The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 144

Aralan Derwent's trial turned out to be something of an anti climax following the dramatic hearing. Both the prosecution and defence had had much time to prepare their cases and the long trial, though well argued, lacked the drama of the earlier occasion. The only spice was added by the deaths of a number of witnesses in the run up to the trial, however the prosecution made little of this claiming that they suspected it was the work of factions within the floating market. In her summing up speech Lady Cox said "After consideration of all the evidence, the key facts which have guided by decision are; that at the hearing Alderman Derwent claimed that her reason for seeking Citizen Marcos was that he was suspected of involvement in the assassination attempts. However no evidence has been presented to suggest that she had any reason other than the offer of £500. Further officer Kali of the guard has been convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer as a direct result of the orders that "There is a man from Kerun called Marcos, get him" given by Alderman Derwent. Cllr Marc and Citizen Marcos have clearly been subjected to unacceptable treatment as a result of Alderman Derwent's orders and I must therefore find her guilty. I fine her the sum of £100 payable to Citizen Marcos. However bearing in mind the incredible strain Alderman Derwent was under and the immeasurable contribution to the future of the city which she made in negotiating the grain deal, I postpone the payment of this sum until Midwinter. I hope that this will give the Witanmoot time to consider what action it might wish to take to mitigate the effect of this sentence upon her." Opinions on the sentence vary, Derwent supporters claim that it is tantamount to bankrupting her, however other commentators have suggested that she was lucky to escape with her life.

The Chronicle has learnt that Sheriff Matthew Dixon intends to contest the Lordship election next year, and is already in secret negotiation with various powerful members of the Witanmoot. It is unclear whether Sheriff Dixon is responding to rumours that Lady Samantha does not wish to continue as Lord, or spreading them. However the uncertainty has already lead to one shock defection from the rapidly weakening Mowbray faction. Susan Faithside, long term supporter of Lady Cox, has moved to the newly emerging Monterey faction. Alderman Faithside told the Chronicle, "I have always backed Samantha and she continues to have my full support. However I feel that the problems the city will face in the years to come will require a new and radical agenda. I believe Alan is now setting that agenda and I am proud to be part of his team."

The Monterey faction has not wasted its time in making a mark on the city's government. In his maiden speech Cllr Monterey thanked the city for recognising his hard work, "even if only by the promise of further work" and then went on to launch an amusing and wide ranging attack on the complacent committee chairs. He also called for the immediate reinstatement of the guild examinations and the donation to the Temple of Torus. Much to the surprise of the faction leaders (who only a month ago had voted through these measures) Cllr Monterey summoned enough support to have these two proposals formally moved, and a full debate will take place next month.

Early reports of the harvest suggest that the city will suffer serious shortages despite the hard work by Alderman Derwent earlier this year. The recent heavy rains have damaged what was already a poor harvest and many Barons are now openly calling for the City to rely only on the imported grains rather than "ravage the countryside". Linrodeth is not the only city to be suffering grain problems. The deal with Salvoyn has left the Kings Army short of supplies and His Royal Highness has resorted to commandeering grain supplies which have not already been earmarked for us. The King has imposed a special tax on Linrodeth's richer citizens to assist in the cost of this action.

Adam Avery has launched an all out attack upon Marcus Lambourne, the chairman for law and order, claiming that non guild members were openly trading in the burnt out wards. Other councillors backed up the attack pointing out the committee's continuing funding for the Law Court whilst other committees had made wide ranging cuts. However some Avigon councillors defended the lack of enforcement, claiming that to force these people out of business when they have no homes and no other means of support would be tantamount to murder.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 144

