Freiman's Missive to the populace

Third Edition

Unto the Brothers and sisters of the Legion of Shadows come greetings, I have once again infiltrated the court of the Dragon King, this time at an event called Feast of Fools, where once again, my observations led to more questions than answers. The event was held at the Barony of Knight’s Crossing. This lovely place is the domain of the Valiant Karl der Reisender and his lovely Baroness Sylwein of Knight’s Crossing. The Feast itself is a celebration of the coming of spring, and much tomfoolery was in evidence. Each young gentle attempted to outdo the others in their license and revelry. His Drachenwaldian Majesty Prothall Wolfbane was present, and was the judge in the "make the King laugh" contest (which seemed, at times, to be a contest to see who could tell the longest story). His majesty did not chuckle. It should be noted that his majesty displayed a ninja like ability to disguise himself. On several occasions he went out among his people wearing not his crown, but a baseball hat! I tell you brothers and sisters, this makes me extremely thankful for the tendency of some of our brave sovereigns to wear their crowns at all times, even while sleeping or bathing. In an attempt to "blend in" (a ninja skill I have never mastered), I spent most of my time in the kitchen, disguised as a scullery slave. This is a popular spot for ninjas, as the person working by my left side was a midrealm spy and the lady in charge of the kitchen was a spy for a neighboring barony. The actual feast-crat was a lord named John the Under construction. Though I spent several hours in the kitchen, I don’t believe I ever met him. In reward for my seemingly selfless service, I was given a copy of the Cantebury Tales. Later that night, I was inducted into the order of the High Nose, and order for gentles with a strong sense of their own bountiful attractiveness. I qualified easily. Feast was served with speed and included red meat, but not potatoes. I was informed that Potatoes are not used in this kingdom because they are not considered period. I have decided I will start bringing my own food to feast. I have joined the Drachenwadian Minstrels guild. This guild has three "ranks", Novice, Journeyman, and Minstrel. I am now a Novice. I recently received a letter asking me not to call myself "freiman the minstrel" any longer. Hmmmmmm. Heavy fighting went on all day. It was practiced with a zest and lustiness I have rarely seen before. Be glad these guys have an ocean between us and them. The event was held at a now disused US army depot not far from where I am staying mundanely. We ate in the mess hall, and we lived in the Barracks. This was not bad. This is the Fencin’-est kingdom I have ever seen. These people will cross swords on any occasion, at the drop of a hat. These people fenced on Friday night, all day Saturday, and on Sunday ‘til about noon. The German word for "Blade" appears to be the same word as the word for "ring" as in bell(klingen). I have toured several Castles here, and I have taken many pictures. At the bottom of this page is a link to some of them, I hope you enjoy them. Yours truly TAFKAFTM The Artist Formerly Known As Freiman The Minstrel p.s. Please take a moment to think about the men and women involed in the conflict in Kosovo. Almost ane third of the students I teach have at least one parent on site in one way or another. "My classes are beginning to get smaller, as single parents are deployed, and the children are sent to live with relatives in the 'States.