Thorfinna grafeldr, Order of the Hare Salient, 2023

I trow she sat at that cluttered desk
For a count of hours beyond knowing
Struck by her duty, offered to the Great Wolves
A gift to lands struck by plague
Stuck at that desk of which few still know
Upon which magic she struck.

‘Mid empty horn and gnaw’d bone
Her eyes gazed at unseen sights
Laughing aloud she shifted the Runes
And connected all alike.

For all her work on behalf of the barony, which she has dutifully served in many ways, forms, and means, and especially for her work creating ethereal content during the Great Plague, do We, Dubhessa and Joffr, Baroness and Baron of Skraeling Althing, induct Þorfinna gráfeldr into the Order of the Hare Salient, done on the 7th day of Góa, at Practicum in the Canton of Caldrithig, in the fifty-seventh year of the Great Althing.


Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based on Odin's Quest after the Runes (stanzas 137-144) of the Hávamál (The Words of Odin the High One) from The Elder or Poetic Edda, commonly known as Sæmund's Edda, part I: The Mythological Poems, edited and translated by Olive Bray (London: Printed for the Viking Club, 1908), pp. 61-111. Web version edited by D. L. Ashliman, University of Pittsburgh, https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/havamal.html Accessed January 11, 2023.

Góa is a month on the Old Icelandic calendar that lasts from February 19 through March 20. The 7th of Góa is therefore February 25th.

Avelyn Wexcombe, Court Barony, 2021

 O, the Northrealm! A land so bless’d,

With worthy nobles of the best!

In Skraeling Althing look around:

Carrots of gold spring from the ground!

This work of goodly Avelyn,

Eighth to sit the High Seats and reign,

Well-beloved in all her land

(Naught to do with that sword in hand…)

Bent her will to learning and jest,

(Eastrealm friends say “Give it a rest!”)

These years of service now are past,

Like bounding hares they run so fast!

Rattanicus and Isabel,

Your lieges speak – all ears compel,

Silver now encircles your brow,

Let none gainsay what we do now.

Done this 13 th Day of November, Anno Societatis LVI (56), as We celebrate the Feast of the Hare in Our

Canton of Caldrithig, where we have set Our Hands and Seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the humorous verse “The Foxe and the Welle”.

Dafydd ap Alan, Court Barony, 2021

 ‘Tis said that gold grows not on trees,

Nor can it be fish’d from the seas,

But in fair Skraeling Althing bright,

Golden Carrots are their birthright.

Give thanks unto Dafydd’s labours –

Eighth of the land’s chosen leaders –

Defends his people with his blade,

Survived a kidnapper’s raid,

A noble fam’d for rapier wit,

(Dragon Dormant prefer’d he’d quit!)

Though time bids all to say goodbye,

Let joy, like rabbits, multiply!

Isabel and Rattanicus,

Northrealm sovereigns now sayeth thus:

From our hands take this coronet,

That for your service none may forget.

Done this 13 th Day of November, Anno Societatis LVI (56), as We celebrate the Feast of the Hare in Our

Canton of Caldrithig, where we have set Our Hands and Seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the humorous verse “The Foxe and the Welle”.

Nicola Canis, Award of Arms, 2021

 

Let all present and future know that We, Rattanicus Rex and Isabel Regina Ealdormerensis, in Our goodness and grace, have by this present letter given and granted and confirmed, through her homage and service, to Nicola Canis, the rights, responsibilities, and station of a Lady of the Realm; and further we do by this letter grant unto the aforesaid Nicola the right to bear the arms Per bend sable and azure, a three-headed dog rampant contourny tailed of a serpent maintaining in its tail a sword argent, for which a yearly annuity must be rendered in coin or in service, as pertains to the whole realm. And We, Rattanicus and Isobel and our heirs warrant the aforesaid Nicola of the aforesaid rights for the aforesaid service in perpetuity. With these witnessing on the 4th day of September, Anno Societatis LVI (56).

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen; based on a grant of land given by Nicola de la Haie.

Dubhessa ui Uilliam, Hare Salient, 2021

 Excerpt from the Annals of Kaerbrok:

That time saw the streets of villages and cities, castles and towns with scarcely a person to be seen, yet that year was still beyond measure abundant and fruitful, though in ways before unimagined. In this time of uncertainty there were those who continued to serve the peoples of their barony, and indeed Dubhessa ui Uilliam is one of the exalted.

