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Post by Frere Reynald de Pensax on Jul 16, 2011 13:48:43 GMT -5
Proclamation:
I have sought, and this day gained permission from Master Brian de Jay of the Poor Militia of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, who has sworn allegiance to our sovereign lord, Edward, to give succour and refuge at our preceptory of Montaigle, the ancient walls of which have ever been a refuge in ages past, to all those loyal subjects of the aforesaid lord Edward who have been harried and unlawfully dispossessed or who have suffered violence by, or at the hands of those traitorous scots, who have sought fit to rebel against their lawful king, the aforesaid lord Edward, and who have disregarded and abused his royal peace to raid, despoil and ravage his rightful inheritance as ordained by God in succession, father to son, through many kings of his blood and royal line.
Given this day the XVI July by my hand, Brother Reynald of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, Knight Preceptor of Montaigle
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Post by Frere Reynald de Pensax on Jul 18, 2011 13:26:52 GMT -5
Gracious Sovereign,
Your Majesty well knows that the North stands in peril at the hands of marauding Scots, led by one Guillaume le Waleys, knight, who respects neither life nor law, but with fire and sword is ravaging the borders of Northfeld.
Four-score poor souls whose homes now are but ashes blown upon the wind have taken refuge within the walls of Montaigle, and, as your Grace well knows, as but I and one Brother of the Temple holds this place in the name of the aforesaid renowned Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple, I have saw fit to summon all those men under arms in fief to the aforesaid Temple in Northfeld and Skoland for Knight Service. A dozen lances have I with me, and through their aid, and the Lord's, have much harrassed those of the enemy when they have, confident of meeting no such resistence, ventured too far afield in search of plunder. Indeed, my gracious lord, I have this day set such an afront to the honour and dignity of the aforesaid Sir Guillaume, as will prove his undoing, for having taken by surprise some fifty of the enemy, we spared but one, and he one Iohannes le Waleys, kin to the aforementioned Sir Guillaume. He, the aforesaid Sir Guillaume, will now with all his force immediately march upon us here. We stand not so much in peril, gracious lord, for the enemy has neither engines of war nor the means withall for their construction, and our walls will be proof against their assaults, and further we have stores of food for several weeks. Nor, as your Grace well knows, is it possible for any foe to completely surround this strong place. Nevertheless, Majesty, I implore you with all expedition to come to our aid, for, as they say, 'the fox is brought to bay', and between our walls and your Majesty's own force will he yet be caught.
Given this day, the XVIII July, by my hand, Brother Reynald, Peccator.
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Post by Sir Didymous LaRoth on Jul 20, 2011 0:15:29 GMT -5
Sir Didymous LaRoth, the Earl of Northfeld by the addoption of blood by blood and the due succession of title and promotion of our Blessed Duke of Northumberland, to Our dear Brother Reynald of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon.
I be affronted that I have had to send this second rider unto you, the first was found of my scouts to be dead, I presume of the most un-chivalrous Scotch. He seem'd to have fought bravely defending both his message to you, and his honor. He was returned to us here at Northfeld with the broken seal of the letter I sent to thee still in hand. It was to the goodly foutune of all that there was ne'er a bit of secrecy to that which were in the note. I have sent this with armoured men to your keep, that the men may stay with you and to let thee know also that the free company that I have builded with our goode friend Sir John Karloff of Skoland are all on their way with orders to separate and approach from all directions that they might ralley in secrecy at Hunte Mannor that be in the midst of Northfeld. A score and four lances with slingers and seventy and five infantry await your orders.
Also I schall upon the morrow next move direct to you. I bringe with me arbalestiers and my personal guard of six knights. Also a troupe of Scotch archers rallied by fidelity by our own Sir Lee Ferguson, who by his father's word is bound as my loyal lieutenant. He is left in keep of mine home as I marche towards you. My noble wife the Dame Latitia, she is in safety in our retreat at Tynehouse where our most Venerable Duke hath most graciously sent his own guard to keep watch.
Sir Wulfscyld would most assuradly be to our aid but he himself attend'th to his reinforcement of defences after the short raid he endur'd a fortnight ago, that same raid that sent the four score into thine eaternalygracious care.
I have sent privily to our High Lord Edward informing him of our state thus far. I pray the Lord keep us all and the rider who now maketh haist to our benefit. May He bringe quick victoree and peace once again to our land.
Set under my seal on XX of July, Sir Didymous LaRoth, Earl and Order Knight of the Rouse Clan.
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Post by Frere Reynald de Pensax on Jul 21, 2011 11:27:07 GMT -5
To the Most Puissant Knight, Sir Didymous LaRoth, Earl of Northfeld.
Greetings, and may the blessing of Our Lord be upon you and your noble house.
Your lordship has ever been a generous patron of the Temple, and now, in our hour of danger, with the enemy ranged about our walls, you come to our aid. I grieve for the loss of your rider, my lord, and know that I have requested that masses be said for his at our high altar in London. Your second road-knight was met by my scouts, thanks be to God, and he now sups with us here. It is well with him, and so with us all, as it is with Sir Wulfscyld's vassals, whom we have succoured. One bit of good news more I may convey to your lordship is that when we with surprise took the fifty Scottish raiders, they had with them some of the aforesaid Sir Wulfscyld's fine heifers, for they bore his mark, and these we were able to return whence they had come. But, my lord, I may say that my pen, as much as my sword of good Lombard steel has been busy of late, and done as much good with one as with the other have I, for I have written to our Master in London with news of the outrages of Sir Gulliaume le Waleys, and our Master Brian de Jay has in his turn well aquainted our Master overseas with same, and he has declared it lawful for all brethren of the Temple to enjoin in arms against the aforesaid Sir Guillaume le Waleys and those of his following. Further, indulgences have been pronounced for all those men-at-arms who fight with us. Your reward, therefore, my lord shall be in Heaven, and I trust on your arrival within our walls (and your lordship well knows the passes by which you should approach us for advantage over the enemy) you shall find good company, for Master Brian is leading our English brethren northwards, while those of our brothers who reside in the realm of Scotland are marching south to us. I have also taken thought as to the company of good Sir John, and I have despatched one Brother Hanno, knight of our fellowship of the Temple to Hunte Manor to lead the aforesaid company by the best paths. Brother Hanno, your lordship well knows, for he stood in defence of the land of Our Lord's birth with your most noble father.
Given this day in thanks and praise by Brother Reynald, Knight-Preceptor of Montaigle.
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Post by Sir Didymous LaRoth on Jul 24, 2011 11:54:39 GMT -5
Lord Edward, Sovereign of all England by the Grace of God, to Brother Reynald of the Knights of the Temple.
Thy request has not fallen upon deaf ears. I this day have sent a call to all those who would serve the crown, that they should with all haste rally to the village of Saint Swithbert in the south of Northfeld. I have received notice from the Earl of Northfeld that he, and some of his men ride now to you. Upon his arrival I pray you to send him to the afore mentioned rally point that he himself might lead them under my banner that those unscrupulous Scotch may know that their True King is come to enforce that which is already owed him of them, their loyalty. If all should go as planned this gathering in Northfeld shall be the hammer 'pon thine anvil that shall forge the unity of nation that God wills.
By the Grace of our Lord I have this penned. XXII July
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Post by Sir Didymous LaRoth on Jul 25, 2011 23:20:24 GMT -5
(Upon arrival at Mantaigle, Sir Didymous' men are given rest and he is led into the inner bailey where he greets Brother Reynald who is pawing over maps and ploting points that his scouts have reported activity. NOTE: Sir Didymous doesn't prounounce the letter "H" unless it is part of an exclamation, and even then it is strongly aspirated.)
"Hail and Gode save ye Brother Reynald! I and my men 'ave made great 'aste to you, your folk e'en now attend to the needs of both troop and animal. It 'as been a long time since I 'ave seen such 'ospitality. I trus in the Lord o' all creation that all be well wit'ye. And 'ast thou 'eard any word from our goode Kinge? I 'ave rit 'im o' our plight, but the urgency of the times hath sallied me forth afore I could 'ear word of 'im. Long the way I 'ave rallied militia, sutable for reserve infantry wit their axe and other odd tool, and some o' the slingers that I saw trained when that Wallace clod first started 'is rabble rousin'. Our numbers in total now be, aside m'self, a score and one archers, ten arbelestier, six goode knights, five slingers, and a score and seven odd men, all of which be willin' to serve the right."
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Post by Sir Wulfscyld Garmund on Jul 26, 2011 0:07:06 GMT -5
I sir Wulfscyld have found victory aginst the scottish rabble that raid my villages but as waves of the great sea i found that they are never ending and I prey our dear father in the heavens calms the wind to allow the waters to settle for more than 3 moons it has been since i last lay my head and my sword at rest for it still gleams as the finset jewls of red in the sun i need help my lord lorath i can no longer hold the waves here for my army has been wore thin by exsustion not even my oxen can keep the thine wagons moving for there falling to the ground with exsustion along with my afield garrison i need time to be bought to allow for reinforcment of defences of my villages so that i can hold the scourge in place as lambs to the slughter for even the isle of man was not this diffacult for they faced me like men not as dogs that run and hide and then again assult in the cover of night cowerds as all scottish men are there women could boast a better fight than them my bride proves that. and my lord laroth i have sent riders to you but none must of made it for i sent a escort just so u recived this i pray for you that you havent befell no harm and that all is well with sir john i am sorry for no aid to others if time for battle has befell them but for now gaining control of the river tweed has been the task as you have read my lord and my god be with you and to all in this glorious striffe for i must boast to you my lord for you know of my abilities on the field of battle i have slughtered 67 scotts personaly with my blade in the name of our king and god those wretches have been sent to hell.
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Post by Sir Didymous LaRoth on Jul 27, 2011 0:11:18 GMT -5
Sir Didymous LaRoth to Sir Wulfscyld Garmund
My Baltic friend, I am sorrowful unto mine heartsblood for thy state, I have just now recieved thy note of a relay rider. Missed it me as it were sent to Northfeld, left I there three days ago. Sir Lee hath taken to send it me and sent word also that he schall send the garrison of the castle Redess to give any aide needed. It be but two knights, four sergeants, and a score of infantry, but e'en now we have a great force rallying in Montaigle. Once all be accounted for we schall raze the foe and do justice for their injustices to thee. 'Till then as has alway been thy motto Steadfast.
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Post by Frere Reynald de Pensax on Jul 27, 2011 6:52:13 GMT -5
Brother Reynald of the poor Fellowship of the Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon to his Most Serene Majesty, Edwardus Rex Deo Gratia.
Gracious Sovereign,
May the blessings of all the Saints be upon your Grace. The most noble lord, Sir Didymous LaRoth, Earl of Northfeld, with those of his meynie, are within the walls of Montaigle; which place has proved unassailable by the enemy. The Earl hath well received thy missive, and on the morrow shall depart straightways for Saint Swithbert for the purpose of leading your royal host against the realm of Scotland which now stands enjoined in rebellious arms against your Majesty, having been inspired so to do most traitorously by one Guillaume le Waleys, who so unlawfully presumes the guardianship of the aforesaid realm, not saving your Grace's royal perogative.
