Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron II Rex and Ariella II Regina, King, and Queen of Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Royal Court at the Bog Three-Day Event, 16 July, Anno Societatis LVII, in the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Meistr-y-gân, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by Drotinn jǫrundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, with the assistance of Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, Silent Herald, and Lady Magdalena Txoperena.

In the morning, Their Majesties summoned Lord Arvik Hyttoinen, seneschal of the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog. Their Majesties confirmed that a duly conducted election had yielded a result, and heirs had been selected, and Lord Arvik affirmed this to be the case. Their Majesties then called for Baron Gunther Grunbaum and Baroness Rois o Fayh to inquire of Their Excellencies whether they were prepared to pass the baronial thrones to another worthy couple. Their Excellencies begged leave to conduct one final court before giving up their coronets, and finding this boon to be in order, Their Majesties allowed it.

Following their final court, of Baron Gunther and Baroness Rois presented themselves before the Crown, who thanked them for their faithful stewardship, received back the Baronial coronets, and released them into their well-deserved retirement. Lest the Bog thrones sit empty any longer than necessary, Their Majesties welcomed Lord Jean Pierre dit la Barbe Rousse and Lady Caterine de Troyes into Their Court. Upon receiving their oaths of fealty, Their Majesties placed the cattail coronets upon their brows, granting each of them Arms as the seventh Baron and Baroness of St. Swithin’s Bog, and further gave them leave to open a brief court.

During this Baronial Court, Their Majesties discovered that Baron Gunther and Baroness Rois had left something important behind. Their Majesties therefore recalled Their Excellencies to return their celebratory cocktails…and to invest each with the coronet of Court Barony. Scrolls by The Honorable Lord Sasson de Sancta Victoria.

There being no further business at that time, Court was suspended.

In the evening, Their Majesties invited Logan to lead the other youth of the kingdom in pursuit of toys to amuse them during Court.

Their Majesties then welcomed all the newcomers with cups. Thereafter, Their Majesties gave leave to

Their Excellencies of St. Swithin’s Bog to continue their Baronial court.

At the conclusion of Baronial Court, Their Majesties allowed Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarsson to recognize Mary of Hartford’s shooting that day and invite her to hold the Bow of State.

Next, Their Majesties entreated the outgoing Queen’s Rapier Champion, Don Markus skalpr Grimsson, to recount the events of the tournament that day. One stood victorious over all others, and thus, Her Majesty invited Lord Robert MacEwin of Thornhill, to take up the regalia of the Champion, and to occupy his place at Her side–starting with the Pennsic half-marathon. Scroll illuminated by Lady Donatella da Fano with calligraphy by Mistress Cynthia Love of the Tower upon wording by The Honorable Lord Kenn the Just and Lady Katerina de la Marne.

Their Majesties also wished to recognize the efforts of one fencer who distinguished himself upon the field. So impressed was Her Majesty that She decreed it unjust were Ferruccio Camino to go another day without being raised to the nobility. With admiration for his skill and appreciation for the enthusiasm with which he has thrown himself into the Society, They Awarded him Arms. Scroll forthcoming.

Their Majesties next sought Katrina Beese. Recognizing her helpfulness and service to others, and most especially to the Crown, they saw fit to name her a Companion of the Silver Buccle. Scroll by Master Christofano Vecchione.

Their Majesties then summoned Lord Jacen Teague. Noting his skill and artistry in leatherwork, both practical and decorative, clothes, accessories, and beyond, they were pleased to induct him into Their Order of the Sycamore. Scroll illuminated by Baron Gunther Grunbaum with calligraphy and wording by Baroness Rois o fayh.

Next, Their Majesties desired to see Lord Ulf of the Wee Horn. Where many saw the suspension of in-person activities as an impediment, Their Majesties noted that Lord Ulf had seen it as an opportunity to practice. For this and his dedication to building his skills, they were minded making him a Companion of the Golden Alce. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Rachel Daliceaux.

Their Majesties also sought Lord Madoc MacRoyri. Once again, Their Majesties noted Lord Madoc’s service to the arena of thrown weapons, including setting up and marshalling ranges, and his skill and accuracy. For these reasons, they were pleased to name him a Companion of the Golden Alce. Scroll: illumination by Baron Caleb Reynolds, calligraphy by Master Iago Benitez, and words by Lady Elizabeth Rosamond.

Their Majesties then invited Master Robert O’Connor to join Them, to remind him of his many years of hospitality and service as a host and master of ceremonies for the 100 Beers War among many other receptions both official and unofficial. For his gift at making others welcomed and attended, and for spreading joy and making the parties of Æthelmearc renowned through the Known World, Their Majesties were pleased to induct him into the Order of the Howling Wolf. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Racel Daliceaux upon wording by Master Alaric MacConnal.

Their Majesties received Lord Bjorn inn digri, who had been called from the kitchen. They remarked that this seemed appropriate, since he is almost always to be found cooking for others, when he is not photographing courts. For this joy in service, Their Majesties felt it mete and proper to name him a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll in wood pyrography by Lord Arvik Hyttoinen upon calligraphy and wording by Lady Ragnhilda Manadottir.

Next, Their Majesties had need to bring Master Kieran MacRae before them. His Majesty spoke of the compact He and Master Kieran had entered recently, and of how Their Majesties were pleased to be the ones to summon Their Noble Order of the Gage to acclaim and induct him among their number. Scroll (With glow-in-the-dark details!) by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Their Majesties also desired to be attended by Don Simon Caminante. Their Majesties noted His Lordship’s dedication to the rapier community, including cut-and-thrust, marshaling, and serving the marshallate and maintaining websites for rapier combat. For this long service, they agreed with the Noble Order of the Millrind to make him their newest Companion. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein upon words by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

At this time, Their Majesties required that Lord Ulf Bareleg relieve them of a quantity of bottles, which They thought he might be able to use. On the chance that he might need additional incentive to fill them, Their Majesties entreated Their Noble Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc forward, so that they might add their own endorsement to his efforts. Their Majesties thus Granted Arms to His Lordship Ulf and named him a Companion of the Order. Scroll by illuminated by Posadnitsa Zaritsa Zavodchikovna and calligraphed by Sir Murdoch Bayne.

Following this, Their Majesties called Baron Salvadore de la Torres before the throne. Declaring that His Excellency’s prowess, eagerness, service, and courtesy speak for themselves, Their Majesties nevertheless, informed His Excellency that others had also spoken, and that Their Majesties found those words worth heeding. Thus, they summoned Their Noble Order of the White Scarf to join Them, and Her Majesty tied upon His Excellency’s arm the emblem of a Companion of that Order. Thereafter, Their Majesties also received His Excellency’s oath of fealty. Scroll wording by His Majesty Byron, translation and illumination by Princess Leah.

Their Majesties then brought Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe into the Presence. Noting his longevity of service, his steadfast dedication to his group and to the rapier community, his service as the first rapier warlord, and his labor over years and years to form and grow the Æthelmearc rapier army. In recognition of this singular accomplishment to the benefit of the kingdom, Their Majesties were pleased to make him a Baron of the Court. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein upon words by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay.

Next, Their Majesties had words for The Honorable Lord Guillaume le Noir. These words concerned not only his prowess but his honor, his presence on the field, his exemplary conduct, and his embodiment of all that should be present in the pinnacle of Society. They then invited the Most Noble Order of the Chivalry to join Them, whereupon Count Alric of the Mists took back His Lordship’s squire’s belt, that he might go forth free from bonds of fealty to His Excellency. Their Majesties then decreed that His Lordship should answer Their Majesties’ Writ, to appoint a time and place to sit in contemplation and hold vigil whether he should accept the accolade of peerage. Scroll by Master Kieran MacRae.

Their Majesties invited Dame Caroline of Burgundy before the throne and shared with her Their knowledge of her value to the rapier community, the countless students she has trained, her selfless dedication to furthering the art of the sword, her service as a marshal, and her prowess, which demand that further honors be afforded. Thus, Their Majesties called for the members of the Most Noble Order of Defense to take Dame Caroline into their care, that they might counsel her and that she might choose a day to return with her answer regarding induction as a Master of Defense. Scroll by Amalie Reinhardt with words by Master Po “Some Guy in a Hat” Silvertop.

Their Majesties then found they had need again of Baroness Rois o fayh. Her Excellency, despite overseeing the kitchen, answered the Crown’s summons with joy, prepared to serve. Their Majesties were hardly surprised by this, for in fact, Her Excellency’s service and love of service and willingness to serve had been noted by many, over many years. Upon declaring these observations to be truthful and accurate, and finding Her Excellency’s actions altogether worthy of praise, Their Majesties requested to be joined by the Most Noble Order of the Pelican to continue to bear witness, to offer their counsel, and to conduct Her Excellency upon a date of her choosing to her vigil, so that she might contemplate elevation into their circle of Peerage. Scroll illumination by Mistress Cynthia Love of the Tower, calligraphy by Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais, and words by Mistress Aelfra Long.

Her Majesty recognized Baron Leo Dietrich, for His Excellency’s performance in the fencing list and his honor and courtesy on and off the field. Her Majesty praised His Excellency’s efforts to transfer his heavy weapons skills to those of the rapier and presented him with Her token.

Their Majesties then entreated the scribes to come forward for recognition and thanks in the form of additional supplies to continue their art.

His Majesty reminded all that this will be the last gathering as a Kingdom before the advent of War. He expressed His wish that all assemble upon those fields, not only to demonstrate the dominance of the forces of Æthelmearc in defense of our fields, but the legendary hospitality and kindness of the Sylvan

Lands, as they become the hosts of the Known World.

There being no further business, Court was closed.

Faithfully Submitted,

Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres (OL)

Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald