The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 155

The Service of Remembrance at Ghostmoons was a quiet and moving occasion. There were no security incidents despite the large crowd gathered in the outer ward of the Citadel. The night passed peacefully with the first fall of snow settling overnight.

The Midwinter elections next month are likely to see a number of closely fought battles. In Arpent Hugo Merewell is once again facing a challenge from Judi Spich, although he looks lily to hold his seat. In Bassishaw Marc Bergeren is facing a serious challenge from Gemma Downe whist in Berwick ex-Sheriff Hastings and fellow Truemanite Alderman Emma Chireton are slogging it out a no holds barded contest. In Cartage the fight between Alice Barbiter and Brunstan Blackbeard looks set to be even closer than it has been over the last few years with the normally heavy Trueman campaign in this ward looking decidedly lacklustre against a well managed Monterey campaign. In Kingsgate Adam Povre will probably once again hold against Godwin Green, although the contest should once again be close.

Perhaps the most interesting contests this year are those where the new Scathlocke faction is disrupting the old order. In Castle Bard Jessamine Scathlocke herself is rapidly closing on Gilbert de Clare. Alison Shefford looks resigned to loosing the contest but has so far refused to express a preference for which of the other two she would like to see as Alderman. A serious three way fight is also emerging in Dracas between Thomas Osbert, Randolf Flambourd and Scathlocke devotee Fanny Drake. The Scathlocke group's best chance at an Aldermanship however appears to be in Ishtan where Eliott Anderson looks set to defeat Eva Capel.

The Witanmoot has belatedly discovered that Maureen Quiller has unexpectedly departed to assist in the blockade of Salvoyn, along with a number of members of her household. With Nicholas Bowden now a Sheriff, Maureen was widely expected to regain her Aldermanship and her departure last month was a complete surprise. A spokesman for the household told the Chronicle, "The new Belisle port at Salvoyn is vital to the trade health of Linrodeth and the defeat of the evils of the false Reshites in Salvoyn. As a senior member of the Mercers Guild she sees it as her duty to go where Linrodeth needs her most. After all, we are at war." A warehouse fire in Ishtan ward was contained by the prompt action of local citizens. The Hodges Warehouse on Slip Street was completely gutted, but fortunately only half a dozen other buildings had to be pulled down to complete a fire break and prevent the blaze spreading. The warehouse is said to have been filled with linens and woollens awaiting shipment south. The fire is thought to have been started by a watchman's candle.

High winds have caused problems for the last travellers struggling to return to the city for the winter. Poor visibility and treacherous footing has made the bridge crossing especially hazardous. A number of wagons were overturned and abandoned on the bridge at the height of the blizzard, and were later removed by the City Guard. Citizens are reminded of their annual duty to keep the highways and byways of the city clear at all times, and to remove frozen beggars before they can accumulate underfoot.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 155

A major naval engagement has been fought in the Salvoynian estuary against a fleet out of Zedigal. Linrodeth's superior navy was eventually victorious, but the battle disrupted the blockade long enough for a large group of merchant vessels to break through to Salvoyn. Observers fear that the enemy may have been supplied with enough grain to last out the winter. Hopes for a swift end to the siege have been replaced by a grim determination to see it through despite the onset of winter. Of longer term concern to Linrodeth is the effect of Zedigal's hostility on merchant shipping heading south. Trade to Kerun is dropping off and there is some concern that the Treasury will have trouble balancing next year's budget.

The Nyskilde Venture Company has rallied its "settlers" in the Weald and has set out overland to Nyskilde. It is heading along the coast road, closely followed by a small fleet of well-paid fishing cogs carrying food and other essential supplies. The company still has a good chance of reaching Nyskilde before the winter sets in, but it is unlikely that any news of their fate will be had before Springtide.

The Citadel is pleased to announce that Princess Alexis has been reunited with her father. Dispatch riders from Fenny Bridges brought news that the princess was located in the wilds of the High Wolds, and will be returned to Cascorach forthwith. Officials are refusing to comment further, although it is understood that the young lady's immediate future may involve a religious establishment, or perhaps several.

The run-up to the Midwinter elections is getting underway in earnest, with the younger councillors particularly keen to hit the streets and set bunting out. Their seniors have been invited to the traditional pre-election discussion with her Highness Princess Selina. It was noted that Alderman Cutario returned looking no longer smug. At the start of the campaigning Jessamine Scathlocke is emerging as an Aldermanship candidate in her own right. The highly popular Cllr Bever Edge of Castle Bard has been extolling the virtues of Cllr Scathlocke. With Alison Shefford already trailing in third place it looks as though she may now be in a position to take the Aldermanship from Gilbert de-Clare.

An unexpected challenge to David Northrop's hold over the ward of Temple has emerged in the shape of one Dominic Horner. Cllr Horner's very well funded campaign has been spending money at an incredible rate and has completely caught Northrop off guard. Some groups in the Citadel have expressed concern that the Glaziers guild, which already has a number of prominent members in the Witanmoot is attempting to buy itself an Aldermanship.

Her Highness Princess Selina has announced that she will hold an official Programme of Remembrance for the dead of the war against Salvoyn. Although it will focus on the military, and in particular the brave sailors of Linrodeth's formidable navy, there will also be prayers for civilian lives lost. This unusual step has been taken in recognition of the many years that Salvoyn has spent targeting the most vulnerable inhabitants of our city. The service will be held at Ghostmoons in the grounds of the outer Citadel. Representatives from all major temples will be present and all citizens are invited to attend. This marks the first time that the Citadel has been made open to casual visitors in very many years.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 155

The siege of Salvoyn continues with neither trade nor food permitted to enter the port. Duke Faure de Lamonte has launched a probing attack by raft through the upriver marshes, and has destroyed some outlying buildings. The Linrodeth Navy continues to block seaward access, but its freshwater supplies at Belisle Port continue to be a problem and may hinder operations. The Admiralty has increased its water allocation to merchant vessels heading further south to the city states, and has also issued an official warning about increased “pirate” activity around Zedigal.

The Citadel is returning to normal following the abrupt departure of Duke Alexander and his armed retinue. The troop departed on an easterly road towards the Great Fens, presumably following up new information acquired during their recent investigations on Linrodeth's streets. Despite this departure, speculation continues that Princess Alexis is being held captive within Linrodeth for increasingly absurd amounts of ransom money.

The Nyskilde Venture Company may be forced to abandon its plan of campaign due to a shortage of vessels and able-bodied seamen. The Admiralty Board has moved quickly to ensure that any useable resources are either employed by the Consortium or commandeered by the Navy. The Nyskilde Venture Company is understood to be considering alternative plans, including a long overland trek or use of a very large fishing fleet.

Aldermen William Trueman and Alan Monterey are united in their campaign for the Witanmoot Investigation Agency to be bought under firm control with an open and accountable reporting structure and finance. Alderman Ryman remains a very vocal supporter of the agency in its fight against criminal elements with the city, and has chosen to leave the Monterey faction in protest. The Witanmoot looks set to become divided on the issue with some councillors pleased that someone is finally tackling street crime, and others remain deeply worried by the role of the agency in the mystical events of the Dragonfeast. The disagreements rumble on while one agency captain refuses to answer any Witanmoot questions on the subject, and the other captain turning up unconscious in the Torian Infirmary.

News from the Dalethian Temple confirms that this year's wheat harvest has been very much better than expected, despite the damp and miserable conditions earlier in the summer. Speculators planning on cashing in on the grain surplus are disconcerted to discover that almost all of it has been purchased ahead of time. Repeated statements from nearby towns expressed the sentiment that it had been acquired "for State, City, and the Consortium". And indeed Alderman Petro Cutario is looking extremely pleased with himself in recent days.

Scholars from the Bards College have been invited to catalogue the contents of a house in Cadene. This unusual step was taken after neighbours discovered the remains of the owner, old Ron Nevis, slumped in the garden privy. The very elderly gent and was known to be a formidable hoarder, but investigators were surprised to discover over 2000 items of parchment and vellum squirrelled away amongst the junk. Early plans for a hygienic burn and clear of the house contents have been halted while scholars try to understand what the documents are and where they originally came from. Old Ron was said to have worked as a janitor at many city institutions over the course of his long life, and to have been fired from most of them for pilfering.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 155

The combined levies of Eresan and Cascorach have been able to secure at least the outer edges of the reeds and waterways surrounding the city of Salvoyn. This is the first time that the troops have been able to move into the immediate hinterland of the city, and the advance has halted while the army adapts to the unique hazards of the wetlands. This major success with troops controlling such a significant area pays tribute to the military vigour of Duke Faure de Lamonte, and his masterly use of intelligence provided by Viscount Constarlis, a native of the area, who has been placed in protective custody of the armed forces at the siege.

