Auchindoun.
Cruiscín Lán
A traditional and a Chalkman Pub favorite. Ivar on lead vocals. "Cruiscín lán" is Gaelic for "little full cup."
Derry
An Irish rebel song by Bobby Sands. No, this is not the Gordon Lightfoot song. Katherine on lead vocals.
Erin
A house original by our own Vincent d'Orleans, who also sings lead on this one. Sometimes, one can change their stars simply by falling out of bed.
Kayla
Lyrics and arrangement by Dulcinaya, who also sings lead. This was written after a local event where some of us were trapped in a tin-roofed barn by a pounding rainstorm. Also trapped was a five year old girl named Kayla, who everyone all day had teased us not to steal. So we gave Kayla a tambourine and jammed until the rain let up.
So last practice, I walked in and the gang said, "It's raining too hard to record, the mike's picking up all the noise." So I said "Let's record Kayla, then." The faint sounds of rain and thunder in the recording are not dubbed, they were picked up real time.
Old Dead Soldiers
Another house favorite written and sung by Vincent. "Dead soldiers" is slang for the empty bottles you find lying all over the place at the end of a session. The song is about playing music with friends, and is kind of a tribute to our friends in Hot Irish Sausage, the Chalkman's house band.
Painted Wheel
Written by Vincent. Go us!
Katherine-lead guitar, vocals
Ivar Ulfsson-dumbek, various percussion and other drums, penny whistle, vocals
Aysha-Fiddle, Bodhran, Dumbek, Zils, Vocals
Vincent-djembe, vocals
Dulcinaya-guitar, mandolin, melodica, bodhran, various percussion, vocals
Special thanks to Katherine, who is the one doing all the behind the scenes work on these.
You can just click the links to play the songs, or if you want to download and save the mp3, right click. You have our permission and our blessing.
Watch this space, we have three more recorded already in the que. We plan to update often.
Thanks for listening!
A Pace-Egging Song/The Burning of Auchindoun
Lyrics for A Pace Egging Song by Dulcinaya. The Burning of Auchindoun is traditional. Katherine sings lead on Auchindoun.
Cruiscín Lán
A traditional and a Chalkman Pub favorite. Ivar on lead vocals. "Cruiscín lán" is Gaelic for "little full cup."
Derry
An Irish rebel song by Bobby Sands. No, this is not the Gordon Lightfoot song. Katherine on lead vocals.
Erin
A house original by our own Vincent d'Orleans, who also sings lead on this one. Sometimes, one can change their stars simply by falling out of bed.
Kayla
Lyrics and arrangement by Dulcinaya, who also sings lead. This was written after a local event where some of us were trapped in a tin-roofed barn by a pounding rainstorm. Also trapped was a five year old girl named Kayla, who everyone all day had teased us not to steal. So we gave Kayla a tambourine and jammed until the rain let up.
So last practice, I walked in and the gang said, "It's raining too hard to record, the mike's picking up all the noise." So I said "Let's record Kayla, then." The faint sounds of rain and thunder in the recording are not dubbed, they were picked up real time.
Old Dead Soldiers
Another house favorite written and sung by Vincent. "Dead soldiers" is slang for the empty bottles you find lying all over the place at the end of a session. The song is about playing music with friends, and is kind of a tribute to our friends in Hot Irish Sausage, the Chalkman's house band.
Painted Wheel
Written by Vincent. Go us!
Katherine-lead guitar, vocals
Ivar Ulfsson-dumbek, various percussion and other drums, penny whistle, vocals
Aysha-Fiddle, Bodhran, Dumbek, Zils, Vocals
Vincent-djembe, vocals
Dulcinaya-guitar, mandolin, melodica, bodhran, various percussion, vocals
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Songbooks
First of all, thank you Delia and Elphin for an amazingly fun afternoon at Try It Day. The day was a huge success and I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all.
Several people asked about songbooks, and we proceeded to completely drop the ball on that. I forgot to bring them...which wouldn't have been a problem if I'd remembered that Delia had some at her place already. I'm sorry about that.
I can mail them out if you'd like to email your address to johnnyfaa@gmail.com. If you already know my regular email address, you can certainly use that, but to avoid the spam bots I think I should probably avoid posting that one here. Books are 5 dollars apiece and I think it will be around 1.50 or something to mail. I'll go to the post office Monday and find out exactly.
Anyways, it was a fun jam with everyone who played with us, and also everyone who just hung out and listened. Hope we can do it again soon!
Dulcy
Several people asked about songbooks, and we proceeded to completely drop the ball on that. I forgot to bring them...which wouldn't have been a problem if I'd remembered that Delia had some at her place already. I'm sorry about that.
I can mail them out if you'd like to email your address to johnnyfaa@gmail.com. If you already know my regular email address, you can certainly use that, but to avoid the spam bots I think I should probably avoid posting that one here. Books are 5 dollars apiece and I think it will be around 1.50 or something to mail. I'll go to the post office Monday and find out exactly.
Anyways, it was a fun jam with everyone who played with us, and also everyone who just hung out and listened. Hope we can do it again soon!
Dulcy
Sunday, June 21, 2009
“Try It” Day and Potluck Revel is only two and a half weeks away!
“Try It” Day and Potluck Revel is only two and a half weeks away!
Saturday June 27 from 1pm to 9pmAt Elphin and Delia’s house in Chapin (directions available on Cyddlaine Downs and Nottinghill Coil yahoogroups, or leave comment if you need to be contacted.)
Please wear garb if you have it. We plan to have some loaner garb here,so we should be able to outfit most people. It is going to be hot, so be comfortable.
Outside we will have rapier demonstration/instruction, armored combat demonstration/instruction archery and atlatl. If you have equipment youare willing to share for any of these activities, please bring it.
I plan to have a tentative schedule of classes together for the PopulousMeeting on the 17th.That said, I have already scheduled the Newcomer 101 class for the firstsession of the day at 1pm. If you are a newcomer to the SCA, especially if you have never been to an event, please try to be here by 1pm for this class.
Here is a brief outline of planned classes
Newcomer 101- 1pm - led by Baroness Morwenna
Persian Dance- led by Lady Gwyneth of Crownehawk
Cooking Raviels – Lady Marie Helene
Nalbinding- Lady Emma Lena
Pine Needle Basket Weaving- Lady Emma Lena (if you have access to longpine needles (12” or longer), please break off a few branches now sothat they can dry out by then or gather some to bring)
Making a Rattan Sword- Lord Wilhelm
Intro to the Arts &Sciences- Lady Etain of Sutherland
PLEASE NOTE: The herbal first aid class has been cancelled.
In addition to the classes, we have a few other things in the works:
(new!) Children's activities led by Genovefa and Genevieve (Tracy andJennifer) Note: This is NOT to be construed as all day baby sitting!They will need help and they will want to participate in some adult activities too. We will discuss this more at the populous meeting.
(new!)A silent auction of arts and crafts made by our good gentles and other SCA-oriented items as a fundraiser to help Duchess Arielle with her medical expenses. Donations are Welcome!
(new!) Kumpania Painted Wheel is planning to come and play music.
