Greetings and Joyous Holiday wishes to Our most Wonderful Barony of Nottinghill Coill!

What a year this has been.  His Excellency and I have had the opportunity to visit in all the different parts of the Barony, and travel to other lands with  many different members of Our populace.  We have been made aware of how special our group is, and how blessed we are to live here.  We have shared our pride with Kings and Queens of Atlantia, and we hope that they know what a sparkling jewel this group is in the Royal Crowns.  Thank you for letting us have this opportunity to represent such a warm, rich Barony.

Yule Toy Tourney was a shinning example of what this group offers.  The charity shown by the toy drive was heartfelt, and obvious to anyone who walked into the room with the tables and tables of gifts for those children who might not otherwise have the magical Christmas experience.  We would like to thank Admiral Brandon and his crew for putting together this wonderful event.  We would also offer our gratitude to all those (led by Lady Milicent) who helped us keep our Royal guests well fed and cared for during the event.  We were told by our Guests how impressed they were at how helpful and welcoming the group was to them from the moment they pulled into the site.  However, what gives me the greatest pride is that this attitude was extended to everyone who came, regardless of their royal rank.   Thank you to all who helped in all the ways that added up to one of the best events of the year.

Now, We urge you to rest, revel and enjoy your winter holidays.  The new year promises to have just as much joy and opportunity as the last.

Yours in Service,
Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness of Nottinghill Coill.

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill

We had a splendid Coill Collegium on Saturday 11/12. Many Thanks to the Instructors, the Students and the Staff. Most especially Lady Isolda, Lady Irmgard, Lady Milicent and Lady Rohesia. Our goal is to hold another Collegium in June/July of 2012 and make this an annual Baronial Event. As always I remain...

in Service to the Dream,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka

Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

Yule Toy Tourney VI: Dec 9-11, 2011

As the weather grows cooler and the leaves begin to turn, thoughts inevitably stray toward the Yule Season. It is a time for family andgiving, a time for peaceful fellowship with those we love. As we count the many gifts we have received in life, we should all remember that there are those less fortunate than us– those who need our help to have a festive Yule Season.

To this end, the Barony of Nottinghill Coill would like to invite you to join us at our annual charity event to provide Yuletide cheer for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. As has become custom, we are supporting The Country Santa charity group. Last year this group made it possible for over 3000 children to have a happier holiday season. For more information on this charity, go to www.countrysanta.org.

The event will be held at the Table Rock Wesleyan Camp (125 Bethany Cove Drive, Pickens, SC 29671) in and around the Tabor Building (http:// www.trrcc.org/facilities/tabor/). The site itself is a beautiful setting with a stunning view of Table Rock itself.

Site Fee is a donation of one new, unwrapped toy that will go to Country Santa. Additional donations will be required for entry into Martial Activities and A&S competitions (see below)

The site has dorm-style rooms that can sleep from 4 to 12 gentles, for a total capacity of 50. The overnight fee is $10 per person to reserve space for both Friday and Saturday nights.

Feast will be an “Iron Chef” competition between the winner of last year’s competition, Captain Nichola, and Baron Norton from our neighboring Barony of Hidden Mountain. The secret ingredient will be  The secret ingredient will be Chicken/Eggs. Feast fee is $10 per person, and will be capped at 60 gentles. As anyone can tell you who attended last year’s event, you do not want to miss this feast. 

Martial Activities will include:

Archery – A Yule Season Themed shoot (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toy)

Armored Combat – A traditional 5 weapons tourney (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toy per fighting form)

Rapier Combat– There will be 3 rapier scenarios, A “Thin Ice” fight, a “Snowball Fight” in which the assembled crowd will participate, and an “Odd Off-Hand Parrying Device” Tourney. (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toy per tourney)  Baron Lucien has also sponsored a “rising stars” tourney to show off some of the up-and-coming fighters in the area. (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toy per tourney)

Arts and Sciences Competitions will include:

Best handmade toy or game, Best Handmade Yule Ornament or Decoration, Best Baked Goods or Sweets (Entry= 1 new unwrapped toy per competition) and a special Baronial Tapestry category sponsored by Lady Milicent (Entry= 1 new unwrapped toy per competition)

Reservations (for Overnight Stay and Feast – Toys are taken at the door) :

Make checks payable to SCA, Inc. Barony of NottinghillCoill. Send reservations to Lady Janna of Falcon Cree (Janna Shelby), 110 McArthur Street, Easley, SC 29642, Phone: (864) 386-3793, E-mail: 

totooz63[AT]yahoo.com

Site opens at 5PM on Friday and closes at 11AM on Sunday

Any other questions, please contact the Event Steward – Captain Brandon Caiside (Brandon Cassady), Phone (864) 404-6796, E-Mail: bcaiside[at]yahoo.com

Southern Atlantia Clothier’s Guild

Emphasis:  During 2011, the southern Clothier’s Guild will focus on Italian Renaissance clothing for women during the time period of 1460 through 1540 A.D. with the end goal of a competition to be held at the next Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday event.

Activities:  The southern Clothier’s Guild activities leading up to the competition will include an overview class on Italian Renaissance clothing, a how-to class on documentation, several hands-on sewing and fitting sessions and a final class on putting the documentation and garment together for the competition.

Dates: 

January 2012 (date TBA)   

Hems and finishing the clothing

Putting the Documentation together (Mistress Etain) 

February (or whenever event is held)    

Competition

All sessions will be held at the Church of the Cross in Columbia, SC. The hall will open at 10:00 am and will close whenever everyone decides that we have had enough sewing for the day. The hall can be used for storage of items over Saturday nights. Other activities (such as rapier or heavy practice) or classes are welcome. 

Reservations are not necessary but would be very nice

Call:  Beatrice at 803-646-6441 or baronessbeatrice{at}hotmail.com 

Place:  Church of the Cross, 7244 Patterson Road,Columbia, SC 29209 http://episcopalchurchofthecross.blogspot.com/

          

Greetings, Nottinghill Coill!

We hope that everyone who was able to attend War of the Wings had as wonderful a time as we did, and I know that our thanks to Lord Brandon and the crew of the Sea Wolf  for the wonderful job of organizing our Baronial encampment are echoed by many.

The Canton of Cyddlain Downs has stepped forward to plan and organize next year's encampment.  We hope that everyone will feel that they can contribute to making our encampment bigger and better every year.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Baronial Collegium in November, and Yule Toy Tourney in December.  

Yours in Service,

Baron Geldamar and Baroness Etain

From Lady Rohesia

Greetings,

Just wanted to take a few moments to say I was happy to make the trip up to University that was held in MD. If you want any of the handouts of the classes I took please feel free to message me (arwynn16[aat]gmail.com).

The classes I took were Gilding 101, How to Cut a Quill, Silk Painting and How to Contsruct a Mongolian del.

Lastly, if you are interested in attending Collegium on November 12th and have not yet signed up for classes please do not wait any longer. Class spaces are going fast! Check http://www.nottinghillcoill.org/ for more details and I hope to see some of you at Collegium.

Kind regards,
Lady Rohesia

Nottinghill Coill Collegium

Have you ever wondered what goes on in a Collegium? Here is your opportunity to find out - for FREE!

When:  November 12, 2011

Where: St. Mark's Catholic Church
            928 Boundary St.
            Newberry, SC 29108

The day will be filled with classes offered by local instructors cover a wide variety of topics, from cooking, knitting, history, heraldry, martial arts, and more!  Additionally, students may receive University credit for classes attended at this Collegium.  Pre-registration is a MUST for this Collegium, as class size is limited.

Visit the website for information on how to register or contact the Autocrat.  Website:  http://www.nottinghillcoill.org  SIGN-UPS ARE NOW OPEN!    Some classes are nearly full, get your registrations in!

There is no feast, however the Ladies Guild of the church will offer an inexpensive lunch for sale as a church fundraiser.

Martial Activities:  none. (however Lord Elphin ap Daffyd is teaching a track of rapier melee tactics)
Arts & Sciences Activities:  Classes, and lots of them!

Contact the Autocrat, Lady Isolda Jourdan (isolda.of.falconcree[at]gmail.com) or Student Liasons, Lady Milicent Shively (hagatha819[at]aol.com) and Lady Rohesia of Thessalonica (arwynn16[at]gmail.com) regarding the event or classes.

Cost:  There is no fee to attend Collegium.  Some classes have a materials fee and payment of those are directly managed by the class instructor.   Donations to the Barony are not required and will not be turned down.  :-)   If you're feeling generous, make checks payable to:  S.C.A. Inc., Barony of Nottinghill Coill

NOTES:  Please feel free to forward this flier to any other groups or mailing lists.  Note that the flier in the Acorn mentions a performing arts competition - this has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.  Merchants should contact the autocrat - expect to be outside and have your own foul weather plan.

See you at Collegium!
Lady Isolda Jourdan
Autocrat

Greetings Fellow Quill Readers

When I first heard of paternosters I did not know what they were. First thought I assumed it was a foodstuff or a treat. Then I saw pictures of complete paternosters from various people in the Kingdom and I quickly realized I was way off. So then it led me to ask myself what exactly is a paternoster? Is it just a "medieval rosary"? If so why are they called paternoster? Well I asked her Excellency Rowan Berran McDowell if she had more information. She indeed had a handout and is kindly willing to let me share with the Barony. So here is her handout on paternosters and it is really quite interesting.

Blessings,
Lady Rohesia

Countess Rowan's paternoser handout: "Making a “Paternoster” or “Rosary”
 
We fly to your patronage, O holy Birthgiver of God;
despise not our petition in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O ever-glorious and blessed Virgin.
                   -one of the oldest known prayers to Mary

Overview/ Introduction
The use of the word “bead” dates back almost 400 years and  is derived from the Anglo Saxon word “bidden” and also the word for prayer-“bede”. Prayer beads may have originated with Hindu religious practices in India, but were also  found  in general use throughout China, Japan, Korea and Tibet. Prayer beads in the form of bead strings were in use by Christians as early as the 2nd century and by the late 1600’s the form we now know as  the “rosary”  could be  found everywhere. In Europe, a string of prayer beads was  first called a “paternoster” after the Latin term for the prayer most often recited on it. Later it evolved into several forms and configurations, but initially it was just a linear string of beads. History although in common usage by Christians, prayer beads were not officially accepted by the Catholic church until in 1520, Pope Leo X made the rosary an official instrument for veneration.

The “rosary” took the place of the daily recitation of the Psalms for the non clergy. The Our Father was used because  every  good Christian  was  supposed  to  know  the prayer and while the Daily Office might require you to be able to read, the “rosary” did not. When the primary prayer changed from the Our Father to the recitation of “Hail Mary.”It included only the first part of the prayer with which we are familiar today. Both parts of the prayer are derived from Scripture-   the Gospel of Luke, 1:28   combined with Luke, 1: 42. It was the Church which added the second half which came from the prayer book for the dying written by St. Anselm of Canterbury who died himself in 1109. In 1196, the Bishop of Paris ordered his clergy to teach this form to the members of their flocks and in a short time the prayer became used throughout Europe.

In 1568 The Hail Mary was added to the Our Father, along with the Glory Be to the Father, which is how the rosary is prayed today. Materials and Construction Medieval rosaries in all their forms could be made from many different materials, including clay, wood, bone, glass, and mother-of-pearl; semiprecious stones such as chalcedony, amber, jet, and coral; and even gold, silver and precious stones, basically whatever you could afford. They were strung on silk cord or linen thread- the favorite color for this was red. Crosses did not become a predominant part of the rosary until the Council of Trent, 1543-1563. Usually you would find tassels on either or both ends, medals, reliquaries, tokens  from pilgrimages- whatever was meaningful to the owner. There was no hard  fast rule about the number of beads or even the number of decades. Decades evolved as an easy way to divide the 150 recitations of the Our Father that replaced the 150 Psalms the clergy were required to say. Many prayer strings had as few as 5 and as many as 150 beads on them. Usually you would find prayer strings of 33 beads for the life of Christ, 64 beads for the life of Mary, 5 for the Five Wounds, 7 for the Seven Sorrows, etc.

Rosaries usually had 53 or 59 beads and were  frequently  formed  into bracelets or necklaces and worn by both men and women. Men usually adopted the linear form of the rosary. By the 15th century no self respecting Christian would be  seen out and about without  their  rosary prominently displayed!


How To For a Rosary:
Length of silk
wire  twist  needle
52  small beads
6  larger  beads

Medal, cross, tassle at one end or both make a knot at one end of the silk leaving a two inch tail, string your beads, etc. then either tie the ends together to make a  loop  leaving some give so that the beads can slide on the silk. Add a cross or tassel or token with the ends.  Knot firmly and trim excess. You may add a tiny dot of superglue on the knot to keep it from unraveling.

For a Paternoster (33 or 50 beads):
Length of silk
wire  twist  needle
33 or 50 beads

Cross or token or tassle at either end make a knot at one end of the silk leaving a two inch tail, string your beads, etc.  Add a cross or tassle or token at either of the ends.  Knot firmly and trim excess. You may add a tiny dot of superglue on the knot to keep it from unravelling.

References
Beads and Prayers: The Rosary in History and Devotion by John D. Miller Dubin, Lois S. The History of Beads, from 30,000 B.C. to the present. (New York: Abrams, 1987).

Praying With Beads: Daily Prayers for the Christian Year by Nan Lewis Doerr and Virginia Stem Owens Miller, John D.

Beads and Prayers: The Rosary in History and Devotion. (London: Burnes and Oates, 2001).

Beads of Faith: Pathways to Meditation and Spirituality Using Rosaries, Prayer Beads, and Sacred Words by Gray Henry and Susannah Marriott

Praying With Our Hands: 21 Practices of Embodied Prayer from the World's Spiritual Traditions by Jon M. Sweeney, Jennifer J. Wilson, Taitetsu Unno, and Mother Tessa Bielecki

"Rosary" Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service.

Bedes Byddyng: Medieval Rosaries and Paternoster Beads by Chris Laning Michael Cleary, SVD.

The Jesus Prayer Rosary (Canterbury Press.) Lois Sherr Dubin

History of Beads, New Advent, Catholic Encyclopedia

Note:

The Last Saxon Queen: Fiction by Baron Bardulf

"Clumsy bitch!"

The food had been late in coming, served cold, and was of poor quality. That the serving girl had carelessly spilled a cup of ale on him was the last straw. Hugh seized the wench and raised his hand to punish her with a slap.

"Tu canis agresti! Numquid non est de cultu concidit in vobis?" It was a mature feminine voice that spoke with an edge of anger.

("You’re an ill-mannered dog! Is there not a shred of civility in you?")

The shock of being rebuked in the elegant language of High Court while standing upon the dirt floor of a country tavern stayed his hand. His eyes searched the squalid hall and found a older woman seated at a table against the wall. She took a supper of simple fare while wearing a cloak against the evening chill.

The woman eyed him calmly then raised her goblet for another draught. "Let go of her."

"This is none of your affair, old woman."

"The girl is a Saxon. That alone makes it my affair." The woman lowered the goblet. "If you strike her, I'll see to it that you will lose that hand."

Hugh released the wench, who then fled into the kitchen. "Your impertinence knows no bounds. I demand an apology!"

"I mistook you for a nobleman. In my ignorance, I gave you the grace of courtly speech. I'll apologize for that much."

"Permit me an introduction. I am Hugh, nephew of Count Geoffrey of Mortagne, and Squire to Sir Robert Fitzosbourne."

"Well then, you're a high-born dog and I pity the Norman bitch that had the misfortune to whelp you."

Stung by the affront, Hugh strode across the room to confront the insolent old woman. As he approached, she arose and her cloak fell away, revealing a half-drawn broadsword.

The two stood motionless for a long moment when she gave him a subtle smile. "It seems we're at an impasse. There's a Saxon way to resolve such things."

"I am not a Saxon, and I know nothing of their customs."

"Then it's time you Normans learned some civilized ways. I'll buy the first drink and you must buy the second. If it continues, we'll both live to see the morning with nothing worse than headaches.

"Sit down." She motioned him to an empty chair at her table. He hesitated. "That was a simple command; humor me. I'm accustomed to being obeyed."

Hugh took his seat. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t much like being called a dog…”

“You’ve no cause to complain. I’ve shown you as much respect as you gave the wench.

“I should warn you," she continued, "there are several of my Housecarls in this tavern. You have no idea how fortunate you are. Had they seen you approach me with bared steel, they would have cheerfully hacked you to pieces."

"A Saxon Housecarl is no match for a Norman. That was proven at Hastings."

"You’re too young to have been at Hastings. Have you ever seen a dead Housecarl?"

"No, I can't say that I have."

"Pray that you never do. Every battle-slain Housecarl that I've ever seen had the bodies of at least four of their foes scattered about."

The first round of ale passed mostly in awkward silence… "I know something of steel-craft…" Hugh struggled for the next words…"It's unusual for a woman to bear arms - especially with so fine a blade…"

"I received it from a Norman knight."

"You must have rendered him a great service to merit such a gift."

"It wasn't a gift and no service was rendered. Rather it was more of an exchange. Besides, he had no further use for it."

"You exchanged swords?"

"He had my blade and wouldn’t give it back…"

"Pray tell, why would he want your weapon?"

"I’m sure he didn’t want it - at least not the way I gave it to him. My sword went through him clear to the quillon. Try as I might, I couldn’t pull it free."

The old woman paused before continuing. "Have you ever been struck by a mounted knight? It's like being hit by a tree. Somehow, I managed to maim his horse. He dismounted and came back to finish me off. I was barely on my feet when his first blow glanced off my shield and knocked my helm off. ‘Twas then that he realized that his opponent was a woman.

“In his surprise, he hesitated." The woman took a deep draught of ale. "I didn't."

"Where did this happen?"

"Hastings - on the Saxon right flank, close to the woods. I was at the shield wall with my thegns. It was soon after this that Godwinson fell. When a number of Housecarls saw that their king was dead and the battle lost, they all but dragged me from the field."

Hugh caught his breath. “My father’s body was found at Hastings - close to the woods."

There was a long silence. Her eyes narrowed as she studied Hugh’s face.

“Your sire met death with courage. When it comes for you, do no less.” The woman arose, unsheathed her sword and laid it on the table. “It’s yours, I have no further use for it.

"It's late and I've lost my taste for this ale. When you return to London, tell 'William the Bastard' that Ealdgyth of Mercia yet lives." With that, she turned and walked away.

Nottinghill Coill's Baronial Collegium November 12, 2011

 
Have you ever wondered what goes on in a Collegium? Here is your opportunity to find out - for FREE!

The day will be filled with classes offered by local instructors cover a wide variety of topics, from cooking, knitting, history, heraldry, and more! Additionally, students may receive University credit for classes attended at this Collegium. 

Class Registration
Pre-registration is a must for this event, as class size is limited. It is preferred that students complete their registration online using the link provided. NOTE: Registration for classes opens after War of the Wings. 

Ok, I'm in! Where am I going?
Site: St. Mark's Catholic Church
928 Boundary St.
Newberry, SC 29108 

What about Lunch?  
There is no feast, however the Ladies Guild of the church will offer an inexpensive lunch for sale as a church fundraiser. 

Contact the Autocrat, Lady Isolda Jourdan (isolda.of.falconcree[at]gmail.com) or Student Liasons, Lady Milicent Shively (hagatha19 [at] aol.com) and Lady Rohesia of Thessalonica (arwynn16 [at] gmail.com) regarding the event or classes.

Greetings to Our most wonderful Barony.

We returned safely from the great War and were overjoyed to spend a glorious day at the War Orphan's Pity Party.  The new Baronial pavilions were displayed and enjoyed at the event, and we hope that everyone will share in our Baronial pride whenever they are present.
 

Now our minds turn to a war closer to home, War of the Wings.  Our cousins of Hawkwood and Sacred Stone have pleaded for our assistance, as have Raven's Cove and Black Diamond.  After much consideration, mostly concerned with how our participation can add to the enjoyment of the event, His Excellency and I have chosen to side with our close neighbors, Hawkwood and Sacred Stone.  We hope that this choice will help everyone feel the camaraderie and unity that fighting a common foe can create.  

Of course, when the battles are done we will share a toast to the black and gold Baronies and treasure their friendship just as much. Please join us for War Practice in September, as we hone our skills and prepare to make the forces of Nottinghill Coill noticed.

Yours in Service,

Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill!

There's much news in Nottinghill Coill!

Bids for Baronial Birthday must be in by September15th. Send bids to me at: barontakeda[AT]yahoo.com

Our NEW Baronial pavilion was displayed at WOPP: Kingdom of Heaven in St. Georges on Saturday August 20th. It is quite stunning!

We have a NEW Baronial Hospitaller, Lord Brandon Caiside. Please welcome him in this new Office.

My warrant expires in September 2011. Their Excellencies have consented to extending my warrant for another two years. I look forward to continuing to serve the Barony as Seneschal. As always I remain....

in Service to the Dream,

Baron Takeda Yoshinaka

Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

The Raptor’s Tale, Part 9: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

“Report, Mr. Thomas,” BlackJack spoke quietly as he came onto the quarterdeck.  “All are aboard and accounted for at this time, anchor will be up shortly.  Course has yet to be determined, we wanted to see what you knew.”  The two men walked towards the covered chart table, and began pulling out charts.  After silently going through them for a few moments, BlackJack spoke.

“Mr. Hale, how well do you know the islands off the coast of Sierra Leone?  I know that the English are using the port there to ship slaves like everyone else, but mayhaps we can find a place to set up an ambush?” 

Mr. Hale turned the wheel to his student and walked over, along with the main helmsman, Mr. Bradley.  Both looked at the maps, and Hale shook his head.  “I’m sorry, Cap’n, but I’ve not been there as of yet, I’m no help to ye.”  He quietly returned to his post behind the wheel. 

Mr. Bradley then pulled out another chart, and pointed at a spot on the map.  “Here ye be, Cap’n.  Bunch of little islands almost due east of us now, mostly run by natives.  They fought the Portugese off back in the thirties, I want to say.  Noone really goes there now because of it.  I’ve been through there a couple of times with other captains who didn’t listen to me much, barely got out a couple times.  Fools thought they could handle a ship, and kept grounding us.  We’re shallower than Drake, from what you said, so even if he does try to follow us, we can get a few places there he can’t.” 

BlackJack slapped Mr. Bradley on the back, and laughed heartily.  “Then it’s a good thing for us that I trust you, and those other fools didn’t!  Set your course, and let me know when you are happy with our location.”  Turning to Mr. Thomas, BlackJack spoke again.  “Once Mr. Bradley says we’re steady enough on our course, summon the crew.  We’ve a Judas on board.  We know who he is, and Aerak is confirming what we could get from him, but I’m going to let the crew determine his final fate.  I’m going down to check on the gunner who was attacked, then will be back to address the crew.”  Mr. Thomas nodded, as BlackJack turned to go below. 

Approaching Melina’s surgery, he could hear voices talking quietly.  Entering, he found Mr. Golden, the Gunner’s Mate, talking to Melina and the wounded man.  The patient was sitting up in a hammock, with one hand over the bandage on his belly.  BlackJack smiled as he approached. “Glad to see you awake and talkin, lad!  How do you feel?”  He sat down on a crate next to the wounded man. 

Nervously, the man spoke.  “Well, Captain, I feel like shite, to be honest.  I got jumped, and the next thing I knew, I was on a table, listening to the lady here yelling at someone.  Then I woke up again here.” 

BlackJack looked embarrassed, and continued. “Yes well, you got lucky that Melina is probably one of the best, despite being a woman.”  He ducked, laughing, as she threw a dirty rag at him.  “Seriously, though, lad.  I appreciate you trying to stop the fools, but next time, get some help.  You are part of a team for a reason.  Teams live longer.  I know Mr. Golden here is ready for you to get healthy enough to work again, but you stay here until Melina says you are fit for duty, a’right?”  The man nodded as BlackJack stood.  “Now, if you will all excuse me, I have to address the crew about the Judas, and have him taken care of.”  He turned and walked out. 

Arriving back on the quarterdeck, BlackJack nodded to Mr. Thomas, who spoke.  “Mr. Bradley assures me that we are steady on course for a bit, and should be able to pull a majority of the crew to where you can address them.  Are you ready, Captain?"

Shaking his head, BlackJack replied, “Not really, this is not something I want to do, but it’s the price of being a leader of men, I suppose.  Let’s get this over with.  Advise all the officers to keep a weather eye out for trouble as I speak, so’s we can stop it immediately.”  Mr. Thomas nodded and walked off to give the orders. 

After a few moments, the bosun’s whistles could be heard throughout the ship, as the men were summoned on deck to hear their Captain speak. 

“Lads,” BlackJack began, “I owe ye an apology.  I know I promised ye a few days on dry land, even if it was an empty island, to stretch yer legs afore the comin battle.  Unfortunately, there was a bit of a problem.  Turns out we picked us up a couple of Drake’s men in Lisbon, who were attemptin to send a message ta that gods cursed son of a motherless whoremonger, givin us away.  Fortunately they were stopped by one of Mr. Golden’s gun crew, who sustained a serious injury in the fight.  He’ll live, thanks to our Surgeon, Melina.  Magnus’ man Aerak found them, killing one in the process of their capture, and the other is below in the brig bein questioned now, to be certain we know everythin that he does.  What we are lookin at is this.  We HOPE we still have enough of a lead on Drake to get to a new hidey hole, and continue with our original plan.  However, the reason I address you now, is because we are a crew, I want the crew’s input on what to do with this traitor.  He came aboard OUR ship, signed OUR Articles, then promptly turned Judas on us, claiming he’d been given a Pardon in advance by Drake and Elizabeth.  What say you, men?  Shall we hang him, and leave him for the fishes?  OR shall we keel haul him, THEN leave whatever remains in a boat with no oars til Drake picks him up, as a warning????” 

BlackJack closed his eyes for a moment, letting the crew’s shouts wash over him.  Listening, he could hear the sounds of the ship slowly being masked by their anger.  The creak of the ropes, the snapping of a loose sail, the sound of the rough seas pounding the sides of the ship as she flew through the water, all were muffled.  Mr. Thomas, growing concerned at the crew’s increasing rowdiness, and his Captain’s quiet, tapped BlackJack on the shoulder, pulling him from his reverie.

 “ENOUGH!” BlackJack shouted at the top of his lungs, silencing the crew immediately.  “Very well, then.  At dawn, the prisoner will be brought above decks and keel hauled.  Whatever is left will be tossed in a jolly boat for Drake to find.  And Aerak is guarding the prisoner until then.  He is under order to kill any man who approaches the prisoner before sentence is carried out.  Now, let’s get to it, and get to our new ambush point before we run into Drake, shall we?”  The men shouted their agreement as they went back to their various duties, whether they be working, or preparing to work.  Nodding to Mr. Thomas, BlackJack relieved him of the watch.  “I’m too tense to try and sleep anyway, lad, I’ll take this watch.  See you at dawn.”  Mr. Thomas nodded, and went to his hammock in the cabin he shared with the other officers.


to be continued...

From the Baron and Baroness

Greetings, 

Pennsic War is upon us and we hope that all of you traveling to war have a safe trip.  We will be processing in the opening ceremonies and would love to have you join us in representing the Barony and the Kingdom.  We hope to see you there.  We know those staying behind will protect the borders of the Barony while we are away serving the Kingdom.

We are still looking for a bid for next Baronial Birthday.  Anyone interested pleased contact Baron Takeda or us. If anyone has questions on the process of event stewarding please feel free to ask us.

We hope to see everyone at W.O.P.P. and Collegium.  They look to be fun and exciting and we are looking forward to them.

Thank you for all of your support to us and the Barony and we look forward to seeing everyone.

Geldamar and Etain

Baron and Baroness

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill

There are two items of Baronial business:
1. We are now soliciting bids for Baronial Birthday 2012. The dates for Birthday are February 24-26. If you wish to host Birthday please forward your bid to me.

2. We are seeking to fill the office of Baronial Chatelaine. If you wish to serve your Barony in this capacity please contact me. My email is: barontakeda_AT_yahoo.com.

As always I remain........

In Service to the Dream,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka

Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

Kid's Coloring Winners!

Victoria

Katherine

 Greetings,

I would like to announce the winners of the Kids Coloring contest. Congrats to Katherine Kyst and Victoria. I had only two entrants and therefore I will give each young Lady a prize! Each will recieve a small purse made with the finest Chinese textiles and filled with rare Eastern delights that I've acquired through my travels around the Knowne World.

And presented for the Populace are their colored entries. Vivat to the talented youth of Nottinghill Coill!

Until next missive,
Rohesia