And We, Avelyn and Dafydd, Baroness and Baron of the Barony of Skraeling Althing, and of the Covenant Among the Hares, have this written about her sacrifice and deeds of good work and other notable things, which happened in Our time, which we saw with our Own eyes, or which We learned of from persons worthy of credit. And lest things worthy of remembrance should perish with time and fall away from memory of those who come after us, We, seeing her work as former Minister of Arts and Sciences for her Stronghold of Greyfells, her work as her Stronghold’s seneschal, her work at events, including that which was held on the day of this edict, and many too numerous to recount in full, do present her with an Award of the Hare Salient. This we did in her Stronghold, at the Making MAYhem event, on the turning of the wheel to the first day of the fifty-sixth year of the Society.

 

Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based upon the final entry of The Annals of Ireland, written by Friar John Clynn, c. 1349  CE.

Dietrich van Sachsen, Kings Favour, 2021

Commission of Array to the Honourable Dietrich von Sachsen, the General of Our Bardic Army, to assemble all the able skalds, bards, poets, versifiers, and all other persons as deemed necessary from all of the hundreds of Septentria, Skraeling Althing, Ramshaven, Ben Dunfirth, Rising Waters and the shires of Ealdormere, and to bring them ethereally to the first Bardic War to wage in contests of wits, songs, and arms. This was done beginning the Ides of May and in aid and recognition of this commission and his deeds, do We, Rattanicus and Isabel, King and Queen of the Lupine Lands, bestow upon the said Dietrich an Award of the King’s Favour. This We do in spirit at Fruits of Our Labours, held by the Canton of Bryniau Twynogg, on the Feast Day of Romanus of Subiaco, hermit, in the second year of the plague, and the 55^th year of this, our community, which remains vibrant in the face of adversity.

 

Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based on a commission from the Glendower rebellion, 1403. (Cal. Patent Rolls, Membrane 20, 1403, 7 Oct. Gloucester.)

Ana Yanka, Order of the Crucible, 2020

So we Kaylah, Queen by Right of Arms of all the North and Trumbrand, King of all the North, Grand Princess and Prince Septentrian, and Skrael, and of Rising Waters, and Ramshavenite, and Ben Dunfirthian, and of all the shires; do address ourselves to Lady Ana Yanka. We, T’sarina and T’sar, on all days with our subjects overseen what they have written and any items they make and any scribal work they do and who does well. And that subject we note and we reward.

All lands, cities and persons honour and glorify those who bear the works of honour wrought by such masterful scribes. Thus let us, through our own strength, humbly praise this diligent servant who in turn glorifies others with brush and pen. And through such praise, make it known that we did not reign in a poor and unknown land, but in Ealdormere, which is known and celebrated by all to the ends of the earth.

Because she does not destroy Our laws, but confirms them, does not diminish works, but extends them, and does not undo but strengthens, she has proven herself worthy of reward. And because the likes of her are rarely found in all the northern lands, or in the east, or in the west, We, by the rights granted to Us by the laws and traditions of Ealdormere, say that she shall be made a companion of the steadfast and glorious Order of the Crucible. Behold that We grant unto her the right to bear the badge: Gules, a mullet of seven points voided and interlaced and a double tressure Or, and proclaim to all that on the 29th day of February, AS LIV, she is invested with the honour that accompany such promotion.

Arise honored Crucible and serve the lands you love. Stand tall with the honor that has been granted you. Rejoice and be of good cheer.


Wording by THL Dietrich von Sachsen. Based off of the Eulogy to Kagan Vlaimir by Vladimir the Great; and 15th century royal letters.

Thord Lotharson, Award of the Maiden's Heart

There once was a fighter named Thord,
Who fought with a big axe and sword.
He’d fight all the day
In every which way
So he joined the barbarian horde.

In the Shire did Thord make his home,
But not wanting to be all alone,
When newcomers approached,
In combat he coached,
A made his techniques then their own.

Thus did new fighters he train,
To fight well upon Trino’s plain,
He’d marshal the practice
And Winter War’s fracas,
And we call this a hobby – how insane!

So Kaylah, the Queen of the Land,
Said to Thord as did gallant Trumbrand –
For the fighting art
Award We Maiden’s Heart
Given now from own seal and hand.

Done this day, the 28th of September, Anno Societatis LIV.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

Neala of Trinovantia Nova, Award of the Maiden's Heart

I invoke the land of Trinovantia Nova,
Much coursed by the gentle seas.
A beloved land is yon land in the west.
So have Kaylah and Trumbrand invoked for her.
Beloved kinswoman is Neala,
Of the storied blood of Ragnaill.
She who is beloved of the land
And who loves in turn.
Waters furrows with heartfelt tears,
And turns fallow land to rich fields,
Through toil and labours,
With love and dedication.
Like a lofty ship is the land of Trinovantia Nova
And Neala, a skilled pilot
Who guides with hand and heart.
For us, the lays of time are preserved
To perform, most noble people;
Woven in the length of the cloak of her being
Is Neala of the Maiden’s Heart.
So do we speak on the feast of St. Machan.
I invoke the land of Trinovantia.


Words by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, inspired by Amergin's Invocation of Ireland.

John of Maggie, Award of the Wolf's Cub

It came to pass in the faire realm of Ealdormere that there lived a young boy by the name of John, son of Maggie. John aspired to become a warrior and to win renown from his Queen and King.

To that end did he consult with his mother and with the wise and noble of the realm. They advised to seek out the great White Wolf of Ealdormere, whom legends said guarded the horn of Suttungr, which gave any who supped from it vast wisdom. Thus did John set out on his quest to find the wolf.

After many moons of searching, John came across the mighty creature amidst a grove of tall pine trees. The beast stood taller than a warhorse, and his fur was as white as the snow, but John was not afeared. He approached the wolf and, with a bow, said unto him:

“Oh great wolf of the north: I wish to be a great warrior.”

The mighty wolf responded: “To be a great warrior, one must first have great courage.”

John thought a moment and then spake thus: “I have challenged warriors twice my stature in both height and prowess. Is this courage enough?”

The great wolf nodded, for he knew it to be so. “To grow as a fighter, one must have dedication to the art of battle.”

John paused in thought, and then responded: “I have sought the advice of noble knights and peers, and have practiced at every opportunity. Is this dedication enough?”

The great wolf nodded, for he knew it to be so. “Dedication and courage are but the start. A great warrior must know honour.”

John bowed before the wolf and spake thus: “I have always sought to win my battles with honour, or not at all.”

The wolf nodded, for he knew it to be so. “So I have heard from many lips. You have courage, dedication, and honour, young John. Do you seek wisdom?” John nodded, and the white wolf did give him the horn of Suttungr, which John supped from. Yet John did not feel any different, and said as much to the noble wolf.

“The horn is but a horn, John; is by seeking the wisdom of those who have come before you that you gain wisdom in turn. Your courage, honour, dedication, and wisdom are well known to me, and to Ealdormere.”

Thus did John return to the court of Kaylah the Queen and Trumbrand the King, who, on the seventh day of December, AS 54, declared him worthy of the Award of the Wolf’s Cub, as befits one whose virtues are known to the wolves of the northlands.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

AEthelbert of Whitstone Isle, Order of the Crucible

Rest your feet awhile, ye gentles good,
And hear the words of Roak Khan,
And those of Hyrokkin, Khan Begam.
The reputation of AEthelbert
Is not just a load of old cobblers.
Let us thus wax eloquently in his praise.
For word-fame lasts; this sole of diligence –
No cowmouth’d vagabond is he.
But his works speak with a most supple tongue
Which ensure he does not get off on the wrong foot.
Needles to say, and not to put too fine a point on it,
Such works deserve swift reward, hell-for-leather!
For as the ancients say: “If the shoe fits,
“Then a Crucible we make for skill and wits!”

Done this 18th Day of May, Anno Societatis LIV, as we sit our thrones at the great faire of Fruits of Our Labours, in our Canton of Bryniau Twynnog.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

Arwyn of Leicester, Order of the Laurel, 2019

THE GRYPHON IS MOST HIGH     HE IS TO BE PRAYSED

Let Greatness of Glory be his Principality, and Splendor, and Greatness of Retinue, and Valour and Boldness, and Courage, and Favour with the Gryphon, the bestower of Victory, to the people of Avacal. So long as flowers spread their perfume and daylight shines, with Sincere Love and Ancient Friendship, do We, Ivar the Black and Asney Grimolfrsdottir, who lean upon the Couch of Command in Our Kingdom of the Gryphon, highly advanced in Dominion, Noble in Courage and Justice, send praise.