A heraldic consult table (for help with your name and device)
An Arts &Sciences display area and library. Please bring yourhandiwork (in any level of completion) to display and any books youwould like to share for the day (please put your name on your books somewhere)
A gaming area with period games. Please bring your period games to addto the fun.
Make your own leather mug-holder for your belt.
Period dancing after the pot-luck feast (weather permitting)
Please bring a dish, snack or beverage to share at the pot-luck feast. This is what people have told me they are bringing so far:cold cuts and sandwich fixin’s , bread and hummus, three savory pies,salad, broccoli salad, macaroni and cheese and raviels (from the cookingclass), herbed bread and two miscellaneous desserts. Let me know whatyou are planning to bring and I will continue to post updates.
Please plan to come whether you are new to the SCA or not- we hope to have something for everybody. You may e-mail me at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cyddlaindowns/post?postID=3SZhASqJ3PHm6GIfUPtkqx8aGdQ6kxbNhmQd5X4vA4UsivRGVZXJSA0M0-QGUtLJBira5gJa1UHM8Q with any questions, concerns,contributions to the feast or generous offers of assistance.
Your friendly neighborhood MoAS Delia the Flammable
Saturday June 27 from 1pm to 9pmAt Elphin and Delia’s house in Chapin (directions available on Cyddlaine Downs and Nottinghill Coil yahoogroups, or leave comment if you need to be contacted.)
Please wear garb if you have it. We plan to have some loaner garb here,so we should be able to outfit most people. It is going to be hot, so be comfortable.
Outside we will have rapier demonstration/instruction, armored combat demonstration/instruction archery and atlatl. If you have equipment youare willing to share for any of these activities, please bring it.
I plan to have a tentative schedule of classes together for the PopulousMeeting on the 17th.That said, I have already scheduled the Newcomer 101 class for the firstsession of the day at 1pm. If you are a newcomer to the SCA, especially if you have never been to an event, please try to be here by 1pm for this class.
Here is a brief outline of planned classes
Newcomer 101- 1pm - led by Baroness Morwenna
Persian Dance- led by Lady Gwyneth of Crownehawk
Cooking Raviels – Lady Marie Helene
Nalbinding- Lady Emma Lena
Pine Needle Basket Weaving- Lady Emma Lena (if you have access to longpine needles (12” or longer), please break off a few branches now sothat they can dry out by then or gather some to bring)
Making a Rattan Sword- Lord Wilhelm
Intro to the Arts &Sciences- Lady Etain of Sutherland
PLEASE NOTE: The herbal first aid class has been cancelled.
In addition to the classes, we have a few other things in the works:
(new!) Children's activities led by Genovefa and Genevieve (Tracy andJennifer) Note: This is NOT to be construed as all day baby sitting!They will need help and they will want to participate in some adult activities too. We will discuss this more at the populous meeting.
(new!)A silent auction of arts and crafts made by our good gentles and other SCA-oriented items as a fundraiser to help Duchess Arielle with her medical expenses. Donations are Welcome!
(new!) Kumpania Painted Wheel is planning to come and play music.
A heraldic consult table (for help with your name and device)
An Arts &Sciences display area and library. Please bring yourhandiwork (in any level of completion) to display and any books youwould like to share for the day (please put your name on your books somewhere)
A gaming area with period games. Please bring your period games to addto the fun.
Make your own leather mug-holder for your belt.
Period dancing after the pot-luck feast (weather permitting)
Please bring a dish, snack or beverage to share at the pot-luck feast. This is what people have told me they are bringing so far:cold cuts and sandwich fixin’s , bread and hummus, three savory pies,salad, broccoli salad, macaroni and cheese and raviels (from the cookingclass), herbed bread and two miscellaneous desserts. Let me know whatyou are planning to bring and I will continue to post updates.
Please plan to come whether you are new to the SCA or not- we hope to have something for everybody. You may e-mail me at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cyddlaindowns/post?postID=3SZhASqJ3PHm6GIfUPtkqx8aGdQ6kxbNhmQd5X4vA4UsivRGVZXJSA0M0-QGUtLJBira5gJa1UHM8Q with any questions, concerns,contributions to the feast or generous offers of assistance.
Your friendly neighborhood MoAS Delia the Flammable
Monday, June 15, 2009
Aysha's Journal
By Aysha
December the 30
Jeffrey cornered me in the barn today, but I managed to fend him off. I can not let William find out that Jeffrey is after me, for I fear that William would kill Jeffrey.....and then they would hang him. I can not let this happen. I have so far managed to fend of Jeffrey's advances. I do not know why Jeffrey wants me when he can have any regal woman he wanted, or bar-maid, for that matter. But I doubt his father would like that.
His father, Nero the Drake, is very wealthy and someday all that wealth will be Jeffrey's. I guess Jeffrey wants what he can not have, for I am happily married to William four years now. William and I serve Nero like my father before me, who died five years ago. Nero seemed sorry to lose my father and he looked after me until I met William. I fear that Nero knows his son has been chasing me because he has become cold towards me. I know he would not approve and I threaten Jeffrey that I will tell his father, and so far he has done nothing drastic. I would not do this though, for William would surely hear of this from someone. Oh, pray tell, what am I to do?
January 12
I write my entry today with a heavy heart, and the stains you see are my tears. Today I lost my beloved William. They told me it was a hunting accident, that William fell down a steep hill and broke his neck. I do not believe it was an accident. I think Jeffrey killed my husband. He came by this morning and invited William to go hunting. He never asked William to hunt before. He never spent time with William. He hated William. I asked William not to go, but he said he could not refuse Jeffrey. I know it was not an accident, for when I was crying over my husband, Jeffrey put his arm around my shoulders. But it was not an act of condolence....it was a sign of possession. He was telling me I was his.
January 14
We buried my husband today. It was a simple ceremony. All the workers were there and Nero and Jeffrey. After the ceremony, when the people were leaving, Jeffrey came up beside me. "You are mine now." He whispered. "There is no one to stop me now."
I looked him in the face and told him that I would jump off of a cliff first.
"You will marry me." He replied and walked away.
I dropped to my knees and put my face in my hands. What am I to do? I have no family to help me and no money, but I cannot stay here. Tonight I will leave here using my husband’s clothes as a disguise. It will be easier to travel as a man.
I will call myself Forrest.
April 6
It has been tough going, for I had little money when I left. Food has been hard to come by. Some I have had to steal, and some I was given by other travelers such as myself. I have had to switch my identity from man to woman and back. It is easier to get food as a woman.
When I was two days gone, I heard from a fellow traveler that Jeffrey had men looking for me. I kind of expected that. But I also learned that Nero had men looking for me. They are to be sure that I do not come back. I have to be even more careful now.
June 1
Tonight I find myself in the company and protection of a band of gypsies. Today I overheard some men talking about attacking the gypsies and running them away from their town. They did not want the gypsies anywhere near them. I did not think this to be right, so I warned the gypsies and they left before any incident occurred.
They were grateful and said I could spend the night with them. I revealed to them that I was a woman and told the woman, whom I believe to be the leader, my story. I asked if I could travel with them for protection. She said that although I was a "gadjo", I showed a good heart by warning them. I thanked her and settled in for the night.
I let my gaze wander around the group. The leader’s name is Dulcinaya, a striking woman with long black hair. There is one other gadjo, a man called Elphin. I think he is in love with Delia - they are sitting off by themselves.
I had heard stories about gypsies, and I believe that these people have been misunderstood, but then I have only been with them one day. Only time will tell, I guess. I am just grateful that I now have someone to travel with and someone to watch my back.
August 15
I have been with the gypsies for a few months now. I am really beginning to like these people. They are not at all like the stories I had heard about them. Elphin is teaching me how to fence and protect myself. I hope that I do not run into any of Nero’s men, but I want to be prepared if I do.
We have traveled to a large gathering at the Pennsic War. I have never seen so many people in one place before. We stayed in the "Court of Miracles" with other gypsies. We had a problem with thieves (and they call gypsies thieves!).
Anyway, there were all kinds of tournaments going on for light fighters, heavy fighters, and archers. Dulcinaya and I dressed up as men and registered so we could fight. I was so afraid we would be caught, but Dulcinaya had done this before and showed me what to do. We participated in a melee but lost.
That night, we went to the barn and danced. I like to dance! I danced with Alwyn Feather the Foolish, the tribe’s jester...he knows many dances!
The next day, we did some shopping. We didn't’t have much money,. but it is fun to look, anyway. That night we went to the square so Dulcinaya and Delia could tell fortunes and Alwyn could juggle and hopefully make some money. Tsigane, Dulcinaya’s sister, kept a watch out for guards, for it is illegal for gypsies to tell fortunes. We were sitting next to where Alwyn was juggling fire.
He came over to soak his sticks in oil, when all of a sudden, a fireball erupted out of his oil pot. Alwyn jumped back and Tsigane and I rolled out of the way very quickly! We think the fumes ignited when he reached to put the hot stick into the oil. No one was hurt, but he cleared the square! Alwyn threw water on the small fire before it caught a vendor’s tent on fire. The vendor started yelling for the guard, so we quickly left! But we stayed on a few more days without another incident.
September 25
Elphin gave me a blue scarf today. I also noticed that he gave everyone a gift. I found out at feast why. He asked Dulcinaya for Delia’s hand in marriage. Dulcinaya granted his request. There is to be a wedding!
October 9
We stopped at a village today. All day long, we were harassed by a constable named Oengaes. He was convinced that we were gypsies on our way to Jerusalem. Dulcinaya had me write up some passes and sign King Logan’s name to them. She then smudged, smeared, and tore the papers where Logan’s name was so you couldn’t quite make out his name. Oengaes wanted to search our belongings. Santiago, Delia’s cousin, told him to leave us alone, but mocked Oengaes’ Scottish accent. I thought we were dead! Dulcinaya turned her head to hide her laughter, but fortunately, the constable didn’t notice. He gave us a warning and left.
Later that night at feast, Constable Oengaes again accused Dulcinaya of being a gypsy. Baron Corwin came over and swore on his honor that Dulcinaya was not a gypsy. But when he removed his hat to swear the oath, coins fell out! The constable called out "Bribe!" and started after Dulcinaya! She jumped up and ran from the hall. We blocked his way just long enough for her to escape. Then we ran out the other direction. We lost them in the woods, and met up with Dulcinaya a little ways out of town.
We waited till just before dawn and snuck back to our small camp and gathered our things. I can not believe they did not have someone watching our stuff. What luck!
October 29
We came to a village today that was having fun and games and a To The Point Tournament. Some of us too part in the tourney. We lost badly! Oh, well, great swordsmen we may not be, but we keep practicing.
November 3
Dulcinaya’s reputation preceded her at the next place we came to. We found wanted posters nailed to trees leading to the village. They had a very good drawing of her. Dulcinaya did not want to risk getting caught, so she stayed in camp while we checked out the village.
Elphin and I were watching the fencing tournament when Dulcinaya’s brother Kazimir came running up and told us that Delia had been arrested for stealing. We followed Kazimir to the interior of the village. There we saw a constable leading Delia away! We waited until there was not one around and we snuck up behind the constable with swords drawn. Elphin hit him on the back of the head. He fell to the ground in a heap. We grabbed Delia and ran off to gather up every body to flee the village. This is beginning to happen on a regular basis, us running out of town.
We met up with Dulcinaya and told her what happened. We hid in a thicket for a while and made sure no one was after us. No one followed.
August 12
We made our way back to Pennsic this year. We met another gypsy there who’s name was Rachel the Goatwoman. She has a really nice vardo with two beautiful horses. We camped with the Winged Wolf Tribe down by the stream in the Court of Miracles.
I still can not believe how many people are here in one place. That many people make me nervous!
We had heard that Stephan, the King of Atlantia, had been away taking care of some skirmish, but had returned before the Queen had had her baby (which was only four days ago!) We wanted to congratulate them on the birth, so we made a request to see the Queen, which was granted. We presented her with a gift box shaped like a shell, with a smaller box inside that contained what little salt we had left. She said that she was glad we came because she had been thinking about us traveling through her kingdom with the old torn passports that we had. So she gave us one of the King’s rings, one of only six that he had commissioned. This ring would provide us with safe passage. She also gave us one of her paternosters, saying she had prayed for us. We thanked her and left with her blessing.
That evening all the gypsies got together and we traveled around to different encampments and performed for the people. Sterling dela Rosa, from Tribe Winged Wolf, told stories, Emerald, a friend of Sterling’s, danced, Santiago sang songs, and Ivar (Dulcinaya’s cousin) and I drummed. We had a party of our own one night, and Delia and Elphin told fortunes and earned some money.
August 13
Today we went to the royal encampment to see a friend of ours. The guards gave us some trouble and did not want to let us in. Dulcinaya showed them the ring the Queen had given us. One of the guards accused us of stealing the King’s ring, but Dulcinaya assured them that we did not! The greeter came up and told us we would have to wait to see our friend and for us to come in and take a seat and have a drink. We stepped inside to wait. We got tired of waiting and decided to come back another time. Dulcinaya picked up a chair, Santiago picked up a bench, and I took the pewter goblets and we walked out. The guards had changed right before, so the new guards did not know we were inside. We walked right past them with our goods.
We got a good way down the street when the greeter came back and noticed the things missing. He looked out of the tent and started calling us back. We asked him what was wrong. He said we were stealing the furniture! We told him we must have misunderstood him when he said "take a seat and have a drink." We apologized and put the things back.
All in all, it was a good Pennsic!
The Following Year
August 13
Here we are at Pennsic again. It’s becoming an annual event. We camped with two other gypsy tribes. The leaders of each tribe got together and named the camp Court of Miracles. They are good people.
We sought out Rachel the Goat Woman and the Drunken Mariners and had a gypsy-pirate party. Rachel took Dulcinaya aside and said she had a gift for her. She gave Dulcinaya a length of rope. Someone said it was a leash for Santiago, but it was a lead rope for a horse. Rachel presented one of her horses as a gift to the clan Painted Wheel. Her name is Silvermist. She is very beautiful and is our most prized possession. We were so proud of our new horse that we paraded her through the streets and the merchants area. We had to convince a few people that she was ours and that we did not steal her.
