July 22

Winds out of the E at 20 knots, swells at 4 feet, clear sailing

Well I am disappointed. Upon arriving and making my way to the Baronial freehold, I find out that the Baron August has abdicated his throne. In his place is a mere slip of a girl. The silver eyed, Baroness Angharad ap Liam. It seems defeating the Black Ships has laid a heavy burden on his soul and so the Baron August has departed on a grand quest to lift it. I wish him luck.

In his wake he leaves a Barony that�s not much of a Barony. Other then a pooka Herald, the court positions seem largely unfilled. Oh there are a few thanes but not much else. This suits me well for in the confusion there is certainly seems room for a wily fae to make his fortune.

However it is also a Barony beset. It would appear that although the Black Ships may be gone, but an echo as it were remains. The Dark as it is called still lingers in the harbor. When we arrived, the Barony was girding for battle against it. After some confusion, the forces of the Barony were marshaled to combat it.

The battle was not lead by the Baroness but rather by a mere knight, one Halfdan Kinrowan ap Dougal. Along with Gustav the Black (another Sidhe, although this one carrying cold iron) and his page, they did lead the attack on the Dark. The forces arrayed against us included all manner of distorted sea life that was led by one in armor of blackest night. With blades flashing and magics flickering the barony�s forces did beat back the Dark. Gustav falling into his seeming downed the general with a pistol. The general turned out to be a former squire of Halfdan, fallen to the Dark. With the downing of the general, the army of the Dark retreated. A redcap struck down Halfdan with a blade of iron immediately following the battle for no apparently reason. Strangely, the Baroness did not pass judgment but left that to Halfdan. The Baroness seems to differ to Halfdan on many matters of rulership, this bears looking into.

Although not what I was expecting, the Barony does seem to hold much promise.

Aug. 12

Winds out of the East at 18 knots, swells at 1 foot, overcast

The Barony is nothing if not interesting. Upon arriving at the freehold to discuss a few matters of court with the Baroness, what should happen but a person and three wolves flicker flash in the midst of the freehold with no hint of glamour. Halfdan, Gustav, and myself were there to confront them. The three wolves flickered away and three persons did flicker back. Again not even a whiff of glamour. I suspected that they were some kind of native pooka. They claimed to be ambassadors from away sent to parley. Halfdan thought that they were most likely from the Mer as we did have contact with them.

While Halfdan organized hospitality, I talked with them to find out why they�d come. I was introduced to their chieftain, Kara. She was also of Romani blood as myself, which lends credence to the idea that they are some kind of fae. They came seeking knowledge of the Black Ships. It appears that they were also plagued by the Black Ships but not quite in the same way as we fae were. Apparently there was a treasure of great value that was stolen from them that was on a ship in the harbor at the time of the Burning. They are just now returning like ourselves and are seeking the whereabouts of it.

During dinner they attempted to explain their religious tenets to us. This is where I had my first inkling that they may not be what I thought. Apparently they are all warriors who worship the Moon and Earth. They fight the Dark in their own way but it was all very muddled. There is no one of higher rank then chieftain and apparently there are a great number of motleys all very loosely organized. Again the difference in terms and the Sidhe�s attempts to clarify only muddled things further.

After dinner as I was preparing to bid them farewell, Halfdan wanted assurances that they would not fall to the Dark like his squire. Due to misconstruing some terms, Gustav decried their speaker as a liar. All very nearly fell apart at this point for our guests and Kara in particular did not take kindly to this. Halfdan insisted that an oath be sworn and I could feel their anger from across the room. After some very tense discussions the misunderstanding was worked out and an augury performed. It was foretold that all would be well if the one called Bob, Brave-At-Heart were to be the guardian of the treasure. As they left I watched as they freely changed from wolf to person and back again. I think we have had our first dealing with the local skinchangers. Despite my best efforts, due to the hot bloodedness of the Sidhe, I fear we have gained naught but enemies this day.

Curse the Sidhe and day they ever returned!

The following written upon Goblin parchment.

My Lady, my Liege,

I write you so as to Inform you of one Event of Note amongst the usual Turmoil of criminals pursued, enemies thwarted, assassinations averted, and mortals englamoured. It is a Matter of no Small Interest in these Autumn Days.
It occurred of late during a Reune with Guests to the Barony in which I find myself, pursuing those Efforts intent to my current Station. Several Nunnehi Gallain had approached the kithain of this Barony. They sought some aid in Quest to retrieve a Weapon of ancient Design which holds power against the Nightmare Enemy which plagues your Borders this year past.
Loudly they decried no Servants of Night nor Winter were they, yet Gwydion here spoke those Words a Lie. You know the Gwydion - a Nemesis of mine. His Integrity in this Need Not stand Questioning.
This plagued our Peace, for I could not in Right of Oath give aid to those who may serve this Self Same Enemy against whom such a Weapon stands to Wound, delivering into the Enemy's Own Hand the tool of Deliverance.
The Baroness of this small Border Town, this Frontier, is one Angherad ap Griffiths ap Liam. She is by her own Word a Seeress of some Accomplishment. Repeatedly did I give Sign that Binding of Augury would stand most Welcome; assurance that these Winter-folk would not use this Weapon against our Intent. Repeatedly did she beg off such Duty. Moreover stood she with Dangerous Words indeed.
"After every Winter comes a Spring."
'Tis not but I did Note these Words, my Lady. This Angherad Liam courts Winter and Disaster. Her own Court stands yet Unfilled. The Holds of her Demesne rest either Unguarded or else Outside of her Fealty.
I am at your Beckon and Call, my Lady. And you have Allies here, no matter your Design. The Auguring of August holds that only One Most Deserving of this Baronial Throne shall Take and Keep it my Lady. Angherad ap Griffiths ap Liam has Taken that Throne.
Winter comes apace.
Your Servant,
Sir Halfdan ap Kinrowan ap Dougal,
Knight of the Queen's Own, in Her Majesty's Secret Service.