[MR] A minor missive

[Nicholas S. Malone]

Most wondrous and Joyful Greetings to the Peoples of the Great kingdom of
Atlantia and the known world, from the most humble AshaHito.

 

There is plenty of reason to rejoice.  The Spring season and rebirth of the
land is at hand. The barony of Caer Mear and her territories is peaceful and
prosperous. A most friendly and entertaining Ice Axe event was completed in
Yarnvid. There was much camaraderie, and playful fun had, with copious
amounts of food, drink, good times and fellowship. It seems there is only
one tiny point of the most insignificant issue that is somewhat unsettling.
And this is only to the few truly superior peoples of the most civilized
backgrounds in our lands. Why it was even discussed letting it fall by the
wayside in hopes that none of the commonest folks would even notice. But I
was reprimanded for such a suggestion, for is it not the duty to the world
of the superior man to help guide and educate even the lowliest peasant when
they go astray.

It seems that the former leader of the Barony of Caer Mear, a noble Viking,
a people that trade with many noble, educated and civilized peoples, had
retired to his fiords. He did leave a bit of a vacuum in leadership. The
crown, having had no trouble or bad word from the Barony must have believed
that the leadership was a task that could be preformed by anyone. This was
evidenced at court during the recent Ice Axe celebrations. For I went forth
into court expecting the minor pittance of tribute that was my just reward
for the prior 4 years of peace, and trade and education, and for allowing
all who whished to observe me so that they might be better people in this
life and in future lives if they could not yet emulate a scale so high. It
seems that the current Baron and Baroness are feebleminded, amnesiatic,
illiterate and possibly inbred Germanics.  I made very minor requests,
almost ceremonial things as a token of my friendship and generosity.  I
asked for a simple cask of mead, for I assumed there were people of science
that brewed beyond beers and simple spirits. I asked for 2 goats, for one
would be lonely, and a woman.  I did not ask for things that would taxes the
peoples of the land because I feel a warmth and affection for many of their
quaint and unassuming lives. I did not ask for a year's supply of fine
wines, for that would have had to be imported. I did not ask for a heard of
Horses, of a flock of sheep. For horses are rare in these ands beyond the
table and many hereabouts are overly fond of their sheep for some unknown,
or at least unspoken, reason.  I did not ask for a virgin that would sell
well just a typical woman.  I was offered common moneys that turned out to
be simple gilding about a base core.  I was given a small image of a sheep,
a twerp (from Antwerp, a small representation of cargo in transit to be
traded and represent ownership in records keeping. Mandatory historical
content) and the only mead in the Hall was what I brought as an open
offering to every man even the lowest in the hall. And while there were many
about, no women were offered to my house.  It would seem that the new heads
of the land have forgotten the events of 4 yrs ago, and the dread won/drawn
peace and prosperity of the lands.

I would not do this for personal gain. I take on this task only for the sake
and well being of the peoples of my adopted homelands. I do not even do this
to save face, other than I would not want my relatives and families in other
ports to suffer insult if word came to them.  It is with a tear in my eye, a
pain in my breast, but a resolve to uphold the duty of mentors everywhere.
I must declare war upon the Baron and Baroness of Caer Mear.

Yes many Vikings, Gypsy's, Mongols, Arabs, Moors, Preemptive Salvage
Experts, Traders, Merchants, Holy men and Byzantines counseled war and made
many generous offers and plans. So be it.  I call upon the Iterate,
civilized and artistic learned peoples of the world to come unto Caer Mear
and Smite a Germanic, gothic thug; This would seem to be the only thing they
understand.  We shall drive them into compliance and shame and mayhaps
slavery for their foolish ignorance and affront.  Sadly they will not still
have the skills to read about the day but we can only teach them so much.
Of course hospitality demands that I provide for those that would head my
call.  I will provide silver and copper coins to those that lend me their
service and talents, I shall provide ale and cakes and cookies and meat to
those that stand by my house. And a certain amount of prize taking / looting
will be allowed for a full day sunrise to sunrise.

We shall meet in contest, after the Harvest, on the ides on October on the
same ground as the Ice Axe was celebrated, a week after the kingdom wars.
Mayhaps the heavy suited Germans and Normans will be preoccupied in their
homes elsewhere.

 

In service to the greater good of all mankind   AshaHito