Thursday, The Same Week
We had our gypsy party tonight. There was drumming, dancing, singing, and someone juggled fire. We were having a really good time until a man from the next camp came and told us we had to be quiet. He said if we did not stop drumming he would call the guards. We told him to go back to his camp. He called the guards and they threatened to arrest us if we did not quiet down. We did not want to leave Pennsic yet so we complied with their wishes. We will have to find a way to get rid of this man who complained. He made a lot of enemies this night.
Friday, The Same Week
I had a fright today. While we were out walking today, Geldemar heard some men asking about me. This is as close as they have been to me. I did not know if they were Geoffrey’s men or Nero’s men. If they were Geoffrey’s men they would not hurt me. If they were Nero’s men, they would kill me. Geldemar told us to go hide while he tried to find out who they were. Later, he told us he followed them to the Crafty Celts booth and asked Vortigern if he had seen me. Vortigern asked them “Who wants to know?” They replied “Nero the Drake.” Dulcinaya decided it was time to leave. So we packed up and left Pennsic until next year.
So far they do not know that I with the Painted Wheel gypsies. And I pray that they do not find out. I dod not want to put Painted Wheel in any danger. I have cut my hair and I dress like a gypsy, so I am hoping that no one will associate me with the person they are looking for. Only now, I need a gypsy name. I will ask Dulcinaya for a name.
I am so excited. We were having dinner tonight when Dulcinaya called me over. She agreed that I should have a gypsy name. From now on, I will be known to the outside world as Aysha. I think I am starting to fit in with these people now. I feel a little bit more at ease, but I still have to keep my guard up. They are still looking for me. Will they ever stop?
Well, an uneventful year has gone by. We have managed to stay away from any of the men looking for me. We have made it to Pennsic XXX. There are more people here than ever before. They had a hard time finding places to put everyone. Fortunately, we were able to get our old spot by the stream. It was very hot the week before we arrived but has cooled off a bit.
Monday 13th
Today we went in search of our friends the Drunken Mariners and found them in their old spot. We were all happy to see each other. They told us they were lucky to be there. On their way to Pennsic they were attacked by some highwayman. They fought them off with little difficulty, but Max’s wagon caught fire. They lost a lot of their supplies. One thing they did bring with them was the is strange, big box that keeps cold on the inside.* They would not tell us how it worked. They said it was magic. It kept their food from spoiling. I have never seen anything like it before. We thought this magical box to be most wonderful. We gathered around the box to examine it. The pirates drew their guns and told us to stop away from the box. We backed away telling them we were just looking at the box. We were not going to take it. We are your friends,” we told them. They lowered their guns and said they were sorry. They were still very nervous. We all had a good laugh about the whole thing.
Wednesday 15th
For a few days now I think I have been followed. I keep seeing a certain Frenchman every where I go. I am not sure if he is following me, but he makes me very nervous.
Thursday 16th
We were out walking our horse Silvermist when we were stopped by the constable. He said that Silvermist belonged up on the Serengeti. What were we doing with her?** We told him that she was a gift from Rachel. He did not believe us at first but this nice lady named Katherine came up and told him we were telling the truth. He still looked skeptical, but he let us go, warning us to stay out of trouble. Dulcinaya was thanking the lady when the Frenchman I had seen came walking up. Katherine introduced him as her husband Vincent. Katherine asked if they could walk with us and Dulcinaya agreed.
Vincent said “That is a very fine horse. You could get a lot of money for her.”
“Oh, we would never sell Silvermist.” Dulcinaya told him.
I do not trust this Vincent. After all, he is French.
Note* These hedonistic people had a propane-powered refridgerator, complete with a freezer, delivered to their camp. And they filled it with popsicles. At Pennsic. This is so wrong.
Note** Even at Pennsic ya get hassled by The Man……
December the 30
Jeffrey cornered me in the barn today, but I managed to fend him off. I can not let William find out that Jeffrey is after me, for I fear that William would kill Jeffrey.....and then they would hang him. I can not let this happen. I have so far managed to fend of Jeffrey's advances. I do not know why Jeffrey wants me when he can have any regal woman he wanted, or bar-maid, for that matter. But I doubt his father would like that.
His father, Nero the Drake, is very wealthy and someday all that wealth will be Jeffrey's. I guess Jeffrey wants what he can not have, for I am happily married to William four years now. William and I serve Nero like my father before me, who died five years ago. Nero seemed sorry to lose my father and he looked after me until I met William. I fear that Nero knows his son has been chasing me because he has become cold towards me. I know he would not approve and I threaten Jeffrey that I will tell his father, and so far he has done nothing drastic. I would not do this though, for William would surely hear of this from someone. Oh, pray tell, what am I to do?
January 12
I write my entry today with a heavy heart, and the stains you see are my tears. Today I lost my beloved William. They told me it was a hunting accident, that William fell down a steep hill and broke his neck. I do not believe it was an accident. I think Jeffrey killed my husband. He came by this morning and invited William to go hunting. He never asked William to hunt before. He never spent time with William. He hated William. I asked William not to go, but he said he could not refuse Jeffrey. I know it was not an accident, for when I was crying over my husband, Jeffrey put his arm around my shoulders. But it was not an act of condolence....it was a sign of possession. He was telling me I was his.
January 14
We buried my husband today. It was a simple ceremony. All the workers were there and Nero and Jeffrey. After the ceremony, when the people were leaving, Jeffrey came up beside me. "You are mine now." He whispered. "There is no one to stop me now."
I looked him in the face and told him that I would jump off of a cliff first.
"You will marry me." He replied and walked away.
I dropped to my knees and put my face in my hands. What am I to do? I have no family to help me and no money, but I cannot stay here. Tonight I will leave here using my husband’s clothes as a disguise. It will be easier to travel as a man.
I will call myself Forrest.
April 6
It has been tough going, for I had little money when I left. Food has been hard to come by. Some I have had to steal, and some I was given by other travelers such as myself. I have had to switch my identity from man to woman and back. It is easier to get food as a woman.
When I was two days gone, I heard from a fellow traveler that Jeffrey had men looking for me. I kind of expected that. But I also learned that Nero had men looking for me. They are to be sure that I do not come back. I have to be even more careful now.
June 1
Tonight I find myself in the company and protection of a band of gypsies. Today I overheard some men talking about attacking the gypsies and running them away from their town. They did not want the gypsies anywhere near them. I did not think this to be right, so I warned the gypsies and they left before any incident occurred.
They were grateful and said I could spend the night with them. I revealed to them that I was a woman and told the woman, whom I believe to be the leader, my story. I asked if I could travel with them for protection. She said that although I was a "gadjo", I showed a good heart by warning them. I thanked her and settled in for the night.
I let my gaze wander around the group. The leader’s name is Dulcinaya, a striking woman with long black hair. There is one other gadjo, a man called Elphin. I think he is in love with Delia - they are sitting off by themselves.
I had heard stories about gypsies, and I believe that these people have been misunderstood, but then I have only been with them one day. Only time will tell, I guess. I am just grateful that I now have someone to travel with and someone to watch my back.
August 15
I have been with the gypsies for a few months now. I am really beginning to like these people. They are not at all like the stories I had heard about them. Elphin is teaching me how to fence and protect myself. I hope that I do not run into any of Nero’s men, but I want to be prepared if I do.
We have traveled to a large gathering at the Pennsic War. I have never seen so many people in one place before. We stayed in the "Court of Miracles" with other gypsies. We had a problem with thieves (and they call gypsies thieves!).
Anyway, there were all kinds of tournaments going on for light fighters, heavy fighters, and archers. Dulcinaya and I dressed up as men and registered so we could fight. I was so afraid we would be caught, but Dulcinaya had done this before and showed me what to do. We participated in a melee but lost.
That night, we went to the barn and danced. I like to dance! I danced with Alwyn Feather the Foolish, the tribe’s jester...he knows many dances!
The next day, we did some shopping. We didn't’t have much money,. but it is fun to look, anyway. That night we went to the square so Dulcinaya and Delia could tell fortunes and Alwyn could juggle and hopefully make some money. Tsigane, Dulcinaya’s sister, kept a watch out for guards, for it is illegal for gypsies to tell fortunes. We were sitting next to where Alwyn was juggling fire.
He came over to soak his sticks in oil, when all of a sudden, a fireball erupted out of his oil pot. Alwyn jumped back and Tsigane and I rolled out of the way very quickly! We think the fumes ignited when he reached to put the hot stick into the oil. No one was hurt, but he cleared the square! Alwyn threw water on the small fire before it caught a vendor’s tent on fire. The vendor started yelling for the guard, so we quickly left! But we stayed on a few more days without another incident.
September 25
Elphin gave me a blue scarf today. I also noticed that he gave everyone a gift. I found out at feast why. He asked Dulcinaya for Delia’s hand in marriage. Dulcinaya granted his request. There is to be a wedding!
October 9
We stopped at a village today. All day long, we were harassed by a constable named Oengaes. He was convinced that we were gypsies on our way to Jerusalem. Dulcinaya had me write up some passes and sign King Logan’s name to them. She then smudged, smeared, and tore the papers where Logan’s name was so you couldn’t quite make out his name. Oengaes wanted to search our belongings. Santiago, Delia’s cousin, told him to leave us alone, but mocked Oengaes’ Scottish accent. I thought we were dead! Dulcinaya turned her head to hide her laughter, but fortunately, the constable didn’t notice. He gave us a warning and left.
Later that night at feast, Constable Oengaes again accused Dulcinaya of being a gypsy. Baron Corwin came over and swore on his honor that Dulcinaya was not a gypsy. But when he removed his hat to swear the oath, coins fell out! The constable called out "Bribe!" and started after Dulcinaya! She jumped up and ran from the hall. We blocked his way just long enough for her to escape. Then we ran out the other direction. We lost them in the woods, and met up with Dulcinaya a little ways out of town.
We waited till just before dawn and snuck back to our small camp and gathered our things. I can not believe they did not have someone watching our stuff. What luck!
October 29
We came to a village today that was having fun and games and a To The Point Tournament. Some of us too part in the tourney. We lost badly! Oh, well, great swordsmen we may not be, but we keep practicing.
November 3
Dulcinaya’s reputation preceded her at the next place we came to. We found wanted posters nailed to trees leading to the village. They had a very good drawing of her. Dulcinaya did not want to risk getting caught, so she stayed in camp while we checked out the village.
Elphin and I were watching the fencing tournament when Dulcinaya’s brother Kazimir came running up and told us that Delia had been arrested for stealing. We followed Kazimir to the interior of the village. There we saw a constable leading Delia away! We waited until there was not one around and we snuck up behind the constable with swords drawn. Elphin hit him on the back of the head. He fell to the ground in a heap. We grabbed Delia and ran off to gather up every body to flee the village. This is beginning to happen on a regular basis, us running out of town.
We met up with Dulcinaya and told her what happened. We hid in a thicket for a while and made sure no one was after us. No one followed.
August 12
We made our way back to Pennsic this year. We met another gypsy there who’s name was Rachel the Goatwoman. She has a really nice vardo with two beautiful horses. We camped with the Winged Wolf Tribe down by the stream in the Court of Miracles.
I still can not believe how many people are here in one place. That many people make me nervous!
We had heard that Stephan, the King of Atlantia, had been away taking care of some skirmish, but had returned before the Queen had had her baby (which was only four days ago!) We wanted to congratulate them on the birth, so we made a request to see the Queen, which was granted. We presented her with a gift box shaped like a shell, with a smaller box inside that contained what little salt we had left. She said that she was glad we came because she had been thinking about us traveling through her kingdom with the old torn passports that we had. So she gave us one of the King’s rings, one of only six that he had commissioned. This ring would provide us with safe passage. She also gave us one of her paternosters, saying she had prayed for us. We thanked her and left with her blessing.
That evening all the gypsies got together and we traveled around to different encampments and performed for the people. Sterling dela Rosa, from Tribe Winged Wolf, told stories, Emerald, a friend of Sterling’s, danced, Santiago sang songs, and Ivar (Dulcinaya’s cousin) and I drummed. We had a party of our own one night, and Delia and Elphin told fortunes and earned some money.
August 13
Today we went to the royal encampment to see a friend of ours. The guards gave us some trouble and did not want to let us in. Dulcinaya showed them the ring the Queen had given us. One of the guards accused us of stealing the King’s ring, but Dulcinaya assured them that we did not! The greeter came up and told us we would have to wait to see our friend and for us to come in and take a seat and have a drink. We stepped inside to wait. We got tired of waiting and decided to come back another time. Dulcinaya picked up a chair, Santiago picked up a bench, and I took the pewter goblets and we walked out. The guards had changed right before, so the new guards did not know we were inside. We walked right past them with our goods.
We got a good way down the street when the greeter came back and noticed the things missing. He looked out of the tent and started calling us back. We asked him what was wrong. He said we were stealing the furniture! We told him we must have misunderstood him when he said "take a seat and have a drink." We apologized and put the things back.
All in all, it was a good Pennsic!
The Following Year
August 13
Here we are at Pennsic again. It’s becoming an annual event. We camped with two other gypsy tribes. The leaders of each tribe got together and named the camp Court of Miracles. They are good people.
We sought out Rachel the Goat Woman and the Drunken Mariners and had a gypsy-pirate party. Rachel took Dulcinaya aside and said she had a gift for her. She gave Dulcinaya a length of rope. Someone said it was a leash for Santiago, but it was a lead rope for a horse. Rachel presented one of her horses as a gift to the clan Painted Wheel. Her name is Silvermist. She is very beautiful and is our most prized possession. We were so proud of our new horse that we paraded her through the streets and the merchants area. We had to convince a few people that she was ours and that we did not steal her.
Thursday, The Same Week
We had our gypsy party tonight. There was drumming, dancing, singing, and someone juggled fire. We were having a really good time until a man from the next camp came and told us we had to be quiet. He said if we did not stop drumming he would call the guards. We told him to go back to his camp. He called the guards and they threatened to arrest us if we did not quiet down. We did not want to leave Pennsic yet so we complied with their wishes. We will have to find a way to get rid of this man who complained. He made a lot of enemies this night.
Friday, The Same Week
I had a fright today. While we were out walking today, Geldemar heard some men asking about me. This is as close as they have been to me. I did not know if they were Geoffrey’s men or Nero’s men. If they were Geoffrey’s men they would not hurt me. If they were Nero’s men, they would kill me. Geldemar told us to go hide while he tried to find out who they were. Later, he told us he followed them to the Crafty Celts booth and asked Vortigern if he had seen me. Vortigern asked them “Who wants to know?” They replied “Nero the Drake.” Dulcinaya decided it was time to leave. So we packed up and left Pennsic until next year.
So far they do not know that I with the Painted Wheel gypsies. And I pray that they do not find out. I dod not want to put Painted Wheel in any danger. I have cut my hair and I dress like a gypsy, so I am hoping that no one will associate me with the person they are looking for. Only now, I need a gypsy name. I will ask Dulcinaya for a name.
I am so excited. We were having dinner tonight when Dulcinaya called me over. She agreed that I should have a gypsy name. From now on, I will be known to the outside world as Aysha. I think I am starting to fit in with these people now. I feel a little bit more at ease, but I still have to keep my guard up. They are still looking for me. Will they ever stop?
Well, an uneventful year has gone by. We have managed to stay away from any of the men looking for me. We have made it to Pennsic XXX. There are more people here than ever before. They had a hard time finding places to put everyone. Fortunately, we were able to get our old spot by the stream. It was very hot the week before we arrived but has cooled off a bit.
Monday 13th
Today we went in search of our friends the Drunken Mariners and found them in their old spot. We were all happy to see each other. They told us they were lucky to be there. On their way to Pennsic they were attacked by some highwayman. They fought them off with little difficulty, but Max’s wagon caught fire. They lost a lot of their supplies. One thing they did bring with them was the is strange, big box that keeps cold on the inside.* They would not tell us how it worked. They said it was magic. It kept their food from spoiling. I have never seen anything like it before. We thought this magical box to be most wonderful. We gathered around the box to examine it. The pirates drew their guns and told us to stop away from the box. We backed away telling them we were just looking at the box. We were not going to take it. We are your friends,” we told them. They lowered their guns and said they were sorry. They were still very nervous. We all had a good laugh about the whole thing.
Wednesday 15th
For a few days now I think I have been followed. I keep seeing a certain Frenchman every where I go. I am not sure if he is following me, but he makes me very nervous.
Thursday 16th
We were out walking our horse Silvermist when we were stopped by the constable. He said that Silvermist belonged up on the Serengeti. What were we doing with her?** We told him that she was a gift from Rachel. He did not believe us at first but this nice lady named Katherine came up and told him we were telling the truth. He still looked skeptical, but he let us go, warning us to stay out of trouble. Dulcinaya was thanking the lady when the Frenchman I had seen came walking up. Katherine introduced him as her husband Vincent. Katherine asked if they could walk with us and Dulcinaya agreed.
Vincent said “That is a very fine horse. You could get a lot of money for her.”
“Oh, we would never sell Silvermist.” Dulcinaya told him.
I do not trust this Vincent. After all, he is French.
Note* These hedonistic people had a propane-powered refridgerator, complete with a freezer, delivered to their camp. And they filled it with popsicles. At Pennsic. This is so wrong.
Note** Even at Pennsic ya get hassled by The Man……
Ivar's Story
By Ivar
I came into the world as the son of a dancer named Keomi Boshengro, and a Scandinavian, probably a Dane, named Turin Ulfsson. The Rom are usually exclusive, keeping to their own kind in such matters, but sometimes these things do happen between people. I do not know how they came to meet, or how they came to part.
I remember peering out of the wagons at night after bed time, watching my mother and the other women and girls dancing in the moonlight at the fire, and falling asleep listening to the music and the drums. I eventually learned to drum too, as many of the older boys did, because then we could stay up late on party nights.
Maybe I should have told her I was leaving, but we'd had yet another fight. Our tribe was getting too large and quarrelsome to dodge unwanted notice easily, and I was not favored among the relatives, being born out of wedlock as I was; so I left as soon as I had my first beard hairs and could claim to be a man and go my own way.
I set out to the North, more or less, in the Spring to find my father's people, and by Summer I met the chieftess Dulcinaya and her small clan. She said she knew my father from long ago - indeed I seemed to remember her as well, but as a younger child who I did not notice very often - and she recognized the Norse medallion that I wore, and still wear, that was once his. She told me that Painted Wheel could use more defenders, and she offered to hire me on. Fall was coming and my progress North was too slow, so I accepted.
The pay is a joke - barely enough to afford a pint at the Chalkman now and then - but their food and wine and company is always plenty and good, and what is gold anyway but one more step toward these, the finer things in life? Even by Romany standards I am not large, and I am only a fair swordsman on the best of days; I think she just wanted me to have an excuse to stay with them because I make her laugh, and because I would have probably gotten myself killed before I ever reached the north sea. We were friends almost at once because it seemed so natural.
At first, I thought to care for her, but her heart was elsewhere. I heard news that Ari Bosh was close by, and so I left again, to the West this time, to learn what I could of my mother, to whom I had tried to send word a number of times but got no answer, and perhaps my father. My clearest memory of him is his teaching me how to move the chess pieces in the shade of the wagons when I was a very small boy who could barely walk, and his booming laugh when I would get it right. He smelt of elderberries.
In my travels I discovered that he may have been a lesser nobleman, and there may be a claim of arms for me, perhaps even some land, or at least some kind of citizenship, if he were to recognize me as an illegitimate son. This I pieced together from some I met who knew of Ari Bosh, but they had moved on and I never found them or my mother.
I traveled East again and caught up with Painted Wheel. Dulcinaya hired me back on immediately, but it is more than a job now. They have become my adopted family, and it has grown larger. We have taken to performing music for the gadje, which is more profitable and much less dangerous than stealing from them, and they are more inclined to let us be. I fear I may be more valuable now as a drummer than as the bold young fighter I once thought myself to be. Either way, I have been one of Painted Wheel ever since Dulcinaya found me that first day, and there is gray in my beard now. They feel like family more than Ari Bosh ever did. Santiago is like a brother to me, and we have had many adventures and narrow escapes. I know some runes, but Vosh is helping me to learn letters and numbers, and Kazimir and his brother Geldemar teach me courtly manners. These things are useful when facing bailiffs and constables and sherriffs and the like. Unarmed and outnumbered, an educated man can still bargain better than one who is not.
Perhaps one day I will have some land, and we may settle there and finally have a place to call home. Meanwhile, my rapier grows rusty, and Dulcinaya pretends not to notice.
I came into the world as the son of a dancer named Keomi Boshengro, and a Scandinavian, probably a Dane, named Turin Ulfsson. The Rom are usually exclusive, keeping to their own kind in such matters, but sometimes these things do happen between people. I do not know how they came to meet, or how they came to part.
I remember peering out of the wagons at night after bed time, watching my mother and the other women and girls dancing in the moonlight at the fire, and falling asleep listening to the music and the drums. I eventually learned to drum too, as many of the older boys did, because then we could stay up late on party nights.
Maybe I should have told her I was leaving, but we'd had yet another fight. Our tribe was getting too large and quarrelsome to dodge unwanted notice easily, and I was not favored among the relatives, being born out of wedlock as I was; so I left as soon as I had my first beard hairs and could claim to be a man and go my own way.
I set out to the North, more or less, in the Spring to find my father's people, and by Summer I met the chieftess Dulcinaya and her small clan. She said she knew my father from long ago - indeed I seemed to remember her as well, but as a younger child who I did not notice very often - and she recognized the Norse medallion that I wore, and still wear, that was once his. She told me that Painted Wheel could use more defenders, and she offered to hire me on. Fall was coming and my progress North was too slow, so I accepted.
The pay is a joke - barely enough to afford a pint at the Chalkman now and then - but their food and wine and company is always plenty and good, and what is gold anyway but one more step toward these, the finer things in life? Even by Romany standards I am not large, and I am only a fair swordsman on the best of days; I think she just wanted me to have an excuse to stay with them because I make her laugh, and because I would have probably gotten myself killed before I ever reached the north sea. We were friends almost at once because it seemed so natural.
At first, I thought to care for her, but her heart was elsewhere. I heard news that Ari Bosh was close by, and so I left again, to the West this time, to learn what I could of my mother, to whom I had tried to send word a number of times but got no answer, and perhaps my father. My clearest memory of him is his teaching me how to move the chess pieces in the shade of the wagons when I was a very small boy who could barely walk, and his booming laugh when I would get it right. He smelt of elderberries.
In my travels I discovered that he may have been a lesser nobleman, and there may be a claim of arms for me, perhaps even some land, or at least some kind of citizenship, if he were to recognize me as an illegitimate son. This I pieced together from some I met who knew of Ari Bosh, but they had moved on and I never found them or my mother.
I traveled East again and caught up with Painted Wheel. Dulcinaya hired me back on immediately, but it is more than a job now. They have become my adopted family, and it has grown larger. We have taken to performing music for the gadje, which is more profitable and much less dangerous than stealing from them, and they are more inclined to let us be. I fear I may be more valuable now as a drummer than as the bold young fighter I once thought myself to be. Either way, I have been one of Painted Wheel ever since Dulcinaya found me that first day, and there is gray in my beard now. They feel like family more than Ari Bosh ever did. Santiago is like a brother to me, and we have had many adventures and narrow escapes. I know some runes, but Vosh is helping me to learn letters and numbers, and Kazimir and his brother Geldemar teach me courtly manners. These things are useful when facing bailiffs and constables and sherriffs and the like. Unarmed and outnumbered, an educated man can still bargain better than one who is not.
Perhaps one day I will have some land, and we may settle there and finally have a place to call home. Meanwhile, my rapier grows rusty, and Dulcinaya pretends not to notice.
First Meeting
By Elphin
Every seaport I have ever been in has always sounded the same. Shouts of sailors in a multitude of languages intermingle with the cries of seagulls. The planks of the docks creak and the ships boom against their moorings. And underneath it all is the unceasing pounding of the waves. I was waiting in this particular port for a friend to arrive.
David of York and I had been friends since the Master at Arms had paired us when we first began learning the art of swordplay. A close friendship was built out of beating each other black and blue. We were inseparable for a time; prowling London, drinking and carousing. We learned to watch each other's backs through the turbulent times of Our Queen's early reign.
I had received word that David was bringing with him a purse from my brother to replenish my much depleted funds. Ever since we were fostered to the royal court my older brother has protected me. Whether it was bigger bullies or vicious gossips, he has always tried to shield me from the worst of human nature. I had decided it was my turn to protect him by staying as far away from the royal court as possible.
I tried once again to think of some way to stretch my resources. Money had a distressing way of disappearing and my training to be a courtly gentlemen left me little in the way of marketable skills to sell. My dancing abilities were poor at best, my proficiency at chess and witty conversation were not likely to gain any gold, and my abilities with the written word were poor enough to drive the good brothers who had taught me to distraction. I could sell my sword arm, but I lacked the stomach for putting a price on my loyalty. I am passing fair with a rapier, perhaps someone would pay for lessons for a son, or sons.
Someone sweeping me into a bear hug interrupted my musings. Gasping for breath, I opened my eyes to see that David of York had arrived. We pounded each other's backs and said the things one usually says when one meets an old friend one haven't seen in some time. I suggested a drink to celebrate the occasion. David heartily agreed.
On the way I inquired as to the health of his father. David struck a pose and in his best imitation of the Chamberlain's haughty tones, "The Duke and His Lady are Resting at His Summer Palace."
I laughed, David always had a way of ridiculing the most irritating of people. I asked after his mother. "She is also doing well," he replied, "She sends you her love."
Without my asking, David slipped me a heavy purse saying, " Your brother sends this as well as his love.
"He is adjusting well to his new title," David continued, "Even the Queen has made comment.”
"It gladdens my heart to hear it." I said, tucking the purse away.
After several ales at a nearby tavern, we decided to search for more interesting surroundings, as the establishment was lacking the area of feminine accompaniment. Not too steady on our feet, we wandered the back streets, looking for a more entertaining place of business when a tall figure dressed in tattered rags rushed around a corner and plowed into me. I tried to push the mendicant away, but was shocked to discover my hands had encountered a very obviously female form. I looked at her face and fell into the most soulful, dark eyes I had ever seen. They seemed to implore me for help in some way.
I would likely be there still, gazing into her eyes but for the appearance of four burly men carrying clubs. They shouted in a language unknown to me and rushed forward. The maiden in my arms stiffened and whirled around. As she did so I was shocked a second time as I felt my rapier being drawn. The raggedly dressed woman had snatched my own sword from its sheath as she stepped away! I stared at the maiden's hand holding my blade incredulously, uncertain of what was going on.
I noticed a heavy broken chain dangling from a manacle around her wrist. A look at her other wrist revealed a matching manacle. Both her wrists showed the blisters of long wear. These men were definitely not from the local constabulary. She would have to be their slave; no doubt escaped from a ship moored in the harbor. I felt my mouth tighten. Slavery had been rightly outlawed in my homeland for years and no right thinking man espoused it. I didn't know who she was or what was happening, but no gentleman, even the son of a Welsh scoundrel, could stand idly by and allow a damsel to be harassed, even if she had stolen his blade.
Drawing my dagger, I stepped beside the maiden. David, as I expected, drew his rapier and stepped beside me. The four men did not look very happy with this situation. Judging from the men's dress and heavy beards, I took them for Poles. I did not know what language was spoken in Poland. I did know a little German, and hoping that at least someone knew the speech of the German Principalities, I tried it. One of the men stepped forward and spoke in a tongue with which I was unfamiliar. I glanced at David. He shrugged his incomprehension. In succession I tried French and even Latin to no avail.
The man who had stepped forward looked at his companions, when they offered no assistance he said in halting Greek, "What do you want?" My grasp of Greek is very poor, but I tried to respond in the same language, "What do you want with this girl?" Actually, I think I said, "What do you do with your grandmother?"
The four men took exception to my words, or at least decided that the time for diplomacy was past. They charged, flailing with their clubs. I stepped inside one man's swing and tried to parry with my dagger. Instead of catching his club, my dagger caught his forearm. Recognizing an opportunity when I saw one I drew with the edge of my blade, opening his arm to the elbow. He grunted and dropped the club. He sent me sprawling with a powerful blow from his left hand, then leaped on top of me. I had to bash him several times on the head with my dagger pommel before I could get him off of me. I struggled to my feet and took stock of the situation. After sending one of his opponents running for his life, David was stabbing another in the leg. Unfortunately as the ruffian went down he gave David a good blow in the ribs.
Hearing a loud gasp of pain I whirled around, fearing for the maiden. I should not have worried. The damsel I was so concerned for had run a man through with my rapier. The ruffian groaned and collapsed as she withdrew the blade. I noted by her stance and the way the girl held the sword as she looked for another enemy to skewer that this maiden knew her way around a blade. I also made note of her rather pleasing form her rags tried and mostly failed to conceal.
Seeing no one threatening her, the damsel lowered my rapier and relaxed. Thinking this was a good time to make friends, I stuffed my dagger in my belt and approached her saying, "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."
"'Don't worry,' you said, 'I won't hurt you,' You said " mocked David.
"Shut up and tie the bandage." I grumbled.
Every seaport I have ever been in has always sounded the same. Shouts of sailors in a multitude of languages intermingle with the cries of seagulls. The planks of the docks creak and the ships boom against their moorings. And underneath it all is the unceasing pounding of the waves. I was waiting in this particular port for a friend to arrive.
David of York and I had been friends since the Master at Arms had paired us when we first began learning the art of swordplay. A close friendship was built out of beating each other black and blue. We were inseparable for a time; prowling London, drinking and carousing. We learned to watch each other's backs through the turbulent times of Our Queen's early reign.
I had received word that David was bringing with him a purse from my brother to replenish my much depleted funds. Ever since we were fostered to the royal court my older brother has protected me. Whether it was bigger bullies or vicious gossips, he has always tried to shield me from the worst of human nature. I had decided it was my turn to protect him by staying as far away from the royal court as possible.
I tried once again to think of some way to stretch my resources. Money had a distressing way of disappearing and my training to be a courtly gentlemen left me little in the way of marketable skills to sell. My dancing abilities were poor at best, my proficiency at chess and witty conversation were not likely to gain any gold, and my abilities with the written word were poor enough to drive the good brothers who had taught me to distraction. I could sell my sword arm, but I lacked the stomach for putting a price on my loyalty. I am passing fair with a rapier, perhaps someone would pay for lessons for a son, or sons.
Someone sweeping me into a bear hug interrupted my musings. Gasping for breath, I opened my eyes to see that David of York had arrived. We pounded each other's backs and said the things one usually says when one meets an old friend one haven't seen in some time. I suggested a drink to celebrate the occasion. David heartily agreed.
On the way I inquired as to the health of his father. David struck a pose and in his best imitation of the Chamberlain's haughty tones, "The Duke and His Lady are Resting at His Summer Palace."
I laughed, David always had a way of ridiculing the most irritating of people. I asked after his mother. "She is also doing well," he replied, "She sends you her love."
Without my asking, David slipped me a heavy purse saying, " Your brother sends this as well as his love.
"He is adjusting well to his new title," David continued, "Even the Queen has made comment.”
"It gladdens my heart to hear it." I said, tucking the purse away.
After several ales at a nearby tavern, we decided to search for more interesting surroundings, as the establishment was lacking the area of feminine accompaniment. Not too steady on our feet, we wandered the back streets, looking for a more entertaining place of business when a tall figure dressed in tattered rags rushed around a corner and plowed into me. I tried to push the mendicant away, but was shocked to discover my hands had encountered a very obviously female form. I looked at her face and fell into the most soulful, dark eyes I had ever seen. They seemed to implore me for help in some way.
I would likely be there still, gazing into her eyes but for the appearance of four burly men carrying clubs. They shouted in a language unknown to me and rushed forward. The maiden in my arms stiffened and whirled around. As she did so I was shocked a second time as I felt my rapier being drawn. The raggedly dressed woman had snatched my own sword from its sheath as she stepped away! I stared at the maiden's hand holding my blade incredulously, uncertain of what was going on.
I noticed a heavy broken chain dangling from a manacle around her wrist. A look at her other wrist revealed a matching manacle. Both her wrists showed the blisters of long wear. These men were definitely not from the local constabulary. She would have to be their slave; no doubt escaped from a ship moored in the harbor. I felt my mouth tighten. Slavery had been rightly outlawed in my homeland for years and no right thinking man espoused it. I didn't know who she was or what was happening, but no gentleman, even the son of a Welsh scoundrel, could stand idly by and allow a damsel to be harassed, even if she had stolen his blade.
Drawing my dagger, I stepped beside the maiden. David, as I expected, drew his rapier and stepped beside me. The four men did not look very happy with this situation. Judging from the men's dress and heavy beards, I took them for Poles. I did not know what language was spoken in Poland. I did know a little German, and hoping that at least someone knew the speech of the German Principalities, I tried it. One of the men stepped forward and spoke in a tongue with which I was unfamiliar. I glanced at David. He shrugged his incomprehension. In succession I tried French and even Latin to no avail.
The man who had stepped forward looked at his companions, when they offered no assistance he said in halting Greek, "What do you want?" My grasp of Greek is very poor, but I tried to respond in the same language, "What do you want with this girl?" Actually, I think I said, "What do you do with your grandmother?"
The four men took exception to my words, or at least decided that the time for diplomacy was past. They charged, flailing with their clubs. I stepped inside one man's swing and tried to parry with my dagger. Instead of catching his club, my dagger caught his forearm. Recognizing an opportunity when I saw one I drew with the edge of my blade, opening his arm to the elbow. He grunted and dropped the club. He sent me sprawling with a powerful blow from his left hand, then leaped on top of me. I had to bash him several times on the head with my dagger pommel before I could get him off of me. I struggled to my feet and took stock of the situation. After sending one of his opponents running for his life, David was stabbing another in the leg. Unfortunately as the ruffian went down he gave David a good blow in the ribs.
Hearing a loud gasp of pain I whirled around, fearing for the maiden. I should not have worried. The damsel I was so concerned for had run a man through with my rapier. The ruffian groaned and collapsed as she withdrew the blade. I noted by her stance and the way the girl held the sword as she looked for another enemy to skewer that this maiden knew her way around a blade. I also made note of her rather pleasing form her rags tried and mostly failed to conceal.
Seeing no one threatening her, the damsel lowered my rapier and relaxed. Thinking this was a good time to make friends, I stuffed my dagger in my belt and approached her saying, "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."
"'Don't worry,' you said, 'I won't hurt you,' You said " mocked David.
"Shut up and tie the bandage." I grumbled.
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