The city guard has launched a major raid on the criminal factions of Cripplegate. Over fifty troops, some of them mounted, descended on an inn which the Witanmoot Investigation Agency has alleged was the headquarters of a major criminal gang. All of the key members of the gang were either killed or taken prisoner. Alderman Ryman has declared himself delighted that "at last the city is taking action". He went on to praise the Witanmoot Investigation Agency for the robust way they were tackling crime and suggested that his political colleagues stop interfering and leave them alone to get on with the job.

Princess Alexis may be somewhere within Linrodeth. Agents of Duke Alexander of Cascorach have been asking questions on the whereabouts of the young, missing princess, and there are rumours circulating on the streets that she has been spotted on more than one occasion. On some occasions the duke himself has taken to questioning witnesses, always with great charm and generosity, clearly playing on his enduring popularity within the city (especially amongst matrons of a certain age). Her Highness Princess Selina has also expressed concern for her niece's safety and is offering a reward of £1000 for anyone who can provide accurate information leading to Princess Alexis' safe return.

Another of Princess Selina's concerns may have been resolved, or at least postponed, with the departure of the Zedigal envoys aboard the trading cog Belos. Neither side was willing to comment on the outcome of the talks, but it was noted that the visiting merchant princes took no advantage of the opportunity to trade with Linrodeth's guildsmen. Meanwhile reports from the navy on blockade duty say that a new port has been established on the main island overlooking the Salvoynian estuary. This will act as a trading base for ships wishing to provide goods for the surrounding army or on the trip between the city states and Linrodeth. Belisle Port is already thriving with a number of prominent Linrodeth merchants already taking warehouses on its rapidly filling dock front.

Within the lately quiet Witanmoot, the faction of Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke continues to grow with Gemma Downe, Bever Edge and Audrey Wirstan all joining her entourage. With a large base of support in the ward of Castle Bard, and an increasing presence in Dracas and Ishtan wards, this group looks poised to break the current impasse in the Witanmoot.

A small trading mission to Nyskilde has returned and reported that, whilst the city is not entirely abandoned, trade that has completely collapsed and the port has been reduced to a fishing settlement. Undeterred by this dismal information, a private fleet is being assembled by a group of nobles within our Principality in order to sail north and claim the land. The Citadel is denying any involvement in the venture, but is clear that this private invasion fleet is loyal to Princess Selina.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 155

Linrodeth's Temples, Witanmoot and Citadel are still struggling to explain the incredible omen which Linrodeth received at Dragonfeast. Whilst everyone agrees that it was a good omen, accurate interpretation beyond that has been erratic. At exactly midday on Dragonfeast, the dark overcast skies were pieced by a bright column of light which leapt up from the area of Berewic and spread out in a ring which illuminated the centre of the city. Once the light had died down, clouds eventually cleared and the afternoon was bathed in warmth and sunlight. The Citadel has so far resisted the temptation to declare that Linrodeth is about to become "the centre of light clearing away the darkness of Resh", but a number of temples, in particular the Hahnites, have been much less reticent. The Witanmoot itself seems more pre-occupied with tracking down the source of the "magic” and hard questions are being asked of the actors who staged the play "The Demon of Berwick" which culminated at the same time as the omen occurred and which took place in the same location as the centre of the light. The Bards College has requested that the area be sealed off and is refusing to comment on rumours of a secret chamber beneath the stage. Whilst completely overshadowed (if that's the right word) by mystical events, both the Midsummer Fair and subsequent Dragonfeast were a great success.

The play itself has generated significant controversy with its "revelation” that the famed Battle of Berewic was in fact staged by Aralan Derwent to further her political career. Further fuelling the political furore over this, the Chronicle has been able to learn that it was the already controversial Witanmoot Investigation Agency that both sponsored and co-wrote the play. Just why the agency would be involved in an attempt to re-write political history, and assassinate the character of the now Countess Derwent, is unclear and raises further questions about what really went on at Dragonfeast. A furious Alderman William Trueman is demanding to know who approved the budget and has raised an urgent motion to "Bring the agency under control".

Further naval action has taken place between ships of our navy and warships from Zedigal at the blockade of Salvoyn. A formal embassy from the city state has arrived at the Citadel to protest at the blockade and its interference with trade in general and their ships in particular. The envoys are reported to have been in an uncompromising mood and fears are being raised that the powerful city state may launch an all-out attack on our forces. Whilst discussions are still continuing, Princess Selina has raised the stakes by authorising the Navy of Linrodeth to take "all actions necessary to defeat those offering support or aid to our enemies".

The Midsummer sheriffs' elections resulted in the appointment of Nicholas Bowden and Olivia Warin to the office. Mary Hastings, whilst clearly disappointed to have lost her chance at lordship, appeared genuine in welcoming back Bowden, "whose experience in the role of sheriff," she declared, "was clearly needed in these difficult times." Samuel Kutler, Maureen Quiller and Lyndon Skate (the latter a strong supporter of Bowden within the ward) have all been proposed as the replacement Aldermen.

To add to Princess Selina's already fraught schedule, Duke Alexander of Cascorach has ridden in at speed with a small but veteran troop of household knights. Going directly to the Citadel, the Duke is understood to have obtained an immediate private interview with Her Highness, followed by a lengthy and much less private search to find suitable accommodations for his retinue. His Grace is believed to now be residing in the Manticore Tower.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 155

The naval blockade of Salvoyn is progressing well, and news that both the Cascorach and Eresan levies have now mobilized to besiege the Salvoyn delta has been welcomed by General Olvini. At sea our blockade is now completely effective with no shipping moving into or out of the city. A number of minor engagements have occurred and one major incident took place when a warship Asteri from Zedigal attempted to escort a merchantman into the city. A robust intervention was made by the highly manageable Broadsword which was able to engage and sink the merchantman without coming into contact with the warship. However the warship persisted in its attempt to force the blockade and the Leviathan was eventually forced to ram and board the ship. Surviving Zedigal seamen have been press-ganged into the navy, whilst the Asteri's captain is being held for questioning. King Kieran's Ambassador to Linrodeth praised the forethought of our Princess in building up a strong navy and the tactical excellence of the Linrodeth sailors.

High King Kieran is believed to be recovering from his mysterious injuries and has sent messages of support to Princess Selina, and thanks to the Linrodeth temples who have held prayers for him. One of His Majesty's first actions was to appoint Duke Faure de Lamonte as Lord High Marshall for the overland siege of Salvoyn. The outspoken and energetic old Duke, whose family has suffered personally from the attentions of the Salvoynian witches, is expected to give new impetus to the overland attack.

It has been confirmed by sources in Cascorach that Princess Alexis is missing. Her mother Princess Eleanor has announced that the planned marriage of the young Princess will no longer take place and this has increased speculation that Princess Alexis has fled the city in order to avoid the marriage. Less certain is the safety of the young Princess, who may have been duped into trusting criminal or eldritch types with her escape. Her father, Duke Alexander, has personally led the blockade of the road to Salvoyn, while other household knights are searching travellers on all other roads out of the domain.

Linrodeth's Mercers and Grocers guilds, for once in agreement, have expressed concern about the impact of the war with Salvoyn on Linrodeth's economy. There has been a notable decline in the amount of shipping arriving from the city states and it is possible that the loss of Salvoyn as an intermediate destination is causing many ships to abandon the long trip north to Linrodeth. Phillip Candever, speaking on behalf of the guilds told the Chronicle; "We don't think it is simply a matter of an over long journey, many of these ships traded goods at Salvoyn and the profit from a trip just to Linrodeth may not be sufficient to make the venture worthwhile. "

Despite the loss of shipping, all Linrodeth citizens are determined to make the forthcoming Midsummer and Dragonfeast holidays ones to remember. Large numbers of caravans are arriving overland and the fairground on the Tourney Fields is already being set up. There are decorations and bunting along all the main roads in the city, and rumours that the vintners guild will supply fountains of wine. The Bards College has many cultural entertainments planned to compete with the athletics and chariot programmes at Ye Oval. The Citadel regiments are adding music to their usual martial display, although the naval regatta will be sadly missed this year. The City Guard have confirmed that they will be patrolling at full strength over the festivities, and will not be seeking to win hearts and minds if they discover any lawbreaking.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 155

The Siege of Salvoyn has begun. The enemy ships fled before our fleet, a blockade has been established and Salvoyn has effectively ceased to be a port. Several attempts to break through have been thwarted and ships and goods confiscated. Work is now underway to establish a staging post where ships travelling up from the City states can break their journeys before continuing on to Linrodeth. Several protests from various city states have been received, however the Navy is holding firm. Any ship seeking to enter or leave the port of Salvoyn is subject to attack, search and seizure. The only concern now is the failure of Eresan to march upon the City. Whist King Kieran's army has moved down from the escarpment it is lingering in the Gavelkinden the opportunity to decisively defeat Salvoyn may be lost.

Preparations for the Dragonfeast are continuing apace. Lady Davy has taken the lead and ably supported by the Sheriffs and the ever enthusiastic William Trueman the great day is taking shape as a major celebration. As would be expected military contests will form a major part of the pastimes with the archery contest taking a particularly major role. The contest has been split into three groups with the military and citizens competing separately and a later all comers contest which promises to be a tightly fought affair. Traditional sports will also play a major part. A new addition this year will be chariot racing which, along with some other special events and the ever important ward football march, is being organised at the stadium. Crafts will however not be forgotten and the guilds, under the co-ordination of Emma Chireton have promised a huge market and crafts show. The theme of dragons appears to be particularly prevalent this year and the ward apprentices "dragon wagon" contest is looks set to be a newfound favourite.

Lady Davy has announced a grand feast for the night of Midsummer and for the first time in years the cities dressmakers are declaring themselves to be too busy to take new orders. Princess Selina has confirmed her attendance and that of much of her court. Competition for invites amongst leading Citizens for the limited places is fierce with many new socialites seeking to replace the old stalwarts at what is clearly going to be the definitive social event of the year.

William Trueman has launched a major campaign to coincide with the Sheriffs elections. Commenting on the closeness of the recent Lordship vote he promised to "Allow people the choice of who leads them by continuing to put up candidates, even if it disturbs the cosy status quo". The vote for sheriff will be between Nicholas Bowden, Olivia Warin and Mary Hastings which to many observers looks rather cosy. Indeed in a surprising counter attack Audrey Wirstan made an impassioned speech about the desperate need for new factions to rise up to challenge the cosy status quo which the Bottler, Trueman, Cutario consensus represents.

Rumours are beginning to circulate that Princess Alexis has either been kidnapped or has fled Cascorach to escape from her marriage. Whist official statements speak of a "seclusion and vigil' the hectic military activity and frequent questioning of merchants about a "girl of about 12' has caused many to believe that the Princess is no longer in Cascorach. If the heir to the throne of Athion is indeed abroad with little or no escort at a time when King Kieran lies injured then the Chronicle fears for the safety of what little stability is still left.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 155

News from the south is still awaited, with latest reports speaking of skirmishes between Linrodeth's screening fleet and the Salvoynian forces. Heavy losses have been suffered by the enemy side with little damage to the superior Linrodeth ships. By now our navy should be approaching Salvoyn and we should hear results of the ensuing fight. Prayers for the success of the action, and for the safe return of Linrodeth's fighting forces, are being held in all the major temples.

Her Highness Princess Eleanor of Cascorach has announced the betrothal of Crown Princess Alexis to Prince Gian-Carlo DiLeo of Ravol. Royal watchers have tried to ignore the obvious difficulties of the marriage between a 12 year known for her independence of mind and a 24 year old known primarily for his love of food. Instead they have been keen to point out that whilst Ravol is one of the smaller city states, its strategic position commanding the southern overland access to Salvoyn will make it a vital ally in the fight against the regency council. Debates have already started within the Hahnite Temple as to the possible consequences should King Kieran die before Alexis comes of age, with opinion divided as to whether Prince Gian-Carlo or Princess Eleanor would become the Regent for Alexis. Cllr Thomas Castlemaine, who died for his love of Princess Eleanor, is no doubt turning in his grave.

The scout ship Peregrine has arrived from the north with the shocking news of the abandonment of Nyskilde. The Peregrine was laid up for the winter south of Nyskilde and was tasked with performing a reconnaissance as soon as the weather permitted, and then returning to Linrodeth as fast as possible. The astonished sailors reported that the invading Noord, faced with a long winter and few supplies, have chosen to migrate into the mountain valleys. The population of the old city has dwindled to a few hundred scavengers and a small contingent of Huscarls who are doggedly maintaining control of the castle.

With much of the budget debate being stitched up behind closed doors, the vote on auditing the Treasury and Committee accounts by Princess Selina's accountants, as proposed by Alderman Alan Monterey, provided the most amusement for Witanmoot watchers this month. The motion was as hotly contested as last month's proposal that the accounts be audited by the Goldsmiths, but with the faction lines drawn rather differently. In the end with the vote split at about 130 for each, once again it came down to the decision of the emerging Stenmoor faction. A nervous Jessamine Scathlocke rose to make a competent, well reasoned but somewhat flowery maiden speech on behalf of the faction, expressing their support for the motion which "can only bring goodness".

Despite the somewhat half hearted attempts by Alan Monterey to engage the Witanmoot in a discussion about the level of each guild tax, this year's "back room budget” was passed with little debate. The guilds blocked the long overdue increase in guild taxes once again and have preferred instead to make cuts to the things that affect the citizens but not their profits. Whilst some guilds protested that anomalies brought about various historic events had not been corrected it was clear that the faction leaders were all feeling proud of having actually bothered to think about the budget in advance for a change and no argument, no matter how well-reasoned, was going to disrupt this one.

The marshlands surrounding Linrodeth are unexpectedly blooming with a carpet of tiny white water lilies. The scented flowers have not been seen for many generations and were thought to have died out under the nearby effluence of the city.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 155

Linrodeth's assault fleet has now sailed for Salvoyn. The massive force took several hours to form into its sailing formation and is the most impressive naval force ever assembled. The size and beauty of the new style ships was apparent as even laden down with marines and supplies they handled with precision and grace. Princess Selina sailed out to join the fleet for its first few days of travel south and returned with a small escort which will now provide defence for Linrodeth against pirate and Noord raider attacks.

Dire news has arrived from Eresan where High King Kieran is seriously ill. Whilst his wounds are not though to be life threatening, he remains weak and will not be able to campaign this year. Forces from Eresan are reported to be consolidating defensive positions on the plains rather than making their usual march towards the Salvoynian borders.

The proposal to allow the Goldsmiths to audit Treasury proved to be hotly contested and a recount was required before it became clear that it has been defeated by 139 votes to 134. Following the defeat of the motion Alan Monterey, one of its main opponents, has now proposed that Princess Selina's accountants be invited to formally audit the Treasury and Committee accounts. The proposal for Trade to propose an alternate budget proved much less contentions with only the Bottler faction opposing it. Commenting on the victory Alan Monterey expressed his gratitude to Lady Davy for the opportunity and then went on to launch a harsh attack on Jim Bottler and William Trueman. "At the moment there is an unedifying squabble between two Aldermen who are more interested in lining their own pockets than running this city. It is about time we started budgeting properly. I remember a time when the fact that a large fraction of the city was destroyed by fire did not stop the Treasury committee from producing a balanced budget, hard though it was. Frankly, it was embarrassingly easy to produce the proposals now being circulated. The most trivial overview of last year's budgets revealed an enormous number of savings".

The budget proposals from Trade and Treasury show an interesting difference. Treasury has proposed a "modest 1 penny in the shilling" increase in Guild taxation pointing out that despite our economic recovery guild taxes are still dramatically lower than they were some years ago. Alan Monterey has however delivered a budget with no tax increases. Battle lines have clearly been drawn. Commenting on both excellent ways both cases had been made Maureen Quiller has suggested that perhaps we could approve the Bottler Tax proposal and the Monterey committee split thereby enabling us to create a much needed reserve for war emergencies.

Cllr Marcus Stenmoor's faction has grown even more this month. The group still appears to be made up of independents but rather than voting separately they are flexing their muscle as group and were clearly delighted to have proved the decisive difference in the Auditing vote.

LATE NEWS

Lady Davy came close to a shock defeat in the Lordship elections. A clearly shaken Lady Davy was forced to use her casting vote to retain her position as the Aldermanic court split 12 votes to 12. A clearly elated Sheriff Hastings told the Chronicle that she respected Lady Davy but felt that in these times of difficulty the precise and faultless leadership that she would bring was what was needed.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 155

The highly successful Frost Fair has shown that Linrodeth's people are still capable of enjoying life even under the threat of invasion. William Trueman can take much of the credit for the events success having spent much of the month planning, organising and finally running the event. The best exhibit competition was won by Emma Chireton whose innovative "swan carved from ice" may well have started a new tradition. The ice added a new aspect to the welcome return of the pig wrestling and enabled some newcomers to shine as the old hands failed to get to grips with the unusual surface. People are now looking foreword to the forthcoming Dragonfeast in the hope that it will be a festival rather than a signal for battle.

The city's budget crisis rumbles on with none of the faction leaders wishing to be the person responsible for proposing the necessary cuts. Jim Bottler is continuing to focus his attention upon the goldsmith's guild, and some have even suggested that he is stalling in the hope that some other faction will take over the Treasury before the decision has to be made. William Trueman, however, is reported to be highly reluctant to grasp this particular nettle. Some observers have rather ungenerously suggested that Alderman Trueman wants this particular debacle to be unambiguously Bottler's. Lady Davy is clearly becoming less and less tolerant of the game playing although she also appears reluctant to react. Alan Monterey is rather wisely keeping a low profile.

Marcus Stenmoor appears to be wasting no time in establishing a faction to challenge the stagnation of the existing order. He has teamed up with newcomer Jessamine Scathlocke, hired a political assistant and made his first, highly amusing, Witanmoot speech.

The sudden rains which washed through Linrodeth last week have all but cleared the snow. The rapid dismantling of the remains of the frost fair was only just in time as the flood waters washed clear all of the ice from the river.

William Trueman has narrowly missed taking almost full control of the key committees. It required the casting vote of the Lord to prevent Eva Capel from unseating Melanie Romanie as chairman for the Treasury and, with the backing of Petro Cutario, Marie Cripstead easily took the Lands and Agriculture post from Gilbert de Clare. Thomas Osbert and Richard Saunders both retained their seats. Fortunately for Alan Monterey, neither Cutario nor Trueman was willing to back Bottler's attempt to take the Trade post and therefore both of the minor factions have managed to maintain one committee post each. The importance of the rapidly-fading Monterey faction was further lessened by the loss of the envoys to Kerun and Cascorach with Gemma Downe and Joanna Russell taking the posts with clear majorities. Bartholomew Hyde, Gillian Howe and Samuel Rucche were all unanimously elected.

Lady Davy is having second thoughts about her decision to leave Bottler in control of the Witanmoot finances and has proposed a motion inviting the Officers of the Goldsmiths Guild to "assay and audit" the city exchequers for reserves prior to the end of the year. She has also invited the Trade committee to formally propose an alternative budget to the general Treasury proposals.

The people responsible for the robbery of Olivia Warin's household have been brought to justice by the investigations agency. A raid by a large City Guard force resulted in the deaths of the mercenaries responsible and the recovery of most of the stolen items.

LATE NEWS

The Linrodeth merchantman Warin's Cormorant has brought news of the destruction of the Salvoynian Invasion fleet at anchor in Salvoyn. Captain Redmond described the massive fleet which had assembled and the shock raid by a dozen pirate ships. The Cormorant like many other Linrodeth ships had been held in port by "customs difficulties”. They used the confusion to break free and were able to obtain a good view of the battle before making the difficult over winter trip north. The Salvoynian fleet was neatly lined up in rows and completely unprepared. Three or four large pirate ships broke through the screening force opening up the way for an attack by fire ships. The Cormorant crew described the incredible bravery of the attackers who navigated their already burning and obviously oil laden ships into the midst of the Salvoynian forces. At least half the Salvoynian fleet including the flagship Grace Dieu are believed to have been destroyed. It seams incredible that pirates would stage such a daring raid and carry it through with such ferocity. Whilst the crew of the Cormorant admit that at least one of the attackers was a Linrodeth built warship, they say that it was flying a pirate flag and many others of the raiders were known pirate ships including the infamous Fury and Siren both known to be based at Port Felix. Our Navy has been fast to respond to the news, and a heavy force has sailed south. This initial squadron will provide reconnaissance for a rapidly assembling counter strike aimed at destroying the remnants of the Salvoynian fleet and establishing a blockade of the port.