As the maxim says “An equitable Ruler is the personification of Good in the World[1]”, and so do We find Our Princely minds wishing to make known what cannot remain hidden, being the esteem in which we hold Our loyal subject Arwyn of Leicester also known as Amira al- 'Aliyya. This Arwyn is a woman of Great Worth, beloved by her family and by our cousin the Shah, who considers her to be a fidalgo[2] of high rank. As she has great knowledge of saffron, golpar, shevid[3] and all the spices, and has been governing the accounts of her household, and made her knowledge available to all, do We elevate her in rank, advance her in prestige, and make her a member of Our most noble Order of the Laurel. With her do We then make the following contract:

1st We make her a woman of the pen[4] and grant her the right and title to sit in the royal palace[5] and name her moqarrab ab-hazrat sharbat-khana[6], over-seer of spices and desserts to Our court.

2nd It is granted that she shall pay no manner of Customes or tolles any kind of waye when buying or selling the commodity of spice.

3rd Free libertie, safe conduct and licence to come or sende her factors in trade throughout Our countrey, and to act as our Embassador and agent in the buying and selling of spice with Our cousins in other countreys.

4th That her Camel men, Carauans and Shipps will have safe harbour on Our roads, coasts and rivers, and that any who infringe upon them shall be brought to Us for judgement.

We expect all to fulfill these obligations[7] and be bound by Our stipulations, except a stipulation that makes unlawful what is lawful[8]. Fulfil this, Our agreement, for an agreement is obligatory.[9]

This is the intention granted by Ivar and Asney, who reside on the Couch of Justice and Splendidness , may Their dynasty last till the end of the world, and Their reign be prolonged till the consummation of ages! Done at the celebration of Yule, in the Barony of Borealis, on the 16^th day of Azar[10] in the yeare 1398, reckoned in the Society as the 7th Day of December in the yeare 54.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart of Ealdormere, based upon contracts between: ‘Abd al-‘Ali Khan, ruler of Gilan and England (14 April 1563); Shah Tahmasp and England (29 June 1566);  Shah ‘Abbas I and King James I of England (1615; modified in July 1697); the Treaty of Peace and the Frontiers (17 May 1639); and a letter from Shah Sulayman to Charles II (1677-78).

Sources

Dandamayev, Muhammad A. et al. “Contracts”. Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/contracts-legally-enforceable-undertakings-between-two-or-more-consenting-parties accessed September 29, 2019

Ferrer, José Cutillas, “SPAIN: RELATIONS WITH PERSIA IN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES,” Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition, 2018, available at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/spain-relations-persia-16-17-century September 29, 2019

Ferrier, R. W. “The Terms and Conditions under which English Trade Was Transacted with Ṣafavid Persia”. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Vol. 49, No. 1, In Honour of Ann K. S. Lambton (1986), pp. 48-66 (23 pages)

Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of School of Oriental and African Studies

https://www.jstor.org/stable/617668 accessed  September 30 2019

Hanway, Jonas. An Historical Account of the British Trade Over the Caspian Sea: With a Journal of Travels from London Through Russia Into Persia; and Back Through Russia, Germany and Holland. To which are Added, the Revolutions of Persia During the Present Century, with the Particular History of the Great Usurper Nadir Kouli in four volumes. Volume one. London: 1753.

  https://books.google.ca/books?id=etApAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y Accessed September 29, 2019

 “Iran, 1400–1600 A.D.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?period=08&region=wai (October 2002)  accessed September 29, 2019

Marcinkowski, M. Ismail. “Dastural-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/dastur-al-moluk Accessed October 1, 2019

ibid. “Tadherat al-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/tadkerat-al-moluk Accessed September 30, 2019

Matthee,  Rudolph P. The Politics of Trade in Safavid Iran: Silk for Silver, 1600-1730.

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. https://books.google.ca/books?id=5U0yECMV--wC accessed September 29, 2019

Minorsky, V. Tadhkirat Al-Muluk: A Manual of  Safavid Administration  (circa 1137/1725). Cambridge: W. Heffer & Sons LTD. 1943. Online at https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.227105/2015.227105.Tadhkirt-Al-muluk_djvu.txt Accessed September 30, 2019

Mustafa, Grand Vizier.  “Treaty of Peace and Frontiers: The Ottoman Empire and Persia (17 May 1639)”. Pars Times: Greater Iran and Beyond, http://www.parstimes.com/history/iran_ottoman.html  Accessed October 1, 2019

Ranjbar, M.A. and Sehhat Manesh, R., 2016. “New Routes to Iran’s International Trade in the Safavid Era”. Ancient Asia, 7, p.8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/aa.124 accessed September 30, 2019

Savory, Roger M. “COURTS AND COURTIERS vi. In the Safavid period”

Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/courts-and-courtiers-vi

accessed September 29, 2019

Shafaat, Ahmad, Dr. “Islamic Rules Governing Financial Dealings, “1988.  Islamic Perspectives, http://www.islamicperspectives.com/FinancialDealings.htm Accessed October 1, 2019

With Thanks To

Carroll-Clark, Susan. Private correspondence, Facebook Messenger, September 24 through October 1, 2019.

Leo-Roca, Carlos. SOAS Library, University of London.

---

[1] The original maxim is “An equitable Sultan is the shadow of God on earth”. (Mustafa.)

[2] Someone who was of a high rank could be known as a fidalgo. (Savory.)

[3] Spices native to Persia.

[4] The Safavid administration was split between the “men of the sword” and the “men of the pen”. (Savory.)

[5] It was a great honour to be allowed to sit in the Shah’s court. (Savory.)

[6] A moqarrab ab-hazrat was a manager in charge of a royal workshop responsible for expenditures. Moqarrab meant “confidant” and “hazrat” is an honorific. The sharbat-khana was the workshop that included spices, sugar and tobacco. (Savery. Minorsky. Marcinkowski.)

[7] The koranic verse 5:1 stipulates that agreements must be adhered to. (Dandemayay.)

[8] This is attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. (Dandemayay.)

[9] Several koranic verses teach that contracts must be honoured, including "O Believers: Honor your contracts" (5:1,) as well as "And fulfill every commitment. Surely every commitment will be asked about (on the day of judgment)" (17:34). (Mustafa. Shafaat.)

[10] Azar is the ninth month of the official calendar of Iran. It begins in November, ending in December, and lasts thirty days.

Aurelia Gabriana, Order of the Pelican, 2018

It was with honour when I, a humble poet, wrote to you once before on behalf of the crown. As you know, when I write I insert poetic quotes in my work, and try to create elegance in my words so that they would charm the ear. Now I move my pen to write to you again, Aurelia Gabriana, a woman of nobility whose righteousness is respected by all, at the bequest of our esteemed monarchs, Basiléus Evander and Basilissa Marioun, while we mark the anniversary of the passing of Emperor Leto II in the fifty-third year of our koino̱nía. Therefore, my friend, I need another kind of writing, another kind of urbanity in my words to speak on their behalf. I need a tongue—to tell the truth—that is filled with esprit. This then is the truth of things, in direct words. St. John Damascene once wrote of passions which could be overcome by virtues. They, our sovereigns, hold that you are an exemplar and paragon of those said merits. The first of these is the desire to serve, as you have done in so many ways. The second, compassion, which you show to all. Furthermore, your goodwill and love for all people; your joy; your patience and perseverance. Lastly is your way of doing good in secret; of despising boastfulness; and your humbleness. Therefore, due to these decent and noble traits, Evander and Marioun wish it known that they would raise you up so that henceforth you shall be known as a member of the Order of the Pelican. Your service shall stand a testament and will shine in glory through all eternity. This they told to me while the artisans of the kingdom gathered for the Queen’s Prize Tournament, in the Canton of Skeldergate.

Words by Maister Colyne Stewart, in the manner of a 12^th century Byzantine epistle, as described by Margaret Mullett in the Oxford Handbook of Byzantine Studies. Letters of this period would have been around 400 words long, to fit on one page. They lacked formulaic openings and closings, and often were undated. They were written in elaborate prose, with an emphasis placed on the relationship between the sender and the recipient. Letters would have been sent by couriers and were often accompanied by poems, perfumes, gifts or food (the symbolism of the accompaniment sometimes connected thematically to the letter’s contents). Letters at this time letters would have been written in Greek

I based this wording in part on a letter by Niketas Magistros (a high ranking official in 10^th and 11^th century Byzantium (as quoted in Floris Bernard’s “Humor in Byzantine Letters of the Tenth to Twelfth Centuries: Some Preliminary Remarks”) and St. John Damascene’s “On the Virtues and the Vices” as collected in the Philokalia (a collection of spiritualist writings written between the 4^th and 15^th centuries).