The hearing of Aralan Derwent turned out to be the dramatic show everyone had hoped for. Once Gax the Heretic and Pendentite Antonius had got over the difficulties of finding themselves on the same (prosecuting) side the questioning got under way with some enthusiasm. Sheriff Perignon, presiding, showed a surprising impartiality, listening intently to all the witnesses. First of all many eminent members of the Mercers guild and of Welland were called to testify to the good and upright character of Phred Marcos. Next Alderman Derwent was called, she explained how during her successful negotiations to secure the city's grain supplies she had been subjected to a total of eleven assassination attempts. She had come to suspect someone called Marcos of having been involved and had ordered a member of the guard to "find that person". Sheriff Dixon was called next and wholeheartedly supported Aralan Derwent's story. Alderman Derwent was clearly upset to find herself facing a hearing as the result of her efforts to save the city from starvation, and the sympathy of the courtroom was very much with her. However the assembly then heard further details of the violent raid that took place in the early hours of the morning by the Witanmoot Guard, and heard a brief summary of this guard's court-martial where she was found guilty of conduct unbecoming to an officer. With opinions evenly balanced the proceedings were suddenly thrown into confusion by the arrival of Lady Amelia and some courtiers from the Citadel. They took the witness stand and described how Cllr Derwent had been offered £500 for finding Macros by Princess Selina. Sheriff Perignon intervened immediately and stopped the hearing. "This is a most serious accusation and clearly requires further investigation, I refer the case to Lady Cox for Trial" she told the stunned assembly. Commenting later to the Chronicle on Sheriff Dixon's robust defence of Aralan's actions she said, "If Sheriff Dixon has a fault it is that he is sometimes a little tender-hearted when perhaps impartiality might be more appropriate".

The budget debate has come to a conclusion with our councillors reaching a surprising consensus, to tax us mercilessly and cut many essential services to boot! Adam Avery's proposal to forcibly cut the Torian budget was passed and has resulted in the immediate closure of the Aralan Derwent Memorial Ward. A distraught Chirugeon explained, "There is nothing we can do, we are already overloaded following the fire, with the city cutting its support to us we will be hard pressed to deal with the needs of all the people. The Derwent Ward has always been used for those mercenaries, guards and members of the Witanmoot who have suffered injuries as a result of their profession of violence. In these difficult times, we must prioritise, and we simply can no longer cater for these people." Defending his cuts Avery launched a swingeing attack on his fellow councillors, "I am deeply upset that only two committees have seen fit to help the city out of its current dire financial situation and make sacrifices for the good of the city as a whole. I am sure the city will remember those who were prepared to sit on their fat backsides and let others make the sacrifices."

Citizens are warned to be on their guard for polluted wines and beers following a spreading of the vomiting and diarrhoea illness reported in the last Chronicle. Commenting on the problems Guildmaster Martin Key told the Chronicle, "I have absolute faith in the quality of the guilds goods. I blame bad waters used for cooking". More worrying rumours contend that this is the first outbreak of a new plague caused by the refugee camps. Due to the Torians being extremely overworked, they have been unable to investigate this idea.

Unrest has been noted in the countryside as the peasants become aware of just how much grain the city will be needing this year. Baron Scrope told the Chronicle, "the late spring planting damaged the crops quite badly. The peasants are worried that they will not have enough to feed themselves, let alone the city dwellers." Travellers are warned particularly to avoid journeying alone in the Gavelkinden area, where local serfs are exploring the 'panic stock-up' concept without the consent of the goods previous owners.

An irate Cllr Drumm was incoherent with indignation yesterday as news reached him that his Avigon cup was being displayed in several market squares around the city. The perpetrators of this theft appear to be a miscellaneous mob of (apparently) homeless children. Their noisy appearances in the market squares coincide with the distribution of treasonous literature (not reproduced here) and a collection for money using the Avigon cup as storage. Amused onlookers appear to have donated quite a haul of coppers.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 144

Cllr Reg Marc has lodged a formal complaint against Alderman Aralan Derwent following a raid upon the Empty Barrel. The Witanmoot Guard forced their way into the Barrel at three in the morning, assaulted a number of the staff, broke down doors, dragged residents out of their beds and threatened Cllr Marc's life. Aldermen Derwent then questioned a number of residents and left, without laying any charges, giving a reason for the raid or offering an apology. Gax the Heretic who is handling the case for Reg commented, "We cannot allow the imposition of Martial Law to remove our fundamental rights as citizens. Alderman Derwent has clearly exceeded her authority in ordering this unacceptable assault upon a citizen and his business".

The Witanmoot Guard and its connections with the councillors are also being questioned in relation to the murder of Simon Berryfield, who was apprenticed to Cllr Geoffrey Linden. Although Samantha Grange (also apprenticed to Cllr Linden) has been charged with the crime, there are rumours of a cover-up. Various sources have accused Cllr Linden of using his influence to involve the Guard in the intimidation of citizens, and of the Guards' possible contribution to the death of Simon Berryfield. It would appear that only the intervention of Gax the heretic prevented Cllr Linden from blaming an innocent group of young apprentices of indirectly causing this death.

Sheriff Beatrice Perignon has been taken seriously ill. Although the official line is that she is suffering from a stomach complaint, rumours persist of a poisoning or even an outbreak of summer plague. Despite the illness she is apparently determined to officiate at Aralan Derwent's hearing.

Our councillors appear to be close to setting a budget for the city which will include severe tax increases – both on citizens and the guilds. A major crisis has been avoided following the personal intervention of Sheriff Matthew Dixon, who is credited with having negotiated gifts to the city from the temples of Brynette, Hahn, Esprayenna and Daleth, which equal the funds the city gives them each year. However all is not yet settled, there is still a £400 shortfall and councillors will have to vote on whether to cut the donation to the Temple of Torus or accept an offer from the Carpenters guild to make a loan the city. Cllr Adam Avery seems to be the only person to take issue with the overall budget, although his proposals seem to be gathering a reasonable level of support. Avery has suggested that the level of record keeping at the docks be further reduced and that the donation to Torus be cut to £250. Ann Tasker the Chair of Welfare and Education, is refusing to take responsibility for the feeding of the homeless. "This is surely a matter for the Committee for lands and Agriculture," she told the Chronicle.

The Midsummer Fair was well attended this year with many people trying to shake off their depression following the city fire. A larger than normal number of stalls demonstrated the determination of many citizens to rebuild their ruined businesses, however the day's focus was as always on the sports. The fine weather helped in the breaking of a number of records, including an amazing display of archery by Miranda Andrews. The weather did however make the pig wrestling something of a non-event with Jasper Tinny emerging from a massive dust cloud to claim the prize. There was at least some drama; A clearly illegal football challenge took place, and Cllr Drumm's irate comments following the theft of his newly donated Avigon Cup provided entertainment for a large crowd.

Alan Monterey and Richard Firethorn have announced an agreement with the Brewers and the Vintners guilds to supply cheap beer and wine to the damaged areas of the city. However before you all rush to move wards, the reason it will be cheap is that it will be watered down.

Citizens are warned that tension in the Floating Market remains high. A number of minor fights have occurred around the Dowgate entrance and the Kinjuru section in particular seems less than friendly. Rumours persist of a number of raids and counter raids between them and the Athion sector.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 144

Princess Selina Karandreos paid a surprise visit to the city this month. Arriving in full state aboard The Allapsus, she proceeded straight to the Citadel where she was met by the King. A spokesman for the Princess explained. "We received rumours in Kerun that the City of Linrodeth had burnt down. Concerned for her betrothed, and for the citizens of his city, the Princess felt she had to come here at the earliest opportunity." The Princess has been showing her obviously genuine concern during tours of the devastated wards and refugee camps, during which she has distributed alms to the needy. The Princess and young Prince Edwin have now left for Kerun and the Chronicle would like to wish the every happiness in their future lives. Prince Edwin is being accompanied on the voyage by a number of his friends from the Bards College, who it is believed will be putting on a performance as part of the marriage celebrations.

The City's budget crisis is now coming to a head with Alderman Shefford's publication of her proposals for the budget split and taxation levies for the coming year. The proposals include the removal of taxation from the burnt out wards and an increase in taxation for all other wards, despite protestations that the fire will reduce the level of taxes that can be raised. Alderman Douglas Du Bolay of Arpent told the Chroniclers, "By not reducing the levy due from the ward, Alderman Shefford is effectively increasing taxes by one and a half shillings in the pound. For many people in my ward, who already pay several times what people in other wards pay, this is unacceptable."

The budgets for each committee are also very tight and rumoured cuts include nearly all the building and road maintenance, the orphanage, the water project, the closure of the some prisons, the mothballing of the embassies, the withdrawal of the City's donations to the Temples and, most controversially, the cancelling of all guild examinations. Alan Monterey has earned himself the respect of a number of councillors during the process, by succeeding in the normally thankless task of co-ordinating the activities of the various committees.

Alderman Aralan Derwent has announced the conclusion of a deal to secure supplies of grain to the City for the rest of the year. The deal with Isabella de Chabot of Salvoyn guarantees the city 20,000 bushels at a fixed price of 2s a bushel. Lady Chabot told the Chronicle, "We are delighted to be able to help Linrodeth thorough this crisis." The negotiations were somewhat fraught and at one stage an attempt was made to poison one of the City States bidders during a reception at the Bards College. Alderman Derwent, however, seems to have come out on top of the situation. To the Chroniclers' knowledge she received several expensive gifts from the potential bidders, all far too 'personalised' to go into the city coffers.

We are told that the City's refugee problem is now under control. Cllr Adam Avery has spent much time establishing a scheme to house some of the homeless with members of the same guild in other wards. Citizens whom it has not been possible to cater for under this scheme have been housed in the Marshgate and Kingsgate prisons which are also acting as centres for the distribution of emergency food. Some disputes have arisen after the imposition of strictly enforced rules about who may have the emergency food, however with martial law still in force, these disputes have not lasted long.

Several citizens of Dowgate have been killed by the Witanmoot Guard. Sergeant Gruffyd who ordered the attack told the Chronicle, "The mob had abused several citizens who attempted to use the Dow Gate and was in the process of killing a resident of the Floating Market when we arrived. I ordered them to disperse, and when they reused to do so I ordered their arrest. Several of them were injured when they failed to come quietly." Alderman Fytton told the Chronicle, "These citizens were merely complaining about the arrest of Cllr Barns. I am outraged. The guard have no justification for this disgraceful act – the Sheriffs should resign at once."

Chinon Starsinger reports that the Empty Barrel in Welland is now broaching several new barrels of 'Reggy's Best', pints of which are being offered free to members of the Council. See you there.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 158

The main excitement in the Witanmoot this month has been the decision to re-establish the post of envoy to Nyskilde. Nervousness over the Citadel reaction has been allayed by Princess Selina's statement that she is delighted to see the City taking a lead in helping Nyskilde recover from its abandonment by the rest of Athion.

Audiences at The King's Theatre have been astonished by the most recent presentation from the Theatre's main troop. Innocence Lost is a compelling tale of deception, intrigue and disastrous love. It tells the story of a young Hahnite priest Benjamin, who strays from his vows for the love of Alessandria, a woman he meets in an apparent accident. Alessandria is in fact a witch who has used magic's to corrupt him. However she falls in love with his purity and, unable to bear her guilt, confesses all to him. The acting is superb and the scene in which Benjamin now a senior plenipotentiary orders the execution of his love for witchcraft is heartrending. But it is the final scene of the burning itself which stunned audiences. Those who have claimed that Miss Mint's primary skill has been a predilection for thin or very loose clothing will not be able to deny that in this scene she is astonishingly powerful in her portrayal of evil redeemed by the purity of Hahn and accepting of its fate. The Archimandrite himself has attended the play and the Temple has described it as a truly masterful portrayal of the evil and destruction that involvement in magic inevitably brings.

An embarrassed Alan Monterey has been forced to return to the city following his failure to break through to the court of King Kieran. Members of his guard have carried on to deliver the vital messages but it would appear that owning a large wine cellar and participating in midwinter forced marches are incompatible activates.

Prior to the intervention of the Fabricators nominations for the committee chairs were showing the almost inevitable stitch up with only one nomination for each post. However declaring that he and his colleagues wish to see the best people doing the jobs, Randolf Flambourd has proposed a number of nomination which open the contest up. The grouping, showing its determination not to become a faction, has even proposed multiple people for the same role. "We now wait to see which of our Aldermen will vote for the right people and which will follow orders and vote for the grubby deal we were first presented with" he announced from the Mootstone. The final nominations, which the Chronicle notes could now be described as mischievous, are:

The gang responsible for the raid upon the Goldsmith Abbey Muddiman has been destroyed by a detachment of the city guard. Responding to a tip off the guard cornered the gang in its Ishtan hideout and after a brief fight despatched them. Most of the stolen funds have also been recovered.

The Chronicle

of Midwinter of the year 158

The Midwinter elections resulted in a dramatic change of power with a third of the Aldermen including committee chairs Melanie Romanie and Thomas Osbert losing their seats. Jim Bottler was the only Alderman in his faction to retain their seat, despite a general rise in support for his faction across the city. The "Fabricators” faction (as the Broiderers, Dyers, Clothworkers & Weavers, Skinners & Leathersellers and Drapers & Tailors guild grouping has become to be known) did well with Gregory Benton taking Cadene and Fanny Drake taking Dracas. The other new Alderman are Kyle Makeland in Avigon, Emma Chireton in Berewic, Cuthbert Slipton in Bridge, Alison Shefford in Castle Bard, Martin Key in Levestone and the previously unknown Ingrid Galton in Marshgate.

The changes seriously weaken the Bottler Faction and give William Trueman a commanding lead in the Aldermanic court. Alan Monterey is still strong and both Peter Ryman and Jessamine Scathlocke remain relevant. Given the way the votes have split Dominic Horner's one vote still mean that he has some opportunity to discuss participation in a coalition.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 157

The late winter snows have finally closed in this month cutting off the city from outside news. The last ship in from Salvoyn reported that the great trebuchet has ceased firing amid rumours that Salvoyn has offered terms for surrender. Kingsport is crowded with our own returning ships and Colonel Elsbeth de Vere has confirmed that they will travel south as soon as the weather permits with a strong force of ground troops. Asked about the likely reaction of King Kieran to this troop movement Princess Selina is reported to have said "King Kieran's forces have been besieging Salvoyn to little effect for years. He and I are both tired of this long war. It is Linrodeth's navy that has closed the trade routes, Linrodeth's engineers have made it possible to bombard the city and it will be Linrodeth's troops that bring about the defeat of Salvoyn. There are factions within King Kieran's advisers whose small mindedness has held our forces back for too long. He now recognises that this was a mistake. We intend to finish off Salvoyn quickly and we intend to do it together."

Under the banner of "sweeping away the past” the clothing guilds have launched a major bid to change the shape of politics in Linrodeth. Members of the Broiderers, Dyers, Clothworkers & Weavers, Skinners & Leathersellers and Drapers & Tailors guilds have received significant funding for their midwinter campaigns and some have moved faction or declared their independence. Randolf Flambourd, Guildmaster of the Skinners and Leathersellers told the Chronicle, "For too long the construction and trade guilds have held a stranglehold on this city's politics. Even William Trueman has turned from being a Goldsmith into one of these bung builders. The scandalous way the funding for the prisons, the roads and the flood relief has been used has just gone too far. We stand on an agenda of reducing corruption and taxes and we plan to make a difference. The campaign appears to have caught the public mood. Serious challenges to the existing order are being launched in Bridge by Mandy Turner, in Berewic by Carol Hall, in Cadene by Gregory Benton, in Cartage by Hilda Marcham, in Castle Bard by Wendy Bradshaw, in Dracas by Fanny Drake, in Temple by Melissa Chant. Welland may however become the most confused contest with Dyer Gillian Furbank making a bid for the Aldermanship and an obviously amused Eddie Englefield also throwing his cap into the ring already crowded with Jim Bottler and Adrian Green.

A heavily armed gang has raided the house of Goldsmith Abbey Muddiman. The raiders struck on Third day Tenthweek in broad daylight and are believed to have got away with several pounds worth of goods. The guard is appealing for witnesses and the Goldsmiths guild has posted a £10 reward to anyone who can identify the robbers.

One Alderman who is no longer putting much time into his election campaign is Richard Saunders. The Chairman for Welfare and Education was caught by his wife looking into the welfare of the ladies in the Open Port Inn in Dowgate. A house not noted for its high reputation. The circumstances in which he was found were apparently highly educational.

Investigations are continuing into the body found last week in Ishtan. Whilst it is not unusual to find bodies on the streets of the city the guards were disconcerted by the man's fine clothes and intact purse. Attempts to ascertain his identity have failed. Coronel Aldridge commended the discipline of the guards. "Not that many years ago this body would have been found missing its purse", he commented.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 157

Our forces in Salvoyn have celebrated the firing of the great trebuchet built by the Temple of Brynette to enable the bombardment of the city. Captain Natalia Marlton, who is in command of the weapon described herself as being elated by its accuracy and the surprising ease with which the great machine can be adjusted. Within a day of its first firing the weapon was able to find the range of the great temple of Resh and begin its destruction. "We can fire six times an hour without any difficulty and I don't intend to stop until there is not a stone of that monstrosity left standing," she told the Chronicle. With the work to create the foundations for the weapon complete Jim Bottler OM has returned to the city for the winter. Princess Selina personally welcomed him back at small reception and commended him for his continuing efforts to assist with the war.

Salvoyn's willingness to keep fighting will have been further weakened by the absence of Prince Edward. According to refugees from the city, the prince and key members of his council have not been seen in public for some time and rumours are beginning to circulate that they have abandoned the city. An alternative story comes from rumours from the court of King Kieran which suggest that the Prince is in fact dead. The most bizarre version of this rumour even suggests that he was killed in a duel with Princess Alexis. The absence of any official information gives credence to the view that something has certainly happened but what is currently unclear.

A number of election campaigns have charged into full fury this month. Buoyed by the return of their leader the Bottler factions jumped ahead of the others with the publication of what they have called their "manifesto for growth and prosperity." William Trueman responded a few days later with his own statement which was cheekily posted on top of the Bottler ones. By the time Peter Ryman came out with his statement small fights were already breaking out between rival posters placing teams. Scriveners Guildmaster David Northropp is believed to have been delighted by the new literate approach to politics and is reported to have hired a number of jobbing scribes. No doubt he will soon be encouraging his own faction members to join in.

Alan Monterey has briefly returned to the city. He rode in two days ago and went straight to the Citadel. The usually forthcoming politician has been tight lipped about the reasons for his visit and sources in his households suggest that he is planning to return to the court of King Kieran within a few days. Inevitably this secret mission has further encouraged the rumours that something is going on with Salvoyn.

Floodwaters have continued to recede this month. Northshore in particular is clearing quickly and as the watery scum has subsided it has been replaced by the more usual sort of detritus. This has been something of a relief to the citizens of Cripplegate who have been most enthusiastic in their plans to expel the unwanted from their streets.

Cllrs Joanne Buckley and Angela Freeman had surprised the Cadene ward moot by withdrawing their long-standing support from Melanie Romanie and switching to Gregory Benton. Both councillors have denied that their move has anything to do with the rumours circulating the ward that some of the recent questionable allocation of market stalls is the result of Alderman Romanie taking bribes. Cllr Ingrid Galton of Marshgate has joined the Trueman Faction declaring herself fed up with the stagnation of her Wardmoot.

Cllr Lucy Boater has been seeking investors a return trip to Nyskilde pointing out the advantages of early establishment of trade relationships with the recovering city she plans to undertake a very rapid trip before the winter ice closes in. The Navy has confirmed that it will not be calling the Inflexible to service until the New Year although the ship will retain its full complement of marines given the difficulties of the proposed trading trip.

Little further information has been forthcoming about the death of Petro Cutario OM. The Witanmoot has been at pains to point out that the obvious suspect, Gilbert de Clare is not under investigation despite the mountain of evidence which clearly points to his involvement. The Citadel and the Brynette Temple also seem rather quiet on the matter. Cllr Adrian Green, who has taken a personal interest in the case, made a recent speech from the Mootstone decrying the obvious cover up and blatant lack of interest. "I never agreed with Cutario's politics but that doesn't stop me being outraged by what has happened," he declared. "If this wasn't personally organised by Gilbert de Clare then it was clearly done with someone very close to him with access to a lot of his resources. However, with thousands of pounds at stake, it would seem that our corrupt government does not want anyone to know what really happened." He went on to announce that he was leaving the Bottler Faction with the intention of standing for the Welland Aldermanship.

Initial views of the forthcoming Midwinter elections suggest that Arpent will be a close run contest between Hugo Merewell and Judi Spich. In Avigon the normal two way split between Phillip Candever and Samuel Rucche looks likely to be disrupted by the up and coming Kyle Makeland. In Bassishaw, Marc Bergeren and Gemma Downe will once again be contesting matters. Emma Chireton appears unassailable in Berewic as do Peter Ryman in Cripplegate, Brunstan Blackbeard in Cartage, William Trueman in Faringdon, Marie Cripstead in Shambles, Duncan Barnett in Oldgate, Rose Cheping in Dowgate, Dominic Horner in Temple, Eva Capel in Ishtan Stephanie Exton in Portsoken, Adam Povre in Kingsgate and Richard Saunders in Bridge although Andrea Beablet and Cuthbert Slipton both looking promising for next year. In Cadene Melanie Romanie is being closed on by Tiffany Durnegate and Gregory Benton. A similarly close contest is expected between Thomas Osbert and Fanny Drake in Dracas. In Castle Bard ex Sheriff Alison Shefford looks set to wipe out the unpopular Gilbert de Clare and Jessamine Scathlocke. In Levestone Alan Monterey has some chance of recovering his seat from Vernon Stripe, but not if he rushes off out of the city again. In Marshgate Ingrid Galton is launching a late challenge to Samuel Kutler and it yet to be seen if Adrian Green can make any impact on the Bottler stranglehold on Welland.