News of thy royal preparations have reached the ears of the aforementioned Messire Guillaume, and, hoping to bring matters to a conclusion most favourable to his unlawful cause, hath issued a challenge to whit: that I should meet him in single combat for having taken his kin, one Iohannes le Waleys, brother to the aforesaid Sir Guillaume, in chains, and who is e'en now awaiting your Majesty's pleasure. I pledge, my Lord, that I shall not be thought so foolish as to drawn out by such a ruse, yet that I am a true knight, I shall well meet with Sir Guillaume in combat. Our garrison now contains more stout hearts than the Scots have thought upon, for I have with me here all our vassalage from hereabouts, as well as our Scottish brethren, numbering five brother knights and twenty sergeant brothers, and eight further knights of our vassalage from the realm of Scotland. With me also are the men-at-arms of the valliant Sir John Karloff. Messire Brian de Jay, who was coming to Montaigle with those of our brothers and all our vassalage from England I have now sent riders to, to warn him straightly to Saint Swithbert muster, and on the selfsame morn that the noble Eral of Northfeld shall proceed thither, I, my gracious Lord, shall issue forth against the rearward of the Scottish host, for even now, they are drawing off; fearing the approach of thy royal host. To Saint Swithbert shall I myself, together with the fellowship of the Temple and the meynie of the most noble Sir John Karloff, well make all the haste we may, saving that we shall first go by way of the hold of thy most loyal knight, Sir Wulfscyld Garmund, who stands much embattled, and there we shall offer what succour and assistance as we may.
May God defend the righteous.
Given this XXVI day of July by Brother Reynald, Knight-Preceptor of Montaigle, Servant of God, the Temple and thy Gracious Majesty.
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Post by Sir Didymous LaRoth on Jul 31, 2011 14:01:22 GMT -5
(Sir Didymous left Montaigle, leaving Brother Reynald to organize the march of the forces. He takes with him a small retinue of two retainers and his ever-faithful squire Andrew MacLir. He rides with haste to Tweed castle to find and explain the situation to Sir Wulfscyld Garmund, his trusted vassal. After a brief audience in the war chamber, Didymous leaves Wulscyld to continue preparations for the troops headed his way. Sir Didymous then hurries on to Saint Swithbert in the south of Northfeld. Upon his arrival he is met by his men.)
"Raise me banner 'igh! Let those Scotch dogs know that Didymous is 'ere! I 'ave come to meet the men that 'is Royal Majesty 'ath provided. Where be they?"
"They be to the far side of the village, M'Lord. They have taken camp out side for they be too many. The knights were extended courtesy that they might reside within the walls. They be at the Inn of the red deer, awaiting your arrival."
(Dismounting and handing the reigns to his squire.) "Andrew, take the 'orses to the livery and catch me up. I go to meet the the lords of this 'ost. Take thou our victuals to the hold in the midst. And don thy armor afore thou meets me, I want not to shew them a lack of readiness. Sir Geoffrey and Sir David, go ye to the gate 'ouse over against the east side of the village. Take thou a count of all the men the King 'ath sent us and give ye me due report after I return to the bailey."
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Post by Frere Reynald de Pensax on Jul 31, 2011 16:53:51 GMT -5
Brother Reynald rides out of Montaigle to harass Wallace and the Scottish host. Wallace has realised the danger he is now in, and he has begun the retreat back to Scotland. A retreating army, however, is a dangerous animal; and Brother Reynald means to prevent any further ravages. He leaves Brother Hanno in command of Montaigle with half a dozen lances to garrison the fortress. With the rest of the forces available to him, he sets off in pursuit of the Scottish host. Wallace's retreat is slowed by the amount of plunder his men have taken, and it takes two whole days to cross the Border. Wallace does so ahead of the rest of the army with all his best mounted men in order to prepare for the inevitable counter-invasion and clash of arms. This leaves the rear of the retreating Scots without effective leadership, and at the mercy of Reynald's strike force. Every time the Scots try to make camp, or stragglers are caught, Reynald attacks. He uses his Sergeants and crossbowmen as light cavalry and mounted missile troops. Each time the Scots try to protect themselves by forming schiltrons, these troops break up the formation, and Reynald's knights then close in for the kill. No prisoners are taken, and during the retreat 200 of the enemy are ridden down and slaughtered, however; these ruthless tactics ensure that no further damage is inflicted by them, and Wallace and the Scots' morale is badly shaken. Reynald and his men then break off the pursuit and turn towards Tweed Castle to bring aid to Sir Wulfscyld.
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Post by Sir John Karloff II on Jul 31, 2011 21:24:35 GMT -5
goode brother reynald,mine free company of knights have i given thee this day in thy hour of need,hast thwarted most of thy enemies on the field of battle upon my land of Skoland,my wife lady dorthia be safe in our manor house on borgo pass and away from danger. my sword be with the blood of many enemies but mine sword and free company are yours if the need arises once more! yours in Christ, Sir John Karloff, Lord of Karloff Hall, Baron of Skoland and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Rouse Clan.
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Post by Frere Reynald de Pensax on Aug 1, 2011 4:56:11 GMT -5
Brother Reynald de Pensax of the Poor Militia of the Fellowship of Christ and the Temple of Solomon to the Most Honourable and Noble Knight, Sir John Karloff II, Baron of Skoland.
Gracious Sir John, thy sword arm hath lately been like the staff that supports the righteous and the rod that punishes the wicked. May the blessings of Our Lord, and of all His Blessed Martyrs be upon thee, and for thy aid I do hereby apportion thee and thy heirs the benefice of our Church of Saints Chrysegg and Claribus and the Glebe lands appertaining thereunto, assessed at one and one-half knight fees, quit of all vassalage. The portion of the valiant Sir Wulfscyld Garmund shall be all the spoils that lately we have taken and for the relief and repair of his hold of Tweed Castle and the estates appertaining thereunto shall be granted unto him the benefice of our Church of Saint Pollonius the Confessor and the Glebe lands appertaining thereunto, assessed at one and one-half knight fees, quit of all vassalage.
Enacted this, the Kalends of August, by Brother Reynald of the Temple, Knight Preceptor of Montaigle at Tweed Castle.
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Post by Lady Latitia LaRoth on Aug 2, 2011 22:52:43 GMT -5
Dame Latitia to my Noble husband.
I hope all is well with thee, since I have heard nothing of thee since thou hast left Northfeld, and thus dispos'd me to Tynehouse under guard as a prisoner. I have heard report of your banner over the hold in Saint Swithbert. Pray, why goest thou there to that relic of a sanctuary and with the numerous men that hath also been reported me? Further more, when shalt thou send me word of thy travelings, and of this conflict that hath put me thus into this imposed holiday? When shall I have again the sway and control of my people? Why hast thou so imprisoned me here with strange men and with ne're so much as a word scratch'd onto a planck with char coal from thy campfire? Send thou answer to me I pay thee. I long again to see thee well, e'en if I should have to give these bobchins the slip and sack thy guards. Also should'st thou again try to place again me here as this I shall put asunder thy knees that I may travel with thee just to attend on thee. As alway thy stubbin to my lord on the second day of August.
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Post by Sir Didymous LaRoth on Aug 2, 2011 23:36:01 GMT -5
Sir Didymous to my honoring wife.
Write not thou to me as though I be some cuckold! I long to see thee as much you I. As thou well knowest thou art thus placed in Tynhouse as protection 'gainst the threatenings on thy life from those loathsome rebelers. Thou art Manx, and were thus once under a Scotch kinge. Thou art now the wife of an English noble and art consider'd a traitor of the Scotch. Those men be the trusted guard of our blessed Duke, and I forbay thee to do ought to them that should make them think thee dishonorable to the wishes of thy husband. Hold I thou co-equal to mine honor, if either I lose I am for nought. Have I no intent to be thus! To occupy thyself, see to the defences of Tynhouse. Thou art of a goodly mind for war, organize some scouting partys of the garrison there. I schall be taking these men that were sent to me of our Lord Edward and moving thus to Northfeld. Once there intend I to hold and wait for all of the forces collected of our allies to muster thither. As I await their arrivale, I schall slip away for a night or twain to pay thee some company. When chance schould arise I schall try to convince Wulfscyld to send his wife, thy sister to tynehouse for her saftee and thy company.
Verily awaiting to see thee again, Thy husband on the fourth day of August.
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