Koino̱nía, is Greek for communion and community.

Aurelia Gabriana, Order of the Laurel, backlog scroll (written in 2015; updated in 2017)

I was asked to write the wording for a backlog scroll for Mistress Aurelia Gabriana (of beloved memory) for her induction into the Order of the Laurel.

Lo, Roak and his queen did bring Their word

From Trino land; that Laurel was conferred

Unto Aurelia known for lovely art

For twas she that with needle showed her heart

So thence to teach was this new Laurel tasked

To well regard decree the Royals asked.

This was written in the chronicles as being during the winter war on the second of March in the year 42 after the foundation of the empire

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on a verse attributed to Tyrtaeus, as found in “The Life of Lycurgus” in “Parallel Lives” by Plutarch.

Ronin, Award of the Wolf’s Cub, 2019

Who praises young Ronin?

I, said the knight,

Due to his might,

I praise young Ronin.

Who saw him shoot?

I, said the archer,

Saw arrow’s departure,

I saw him shoot.

Who saw him fight?

I, said the soldier,

I saw no one bolder,

I saw him fight.

Who saw him work?

I, said the Pelican,

He made me believe again,

I saw him work.

Who saw him try?

I, said the Laurel,

This son so auroral,

I saw him try.

Who saw him worthy?

We, said the Queen,

With King convene,

We saw him worthy.

Thus was it recorded in the musical tomes of the lupine kingdom, that Kaylah, Queen by Right of Arms, and Trumbrand, King of Grace and Patience, did look upon the many acts of Ronin, and found him to be a most excellent exemplar of Their lands. Therefore did They bestow upon him an Award of the Wolf’s Cub, given at the Harvest of the Huntsmen, in the Barony of Ben Dunsfirth, on the fifth day of October in the fifty-fourth year of the Society.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based on the children’s rhyme “Cock Robin”, originally published in ‘Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book’, c. 1744 (though its origins likely date back to the 15th century). This version only contained four verses, with an extended version appearing around 1770.  

Thorsteinn Bjarnylyr Sveinnson, Order of the Crucible, 2019

Deft creations, crafted
From Kraki's seeds; words fail
But works remain. When have
Wonders such been seen hence?

Before the thrones, Thorsteinn!
Thou art called by Roak
And Hyrrokin. Here ye
Are hail'd; your skill, honour'd.

Jewelry you've tool'd; tales of
Temper'd metal's beauty.
Creator; the crown speaks:
Crucible ye shall be!

Thus it was as the Khan and Khan Begam sat their thrones upon the fields of Baron's Howe, upon the final day of the eight month of the fifty-fourth year.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, using Norse dróttkvætt poetics. Note that "Kraki's Seeds" is a kenning for Gold.

Shahid al-Hasan, Court Barony, 2018

Do not ask Evander for poems of light praise

Nor Marioun for paeans of the unworthy

This fair work, this pearl of wisdom,

From the mouth and mind of the lords of wolves

Is one tale of justice done

Oh Northland, make us acquainted with Shahid!

For one moment make us not separated from his dignity!

What need the land of worthy men?

In Shahid’s hand his sword, my pen.

Wolves, do not fear for honoured  man

This white rose of trillium gardens

Champion in the field of war

Adorn upon his brow a pearl’d band

To Their court they claim him, baron,

In Caldrithig, safar five and twenty,

Three and fifty as we count the Jāmiʿah

What need the land of worthy men?

In Shahid’s hand his sword, my pen.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based upon the poetry of the 16th century Turkish poets Fuzûlî and Yahya bey Dukagjini, and a quote regarding the 16th century poet Riyazi  by Ziya Pasha (an 18th century writer, translator and administrator).

Court Barony, Catherine of Townsend, 2018

Evander & Marioun, by the grace of the North, King & Queene of Ealdormere, to all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting.

Know ye that of our especiall grace, certaine science and meere motion, we have given and granted, and by these presents for us, our heires and successours, doe give and graunt to our trustie and welbeloved servaunt Catherin of Townsend a corounet of silver adorned with six perles and declare her to be a Baronnesse of our Court. Provided alwayes, and our will and pleasure is, and wee doe hereby declare to all that this noble came to us by the Seas thither, voyaged from the country of the lion with two tailes, and did improve this our lupine reaulme by her very presence.

And forasmuch, as upon the finding out, if in our land, or in any remote countreys and territories, any should challenge OUR word, they shall attaine great Paine and peril: and that upon such injurie, wee, our heires or successours shall make open proclamation that those who challenge our word shall be out of our protection and allegiance, and free for all princes and others to pursue with hostilitie as being not our Subjects, nor by us any way to be advowed, maintained or defended, nor to be holden as any of ours, nor to our protection, dominion or allegiance any way belonging, for that expresse mention, &c.

In witnesse whereof, &c. Witnesse ourselfe at Caldrithig the 3, day of November, the third month of our raigne. Anno Soc 53

.

PER IPSAM REGINAM, &C.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based on Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/16th_century/humfrey.asp

Jonas of Skraeling Althing, Award of Arms, 2018

In the name of Evander and Marioun the Compassionate, The Merciful

Praise be to the sovereigns, Lord and Lady of the North, and blessing and peace eternal upon their line, our masters Evander and Marioun.

The annals of former generations are lessons to the living: a man may look back on the fortunes of his predecessors and be admonished; and contemplate the history of past ages and be purged of folly. Glory to Him who has made the heritage of antiquity a guide for our own time!

Know then, Commander of the Faithful, that there is one amongst the subjects of the North who made the glory of the past his own; for he has studied ancient books of the most eminent tutors, and perused the writings of the martial traditions of the Kings of Persia and India. In so mastering the lore of the sabre and excelling in the arts martial, that his fame has spread far and wide as a student of defence; and he has become renowned in his home province of Skraeling Althing.

When the King and Queen of Ealdormere heard tell of this man, they requested him to attend their court. And so it was on the 25^th day of Safar, in the 53^rd year, that they spake unto Jonas of Skraeling Althing – for such was he named – and began repeating these couplets:

                All who come before our thrones, know of what we do proclaim!

Let not one vassal, woman or man, this our mighty word defame

For wonderful is he and right worthy of our praise

And of our Scarlet Banner, Jonas’ honour we do name.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the dedication and poetry of A Thousand and One Nights.

Laurenz Tonnemacher, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2018

In the year quinquaginta tria, on the eighth day of September, in the presence of the revered baron and baroness of Septentria, their majesties Baldric by right of arms high king of Ealdormere, and Breyla, High Queen by virtue of inspiration, and of their heirs, and that of their chamberlain, and that of Trillium Herald, present in person, sitting in judgement.

Singly and with others, the honourable lord Laurenz Tonnemacher of Skraeling Althing, has undertaken a firm, free and unconstrained obligation unto our commissariat, effectually guaranteeing it with himself and his property. This solemn obligation has been received, and reciprocated, by the lady Ilsebet Jeghersche, the lady commissar, and by the undersigned notaries, on behalf and in the name of our sovereigns’ commissariat.

The honourable lord has properly ensured in the lands under contention between the East and Middle kingdoms, at his own expense, cost, and outlay, and in accordance with requirements and custom, saw to it that sound and adequate tent poles, and sound and adequate deployment for each tent pole, under the supervision and command of the lady commissar, were provided to ensure that our sovereign’s commissariat was provided proper shelter and supply.

It has also been agreed that the honourable lord has provided retinues, scribes, and other suitable officials in each and every place of the said contentious lands, and ensured that accurate maps were provided to their majesties’ captains and their aides-de-camp, for several years counting or starting from the first day, as pleases the sovereigns and their commanders.

And thus on behalf of the sovereigns, the High King and High Queen, in the presence and with the consent of their councillors, the crown solemnly promises and agrees to grant, make over and assign, in good faith and without fraud, for each of these services, as stated above, the Award of the Maiden’s Heart, to be proclaimed throughout their demesne.

It was also agreed between the said parties, the intention that the sovereigns would continue to honour and reward further service of the honourable lord, which they will exercise according to custom in such matters. Concerning each and all of these deeds, the High King and Queen, their heirs, and the councillors of the realm asked of us, the below-named notaries, to draw up public instruments in accordance with the counsel of the wise, but with no alteration to the substance of the meaning. This was done in Eoforwic, whereof we have placed our hand and seal.

 Based on the 1334 Naval Contract from the Papacy against the Turks. Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen..