Clyde's Travel Log - The Faire of the Wolf

The Faire of the Wolfe
Shire of Redewolfden, Meridies
Murray, KY
20 Oct 2018

Early on the 20th of October, 2018, I took a journey to the farthest Northwestern point in the Kingdom of Meridies to an event hosted by The Shire of Redewolfden named 'The Faire of the Wolf'. It is a long journey for a day's event from Easaraigh, but I was blessed to have the good company of my knight and mentor, Earl Benen Mac Tire.

It was dark and rainy as we mounted my wagon for the trip west. His excellency had experienced some excitement on his way to our meeting place. A pair young deer had sprung from the undergrowth on the trail and nearly dismounted him. Both esteemed Peer and deer passed through the encounter mostly unscathed, if you don’t count the signs of the encounter that marked the beasts, tack and man, thus not hindering our planned journey west.

The journey to the site of the event was uneventful and pleasant. The weather cleared into a beautiful autumnal day with mostly clear sky and a gentle breeze.

The event location was at a local Shire church. The Redewolfden locals greeted us warmly. Several familiar faces were already there from the northern Kingdom making this a cozy, family-like affair with good company.

The Shire had prepared several dishes of meat and fowl, many desserts, and other delicacies for the attendance. All the food was hearty and appetizing. I believe the Apple Cobbler was a big hit based on the amount of feedback I heard from those who tried it.

Classes where held throughout the day. The subjects were varied and included a full, multi-part course on Chivalry, bardic improvisation, juggling, courtesans, games, heraldry, armor making, history, and equestrian. I did not sit in any of the classes. Those that I did see being held, appeared to be of good substance and attendance.

There was an A&S competition that was won by Solveig Hrokviss. She sung an excellent and humorous tune during the lunch break that she had written as her entry.

I spent my day on the tournament field. The Shire held two tournaments. There was great comradery on the field all day long with courtesy and honor for friend and temporary' foe alike.

The first act, a double-elimination contest that pitted the 7 northern fyrdmen in attendance in a friendly match in skill at arms. For myself, still presenting as a left-handed fighter who is not one, I failed in two attempts and became spectator for the final rounds. In the end, it was the Roman Marcus Tullius vs the Norman John Mailor to determine the victor. In the best two-out-of-three bout that followed, Marcus prevailed, both fighters demonstrating great talent in the art of combat in differing styles.

The second act was a William Marshal tournament. In this activity, there were 8 combatants vying for excellence over a half-hour span.  Everyone entered the field and kept at it for the full, allotted time, without much pause. I credit the cool day making this possible, at least for me that is. The affair ended with many smiles and at-a-boys all around. When the points were tallied we found that Marcus Tullius once again led all with the high score, followed closely by Giles (a recent migrant from Aethelmarc lands) and Legio Uv Orkney.

My actions on the field became more confident and comfortable as the day progressed. As I found my 'dexter' nature through the mornings, I was able to find some of my 'sinister' side later in the afternoon. It was the most fighting I have done in one go this year and I was thankful for the setting, opponents present, and the wise counsel of Earl Benen through the day.

The day at Redewolfden was closed with an informal court presentation led by Earl Benen and Mistress Moreg Cochrane. Marcus accepted one of the prizes presented to him (a mace as I recall) and returned the other to Redewolfden to use as they see fit. Solveig was presented with a book. Much thanks and appreciation was shared by all and court was dismissed.

I was happy to share in the joy of an excellent, sunny day with the Shire of Redewolfden here in the north of Meridies. So much happiness and contentment was shared and felt. It was a really good day for them and those that came at their invitation to participate in it.

Life can be hard in a border frontier Shire. The Shires are the foundation of any kingdom and makeup such a large part of the populace that many, sadly, never know. If you have the opportunity, go visit those small groups in your neighborhood. You and they will be better for it.

The journey back to Easaraigh was as pleasant as the trip away. Earl Benen and I had good, quality discussion along the way that made the travel pass rapidly. It was dark as we returned home to warm hearth and bed.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP2, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies