Clyde's Travel Log - Gulf Wars XXVIII

Gulf Wars XXVIII
Lumberton, MS
9-17 MARCH 2019

"Unto Figimund of Faraway, keeper of peace and honorable citizen of Meridies, from Eoin Mac Cana, Warden of the Northern Plateau, good health and grace.

Your lordship, I have asked the scribes to place this retelling to parchment of my visit to Gleann Abhann and the gathering I attended therein.

As has been customary for some years now, ambassadors of the Ansteorran and Trimarian kingdoms did gather their might to attend council and negotiate at King's Arrow on Hasting Field in Gleann Abhann. Well known foes, the annual 'Gulf War' gathering would once again bring these strong kingdoms to the table to test their willingness for war through massed engagements, tournament and competition. As you know, this activity is more about reaffirmation of peace whether valid complaint exists or not. The event goes on as much out of tradition as anything else.

As part of this annual assemblage, their allies were called to attend. Our King Adhemar, through the knights of the Kingdom, called for our levy. As the shire has been in poor order from the winter, only Marek and I could be spared to answer the call for assembly. Neither of us were in any condition to stand in the shield wall. But, we went regardless and offered what support we could to our Kingdom's effort.

Marek and I made easy work of the journey south. The lands between Easaraigh and the King's Arrow are well patrolled.I did hear a story of the Calontir king running into rogues on his journey though. This did make us a little more vigilant as we passed into Gleann Abhann lands.

We camped and supped with the Foxes Den contingent as is our Fyrd's custom. I stalwart and steadfast group of campmates that anyone would be challenged to find better. The lord smiled upon us with our acceptance to this group that defies description. They have become our brothers and sisters at war, a family of choice and the Den is a home of our making.

The Meridies contingent was allied with Trimaris this year. Unfortunately, the call to arms was responded to with a small outcome and Meridies fielded a much diminished company than in years past. Those there on the field, did represent the sable and argent well and did appear a formidable host from my view in the gallery.

Early in the week, I put myself to an opportunity that the proprietors of the Green Dragon Tavern made known prior. They had asked for memorial shields for SCAdians who have past to be painted for display in the rafters of the noble establishment. During the week, I was able to present 4 of the devices for display. My contributions represented the arms of Count Sir Hadi al Hadad, Count Sir Brendan MacAengus, Master Carlwyn George Ordragoun of Canterbury, and Edmund Cavendish. The heraldry is now on display in the Green Dragon for all to see, toast and if god wills it, tell tales of their deeds for all to hear.

Marek and I ran into Sir Bartholomew Hightower one day near the Green Dragon. Marek and he have some history from the old days of our shire, Easaraigh. He has had a very successful SCA career since moving from our lands. We were additionally blessed to hear him sing in the Green Dragon later that evening along with his sons playing instruments in improvised accompaniment. Very entertaining.

On that same evening, we attended a wake for Sir Stuart MacDonald who had left this realm some weeks prior. Sir Stuart was a close friend to Hadi; he served with me on Hadi and Ameraulde's entourage; he worked with Hadi to create 'Stuart's Experiment' (a fighting unit assembled to demonstrate 'tactics' in Meridies); and many other things. He was always a friendly face to me and on a few occasions offered me sound council over the years. Many were in attendance at the St Michael's Camp that evening. A person's wealth can be measured in the bonds they forge in life. Sir Stuart was a wealthy man.

Through the week, it seems that an outbreak of plague had struck the camp causing many in attendance to fall ill. Of these, my liege lord Earl Sir Benen and his lady, Countess Rosebelle, where struck. I did some small service, as I was healthy, to gather supplies from nearby apothecaries. The remedies I returned with helped to relieve some of the suffering and for that I am thankful.

As luck would have it, I was fortunate to happen upon James Thomas, formerly of Easaraigh. He beckoned me to attend a ceremony he had some part in. As it turns out, Syr Teric Gwynedd took our James as a squire that afternoon. I am so happy for him. I know he will be excellent on the path to knighthood.

Toward the end of the week, I was able to provide some support to my Kingdom by marshalling for the Bridge and Fort battles. The fights were mostly well mannered, but as such things are, there was some mischief and unchivalrous behavior to be found. Luckily, no major incident occurred and the only minor injury resulted from the forays.

I must confess that this was the only service I rendered my Kingdom this year. I feel somewhat ashamed at this admission. I did not attend our court or any other official function. At times, I felt a bit lost as I wandered the camp. While I am Meridian to the bone, the current air of discontent I feel in the populace has rattled me. While I don't have enough information to form a good opinion of the state of things, I know things are not well. From all outward appearances, Meridies is strong and proud as ever, but there is an underlying agitation that I see permeating much of what I have known to be sacrosanct. There are divisions in the kingdom. While I am sure these divisions have always been there on some level, they are more visible now. Those divisions seem to be fluid in opinion and sometimes may border on hypocrisy in action. My role as Warden of the Northern Plateau, while trivial in precedence, weighs on my conscience. I have some obligation to represent Meridies. I feel this instability from the kingdom, my kingdom, in my core and I worry. For these reasons, I decided to not take part in the Meridian functions at Gulf Wars. My dear Figimund, was I wrong in this? I suspect, only time will tell. I truly miss your council during these times.

Our time at King's Arrow came to an end. The camps were broken down and loaded on the wagons. Late on our final day, we made the journey home. To my misfortune, my horse came up lame near the lands of Glynn Rhe. This slowed our journey home, but Marek and I did make it back to Easaraigh on the next day.

Peace be with you, friend. I hope that my words find you in good health and that you might find your way back to home soon.

Given in the Shire of Easariagh, on this 22nd day of the month of March, Anno Societatis LIII, being two thousand nineteen Gregorian."

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